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1erelsi183
I've always been a reader, but I don't get through nearly the number of books I'd like to. There are so many on my shelf, just beckoning, not to mention all the recommendations I'm finding through LT (I'm quite new)! On top of that, I've recently taken up English courses at a local college, which adds to the list. Thus, this challenge seems like a lovely idea. I'm not even going to set a goal; I'm just going to keep track and see where I end up. So far:
The Secret Life of Bees
The Aspern Papers
Felony
The Master
Overclocked
So that's 5!
The Secret Life of Bees
The Aspern Papers
Felony
The Master
Overclocked
So that's 5!
5erelsi183
9. Old School by Tobias Wolff
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10. The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Not something I would have picked up myself, but Mom loaned it to me, saying she'd really enjoyed it. It was a nice quick read and actually a pretty good story.
Not something I would have picked up myself, but Mom loaned it to me, saying she'd really enjoyed it. It was a nice quick read and actually a pretty good story.
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11. Howards End by E.M. Forster
This one was assigned for a class. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It follows the story of three families and how their lives end up intertwined. Thrown into the mix are differing philosophies and classes, all set in England at the beginning of the 20th century. The second half of the book moved much more quickly than the first, and I found myself shocked at times, faced with plot points I would never have predicted judging from the writing in the first half of the book. However, I found myself weighing the characters' actions against their self-pronounced ideals, questioning (and often finding satisfactory answers as to) why they would make the choices they did.
(Edited to add the number 11)
This one was assigned for a class. I'm not sure how I feel about it. It follows the story of three families and how their lives end up intertwined. Thrown into the mix are differing philosophies and classes, all set in England at the beginning of the 20th century. The second half of the book moved much more quickly than the first, and I found myself shocked at times, faced with plot points I would never have predicted judging from the writing in the first half of the book. However, I found myself weighing the characters' actions against their self-pronounced ideals, questioning (and often finding satisfactory answers as to) why they would make the choices they did.
(Edited to add the number 11)
8erelsi183
12. Nice Work by David Lodge
Like Howards End, this one was also assigned for a class. It's actually an intertextual work that draws on Howards End, which made it interesting. The story follows Vic Wilcox, a head honcho of a British factory, and Robyn Penrose, a feminist PhD trying to secure a job at a university. Lodge does a really nice job of developing the characters and allowing them to change as a result of their interactions. He also manages to bring the novel to a satisfying and believable conclusion after leaving me wondering for most of the book where the story would end up. Overall, a book worth reading.
Like Howards End, this one was also assigned for a class. It's actually an intertextual work that draws on Howards End, which made it interesting. The story follows Vic Wilcox, a head honcho of a British factory, and Robyn Penrose, a feminist PhD trying to secure a job at a university. Lodge does a really nice job of developing the characters and allowing them to change as a result of their interactions. He also manages to bring the novel to a satisfying and believable conclusion after leaving me wondering for most of the book where the story would end up. Overall, a book worth reading.
9erelsi183
13. On Beauty by Zadie Smith
The third in my class series of Howards End and related books. It follows the story of the Belsey family, a mixed-race couple and their three children, in the town of Wellington, MA. Themes of race and, to a lesser degree, religion are addressed, replacing the intellectual vs. industrial focus of the two previous books. Though the story seems to meander a bit at times, the book's strength for me was the characters. From their thoughts to their manners of speaking to the way Smith describes their actions, they come alive from the words on the page. Characters like these can keep me reading a book even if there's nothing else about it that I like--even though that wasn't the case with this book!
14. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book was not for class (hooray!). I read it because of all the hype about it on LT. I must say, it lived up to that hype, though not in the way I expected. The story is by no means action-packed. Instead, it builds slowly, step by step, through beautiful writing. The narrator's unique perspective allows for a very distinct and effective (though difficult to get used to) narrative style. It left me with rivers of salt water beyond tears running down my cheeks and the sense of non-cheesy closure I desperately needed. It is a book to be read not for individual scenes, moments, or characters, but for the cumulative and sustained effect of the entire book.
The third in my class series of Howards End and related books. It follows the story of the Belsey family, a mixed-race couple and their three children, in the town of Wellington, MA. Themes of race and, to a lesser degree, religion are addressed, replacing the intellectual vs. industrial focus of the two previous books. Though the story seems to meander a bit at times, the book's strength for me was the characters. From their thoughts to their manners of speaking to the way Smith describes their actions, they come alive from the words on the page. Characters like these can keep me reading a book even if there's nothing else about it that I like--even though that wasn't the case with this book!
14. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
This book was not for class (hooray!). I read it because of all the hype about it on LT. I must say, it lived up to that hype, though not in the way I expected. The story is by no means action-packed. Instead, it builds slowly, step by step, through beautiful writing. The narrator's unique perspective allows for a very distinct and effective (though difficult to get used to) narrative style. It left me with rivers of salt water beyond tears running down my cheeks and the sense of non-cheesy closure I desperately needed. It is a book to be read not for individual scenes, moments, or characters, but for the cumulative and sustained effect of the entire book.
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15. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
This one was a reread, which I rarely do. But it's such a good book, and I read it so long ago, that I really enjoyed reading it again.
This one was a reread, which I rarely do. But it's such a good book, and I read it so long ago, that I really enjoyed reading it again.
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16. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
This book was assigned for my class on intertextual fiction (next up is The Hours). I have mixed feelings. The book itself bored me, but Woolf's writing of the inner life of the characters was interesting. I know it's supposed to be that kind of book. Probably wouldn't have kept going if it wasn't assigned, but I didn't hate reading it.
This book was assigned for my class on intertextual fiction (next up is The Hours). I have mixed feelings. The book itself bored me, but Woolf's writing of the inner life of the characters was interesting. I know it's supposed to be that kind of book. Probably wouldn't have kept going if it wasn't assigned, but I didn't hate reading it.
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17. The Hours by Michael Cunningham
We read this one after Mrs. Dalloway for a class. I really liked it, but I would recommend reading Mrs. Dalloway before reading The Hours. It added a whole other layer that would have been missing if I'd read The Hours by itself.
We read this one after Mrs. Dalloway for a class. I really liked it, but I would recommend reading Mrs. Dalloway before reading The Hours. It added a whole other layer that would have been missing if I'd read The Hours by itself.
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18. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This book was well written and amazingly pieced together. I was skeptical because the time traveling premise sounded a little cheesy, but the author pulls it off really well. What I hated was the feeling I was left with when the book was over. I'm not even sure how to describe it; I just know that I finished it several days ago and still can't get rid of the feeling!
This book was well written and amazingly pieced together. I was skeptical because the time traveling premise sounded a little cheesy, but the author pulls it off really well. What I hated was the feeling I was left with when the book was over. I'm not even sure how to describe it; I just know that I finished it several days ago and still can't get rid of the feeling!
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19. It's Not About the Hair by Debra Jarvis
20. Love that Dog by Sharon Creech (I've decided it counts as one along with all the other children's books I've read lately!)
20. Love that Dog by Sharon Creech (I've decided it counts as one along with all the other children's books I've read lately!)
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21. World Without End by Ken Follett
I'm not the biggest fan of his writing style, but this one and Pillars of the Earth definitely hooked me. I really liked it.
I'm not the biggest fan of his writing style, but this one and Pillars of the Earth definitely hooked me. I really liked it.
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22. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Got this one free at the end of a library sale. Very well written. Great read.
Got this one free at the end of a library sale. Very well written. Great read.
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23. What-the-Dickens by Gregory Maguire
I like his adult stuff, so I thought I'd try his new YA novel. Took me a while to get into it, but once I did I enjoyed it.
I like his adult stuff, so I thought I'd try his new YA novel. Took me a while to get into it, but once I did I enjoyed it.
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24. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
I was on the library's waiting list for over three months before I finally go this one. I was skeptical at first, partly because of the way it's written and partly because of how hugely popular it's become, but by 50 pages in, I was hooked. It's honest and endearing, funny and touching. I loved it.
25. Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
I usually enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was especially fun. Nice, too, because it's not your traditional sort of memoir. Good stuff.
I was on the library's waiting list for over three months before I finally go this one. I was skeptical at first, partly because of the way it's written and partly because of how hugely popular it's become, but by 50 pages in, I was hooked. It's honest and endearing, funny and touching. I loved it.
25. Julie and Julia by Julie Powell
I usually enjoy reading memoirs, but this one was especially fun. Nice, too, because it's not your traditional sort of memoir. Good stuff.
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26. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah
Though they told me I didn't get a copy of this one from December's bonus batch, one turned up on my doorstep a few days ago. I started it and couldn't put it down. A story that follows two friends throughout their lives as they experience the ups and downs that life throws at their friendship.
Though they told me I didn't get a copy of this one from December's bonus batch, one turned up on my doorstep a few days ago. I started it and couldn't put it down. A story that follows two friends throughout their lives as they experience the ups and downs that life throws at their friendship.
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27. Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Aaaaand the school reading starts again. This was a good one, though. I do like Edith Wharton.
Aaaaand the school reading starts again. This was a good one, though. I do like Edith Wharton.
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28. The Break-Up Diet by Annette Fix
I received this book as my first LTER book. Fix's writing is funny, catchy, and easy to read. I got tired of the chapter titles, and I thought the "recipe" gimmick was silly and unnecessary; in fact, I just stopped reading them. I'd have liked the book better if the "recipes" had been omitted--in which case the title could have changed as well, since the "recipes" were the only thing diet-related. Once I started ignoring the titles and "recipes," I found the book to be honest, fun, well written, and just generally a good read.
I received this book as my first LTER book. Fix's writing is funny, catchy, and easy to read. I got tired of the chapter titles, and I thought the "recipe" gimmick was silly and unnecessary; in fact, I just stopped reading them. I'd have liked the book better if the "recipes" had been omitted--in which case the title could have changed as well, since the "recipes" were the only thing diet-related. Once I started ignoring the titles and "recipes," I found the book to be honest, fun, well written, and just generally a good read.
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29. Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Roderick Rules by Jeff Kinney
Not exactly a difficult read, but I really enjoyed it. Written as a kid's journal complete with line drawings, it's just fun.
Not exactly a difficult read, but I really enjoyed it. Written as a kid's journal complete with line drawings, it's just fun.
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30. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Read this one for school. My tip: if you ever decide to read it, get an edition that includes Faulkner's appendix and read that first; it's basically an obituary of the Compson family, and it includes a lot of information that's harder to get from the story itself. Aside from that, I found the first half more difficult to read than the second. If I'd been reading it on my own, chances are good that I would've given up after about 50 pages, but I'm glad I didn't have that option! It ended up being fascinating how Faulkner creates the different perspectives and characters.
Read this one for school. My tip: if you ever decide to read it, get an edition that includes Faulkner's appendix and read that first; it's basically an obituary of the Compson family, and it includes a lot of information that's harder to get from the story itself. Aside from that, I found the first half more difficult to read than the second. If I'd been reading it on my own, chances are good that I would've given up after about 50 pages, but I'm glad I didn't have that option! It ended up being fascinating how Faulkner creates the different perspectives and characters.
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31. The Reluctant Tuscan by Phil Doran
My boyfriend bought this book for me at a used book store because I inexplicably adore all things related to Tuscany. It was a fantastic read. Doran's writing is smooth and comfortable to read without being dumbed down. The story is heartfelt, funny, poignant, and thoroughly absorbing. Of course, now I want to move to Italy...
My boyfriend bought this book for me at a used book store because I inexplicably adore all things related to Tuscany. It was a fantastic read. Doran's writing is smooth and comfortable to read without being dumbed down. The story is heartfelt, funny, poignant, and thoroughly absorbing. Of course, now I want to move to Italy...
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32. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
This was my second time reading this book for school. The first was in high school, and I remembered next to nothing aside from the fact that I hadn't liked it much. This time through, I read most of it in a single day, liked it so much. The end is still a little odd, but I was much more okay with it than I was in high school!
This was my second time reading this book for school. The first was in high school, and I remembered next to nothing aside from the fact that I hadn't liked it much. This time through, I read most of it in a single day, liked it so much. The end is still a little odd, but I was much more okay with it than I was in high school!
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33. Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald, for class
34. Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose, for me (very interesting, I'd definitely recommend it)
34. Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose, for me (very interesting, I'd definitely recommend it)
28sussabmax
How did you like Plenty? I have read their blog some, and it seems very interesting, if a bit difficult.
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sussabmax: I really liked Plenty. Honestly it has inspired me to do what I can toward eating more locally, though I'm not ready to attempt their 100 mile limit. It's amazing how many things are grown locally that end up getting imported instead. If you're interested in the topic, even if you're not actually going to do the diet, I'd recommend their book. It's coming out in paperback soon too...always nice!
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36. The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood
Fantastic!! We get to hear Penelope's side of the Odyssey, told in a unique and completely human voice. Bonus: it's quick to read!
Fantastic!! We get to hear Penelope's side of the Odyssey, told in a unique and completely human voice. Bonus: it's quick to read!
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37: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Funny, honest, lovely to read. It's obvious the author knows and loves her cause. I don't usually buy the books I borrow from the library, but when this one comes out in paperback (I still can't afford hardcovers!), I'll be adding it to my shelf!
Funny, honest, lovely to read. It's obvious the author knows and loves her cause. I don't usually buy the books I borrow from the library, but when this one comes out in paperback (I still can't afford hardcovers!), I'll be adding it to my shelf!
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38. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Read for school. Loved it, much more than some of the others I've had to read. I realize I love most of what I read, but that's because if I don't like it, I won't keep reading, so it never gets to count as one of my books for the year!
Read for school. Loved it, much more than some of the others I've had to read. I realize I love most of what I read, but that's because if I don't like it, I won't keep reading, so it never gets to count as one of my books for the year!
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39. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Informative without being overwhelming, and very enjoyable to read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested.
Informative without being overwhelming, and very enjoyable to read. I'd recommend it to anyone interested.
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40. The Human Stain by Philip Roth
Number 6 of 7 for class this semester. I got a little bogged down in some of the meandering background stuff, but by the end it all made sense. Probably would have put it down if it wasn't for school, which would have been too bad, since I liked it by the end.
Number 6 of 7 for class this semester. I got a little bogged down in some of the meandering background stuff, but by the end it all made sense. Probably would have put it down if it wasn't for school, which would have been too bad, since I liked it by the end.
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43. Yes Man by Danny Wallace
Someone special ordered this book through the bookstore where I work. After I called her to let her know the book was in, I read the back and then the first few pages. I promptly ordered a copy for myself and was delighted. Light and funny but seriously thought provoking.
Someone special ordered this book through the bookstore where I work. After I called her to let her know the book was in, I read the back and then the first few pages. I promptly ordered a copy for myself and was delighted. Light and funny but seriously thought provoking.
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44. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
Fantastic. Should be required (or at least strongly recommended) reading for everyone. I'm now officially afraid of corn...
Fantastic. Should be required (or at least strongly recommended) reading for everyone. I'm now officially afraid of corn...
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45. Astrid and Veronika by Linda Olsson
A quiet, sweet book. There were times when I got caught up on the way the author writes, and I found myself having to untangle sentences, but the story made up for it.
A quiet, sweet book. There were times when I got caught up on the way the author writes, and I found myself having to untangle sentences, but the story made up for it.
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46. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
I liked the first story and the set of three at the end the best. I'm intrigued to read her other books, as this is the first of hers I've read.
I liked the first story and the set of three at the end the best. I'm intrigued to read her other books, as this is the first of hers I've read.
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49. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
50. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin
They were both fantastic! I read them together over the course of a weekend. I can't wait until the next in the series, apparently to be titled Grave Goods, comes out next March.
50. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin
They were both fantastic! I read them together over the course of a weekend. I can't wait until the next in the series, apparently to be titled Grave Goods, comes out next March.
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51. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
Whew. This is not a story that's easy to get out of your head. Amazingly written; it sucks you into its world. But whew.
Whew. This is not a story that's easy to get out of your head. Amazingly written; it sucks you into its world. But whew.
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52. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
The perfect read to transition between The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and the other books I mean to read. A serious story told through a unique and fun narrator, with little asides to keep things both entertaining and meaningful.
The perfect read to transition between The Story of Edgar Sawtelle and the other books I mean to read. A serious story told through a unique and fun narrator, with little asides to keep things both entertaining and meaningful.
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53. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
Quirky and endearing and hard not to love. Just an all around good book.
Quirky and endearing and hard not to love. Just an all around good book.
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54. Watership Down by Richard Adams
Great. It kept me interested and guessing, and the writing was just right for the story. I loved it.
55. Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
I actually read this one a while back but somehow didn't record it. I liked it, though Merullo's narrator seems a little fake and overdone at points. I'm reading his newest one, American Savior, right now, and I feel like it's narrated by the same cliched, slighlty annoying guy (even though it's supposed to be a different character). Still, worth reading.
Great. It kept me interested and guessing, and the writing was just right for the story. I loved it.
55. Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo
I actually read this one a while back but somehow didn't record it. I liked it, though Merullo's narrator seems a little fake and overdone at points. I'm reading his newest one, American Savior, right now, and I feel like it's narrated by the same cliched, slighlty annoying guy (even though it's supposed to be a different character). Still, worth reading.
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56. American Savior by Roland Merullo
A really interesting read, especially in light of this November's election. Merullo seems to have some interesting things to say. Wasn't what I'd expected; I liked it better.
A really interesting read, especially in light of this November's election. Merullo seems to have some interesting things to say. Wasn't what I'd expected; I liked it better.
