lindsacl's 2008 read-a-thon

2007 was an incredible year of reading for me. I began the 50 book challenge never having tracked my reading before, and not at all sure I could read basically one book per week. But I did, and actually read 72 books altogether. My 2007 thread is here. One thing I learned along the way, however, is that I don't really like having a quantitative goal. There were times in 2007 where I felt like I was too obsessive about making time to read, and it threatened to get in the way of "real life."

I do like setting goals, though, so here's what I hope to achieve in my 2008 reading:
- Read 8-10 each of Booker, Pulitzer, and Nobel winners
- "Visit" 20 new countries and add to my journey map (I'm tracking this on another thread, lindsacl reads around the world
- Read the Virago Modern Classics I recently started collecting
- Read 7 "Notable Books" as part of the Notable Books Challenge
- Each month, read a book by an author born in that month, for the Celebrate the Author Challenge.
- Read 6 biographies, autobiographies, or memoirs for the In Their Shoes Challenge
- Read 6 books about culture tensions / clashes for the Themed Reading Challenge

(Yes, I like reading challenges!)

I also plan to support my local library -- both as a borrower and as a book sale patron!

This thread will list books read by month, and link to the book reviews on my blog. I'll also continue to post reviews directly in LibraryThing.

Let's go!

Looks like you'll have another awesome year!

These are great goals! I have to agree with you about the quantity thing. No matter how we slice it, we'll end up reading a lot of books because that's what we do. But it's nice to not worry about a specific number - just reading great books. Looking forward to sharing 2008 book adventures with you! =)

You go, girl!!!!

Good reading!

I've got to read more of the Bookers. Last year was great for some Nobel winners I hadn't read before - Laxness, Andric, Mahfouz, all absolutely tremendous. I'm looking forward to following your journey.

Great goals, lindsacl! One thing about reading the prize winners, imho -- they are usually terrific books.

As aluvalibri says, you go girl (and I shall toddle along behind)!!!!

JANUARY

1. The Boleyn Inheritance - review, page-turning, bodice-ripping, historical fiction! This was my selection for the "Celebrate the Author" challenge.

2. Dreams from my Father - review, insightful and very well-written memoir from a current US presidential candidate. Read for "In their Shoes" challenge.

3. Cry, the Beloved Country - review, profoundly moving and already a candidate for my 2008 Top 10. Read for "Themed Reading" challenge.

4. Things Fall Apart - review, although this is a classic it didn't grab me the way I hoped it would.

5. March - review, a really great read adn 2006 Pulitzer Prize winner.

6. The Leopard - review, rich evocative prose. Visited new country (Italy).

7. Astrid and Veronika - review, a beautiful story of friendship. Visited new country (Sweden).

8. The Secret River - Currently reading, review coming soon ...

There were times in 2007 where I felt like I was too obsessive about making time to read, and it threatened to get in the way of "real life."

Funny, but I look at it in just the opposite way ~ "real life" keeps getting in the way of my reading time! lol

It's a new month ... I wasn't able to finish book #8 in January so here goes:

FEBRUARY

8. The Secret River - review, very interesting story of conflict between whites and natives in Australia. Perfect current of tension throughout. Read for Notable Books Challenge.

9. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - review, well-written but depressing! Read for the "Celebrate the Author" challenge.

10. The Sea, The Sea - review, enjoyable Booker Prize winner. I quite like Iris Murdoch.

11. My Name is Red - review, I know this book received considerable critical acclaim, but I just couldn't get through it and quit around page 85.

12. The Space Between Us - review, an excellent portrayal of social class. Read for Notable Books and Themed Reading challenges, and for a March discussion of social class in the Girlybooks group.

OHHH, I can't wait to hear what you think of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter. It's one of those books that I have always eyeballed but never considered reading.

#10 I loved it. Also The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers.

I love anything by McCullers, but she can sometimes be dark.

Lindsacl, I am reading The Audacity of Hope, but am wondering why I didn't start with Dreams from my Father, which is on my shelf. I may go back and do it and then return.

Many of your reads are on my shelves, and now some are looking more appealing -- March will have to move up the stack, for sure.

MARCH

13. Breath, Eyes, Memory - review, read to "visit" Haiti, and as part of a "themed read" in the Reading Globally group.

14. Stolen Lives - review, very interesting memoir from a 20-year political prisoner. Read for "In their Shoes" challenge, and "visited" Morocco.

15. What is the What - review, a heart-rending story of one of Sudan's "Lost Boys." Read for "Celebrate the Author" and Notable Books challenges.

16. House of Sand and Fog - review. This ominous, tense, and gritty novel read like a Shakespearean tragedy. The characters were not particularly likeable, which made reading this less satisfying. Read for Themed Reading Challenge.

17. The Bone People - review. Couldn't put this one down! Read to "visit" New Zealand and because it won the Booker Prize.

FIRST QUARTER WRAP-UP

My top 5, as posted in What are you Reading Now?'s Top Five Books first quarter of 2008:
1. Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
2. March, by Geraldine Brooks
3. Astrid and Veronika, by Linda Olsson
4. The Secret River, by Kate Grenville
5. What is the What, by Dave Eggers

For what it's worth, Cry, the Beloved Country was one of my first books of 2008 and right then I thought perhaps I'd read one of my top 10 for the year. We'll see if the feeling holds ...

Great reading! I have got The Bone People on my tbr list so was thrilled to know your view. Interesting but hardly surprising that Cry the Beloved Country is still so near the top!! My first read of War and Peace was my first and right then I thought it was one of my top ten , if not top!!!

The Bone People is now moving up the TBR pile. Thanks, Lindascl.

I have 4 out of 5 of your top 1st quarter books on my tbr and want to get to them sometime. Glad you liked them. I read March last year.

APRIL

18. The Gathering - review, a novel about grief packed with intense emotion. Read because it was the 2007 Booker Prize winner.

19. The Piano Tuner - review, a disappointing and predictable novel. Read for Themed Reading Challenge.

20. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - review, an inspiring memoir of one family's quest to spend a year eating local food. Loved it! Read for Themed Reading Challenge and to "Celebrate the Author," who was born in April.

21. The Known World - review, an interesting but in the end "just OK" view of slavery. Read because it's a Pulitzer Prize winner.

22. In a Free State - review, Booker Prize winner and Trinidadian, Nobel Prize-winning author ... but I didn't like this one at all.

23. Elizabeth and her German Garden - review, An absolutely delightful Virago Modern Classic. LOVED IT!

24. The Well - review, a suspenseful character-driven page-turner.

The Gathering looks interesting. I just finished A Death in the Family by James Agee, and it might be a good comparison. I may pick that one up.

I've heard mixed reviews about The Gathering and can't quite make up my mind whether to read it or not. After your reiview though I think I might give it a go.

#19 Here's an article on A Death in the Family that may interest you.

Lindsacl - I also just read The Gathering and had rather a different review to yours - as I think you know.

I really appreciate reading your review after reading it - amazing how different our takes were.

I feel that I am getting rather negative about all these prize-winners - but I guess a book either grabs you or it doesn't. I just don't want to feel that I am obligated to like a book because it is highly acclaimed (also have read and reviewed the Pen Faulkner Kate Christensen book and had trouble finding positive comments).

However, Death in the Family is definitely going on my TBRs now I see the above. It looks as though I will have to source the restored text, after reading that article, Laytonwoman.

The reviews of the restored text seem to come down to "fascinating and interesting scholarly exercise; the restored chapters are beautifully written but don't add much to the book; and the book as first published is the better book." Still, I want to pick that up.

Here's a funny thought: could this book ultimately land three Pulitzers? It won one on first publication, then the play derived from the book won one, now could the restored edition be in the running?

>22 kiwidoc:: karenwardill, I've seen many different takes on The Gathering, and it is indeed fascinating! I just went back to your 50 book thread to re-read your comments. I agree with you about the "genital fixation" thing -- I, too, found that annoying. By the end of the book I decided that the fixation was more Veronica's than the author's, and it was the result of childhood events. But for a while there I wasn't so sure ...

As I read the book I also kept thinking, "I know someone on LT mentioned a genital fixation, now who was that?!" So that's another mystery solved!

I definitely want to read the restored edition of A Death in the Family and thanks for that article!

I'm in a quandry myself about the Agee book. I have the old paperback edition on my TBR pile. Do I read it first, and then read the new one? Do I skip the original publication and just read the new one? The fact that this is supposedly "the way the author wanted it" is a biggie for me. I appreciate the value of good editing, but it certainly sounds like this went far beyond the judicious use of a red pencil. I'd be very interested in your impressions, A_musing, once you've read them both.

Yes Lindscal, maybe I just was not in the mood for The Gathering as it was one of those books fixated on death and negativism (ie. paediophlia) which I have grown weary of. My new Rose Tremain book is much more to my liking.

I'm not sure, from reviews, not from reading the new version, that the case for this being the way the author wanted it is overwhleming. Apparently, the new revised edition makes some assumptions about intent based on a number of letters between Agee and his mother, while McDowell made different assumptions based on the way drafts seemed to be coming together.

I am going to have a huge question on the cuts McDowell made: one of the mildly annoying elements of the books to me was that the brother and sister's relationship seemed out of balance: the sibling rivalry seemed to overwhelm the relationship. I'll be interested if the excised fair scene, in particular, restores some balance or not. The issue isn't picked up in the reviews I've seen.

Sorry to highjack your thread, linsacl; I think we're going to have to get you to read this book and join in!

I've just added A Death in the Family to my library, tagged "tbr"! I'm slowly working my way through all of the Pulitzer winners and y'all have certainly sparked my interest in this one!

'Atta girl, lindsacl.

April is rapidly drawing to a close. I've been diligently updating my month's reading up in message #18, and I've successfully added "clickable covers" for all books read YTD. I'm not likely to finish my next book before the month ends, so I can now "close the books" on April (no pun intended). With 24 books read I'm on exactly the same pace as 2007 when I clocked in at 72 for the year.

Great to catch up with your thread and progress- just to say I especially enjoyed the Von Armin book review. Having got the book on the strength of someone else's review it was really good news to read your view!
YTD ? year to date I presume?

Thanks juliette ... and yes, YTD means year to date. Sorry, I was immersed in "workspeak" when I wrote that!

No problem!

Since you have so many categories you might want to try the 888 challenge. Its just another way to list what your reading but it is fun.

Nikkles, thanks. I thought about the 888 late last year but shied away from predetermining nearly all of my 2008 reads. As it turns out, that's pretty much what's happened anyway, but I have to say that right about now I'm considering loosening up a bit. Anyway, thanks for stopping by my thread!

You don't have to figure out all your categories ahead of time. There is no 888 police force to enforce the rules.

25. Oscar and Lucinda - review.

From my review: Peter Carey’s Booker prize-winning novel works both as a love story and an adventure set in an untamed part of the world. The characters of Lucinda and Oscar are well-developed, and the “supporting cast” is equally colorful. The plot gets a bit fantastic at times, and I never quite understood the source of attraction between Oscar and Lucinda. Nevertheless, from the very beginning I was caught up in their lives, eager to learn when and how their paths crossed, and even more curious about the story’s conclusion. I found Carey’s other Booker winner, True History of the Kelly Gang, more enjoyable and better written, but would still recommend Oscar and Lucinda as a very worthwhile read.

Besides winning the Booker, this is one of the 1001 Books you Must Read Before you Die. I also read it in May for the Celebrate the Author challenge (Peter Carey's birthday is May 7).

I agree with you on Oscar and Lucinda, lindsacl. I thought it was beautifully written. I think the match for the two was the gambling, both literally and figuratively, although I found the ending a bit strange (for reasons I won't go into for fear of spoilers). We did it in my book-and-movie club, and I thought the movie rather good, too, and somehow it seemed to hold together better.

Oh yes, I agree on the ending. Strange, indeed!

Lindsacl, I just want to speak up for trying the 888 challenge too. I'm having a great time with it. Personally, I would never pick my books in advance--that's just soooo not me. But I picked my 8 categories, and then when it's time to pick a book, I decide what category I want to read from, or what category my chosen book will fit into. Other than being fun, I also find it a way to keep to my general reading goals (the main one being to read books that I already own). Come join us!

We now have a gathering place thread to get together on, Lindsacl. Come along and introduce yourself!

26. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - did not finish ... I couldn't get into it, set it aside, and one week later have decided I'm not going to come back to it. So there.

LOL on Oscar Wao. My copy came in at the library and after reading more about it and seeing your non-review, I am glad I didn't pick it up. Life's too short for books that don't fit. =)

27. Unaccustomed Earth - review.

From my review: Most of these stories are set in the US, and the Indian immigrant characters are often in relationship with white Americans. Each one had strong emotional impact. I intentionally apprpoached this work one story at a time, reading during my lunch hour and savoring each story over the next 24 hours. When the novella -- and the entire book -- came to an end, all I could do was take a very deep breath and marvel at Lahiri's talent. Unaccustomed Earth is the most delicious fiction I have read in a very long time; a must-read.

Laura,

I'm curious what you think was wrong with Wao? I've seen mixed reviews, but they've included a lot of stellar ones. Was it boring, objectionable, or something else?

I've got Unaccustomed Earth on line for next month, thinking it appropriate for the Global Readers read on immigration and immigrants. I'll look forward to talking about it then!

A_musing, I found it difficult to identify/connect with the characters in Oscar Wao, and that often prevents me from really getting into a book. There was also a lot of Spanish vernacular and, not knowing the language, that got in the way for me.

Oh, and I had several other books calling my name ... tempting me away ... I'm sure you know how that is!

I would also like to know what you didn't like about Wao--I bought it several weeks back. I also have Unaccustomed Earth and have heard nothing but great things about it. I actually had the pleasure of hearing Lahiri speak at a book signing 2 weeks ago. Several hundred people showed up-they had to move to a bigger location. She was very interesting to listen to and I am really looking forward to reading Earth. I loved Namesake.

Lahiri is indeed a temptress. I'm resisting her charms right now.

Wao is a book I keep picking up, looking at, and putting down in the bookstore. It's always right there, in a nice visible spot, usually a big pile of them....

28. Links - review. Read to "visit" Somalia.

From my review: Jeebleh has been living in the United States for many years, and after his mother's death he decides to make a visit to his home country of Somalia. ... The novel opens with Jeebleh's arrival at the airport, where he encounters the mysterious Af-Laawe. From these opening moments it is difficult to discern good and evil; to know which characters can be trusted. The tension is palpable, just like day-to-day living in Mogadiscio. ... However, some aspects of the translation failed to convey the emotion and intensity the author undoubtedly intended. The book is also full of symbolism that I didn't fully grasp ...

Mmmm I find your final sentence very interesting. Having just completed the Assia Djebar book The Tongue's Blood Does Not Run Dry I could write exactly the same comment regarding the symbolism.

29. Small Island - review

From my review: Set during and immediately after World War II, Small Island tells the story of four main characters ... The setting moves between two time periods: 1948, and "before," and two settings: Jamaica and England. Each chapter is told from a single character's point of view. This produces a rich, character-driven novel that also brilliantly exposes issues of race, culture, and class. The title at first appears to refer to Jamaica, but quickly becomes synonymous with "small-mindedness" on both of the small islands in the story. ... By moving between time periods and points of view, Levy reveals connections between the characters' lives, some of which the characters themselves are unaware of. The plot includes many surprising twists, and I do not want to reveal much in this review. For me, the characters made the novel.

30. We wish to Inform you that Tomorrow we will be Killed with our Families - review

From my review: This book is written in a literary style that makes it quite accessible. It is a difficult book to read in that it describes unbelievable acts of violence and cruelty, and casts American and European political leaders in a (deservedly) harsh light. But to me, it's important to understand "what really happened" if we have any hope of preventing such atrocities from occurring. After the Holocaust we said, "never again" ... can we say it now, and make it stick?

Thank you a great review - as you know I have read a number of books set in such a context. This will now be added to my tbr!

Great reviews, lindsacl. As you know, I put down Wao, but I ended up rechecking it and plan to try again this week. Why? Because I have very specific ideas about why I don't like it, but feel I must finish it before I pan it! Haha! Those of you who are still on the fence -- it reminded me a lot of Vernon God Little, if you have read that.

I have added a couple of these to my wish list. I still really want to read We Wish to Inform You ... I tried once but just found it too distressing, perhaps because it echoes personal experience. My husband and I saw Hotel Rwanda, and we cried through the whole movie!

31. Midnight's Children - review.

From my Review: I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. At first, I found Rushdie's prose a bit wordy, and I'm not a big fan of magical realism. But once the secret of Midnight's Chidren was revealed, I was hooked and found this book hard to put down. ... This book is on the shortlist for this year's "Best of Booker" award, having already been recognized as the "Booker of Bookers" on the 25th anniversary of the prize. It's a a noteworthy book and one I'm glad to say I've read.

32. Ines of my Soul - review

From my Review: I enjoyed Allende's previous novels, including House of the Spirits and Daughter of Fortune. Allende's writing can be positively magical. Unfortunately, this book does not live up to Allende's potential.

Enjoying your reviews. Thank you.

Thanks for stopping by amanda!

33. Women of Algiers in Their Apartment - review

From my Review: I enjoyed a couple of these stories, especially the title work and "The Dead Speak," about the death of an old woman. However, for the most part I had difficulty understanding the deeper meaning and symbolism. An afterword offered some explanation but on the whole this seems to be a book that would best be explored with the help of an expert in the field.

Laura, congrats on finishing Midnight's Children, quite a challenging novel, imho. I did like it a lot, but I felt the characters were held at a distance -- Rushdie seems to laugh at them but never show them compassion -- and so I couldn't feel emotionally immersed in the book. I think it was a very intellectual exercise, but a brilliant one.

I also enjoy Allende a lot, but she has written a few dogs, for sure. Be sure to give The Infinite Plan a miss!

Great reviews. Keep 'em coming!

Thanks for the comments, kambrogi, and the tip on Allende! I agree with your assessment of Rushdie's characters; I hadn't thought of it that way while reading, but you are absolutely right!

Agree with The Infinite Plan being Allende's worst. I also didn't care for The Stories of Eva Luna, but Eva Luna was fabulous. I'm looking forward to her new memoir.

34. Infidel - review

From my review:This fascinating memoir recounts Ali's life story and her journey from a devout Muslim childhood to an adulthood as a controversial political leader in the Netherlands. Ali is unflinchingly candid about her childhood experiences as a refugee in Kenya, her family relationships, and her intense faith. As she approached adulthood she began to question the society in which she was raised, and the tenets of Muslim living, particularly the associated oppression of women. She risked all she held dear for her own independence.

Thanks for this review - it sounds 'my sort of book'. You are really motoring through your books!

35. The Return of the Soldier - review

From my review: This short novel describes one of the tragedies of war from a woman's perspective. Chris Baldry returns from WW I with shell-shock amnesia, and does not remember the last 15 years of his life. ... Rebecca West was 24 years old in 1918, when this book was published. Her writing is wonderful, full of beautiful, descriptive phrases of characters and setting.

So pleased that you revelled in this book as well. In my opinion it is totally worthy of inclusion in the 1001 list - thanks again for pointing that out.

36. An Equal Music - review

From my review:Having played the violin myself for a number of years, I really enjoyed this view of the international music scene and the many different composers and works referenced throughout. Some understanding of and appreciation for classical music is important to get the most out of this enjoyable romantic novel.

37. Possession - review

This was a delicious, very satisfying read, well-deserving of the Booker Prize.

Oh, I loved that book. Great review!

Very interested in your reviews. We tend to like the same books so your comments are extremely useful to me.

38. Hildegard of Bingen: The Woman of her Age - review

A fascinating biography of a female religious leader in the 12th century.

Excellent review, lindsacl! I have long loved her music, but know so little about her. The book sounds very interesting, especially about composing music before the advent of notation and the life of the cloistered nuns.

It does sound fascinating! I think I'll have to seek it out now.

marise & christiguc, thanks for your comments! I read this book for the July theme read in the "Girlybooks" group and have just posted some additional comments about this book on the discussion thread, here.

Yes, I've only known her as a musician.

Interesting -- I only knew her as a mystic until recently when I learned about her music.

39. Out Stealing Horses - review

From my review: Petterson's writing is terrific; the language is beautiful. He weaves the stories of Trond's present and past together seamlessly. The language has a particular rhythm to it, like waves lapping on the side of a boat. And yet it's also impossible to put down and has a strong emotional pull: I felt extreme sadness for losses in Trond's life, and at the same time I felt the peace and acceptance he had achieved.

40. The Septembers of Shiraz - review

From my review: In The Septembers of Shiraz, Dalia Sofer paints a vivid emotional portrait of one familiy's struggle to cope when the father disappears and becomes a political prisoner. ... If this story were only about Isaac, it would be a fairly typical novel of political imprisonment. But Sofer brings great depth not just to Isaac's character, but to his immediate and extended family. Her prose is wonderfully descriptive ... An excellent book; highly recommended.

41. Brother, I'm Dying - review

From my review: In Brother, I'm Dying Edwidge Danticat has written a book that is both a personal memoir and an homage to the two most significant male figures of her childhood: her father and uncle. ... Her memoir highlights the emotional impact of such an unusual childhood, but this is not a negative tell-all story.

I heard her interviewed on CBC radio, lindsacl, and she tells the story just as compellingly.

42. A View of the Harbour - review

From my review: I love Elizabeth Taylor's writing, which so vividly evokes the shabby seaside town and the recent impact of the war on its inhabitants. And her characters are "real people," that could be found anywhere. I am looking forward to reading more by this wonderful author.

lindsacl - I love Eliz. Taylor too -- will be looking for more of her books.

me three!

Terri, remember you left TWO at Powell's!

43. The Diary of a Provincial Lady - review

From my review: This book is a delightful light read. The heroine chronicles daily events and inner thoughts in a quite witty diary. ... this fun little book had me smiling and laughing to myself from page 1 to the end. Delightful.

44. Baltasar and Blimunda - review (DNF)

From my review: I wanted to like this book, and I gave it a good try by reading more than halfway through. However, the characters lacked depth. Baltasar and Blimunda, supposedly deep in love, seemed like two people going through the motions of life, let alone their relationship. Saramago uses the story to take satiric shots at the church and the monarchy, which provided mild amusement, but overall I was disappointed in this book.

Perhaps it was due to reading Saramago after a string of women writers. I haven't read Blindness, but I have read two: The Tale of the Unknown Island and The History of the Siege of Lisbon. From what I've read, he doesn't give his characters much depth--they are almost symbolic in the way that characters are in a fairy tale or fable. That's not to say his books don't have depth, but they carry a very different type of depth than the Orange books I read last month.

Interesting point, christiguc. I did wonder a bit about the characters and potential symbolism, and that's part of the reason I stuck with it as long as I did, but in the end I decided I just couldn't wait for it all to make sense. And of course this style was quite different from Orange books and Viragos ...

45. Paula - review

From my review: Isabel Allende is one of my favorite authors, so I found it quite interesting to learn about her childhood, the family members who inspired her writing, and her escape from Chile's political unrest. In turn, she inspired me as a feminist, a mother, and a deeply spiritual woman.

46. The Old Man and the Sea - review

From my review: When reviewing a classic like The Old Man and the Sea, it's difficult to find something to say that hasn't already been said. This concise novella packs a punch in 128 short pages. ... Much has been written about this work's themes of pride and redemption, and comparisons to Hemingway's late career. And while there are certainly symbols and messages in this book, it's also a great story that holds your attention the entire way through.

47. A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers - review

Another quick read, and enjoyable even if it had a few flaws. Shortlisted for 2007 Orange Prize.

48. Restoration - review.

From my review: While the plot dragged a bit at times and I often wished Merivel would just get his act together, I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Rose Tremain brings 1660s England to life with her portrayals of Court life, country life, the plague, and London's Great Fire of 1666. I'm looking forward to reading more of Tremain's work.

I am almost done with The Colour by Rose Tremain, and it's an excellent read. Highly recommended for your next Tremain selection, unless the ending tanks for me (which I doubt). =)

I would recommend Music and Silence by Rose Tremain. I thought her writing was beautiful.

I second the above - I loved both of them.

Thanks all ... I appreciate the recommendations!

So far I only read The Way I Found Her, and quite enjoyed it.

49. The Piano Teacher - review.

Not much to say; disliked it and abandoned it.

I think I saw a film of this several years ago. A rather shocking story.

#102 I can understand why you abandoned it - intense, relentless, nasty. I finished it and was pleased to have read a work by Jelinek.

I wasn't impressed with it either. It might interest u to know that there was a big controversy over her winning the Nobel. From an article a friend passed on to me, "In 2005, Knut Ahnlund left the Swedish Academy in protest, describing Jelinek's work as "whining, unenjoyable public pornography" as well as "a mass of text shoveled together without artistic structure". He said later her selection for the prize "has not only done irreparable damage to all progressive forces, it has also confused the general view of literature as an art". There u go.

>104 amandameale:: amanda, I'm impressed you finished it. If I have other books calling my name from the TBR pile it's tough to keep going with something I don't enjoy reading. But then I also think that sometimes the Nobel winners write books you have to work at to enjoy, and I might just need to be in a different frame of mind to appreciate them. Good on ya for getting through it.

>105 deebee1:: Wow, deebee1, that's quite a scathing article! But I have to say, "whining, unenjoyable public pornography" is about right at least where The Piano Teacher was concerned. Thanks for sharing that!

Laura, I don't think ugly disgusting books like The Piano Teacher should be read as an obligation. Even Nobel judges make mistakes. Writing well about s**t
doesn't make it into roses. What would finishing it accomplish except affirming your original view of the book? I think Jelinek needs a therapist, not readers, but there is a market for neurosis and sadism, or they wouldn't have made a film of the book.

What would finishing it accomplish except affirming your original view of the book?

Well yes, exactly, that's why I decided to chuck it. I knew my opinion wouldn't change and it would be like punishment to keep going!

50. Mosquito - review

From my review: Each character's story unfolds independently, at times heartbreaking and, at others, inspiring. I felt great sadness for the people of Sri Lanka and other countries affected by long-term civil war. But I also felt inspired by the hope and redemption in this beautifully-written debut novel.

Another one for my wishlist. Liked your review.

I read Mosquito earlier this year and loved it!! I'm glad you did too--excellent review.

Thanks! It really was a wonderful book. Avaland originally recommended it to me, and she and Nickelini both posted great reviews as well. Maybe it's starting to gain a following ... well-deserved, IMO.

HEY!!!!! That's #50!!!! and it's only August. Congratulations, lindsacl!

Mosquito is also on my list, glad to hear you like it since we have such similar tastes.

eta well, I guess 50 wasn't necessarily your goal. :o)

Thanks teelgee! You're right, I wasn't really going for 50 and I expect to exceed 70, but I did a little happy dance at 50 nonetheless!

50 on your 25th?

Hey, yeah, you're right about that! I probably celebrated more about the 25th though. :-)

51. Independent People - review

From my review: While Independent People is sobering and often sad, I also found it moving. With its expansive scope and tough characters, it reminded me of John Steinbeck's East of Eden, which I also enjoyed. It is not an easy read, but is well worth the effort.

I am enjoying your reviews. We seem to have the same opinion on a number of authors and their books. Looking forward to what you read next.

Same here, I am jotting down the Laxness on my "check it out" list.

Thanks judylou and marise!

#119: ditto.

52. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - review

From my review: The novel takes the form of a series of letters ... The letters, being highly personal, express characters' thoughts and feelings in a deeper way than a traditional narrative. And various elements of the story are revealed in small bits, so that everything comes together only after reading several letters from different people. I found some aspects of the plot easy to predict, but in no way did this spoil the book for me. The writing style is breezy and full of humor, the characters are folks you could easily imagine and identify with, and the story is touching on many levels. This is a delightful, highly-recommended book.

53. All Passion Spent - review

From my review: First published in 1931, All Passion Spent is a bold piece of early feminist literature. Deborah, Lady Slane, is an 88-year-old woman whose husband has just passed away at the age of 94. Her six children, all in their 60s, are greatly concerned about how to care for her, but she surprises them by declaring her intent to live independently in a new, smaller home. Having taken this bold step, Deborah enters a period of reflection on her life. Vita Sackville-West uses Deborah's voice to decry woman's role in society and female subservience to males through marriage...

Fabulous book.

I saw the movie (BBC, with Dame Wendy Hiller), and it was excellent. The book must be a treat.

Yes, it is -- highly recommended!

I loved All Passion Spent when I read it earlier this June. Good choice!

This is one of the Viragos I bought that I'm actually going to read and hold on to! I'm looking forward to it.

You'd love it, teelgee.

54. The Line of Beauty - review

Did not finish. Just not very interesting.

55. Purple Hibiscus - review.

From my review:This was Adichie’s debut novel; it was long-listed for the 2004 Booker Prize and made the Orange Prize shortlist the same year. While it was not as compelling as her second book, Half of a Yellow Sun (my review), it is beautifully written and filled with believable characters. I found the symbolism behind the purple hibiscus particularly moving.

56. Embers - review

From my review: Sandor Marai weaves a tale that is surprisingly compelling ... . The narrative's emotional depth was surprising. All too often, male friendships are portrayed as superficial. It was the strength of their bond, and the searing pain felt by both Henrik and Konrad is precisely what makes Embers such a special work. (4 / 5 stars)

I finished The Line of Beauty but was not terribly keen on it.

Same here amandameale, but I would go so far as to say I didn't like it!

lindsacl, I brought Embers home from the library the other day. I'm hoping to read it soon.

Just catching up on your reading, lindacl. There is some great reading here.

Thanks avaland!

Thank you lindsacl for your thoughts and reviews - I enjoy reading this thread.

That's great juliette07! Thank you!

I am lurking here too. =)

>138 mrstreme:: oh, I knew that! You can't hide from me!

.....wonder if she can see me peeping over her shoulder....

Peek a boo!

57. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay - review

From my review: Despite its length, this book was an easy and fun read. In addition to the well-drawn characters, the book offers up historical detail concerning the comic book industry, the Empire State Building, World War II, and post-war New York City. It's easy to see why this book won the Pulitzer Prize. (3.5 / 5 stars)

58. Quartet in Autumn - review

From my review: This is a quiet story of aging and friendship, accented by Pym's trademark gentle wit and satire. Her portraits of each character often had me snickering, even during the more poignant parts of the story. And yet I also found myself thinking about the characters as I went about my day ... almost as if they were real people. This is a departure from Pym's more light-hearted, humorous work, but the kind of satisfying read that takes over your thoughts for a while. (3.5 / 5 stars)

#57 I'm saving Kavalier and Clay for my summer reading - looks good.

59. Jane and Prudence - review

From my review: Barbara Pym's writing uses quite subtle wit to poke fun at everyday life. And while I enjoy her writing, this book was less interesting, the plot more predictable, than others I have read. Short, enjoyable, respectable ... but in the end, just kind of average. (3 / 5)

60. The Girl at the Lion d'Or - review

From my review:This book failed to stir any emotion whatsoever. I couldn't understand what attracted these two characters to one another. For such a short book, it took terribly long for the two of them to get together, and even longer for the tragic secret to be revealed. And then it was fairly anti-climactic. In the end, this was a disappointingly trite love story. (2 / 5 stars)

61. The Well of Loneliness - review

From my review: Published in 1928, The Well of Loneliness dealt openly with the subject of homosexuality, at a time when it was far from well-understood, and never discussed, by "polite society." ... What struck me most profoundly in this novel is both how far we've come, and how far we haven't, in societal views toward gays and lesbians. (4.5 / 5 stars)

Enjoyed your review of The Well of Loneliness. It's on my tbr pile and I look forward to reading it soon.

62. The Idea of Perfection - review

From my review: This book had a surprisingly strong impact on me. I loved the slow reveal of the characters, and their ultimate depth. And while the book moved quickly, Grenville suggests plot in the same way she does her characters. There were many times in this novel where she made a subtle point that connected several other events in a way that literally left me wide-eyed, astonished, and saying "OH ... !!" out loud. The Idea of Perfection is sure to be one of my top reads of 2008. (5 / 5 stars)

I'm so glad you enjoyed The Idea of Perfection. I think Grenville is a major writing talent and I just love her work. I'm also enjoying your other reviews :)

Thanks judylou!

63. The Yearling - review

From my review: This book is well-written -- it won the Pulitzer Prize after all -- and the very descriptive language brought the landscape to life. However, I tired of the graphic hunting scenes, and I was never emotionally invested in Jody and his family. I was hoping for a more compelling read and was disappointed. (2.5 / 5 stars)

lindsacl, I wonder if you might enjoy reading Cross Creek more. I believe it contains parts of the real story, which is more involved and in some ways much more interesting (and sadder). Did you know that in real life Jody was a girl?

Thanks marise, I had no idea about the real life Jody ! Thanks for the tip on Cross Creek too ... I'll have to check it out!

ETA: just read mrstreme's review of Cross Creek and I agree, could be good, as long as you go into it with eyes open as to the author's views on race.

I have read Cross Creek and enjoyed it, even though it is far from being politically correct in the depiction of African Americans. The book is autobiographical, and I found the descriptions of landscape and animals particularly well done. As far as I can remember - it has been a while since I read it - she does not talk about Jody, but since my memory is playing tricks, I might be wrong.
Give it a try, lindsacl, you might like it.

Must read The Idea of Perfection on your recommendation, lindsacl. Love your reviews!

Why thank you, dear tiffin! I think you'd enjoy it ...

Joining in the accolades re. your reviews. The Idea of Perfetion moves into my TBR room.

64. Last Orders - review

From my review: Swift has a way of evoking a time and place, and the characters seemed like real people. Their stories were moving in parts. I'm a bit surprised this won the Booker Prize, as it doesn't seem to compare to other winners I've read, but it's a passable if somewhat melancholy read. (3 /5 stars)

I read Last Orders about 10 years ago. I remember I enjoyed it at the time and thought the characters were well drawn. Can't remember much else about it though. I can't say I've carried it with me all these years.
Have you read Waterland?

I started reading Waterland a couple of years go, purpleelephant, but I confess that I put it down. I just could not get into the story.

You're right, the characters were well drawn. I haven't read Waterland. Did you like it?

I did recently learn that Last Orders was made into a film starring some fantastic British actors (Michael Caine, Ray Winstone ... forget the others) and Helen Mirren. Now that could be good!

65. The Comfort of Strangers - review

From my review: Ian McEwan has written an expertly crafted thriller; I was riveted from the first few pages. As McEwan drove relentlessly toward the story's almost inevitable conclusion, I was actually relieved that the book was only 125 pages -- the suspense and intensity would have been difficult for me had it been longer. I had picked this book up quite by accident, in need of a short read while waiting for library books. I was very pleasantly surprised by its quality & punch. (3.5 / 5 stars)

Oh I agree lindsacl. This was one of the first McEwans I read and I just loved it!

66. The Good Earth - review

From my review: Pearl Buck's classic novel is an epic portrayal of agrarian China near the turn of the twentieth century, leading up to the 1912 Revolution. ... My edition of this book included a reader's supplement with cultural notes and photos of weddings, markets, and ordinary people which helped bring the story and the time period to life. This book is more than just an epic family saga, it also paints a fascinating picture of the life and customs of a country on the brink of dramatic change. (4 / 5 stars)

I love the review, lindsacl. The Good Earth is one f my favourite books, and I am glad indeed you enjoyed it too.

67. Kaddish for a Child not Born - review

From my review: This is a short book written in a free-form style, and yet was not an easy read. It is probably best read in small pieces and then digested through contemplation. I was not in the mood for this kind of book and probably should have set it aside. Nonetheless, I could see that, if read with proper attention, it could be a quite powerful book. (3 / 5 stars)

Hi lindsacl discovered your thread on here so will be able to keep an eye on your reviews now

Hi and thanks Caspettee!!

68. A Death in Brazil - review

From my review: This was an interesting view of a country whose culture and history I know little about. Robb is an excellent writer, able to bring his subject matter to life with colorful, vivid portrayals of the country and its people. ... for someone interested in an immersion in Brazilian culture, this is a well-written and informative book. (3 / 5 stars)

Excellent review and so glad that you made it to Brazil!

Found you! For Guyana I would recommend The Ventriloquist's Tale by Pauline Melville. I am halfway through and enjoying it much more than Buxton Spice by Oonya Kempadoo.

Thank you for keeping me posted! I'm always looking for recommendations on books from "new" countries.

69. Bobbin Up - review

From my review: Dorothy Hewett was a left-wing Australian journalist in the 1950s. She originally wrote Chapter 15 of Bobbin Up as a short story, and in 1958 added fourteen chapters to develop a rich set of characters, and followed Chapter 15 with a single chapter of denouement. The result is a moving portrayal of women working in Australia's woolen mills ... This book was interesting for its historical context, but made memorable by its characters, who will remain in my mind for some time. (3.5 / 5 stars)

70. Sacred Hunger - review

From my review: Barry Unsworth packs so much into Sacred Hunger. The page-turning saga of the slave ship, with all its detail about living conditions and man's inhumanity to man, could be a book unto itself. The conflict between Paris and Kemp could also stand alone. Together they make for a gripping, emotional, and memorable read. Highly recommended. (4.5 / 5 stars)

71. Smilla's Sense of Snow - review

From my review: The plot twists and turns, introducing good guys who turn out to be bad guys, and dead bodies turning up at the most surprising moments. About 3/4 of the way through I trusted no one; I wasn't even sure about Smilla herself. Smilla's Sense of Snow was a real page-turner that had me constantly looking over my shoulder and checking the back seat of my car. Recommended. (3.5 / 5 stars)

Very interested in you good review of Sacred Hunger - I have it on my shelf. Shall look forward to it.

72. The Shadow of the Wind - review

From my review: Set in Barcelona during the 1940s and 50s, The Shadow of the Wind takes place in a country filled with political unrest., which adds interest to the mystery. Carlos Ruiz Zafon introduces a myriad of characters, each with its own fascinating story. As links between characters are revealed, the pieces of the puzzle come together. However, this mystery was complex enough that there were surprises all the way through, and events towards the end were completely unpredictable. A very pleasurable read & highly recommended. (4 / 5 stars)

73. The Conservationist - review

From my review: This was a difficult book to read because the main character was so unlikeable, and it revolved much more around character than plot. However, Gordimer writes some pretty amazing, descriptive prose that brought the South African scenery to life. Despite my rather lukewarm reaction to this particular novel, I will definitely be reading more of her work. (3 / 5 stars)

74. My Name is Light - review

From my review: My Name is Light opens with Luz, an Argentinean woman in her twenties, arriving in Madrid to meet her biological father Carlos for the first time. Luz learned in her teens that she had been adopted into a prominent family, and she set out to learn more about her origins. ... The basic premise of this book -- the welfare of babies born to pregnant political prisoners -- could make for a dramatic, compelling story. Unfortunately, this book was so full of flaws that it was all I could do to finish. (2 / 5 stars)

I love reading your reviews, Laura. Particularly want to check out Smilla's Sense of Snow. Thanks!

Well thank you very much, tiffin! I think you'd like Smilla.

75. Girls of Riyadh - review

From my review: While this book is a light read, and might be billed by some as "chick lit," it really captured my attention. Using "scandalous" e-mails to convey the story reminded me of 19th-century serializations, with a high-tech twist. This is one of the few books I've read about contemporary Muslim culture where I felt I was truly inside women's heads. Recommended. (3 / 5 stars)

76. Persuasion - review

From my review: I often find it difficult to review great classic literature -- what can I say that hasn't already been said? And so it is with Persuasion, one of Jane Austen's later works. ... Austen is masterful in describing the tiny movements and expressions that carry so much meaning. As Anne and the Captain slowly dance around each other, Austen uses Anne's family to serve up some delightful satire of society and vanity. To date I have read all but one of Austen's six published novels, and consider Persuasion my favorite. (4.5 / 5 stars)

77. Broken April - review

From my review: The people of the High Plateau of Albania are governed by the Kanun, a set of laws passed down from generation to generation. Broken April deals with the aspects of the Kanun pertaining to murder, which often lead to blood feuds lasting many years. ... Broken April was suspenseful, disturbing, and oddly compelling. As I approached the end of the book I found myself setting it aside every few pages to digest the deeper meaning of the story. Highly recommended; a thought-provoking read. (4 / 5 stars)

I'm a big Kadare fan, and I think "oddly compelling" is a good way to describe his work. I haven't read Broken April yet, and really am looking forward to it.

Thanks, A_musing. This book has really been haunting me. I didn't want it to end! I also need to give a shout-out to amandameale, who praised this book on her thread, and it landed on my TBR pile from there!

I read both The General of the Dead Army and The File on H this year. "H" was particularly funny, but Dead Army was also oddly compelling. My favorite is still Chronicle in Stone

78. A Death in the Family - review

From my review: James Agee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a stark, realistic portrayal of the searing emotional pain in human response to tragedy. ... This book is well written, and immensely powerful. Agee takes the reader deep inside the hearts and minds of his characters; I could identify with everyone in some way. He plumbs the depths of emotion, such that the book must be set aside every so often to work through feelings evoked by the text. ... While it was a very sad book, I am glad to have read it -- it will occupy a place in my heart for a long, long time. (5 / 5 stars)

79. Unbowed - review.

From my review:
While her life has been interesting and her contributions significant, my attention flagged halfway through. The writing was uninspired, often with extraneous detail. (2 / 5 stars).

>78 lauralkeet:. Did you read the original edition, or the newer "this is the way the author wanted it" version recently published?

>192 laytonwoman3rd:: LW3, my edition was published in 1969. It includes supplementary text which editors included as a prologue and inserted between parts 1/2 and 2/3. The introduction implies they did their best to figure out where these sections belonged, but they are italicized in the book so they stand out.

Tell me about the newer edition ...

80. Fingersmith - review

From my review: Sarah Waters has written a brilliant tale of two very strong female protagonists, embellished with a number of colorful characters ... I enjoyed every minute of this book; it was "un-putdownable". (4 / 5 stars)

80 books! Yea !!!

Wow, reading 80 in a year is fantastic! And such good ones. I'm off to look at your blog. (um, when the kids are asleep...maybe not at dinner time or there will be trouble!)

Congrats on 80 books - and glad you liked Fingersmith!

80, hurrah! Well done, lindsacl. Now, how did you make out with your personal goals you set out in your first post?

Excellent question tiffin! I'll be back in a few days with a "Year in Review" to wrap up this thread. Hoping to squeeze in one more book review first ...

>193 lauralkeet: Here's a link to an article about the new edition which I know about because of my daughter's connection to the University of Tennessee, whose press brought it out. The author/editor is a professor there, although she doesn't know him at all. I hasten to point out that I haven't read it myself, and I think I read the original as a college freshman, so I have no opinion on which is more authentic. Since neither of them can truly represent Agee's final vision of the book, I struggle to decide which one I should read now.

>199 laytonwoman3rd:: that was an interesting article LW3. My review is posted on my blog as well as on LT, and I received a comment from someone at the James Agee Trust, calling my attention to this new edition. The article elaborated more on the differences. Very interesting. It would be kind of fun to read both versions back-to-back.

Wow...good on you, attracting the notice of the James Agee Trustee.

My final review of 2008:

81. The Lost Traveller - review

From my review: This book is an autobiographical novel and sequel to Frost in May, which chronicles a young girl's early years in convent education. This first book is of the genre known as "school stories": books about the horrors of boarding school. The Lost Traveller is a more sophisticated coming-of-age novel. The characters are much more fully developed than those in Frost in May, , and the reader gains considerably more insight into Clara's parents. (4 / 5 stars)

2008: A Reading Year in Review

So here we are, on the last day of 2008. Time to sum up the year, which was a good one! I read 81 books in 2008, totalling 25,593 pages (precisely!). In a typical month I read 6 books, plus or minus one. My average rating was 3.6 on a scale of 1 to 5, and there were 5 books I just couldn't finish. Do you like statistics? I do! Here are some graphs! (Click to enlarge)



I also tend to be goal-oriented and organize my reading to meet various challenges. During 2008 I completed six time-based challenges:
- Unread Authors Challenge
- Book Awards Reading Challenge
- Themed Reading Challenge
- Notable Books Challenge
- "In Their Shoes" Challenge
- Celebrate the Author Challenge

As the year progressed, I began to crave a bit more flexibility than the time-based challenges allowed, and I focused more of my reading on perpetual challenges. I'm happy with my progress on these, also:
- Complete Booker : my goal was to read 6. I nailed this one! By reading 11 Booker Prize winners, I doubled my total number of Bookers read, and am now halfway to completing the list.
- Pulitzer Project : I wanted to read 8-10, and managed to read 8.
- Orange Prize Project : my goal was to read 4, and I read 5.
- Read the Nobels: I wanted to read 8-10 and came in right in the middle, with 9.
- Reading Across Borders : I wanted to repeat my 2007 goal of "visiting" 20 new countries during the year. And I did it!! I've now visited 52 of the world's 192 countries.
- Virago Modern Classics: I began collecting VMCs late in 2007, and by April 2008 I decided I really should read more of these delightful works by women authors. I set a goal to read 6, and read 8.

And, just to prove to myself that my life is not as ridiculously regimented as some would think (LOL), I even read 10 books just for fun, not for any challenge at all! And whaddaya know, I liked that. After two years of reading driven heavily by challenges, I've found I really need to provide more flexibility and spontaneity along with some specific reading goals. I've also found that I most enjoy books by and/or about women and while I certainly read male-authored books, after reading a few I find myself craving the feminine voice. This will definitely influence my reading choices in 2009.

I’ll close this year in review with my Top 5 for 2008:
Unaccustomed Earth, by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Idea of Perfection, by Kate Grenville
A Death in the Family, by James Agee
Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton
All Passion Spent, by Vita Sackville-West

I hope your reading year was as good as mine. Best wishes for a happy, book-filled, 2009. And if you'd like to follow my reading in 2009, come on over to my 75 Book Challenge Thread!

This is a truly stunning year of reading! Good luck on your 75 challenge thread.

Very interesting!

Thanks!

Now I know how Alice felt when she fell down that rabbit hole. hehe

Thats something to be really proud of. You did really well! I barely made my 50 this year. Next year I hope to include some challenges. I'll have to work up to 80+ LOL

Wow, graphs and everything...quite impressive. I have been following your thread for awhile and will continue to do so on the 75 Books Challenge which I will be a part of as well. My thread is named "DonnaReads." I'm feeling a bit too lazy this morning to create the link. See you there!

Great review! I love your graphs. I feel the need for a spreadsheet to track my 2009 reading coming on...

We have 2 of the same top 5 books for this year too - All Passion Spent and The Idea of Perfection.

>209 Donna828:: I have been following your thread for awhile... Thanks Donna, I'm off to look for your 2009 thread now!
>210 cushlareads:: We have 2 of the same top 5 books ... How about that!

Oh, and anyone interested in spreadsheets ... well ... I'd be happy to share & help! It's a not-so-secret obsession of mine.

lindsacl:what a crazy, amazing set of goals you reached! Congratulations! And what wonderful books!

Wonderful year-end analysis, lindsacl! You met so many wonderful goals, and I must say I am inspired to set up more rigid goals for my reading this year. I would love to finish the Booker and Orange lists, for instance, and should perhaps begin to set goals to get that done.

Yes, I am a bit jealous of your graphs. Did you save them as jpgs to upload to Photobucket, or could you do it from Excel or whatever you used?

I really must read Kate Grenville -- she seems to be on so many people's favorites lists.

Btw, there is a nice BBC production of All Passion Spent. I hadn't expected to like it, but I saw it recently and liked it very well.

>212 amandameale:: crazy, amazing, yes ... and very fulfilling. I really enjoyed my 2008 reading.

>213 kambrogi:: kambrogi, my famous spreadsheet is in Google Docs which allows the graph to be saved as an image file. I then uploaded the image files to Photobucket. I did a similar thing with Excel in 2007. That will be $1. Thank you. ;-)

Thanks for the tip on All Passion Spent!

What a wonderful roundup lindsacl. A great reading year. I'll enjoy following your reading in 2009.

You's amazin'.

Thanks, Miss Geek. I had no idea you were charging for your advice, but it is worth it. I keep planning to take up Google docs, so this will be an impetus.