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1omphaloskepsis
I'm definitely aiming for 50+. I think I'm on track. Here's what I've got under my belt:
Completed:
1. Blood meridian by Cormac McCarthy
2. Beware of God by Shalom Auslander
3. The seven days of Peter Crumb by Jonny Glynn
4. Ex libris: Confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
5. In the miso soup by Ryu Murakami
6. The year of living biblically by A.J. Jacobs
7. Being dead by Jim Crace
8. Notes from a small island by Bill Bryson
9. Fables vol. 6: Homelands by Bill Willingham
10. Fables vol. 7: Arabian nights (and days) by Bill Willingham
11. Fables vol. 8: Wolves by Bill Willingham
12. American virgin vol. 1: head by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
13. Fun home: a family tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
14. The geography of bliss by Eric Weiner
15. American virgin vol. 2: going down by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
16. American virgin vol. 3: wet by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
17. The sharper your knife, the less you cry by Kathleen Flinn
In progress:
Tell me where it hurts: a day of humor, healing and hope in my life as an animal surgeon by Nick Trout
A people's history of the united states by Howard Zinn
Completed:
1. Blood meridian by Cormac McCarthy
2. Beware of God by Shalom Auslander
3. The seven days of Peter Crumb by Jonny Glynn
4. Ex libris: Confessions of a common reader by Anne Fadiman
5. In the miso soup by Ryu Murakami
6. The year of living biblically by A.J. Jacobs
7. Being dead by Jim Crace
8. Notes from a small island by Bill Bryson
9. Fables vol. 6: Homelands by Bill Willingham
10. Fables vol. 7: Arabian nights (and days) by Bill Willingham
11. Fables vol. 8: Wolves by Bill Willingham
12. American virgin vol. 1: head by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
13. Fun home: a family tragicomic by Alison Bechdel
14. The geography of bliss by Eric Weiner
15. American virgin vol. 2: going down by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
16. American virgin vol. 3: wet by Steven T. Seagle and Becky Cloonan
17. The sharper your knife, the less you cry by Kathleen Flinn
In progress:
Tell me where it hurts: a day of humor, healing and hope in my life as an animal surgeon by Nick Trout
A people's history of the united states by Howard Zinn
2hashiru
"Blood Meridian" is one of the most intense books I've ever read (twice). The Judge has to loom as one of the most intense figures in American literature - obviously allegorical, but what exactly he really means still isn't clear to me. The way he makes gunpowder out of "thin air" and his own bodily fluids ranks up there in original narrative descriptions as well. I wonder if that was scientifically accurate?
3omphaloskepsis
Blood Meridian was indeed intense. It took me the better part of two weeks to complete, partly because the prose was so dense, partly because the subject matter was a challenge to parse and digest.
The Judge reminded me of the Saint of Killers, a character from Garth Ennis's series Preacher. A demigod, indestructible (until the very end) with an unlimited capacity for and delight in violence and destruction. The most indelible image is of him, naked, in the harsh environment of the desert, immune to fear or harm. A step beyond mere humanity, quite a character!
The Judge reminded me of the Saint of Killers, a character from Garth Ennis's series Preacher. A demigod, indestructible (until the very end) with an unlimited capacity for and delight in violence and destruction. The most indelible image is of him, naked, in the harsh environment of the desert, immune to fear or harm. A step beyond mere humanity, quite a character!
4omphaloskepsis
Just finished:18. Tell me where it hurts by Nick Trout.
In progress: I was told there'd be cake by Sloane Crosley
In progress: I was told there'd be cake by Sloane Crosley
5omphaloskepsis
Notes on I was told there'd be cake:
This collection of essays is pleasant enough, but it somehow lacks the wit that I expected. The book is almost like the illegitimate child of David Sedaris and Chelsea Handler. I was amused by some essays, and would catch myself chuckling now and then, but perhaps her background and day-to-day reality is too far removed from mine and I simply cannot connect with her.
This collection of essays is pleasant enough, but it somehow lacks the wit that I expected. The book is almost like the illegitimate child of David Sedaris and Chelsea Handler. I was amused by some essays, and would catch myself chuckling now and then, but perhaps her background and day-to-day reality is too far removed from mine and I simply cannot connect with her.
6omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 19. I was told there'd be cake by Sloane Crosley.
In progress: A treasury of great American scandals by Michael Farquhar.
In progress: A treasury of great American scandals by Michael Farquhar.
7omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 20. A treasury of great American scandals by Michael Farquhar
and
21. Not quite what I was planning compiled by the editors of Smith magazine.
In progress: Heartburn by Nora Ephron
and
21. Not quite what I was planning compiled by the editors of Smith magazine.
In progress: Heartburn by Nora Ephron
8omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 22. Heartburn by Nora Ephron
Heartburn struck me as a writing exercise, an outline of a story that Ephron meant to come back to and flesh out but was snatched by an eager agent before she got the chance. From the real-life story of Ephron and Bernstein I can fill in the blanks, but merely reading what's on the page didn't provide complete portraits of these characters whose lives crack and crumble in a brisk 200 or so pages. An enjoyable, if a bit dated, read that left me curious about all the spaces before, between and after what Ephron chose to reveal.
In progress: Stuffed: Adventures of a restaurant family by Patricia Volk
Heartburn struck me as a writing exercise, an outline of a story that Ephron meant to come back to and flesh out but was snatched by an eager agent before she got the chance. From the real-life story of Ephron and Bernstein I can fill in the blanks, but merely reading what's on the page didn't provide complete portraits of these characters whose lives crack and crumble in a brisk 200 or so pages. An enjoyable, if a bit dated, read that left me curious about all the spaces before, between and after what Ephron chose to reveal.
In progress: Stuffed: Adventures of a restaurant family by Patricia Volk
9omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 23. Stuffed: Adventures of a restaurant family by Patricia Volk.
This was a pleasure to read. Volk wrote a touching tribute to her family, to her father especially, and it is fascinating to see how their history reaches back to the Old World and is so entwined with the history of New York. A real cover-to-cover treat.
In progress: A canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
This was a pleasure to read. Volk wrote a touching tribute to her family, to her father especially, and it is fascinating to see how their history reaches back to the Old World and is so entwined with the history of New York. A real cover-to-cover treat.
In progress: A canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
10omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 24. A canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
I was very excited to finally get around to this science-fiction classic. I enjoyed it, especially the middle section, Fiat Lux, which moved along at a clip and had the most profound passages of the book. I was tickled by the unexpected humor throughout, and appreciated the use of Latin.
I think Miller's vision of our technological future was clearly limited by the time he was writing in. No telling what he would have imagined were he writing this book now.
In progress: Don't get too comfortable by David Rakoff
I was very excited to finally get around to this science-fiction classic. I enjoyed it, especially the middle section, Fiat Lux, which moved along at a clip and had the most profound passages of the book. I was tickled by the unexpected humor throughout, and appreciated the use of Latin.
I think Miller's vision of our technological future was clearly limited by the time he was writing in. No telling what he would have imagined were he writing this book now.
In progress: Don't get too comfortable by David Rakoff
11omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 25. Don't get too comfortable by David Rakoff.
Halfway to my goal! Yay! The book itself was unremarkable, simply a decent way to pass the time on the bus on the way to work. I'm looking forward to more stimulating words from my next choice which is...
In progress: Animal, vegetable, miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Halfway to my goal! Yay! The book itself was unremarkable, simply a decent way to pass the time on the bus on the way to work. I'm looking forward to more stimulating words from my next choice which is...
In progress: Animal, vegetable, miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
12omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 26. Animal, vegetable, miracle by Barbara Kingsolver.
Finally!!
It seems like it took forever to finish this book. To be fair, the (almost) month it took for me to finish it was punctuated by my father's stroke, the implant of his pacemaker and the start of his recovery.
That said, I totally enjoyed the book. Now, I find myself frustrated every time I go to buy food, turn over the container and see what I am really eating and how far it has journeyed to get to me. Not that I was uninformed about the food economy before, but books like this simultaneously enlighten and stymie me. I acknowledge the need to change, but find that the reality of creating that change to be complicated.
I'm not sure I have a green thumb of Kingsolver/Hopp caliber, but certainly I will try, in small ways, to change how I think about food, what I buy and what I eat.
The book was worth the month I spent slowly reading it. Perhaps the universe conspired to make it so, so that I would more completely absorb the words on the page.
In progress: At large and at small by Anne Fadiman.
Finally!!
It seems like it took forever to finish this book. To be fair, the (almost) month it took for me to finish it was punctuated by my father's stroke, the implant of his pacemaker and the start of his recovery.
That said, I totally enjoyed the book. Now, I find myself frustrated every time I go to buy food, turn over the container and see what I am really eating and how far it has journeyed to get to me. Not that I was uninformed about the food economy before, but books like this simultaneously enlighten and stymie me. I acknowledge the need to change, but find that the reality of creating that change to be complicated.
I'm not sure I have a green thumb of Kingsolver/Hopp caliber, but certainly I will try, in small ways, to change how I think about food, what I buy and what I eat.
The book was worth the month I spent slowly reading it. Perhaps the universe conspired to make it so, so that I would more completely absorb the words on the page.
In progress: At large and at small by Anne Fadiman.
13omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 27. At large and at small by Anne Fadiman
and
28. Armed America: Portraits of gun owners in their homes by Kyle Cassidy
"At large" is the second book I've read by Fadiman, the first being Ex libris which is well-loved here on LT. I liked "At large," especially the essays "Night owl," "Procrustes and the culture wars" and "Mail." However, my bibliophile heart still belongs to "Ex libris."
"Armed America" opened my eyes to the diversity among gun owners. For the most part, the subjects provided reasoned, thoughtful explanations of their attraction to guns and gun culture. A little more unsettling were those owners whose words or expressions sent a chill down my spine.
In progress: Stalking the wild Dik-Dik by Marie Jarvins.
and
28. Armed America: Portraits of gun owners in their homes by Kyle Cassidy
"At large" is the second book I've read by Fadiman, the first being Ex libris which is well-loved here on LT. I liked "At large," especially the essays "Night owl," "Procrustes and the culture wars" and "Mail." However, my bibliophile heart still belongs to "Ex libris."
"Armed America" opened my eyes to the diversity among gun owners. For the most part, the subjects provided reasoned, thoughtful explanations of their attraction to guns and gun culture. A little more unsettling were those owners whose words or expressions sent a chill down my spine.
In progress: Stalking the wild Dik-Dik by Marie Jarvins.
14omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 29. Stalking the Wild Dik-Dik: One Woman's Solo Misadventures Across Africa b Marie Javins.
Javins gives an account of her travels from South Africa to Sudan, passing through Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia on the way, keeping track of her progress on her Web site MariesWorldTour.com.
She claims to have a special love for the continent, and I found a few glimpses of that sentiment in here, that is, between her surviving truck crashes, fending off con artists and figuring out the intricacies of local travel.
I marvel at her bravery as a woman traveling alone anywhere in the world. Kudos to her. But she obviously struggles with the poverty, begging and culture in certain areas, and her idea of "roughing it" varies wildly from doorless pit latrines to hot-air balloon rides and guided safaris.
A quick, enjoyable jaunt through parts of Africa.
In progress: Severance Package by Duane Swierczynski.
Javins gives an account of her travels from South Africa to Sudan, passing through Namibia, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia on the way, keeping track of her progress on her Web site MariesWorldTour.com.
She claims to have a special love for the continent, and I found a few glimpses of that sentiment in here, that is, between her surviving truck crashes, fending off con artists and figuring out the intricacies of local travel.
I marvel at her bravery as a woman traveling alone anywhere in the world. Kudos to her. But she obviously struggles with the poverty, begging and culture in certain areas, and her idea of "roughing it" varies wildly from doorless pit latrines to hot-air balloon rides and guided safaris.
A quick, enjoyable jaunt through parts of Africa.
In progress: Severance Package by Duane Swierczynski.
15omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 30. Severance Package by Duane Swierczynski.
A bloody good read. I just loved the pacing and style of this sometimes-gory, often-funny novel. It helps that it's set in Philadelphia, too, a place that I have a city-crush on.
I liked the misdirection, the humor and the speed that kept me turning the pages. It was over quickly, but sometimes good things come and go in a flash.
I admit the ending was a little disappointing. It was something out of the Twilight Zone that just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story. Not that plausibility is an issue here, but the ending stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far.
But I loved that the story always kept moving forward (never mind that the details got a little fuzzy sometimes; the details are the MacGuffin). Fun stuff.
In progress: When you are engulfed in flames by David Sedaris.
A bloody good read. I just loved the pacing and style of this sometimes-gory, often-funny novel. It helps that it's set in Philadelphia, too, a place that I have a city-crush on.
I liked the misdirection, the humor and the speed that kept me turning the pages. It was over quickly, but sometimes good things come and go in a flash.
I admit the ending was a little disappointing. It was something out of the Twilight Zone that just didn't seem to fit with the rest of the story. Not that plausibility is an issue here, but the ending stretched my suspension of disbelief a little too far.
But I loved that the story always kept moving forward (never mind that the details got a little fuzzy sometimes; the details are the MacGuffin). Fun stuff.
In progress: When you are engulfed in flames by David Sedaris.
16omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 31. When you are engulfed in flames by David Sedaris and
32. I love you, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle.
I just can't help it, I love anything David Sedaris writes. Although I must admit that he needs to dredge up some more family memories if he wants to match the hilarity of Naked and Me talk pretty one day. Although the chuckles were many with this latest book, none were really gut-busting. But no matter, I adore him still.
Larry Doyle's book is a teen sex comedy on the page. It was every John Hughes movie, "Ferris Bueller," "American Pie," "Superbad," "Revenge of the nerds," "Risky business," etc. rolled into one quick read. The Coove, the main character, was likable enough, but his movie-quoting best friend of uncertain sexuality, Rich, really captured my heart. He's a character I'd love to play Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with.
In progress: The Blonde by Duane Swierczynski.
32. I love you, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle.
I just can't help it, I love anything David Sedaris writes. Although I must admit that he needs to dredge up some more family memories if he wants to match the hilarity of Naked and Me talk pretty one day. Although the chuckles were many with this latest book, none were really gut-busting. But no matter, I adore him still.
Larry Doyle's book is a teen sex comedy on the page. It was every John Hughes movie, "Ferris Bueller," "American Pie," "Superbad," "Revenge of the nerds," "Risky business," etc. rolled into one quick read. The Coove, the main character, was likable enough, but his movie-quoting best friend of uncertain sexuality, Rich, really captured my heart. He's a character I'd love to play Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with.
In progress: The Blonde by Duane Swierczynski.
17omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 33. The Blonde by Duane Swierczynski.
Prompted by the fun I had reading Severance Package, I decided to pick up The Blonde. While not as breakneck (literally) as my previous read, it still chronicled misadventures in the fast, brutal world that exists in Mr. Swierczynski's head. I like that he creates a universe and mythology within which all his characters exist and operate across the books. I picked up back story for a character I encountered in Severance Package here, fleshing out a violent episode he referred to in passing in the more recent book.
I'm definitely going to keep picking up Mr. Swierczynski's work as fast as he can crank it out.
In progress: The Reach of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman.
Prompted by the fun I had reading Severance Package, I decided to pick up The Blonde. While not as breakneck (literally) as my previous read, it still chronicled misadventures in the fast, brutal world that exists in Mr. Swierczynski's head. I like that he creates a universe and mythology within which all his characters exist and operate across the books. I picked up back story for a character I encountered in Severance Package here, fleshing out a violent episode he referred to in passing in the more recent book.
I'm definitely going to keep picking up Mr. Swierczynski's work as fast as he can crank it out.
In progress: The Reach of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman.
18omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 34. The Reach of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman.
I've always admired Ruhlman's straightforward style and this book didn't disappoint. As an admittedly food-obsessed soul, it was probably as close as I'll get to the kitchens of Masa, Per Se, Primo and Alinea any time soon. But still, the peeks into the chef's world, and the thoughts on the world's changing views of chefs, were delicious.
35. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
Expertly executed. Brooks thought this out down to the finest detail, and the result is a riveting 'history' of the Zombie War told through the experiences of those who survived. Brilliant!
In progress: Storm Front by Jim Butcher
I've always admired Ruhlman's straightforward style and this book didn't disappoint. As an admittedly food-obsessed soul, it was probably as close as I'll get to the kitchens of Masa, Per Se, Primo and Alinea any time soon. But still, the peeks into the chef's world, and the thoughts on the world's changing views of chefs, were delicious.
35. World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
Expertly executed. Brooks thought this out down to the finest detail, and the result is a riveting 'history' of the Zombie War told through the experiences of those who survived. Brilliant!
In progress: Storm Front by Jim Butcher
19omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 36. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
and
37. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Both very enjoyable and easy reads, the first a sci-fi/fantasy/mystery and the second a story of a female detective from Botswana.
In both main characters, Harry Dresden and Precious Ramotswe, I found likable personalities. It was easy to get on their side and stay there, although I must say that Harry was infuriating from time to time. Problems that snowball in Storm Front could easily be solved by a little action or honesty on his part, but I guess that would ruin the story and shorten the book by a couple hundred pages.
I loved Precious. Coming from a former British colony (though not in Africa), I felt there was something familiar in the narrative I could relate to. I'm very interested to see the film, starring Jill Scott as Mma Ramotswe, but since it was filmed by a British company, for TV, I have no idea when/if it will air in the U.S. I'll keep my eyes open.
I've been distracted by the happenings of summer for the past month or so, but I hope to get back on track soon.
In progress: Miami Purity by Vicki Hendricks
and
37. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Both very enjoyable and easy reads, the first a sci-fi/fantasy/mystery and the second a story of a female detective from Botswana.
In both main characters, Harry Dresden and Precious Ramotswe, I found likable personalities. It was easy to get on their side and stay there, although I must say that Harry was infuriating from time to time. Problems that snowball in Storm Front could easily be solved by a little action or honesty on his part, but I guess that would ruin the story and shorten the book by a couple hundred pages.
I loved Precious. Coming from a former British colony (though not in Africa), I felt there was something familiar in the narrative I could relate to. I'm very interested to see the film, starring Jill Scott as Mma Ramotswe, but since it was filmed by a British company, for TV, I have no idea when/if it will air in the U.S. I'll keep my eyes open.
I've been distracted by the happenings of summer for the past month or so, but I hope to get back on track soon.
In progress: Miami Purity by Vicki Hendricks
20omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 38. Miami Purity by Vicki Hendricks
I came to this novel because I heard praise heaped upon it during an NPR segment on noir fiction. While I was not bowled over by the book, I am curious enough to read a second offering by the author. I was surprised by just how sexually graphic the writing was, but once I got past that I enjoyed transparent-but-enjoyable story, the oppression of the city's heat and the heat of the dry cleaners shop, where a great deal of the book is set. I also liked the protagonist, Sherri, a woman who barely has a grip on her life and actions. Less successful, I thought, was the character of Payne, the man she is in love with. After the book had ended I still was unsure about his true nature and motivation.
In progress: Already dead by Charlie Huston
I came to this novel because I heard praise heaped upon it during an NPR segment on noir fiction. While I was not bowled over by the book, I am curious enough to read a second offering by the author. I was surprised by just how sexually graphic the writing was, but once I got past that I enjoyed transparent-but-enjoyable story, the oppression of the city's heat and the heat of the dry cleaners shop, where a great deal of the book is set. I also liked the protagonist, Sherri, a woman who barely has a grip on her life and actions. Less successful, I thought, was the character of Payne, the man she is in love with. After the book had ended I still was unsure about his true nature and motivation.
In progress: Already dead by Charlie Huston
21omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 39. Already dead by Charlie Huston
An enjoyable, fresh take on vampires, with a little zombie action thrown in. Huston gives a noir feel to his story of a rogue vampire, Joe Pitt/Simon, trying to operate in a New York City sliced into turf ruled by various rival vampire clans. Of course there's a mystery to solve, a crazed villain, a femme fatale and a good girl whom the hero loves but can't quite show his real self to. Huston sets the story firmly in modern-day NYC, and rethinks the origins of vampires and zombies, but doesn't go into too much detail (vampires are infected with something they refer to as the Vyrus). Good stuff, the first in a series. I'll be reading more about Mr. Pitt.
40. Rosa Lee: A mother and her family in urban America by Leon Dash
Frustrating. Upsetting. Infuriating. Disheartening. Unbelievable. I've never read anything that so clearly illustrated the seemingly unbreakable cycle of poverty, criminal behavior and drug abuse that imprisons so many in America. Washington Post reporter Leon Dash captures the lives of Rosa Lee and her family, who bounce from crisis to crisis in their lives of hopelessness in the ghettos of D.C. They steal, deal and do drugs, go in and out of prison, contract and spread HIV, prostitute themselves and their children ... no depravity is too low. The story is simultaneously surprising and not. It made me angry at the family members, who all (but 2) seemed content to remain in the gutters of society, relishing a life spent either in a drug-induced haze or in the pursuit of a career of crime. Depressing, but enlightening, too.
In progress: Tears of the giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
An enjoyable, fresh take on vampires, with a little zombie action thrown in. Huston gives a noir feel to his story of a rogue vampire, Joe Pitt/Simon, trying to operate in a New York City sliced into turf ruled by various rival vampire clans. Of course there's a mystery to solve, a crazed villain, a femme fatale and a good girl whom the hero loves but can't quite show his real self to. Huston sets the story firmly in modern-day NYC, and rethinks the origins of vampires and zombies, but doesn't go into too much detail (vampires are infected with something they refer to as the Vyrus). Good stuff, the first in a series. I'll be reading more about Mr. Pitt.
40. Rosa Lee: A mother and her family in urban America by Leon Dash
Frustrating. Upsetting. Infuriating. Disheartening. Unbelievable. I've never read anything that so clearly illustrated the seemingly unbreakable cycle of poverty, criminal behavior and drug abuse that imprisons so many in America. Washington Post reporter Leon Dash captures the lives of Rosa Lee and her family, who bounce from crisis to crisis in their lives of hopelessness in the ghettos of D.C. They steal, deal and do drugs, go in and out of prison, contract and spread HIV, prostitute themselves and their children ... no depravity is too low. The story is simultaneously surprising and not. It made me angry at the family members, who all (but 2) seemed content to remain in the gutters of society, relishing a life spent either in a drug-induced haze or in the pursuit of a career of crime. Depressing, but enlightening, too.
In progress: Tears of the giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
22omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 41. Tears of the giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
Another delightful installment in the story of Precious Ramotswe's life. I've enjoyed the first 2 so much that I bought books 3, 4 and 5 in the series. I'm thoroughly enjoying these African tales.
In progress: Out by Natsuo Kirino
Another delightful installment in the story of Precious Ramotswe's life. I've enjoyed the first 2 so much that I bought books 3, 4 and 5 in the series. I'm thoroughly enjoying these African tales.
In progress: Out by Natsuo Kirino
23omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 42. Out by Natsuo Kirino
I loved the pace of this book. Once the story got going, the mystery really rushed headlong towards the conclusion. The women were very well-drawn, and I found myself absorbed by the problems that had them painted into impossible corners. My one issue with the book is the climactic scene between Masako and Satake. I just couldn't bring myself to totally buy into their interaction. I expected more from her.
43. Tabloid dreams by Robert Olen Butler
I like the premise, that each of the stories was based on a tabloid headline, but the end result was not spectacular or particularly memorable for the most part. The one I particularly liked was "JFK secretly attends Jackie auction." I admit that the Elvis tattoo story left me puzzled.
In progress: Starting out in the evening by Brian Morton
I loved the pace of this book. Once the story got going, the mystery really rushed headlong towards the conclusion. The women were very well-drawn, and I found myself absorbed by the problems that had them painted into impossible corners. My one issue with the book is the climactic scene between Masako and Satake. I just couldn't bring myself to totally buy into their interaction. I expected more from her.
43. Tabloid dreams by Robert Olen Butler
I like the premise, that each of the stories was based on a tabloid headline, but the end result was not spectacular or particularly memorable for the most part. The one I particularly liked was "JFK secretly attends Jackie auction." I admit that the Elvis tattoo story left me puzzled.
In progress: Starting out in the evening by Brian Morton
24omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 44. Starting out in the evening by Brian Morton
Loved it! Everything about it.
45. The Stranger by Albert Camus
Mersault is stone-cold, and a harbinger of the plight of modern times.
46. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
I wanted a novel by a writer, Rankin, and starring a character, Rebus, I kept reading about. This, the first book in the Rebus series, didn't disappoint.
47. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
The Booker winner this year. The ending reminded me of "Silence of the Lambs," with the evil-but-likable Hannibal Lecter getting away, simply wandering off into the crowd. Will Balram kill again in another book?
In progress: Morality for beautiful girls by Alexander McCall Smith
Loved it! Everything about it.
45. The Stranger by Albert Camus
Mersault is stone-cold, and a harbinger of the plight of modern times.
46. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
I wanted a novel by a writer, Rankin, and starring a character, Rebus, I kept reading about. This, the first book in the Rebus series, didn't disappoint.
47. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
The Booker winner this year. The ending reminded me of "Silence of the Lambs," with the evil-but-likable Hannibal Lecter getting away, simply wandering off into the crowd. Will Balram kill again in another book?
In progress: Morality for beautiful girls by Alexander McCall Smith
25omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 48. Morality for beautiful girls by Alexander McCall Smith
The third book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Another delightful read. I look forward to working my way through the rest of the series.
In progress: The partly cloudy patriot by Sarah Vowell (in honor of Election Day)
The third book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Another delightful read. I look forward to working my way through the rest of the series.
In progress: The partly cloudy patriot by Sarah Vowell (in honor of Election Day)
26omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 49. The partly cloudy patriot by Sarah Vowell
A short, light collection of mostly history-themed essays. Quick and quirky. Just when you thought you were one of the biggest nerds around...
In progress: A people's history of American empire by Howard Zinn
A short, light collection of mostly history-themed essays. Quick and quirky. Just when you thought you were one of the biggest nerds around...
In progress: A people's history of American empire by Howard Zinn
27omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 50. A people's history of American empire by Howard Zinn
Yay! My 50th read! Now let's see how far past 50 I can go...
Zinn's graphic novel was a sobering reminder of all the wrong that has slipped past the collective memory into the shadowy corner of forgotten history.
In progress: Jar city by Arnaldur Indridason
Yay! My 50th read! Now let's see how far past 50 I can go...
Zinn's graphic novel was a sobering reminder of all the wrong that has slipped past the collective memory into the shadowy corner of forgotten history.
In progress: Jar city by Arnaldur Indridason
28billiejean
Congratulations on reaching your 50 book challenge goal! :)
--BJ
--BJ
29omphaloskepsis
Thank you, BJ! I am proud of making this goal at the start of the year and sticking to it.
30omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 51. Jar city by Arnaldur Indridason
I loved the way this crime novel, set in Iceland, steadily unfolded to its climax. The pacing was perfect. Erlendur, the lead detective and main character, deals with his personal problems while peeling away at the layers of what initially seems to be a random act of violence. Intelligent and substantial mystery. Highly recommended.
and
52. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Makes me want to call my favorite professor! I miss her.
In progress: Untangling my chopsticks by Victoria Abbott Riccardi
I loved the way this crime novel, set in Iceland, steadily unfolded to its climax. The pacing was perfect. Erlendur, the lead detective and main character, deals with his personal problems while peeling away at the layers of what initially seems to be a random act of violence. Intelligent and substantial mystery. Highly recommended.
and
52. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Makes me want to call my favorite professor! I miss her.
In progress: Untangling my chopsticks by Victoria Abbott Riccardi
31omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 53. Untangling my chopsticks by Victoria Abbott Riccardi
Entertaining nonfiction book about time the author spent studying the esoteric art of tea kaiseki in Kyoto in the 80s. Included a heavy dose of "slice of life" and less about the food tradition (though the included recipes appear to be simply written and appealing), at least that's how it seemed to me. I enjoyed the narrative, but could not shake the impression the author left on me during her appearance on one of the earliest episodes (if not the first episode) of "Iron Chef America." Her personality rubbed me the wrong way, and although I liked the book, I could not detach it from the image of her on the show. Unfortunate.
In progress: The broken shore by Peter Temple
Entertaining nonfiction book about time the author spent studying the esoteric art of tea kaiseki in Kyoto in the 80s. Included a heavy dose of "slice of life" and less about the food tradition (though the included recipes appear to be simply written and appealing), at least that's how it seemed to me. I enjoyed the narrative, but could not shake the impression the author left on me during her appearance on one of the earliest episodes (if not the first episode) of "Iron Chef America." Her personality rubbed me the wrong way, and although I liked the book, I could not detach it from the image of her on the show. Unfortunate.
In progress: The broken shore by Peter Temple
32omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 54. The broken shore by Peter Temple
I seem to be taking a trip around the world via crime novels. This leg took me to Australia and the desk of Det. Joe Cashin. Coming off a tough time in the city, he's sent to a small town to recuperate, but life doesn't stay quiet for long. Temple's mystery evolves and unfolds, starting off as a story of tense race relations and ending up as something entirely darker. Very, very enjoyable.
In progress: Hide and seek by Ian Rankin
I seem to be taking a trip around the world via crime novels. This leg took me to Australia and the desk of Det. Joe Cashin. Coming off a tough time in the city, he's sent to a small town to recuperate, but life doesn't stay quiet for long. Temple's mystery evolves and unfolds, starting off as a story of tense race relations and ending up as something entirely darker. Very, very enjoyable.
In progress: Hide and seek by Ian Rankin
33omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 55. Hide and seek by Ian Rankin
My second go-round with Inspector John Rebus. I must say, of all the detectives I've encountered in books, Rebus remains the most impenetrable. His motives and logic often elude me, although that does not stop me from enjoying the mystery as a whole. He veers wildly between cockiness and paralyzing doubt, physical weakness and moments of near-superhuman ability. I'm curious to see if/how his relationships with other characters, such as Brian and Gill, develop in later books. That means I'll just have to keep reading the series... oh, well. :)
In progress: Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
My second go-round with Inspector John Rebus. I must say, of all the detectives I've encountered in books, Rebus remains the most impenetrable. His motives and logic often elude me, although that does not stop me from enjoying the mystery as a whole. He veers wildly between cockiness and paralyzing doubt, physical weakness and moments of near-superhuman ability. I'm curious to see if/how his relationships with other characters, such as Brian and Gill, develop in later books. That means I'll just have to keep reading the series... oh, well. :)
In progress: Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
34omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 56. Bangkok 8 by John Burdett
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I bought this book, but what I read certainly wasn't it. It's not that I dislike the book. It's really hard to put my finger on what exactly about it simply didn't click for me. The characters - Sonchai, Kimberley Jones, et al - never appealed to me. I found Sonchai's frequent asides about past lives and karma more distracting than enriching. I thought Burdett used characters as an excuse to expound on his theories of West vs. East, Thai society and other topics. I suppose the story's subject matter and ending were titillating and all that, but it isn't enough just to be provocative. Not my cup of tea.
In progress: Sharp objects by Gillian Flynn
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I bought this book, but what I read certainly wasn't it. It's not that I dislike the book. It's really hard to put my finger on what exactly about it simply didn't click for me. The characters - Sonchai, Kimberley Jones, et al - never appealed to me. I found Sonchai's frequent asides about past lives and karma more distracting than enriching. I thought Burdett used characters as an excuse to expound on his theories of West vs. East, Thai society and other topics. I suppose the story's subject matter and ending were titillating and all that, but it isn't enough just to be provocative. Not my cup of tea.
In progress: Sharp objects by Gillian Flynn
35omphaloskepsis
Just finished: 57. Sharp objects by Gillian Flynn
This was entertaining and not half as gruesome as I think others made it out to be (or maybe I'm just numbed by the violence of everyday modern life?). I did think that the characters were way over the top, to the point of stretching the suspension of disbelief. I certainly hope no town like this exists anywhere. But then I guess that's why they call it fiction.
In progress (maybe the last book of the year!): 58. The nasty bits by Anthony Bourdain
This was entertaining and not half as gruesome as I think others made it out to be (or maybe I'm just numbed by the violence of everyday modern life?). I did think that the characters were way over the top, to the point of stretching the suspension of disbelief. I certainly hope no town like this exists anywhere. But then I guess that's why they call it fiction.
In progress (maybe the last book of the year!): 58. The nasty bits by Anthony Bourdain
36omphaloskepsis
Just finished: The nasty bits by Anthony Bourdain
The last book of 2008! I can't wait to read the words 2009 will bring to me. I'm super-excited about the new year already.
If you've seen any of Bourdain's TV shows, you know exactly what's in this book. In fact, you've probably heard most of these stories. There's lots of his take on the myth of the sex, drugs and rock n' roll lifestyle of his noble, revered professional kitchen worker. Some stuff is interesting, some gets old the third, fourth time you read it. Bourdain is cool, but he's starting to repeat himself in his old age.
I'm ready for 2009!
The last book of 2008! I can't wait to read the words 2009 will bring to me. I'm super-excited about the new year already.
If you've seen any of Bourdain's TV shows, you know exactly what's in this book. In fact, you've probably heard most of these stories. There's lots of his take on the myth of the sex, drugs and rock n' roll lifestyle of his noble, revered professional kitchen worker. Some stuff is interesting, some gets old the third, fourth time you read it. Bourdain is cool, but he's starting to repeat himself in his old age.
I'm ready for 2009!
37omphaloskepsis
58 books for the year, which is 8 more than I aimed for. I feel really good about my total for 2008, and I'll certainly try to better that number next year.
