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1KirstenV
Allright then. Forget all the books I've read this year--I'm going to start with the 2 books I picked up from the library on October 1st.
1. The Chrysalis by Heather Terrell
I picked this book up because I'm a sucker for stories involving paintings by Dutch masters, even if they are imagined by the author. After a somewhat slow start the story grabbed a hold of me. The writing style is pleasant enough if not very lyrical. An enjoyable read.
Currently reading: The Last of Her Kind: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
1. The Chrysalis by Heather Terrell
I picked this book up because I'm a sucker for stories involving paintings by Dutch masters, even if they are imagined by the author. After a somewhat slow start the story grabbed a hold of me. The writing style is pleasant enough if not very lyrical. An enjoyable read.
Currently reading: The Last of Her Kind: A Novel by Sigrid Nunez
2KirstenV
The last of her kind: A novel by Sigrid Nunez
To be honest, I was glad when I finished this book. I had difficulty moving past the first 100 pages or so because I really did not care much for the character of Ann. I liked George, the narrator, however, so I stuck around. Once the novel moved away from Ann and towards George's runaway sister it became an easier and more interesting read. Fascinating insight into the 60's hippie culture. Strange ending though.
Currently reading: Love in the time of cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
To be honest, I was glad when I finished this book. I had difficulty moving past the first 100 pages or so because I really did not care much for the character of Ann. I liked George, the narrator, however, so I stuck around. Once the novel moved away from Ann and towards George's runaway sister it became an easier and more interesting read. Fascinating insight into the 60's hippie culture. Strange ending though.
Currently reading: Love in the time of cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
3KirstenV
3. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A lyrical whirlwind of imagery and an odd not quite love story...
(I wonder how they're going to film this. They'll probably make Florentino more likeable.)
4. The Golden Compass
5. The Subtle Knife
6. The Amber Spyglass
all by Philip Pullman
I have read reviews where readers liked the series less as it progressed. With me it was the total opposite, I liked it more with each book. Love the concept of daemons and cutting through other worlds, and I also appreciated the hints at modern relevance. Bittersweet ending.
Currently reading: Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky and Plan B 2.0 by Lester R. Brown
A lyrical whirlwind of imagery and an odd not quite love story...
(I wonder how they're going to film this. They'll probably make Florentino more likeable.)
4. The Golden Compass
5. The Subtle Knife
6. The Amber Spyglass
all by Philip Pullman
I have read reviews where readers liked the series less as it progressed. With me it was the total opposite, I liked it more with each book. Love the concept of daemons and cutting through other worlds, and I also appreciated the hints at modern relevance. Bittersweet ending.
Currently reading: Crime and Punishment by Feodor Dostoyevsky and Plan B 2.0 by Lester R. Brown
4KirstenV
I have some catching up to do! Been in a reading frenzy so here's a quick update.
7. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Took me longer than expected to get through, but "enjoyable" nevertheless.
8. Plan B 2.0 by Lester R. Brown
Very relevant, it's not just climate change we need to worry about. Top soil erosion, water tables dropping, natural systems collapsing, peak oil.
9. The Science of Leonardo by Fritjof Capra
A very cool insight into one of humankind's most brilliant figures.
10. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
Dare I hope for this eloquent and intelligent man to be our next president?
11. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama
Obama's origins. Read in response to smear emails.
12. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Very enjoyable read.
12. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
5 solid stars, I love this book so incredibly much. After I loaned it to my mom she pleaded me not to get rid of this book, otherwise to give it to her. I said don't worry mum, I'm keeping it. ;-)
13. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
A found book, with a simple writing style, neat premise and an interersting alternative universe.
14. Pretties by Scott Westerfield
The 3rd book is on hold for me at the library. Looking forward to finishing the trilogy.
15. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
Never having read Neil Gaiman before, I was told I should start with this one. It was good advice.
16. Duma Key by Stephen King
This is, incredibly enough, my first-ever Stephen King novel. The first 3/4 of the book especially held me in its grip although the ending felt rushed.
17. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Bizarrely enough I kept thinking of Kiki Strike while reading this book. Looking forward to more.
18. The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud
In general I liked it although I didn't care much for the unraveling at the end.
19. The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland
Susan Vreeland never disappoints; she takes brilliant artistic license with her subjects.
20. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Currently reading. After struggling with the (short) first chapter I settled into the book nicely. So far, so good.
21. Oops! I forgot One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
7. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Took me longer than expected to get through, but "enjoyable" nevertheless.
8. Plan B 2.0 by Lester R. Brown
Very relevant, it's not just climate change we need to worry about. Top soil erosion, water tables dropping, natural systems collapsing, peak oil.
9. The Science of Leonardo by Fritjof Capra
A very cool insight into one of humankind's most brilliant figures.
10. The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama
Dare I hope for this eloquent and intelligent man to be our next president?
11. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama
Obama's origins. Read in response to smear emails.
12. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Very enjoyable read.
12. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert
5 solid stars, I love this book so incredibly much. After I loaned it to my mom she pleaded me not to get rid of this book, otherwise to give it to her. I said don't worry mum, I'm keeping it. ;-)
13. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
A found book, with a simple writing style, neat premise and an interersting alternative universe.
14. Pretties by Scott Westerfield
The 3rd book is on hold for me at the library. Looking forward to finishing the trilogy.
15. Smoke and Mirrors by Neil Gaiman
Never having read Neil Gaiman before, I was told I should start with this one. It was good advice.
16. Duma Key by Stephen King
This is, incredibly enough, my first-ever Stephen King novel. The first 3/4 of the book especially held me in its grip although the ending felt rushed.
17. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Bizarrely enough I kept thinking of Kiki Strike while reading this book. Looking forward to more.
18. The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud
In general I liked it although I didn't care much for the unraveling at the end.
19. The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland
Susan Vreeland never disappoints; she takes brilliant artistic license with her subjects.
20. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Currently reading. After struggling with the (short) first chapter I settled into the book nicely. So far, so good.
21. Oops! I forgot One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
