Challenge: 50 Books discussion
Finish Line 2009!
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Kate's 2009 Challenge
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26. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman27. Uglies by Scott Westerfield
I'm reading both for a another club's summer reading challenge. I don't normally read books in the YA/Fantasy/Sci-fi genres, but these were so good, I had trouble deciding which to pick up, since I was reading them at the same time. I'm definitely going to the next book for both series.
28. The Subtle Knife by Philip PullmanI think I liked this one better than the Golden Compass, although I missed Iorek Byrnison, and I'm glad he's back in the final book. I'm reading The Amber Spyglass now, and I'm a little curious to see how they are going to put such controversial topics into the movie versions and not be totally blown out of the water by The Religious Right.
29. Whiteout: Lost in Aspen by Ted ConoverTed Conover is an investigative journalist who throws himself into situations and then writes books about them. I came across him when I had to read his book Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing for a class, where he decided to become a corrections officer in a high security prison for a year. I really enjoyed his writing style and insight, so I picked up this one, where he lived in Aspen for 2 years and wrote the history, lives, and personalities that go along with the famous ski resort town. He wrote it back in 1991, so some of it is a little dated, like all the hype around John Denver and the New Age stuff, but his humor is so subtle and deadpan that I found myself unexpectedly laughing out loud. Really enjoyed this one, and I plan on reading his other 2 books about him riding the rails with hoboes and living with illegal immigrant workers in the southwest.
32. How Novels Work by John MullanI read this for another goodreads group challenge. I haven't taken an English/Literature course since high school, so this was a good refresher on literary style and technique. Really not boring at all, like I was expecting. Very readable.
33. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark HaddonThis book has been on my TBR list for awhile, but I've never brought myself to pick it up. Then John Mullan discussed it in How Novels Work (See #32 above), and I finally decided to go for it. I thought it was a fascinating look into the mind of an autistic person, and very clever how the narration does not relay or describe anyone's feelings b/c the Christopher the narrator cannot perceive these things. You, as the reader, pick up on when a character is frustrated or confused by Christopher based on the their words and movements, and at the same time you know that Christopher himself does not realize how the other person is feeling. It makes the reader somewhat interactive.
35. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher StoweA classic that everyone should read at least once in his life.
36. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey NiffeneggerAn amazing book.
37. The Giver by Lois Lowry
38. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
39. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
40. Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss
41. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
42. When You Are Engulfed in Flames by David SedarisOne of his three best works, along with Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day. Absolutely hilarious.
43. The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThis was a totally addictive book. As soon as I got home from work last night I sat down and read the last 250 pages. I couldn't tear myself away, and I can't wait to buy Catching Fire this weekend and see what happens next.
44. Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood by Jennifer TraigThis is Traig's memoir of growing up with OCD and Scrupulosity, a religious variation of OCD. The book was interesting, and Traig was very witty and self-deprecating in her humor, but the humor in the book was almost too much, as if every line had to have a punch line to it. It got to the point that I began to question the validity of her story: did it really happen that way, or was she sacrificing some truth just to get an extra laugh?
45. Catching Fire by Suzanne CollinsI think I liked this one better than The Hunger Games.
46. The Road by Cormac McCarthyI hadn't really heard much comment on this book before reading it. The writing is so stark and minimalistic that at first you feel like something is missing and it's going to be boring, but the writing plays off of the setting and the solitude of the characters so well, that you can get engrossed in the story without even realizing it. There aren't many books like this one.
47. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz ZafonI read this for another book club's monthly read. I never would have picked it up otherwise, but this was a really great book. It really reminded me of a Spanish version of The Count of Monte Cristo (one of my absolute favorites) the way all the families are so historically intertwined without even really realizing it and the way characters wait decades to exact revenge. It started out a little slow, and there were a few parts where Zafon made it a little convenient for himself to bring certain secret details to light, but overall it was a fantastic story of love, loss, jealousy, and revenge -- and all centering around a book and its author. What could be better?
48. Pretties by Scott WesterfeldNot nearly as good as Uglies, but I'll still finish out the series. I do want to see how it ends.
49. The Book Thief by Markus ZusakThis was so beautifully written and such a wonderful story of discovering love and friendship during such a horrible time. I cried. This shoudl be required reading in schools.
50. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Another usual Dan Brown book. There were a few twists I did not see coming, but a few that I got from the first few chapters. Nothing spine-tingling, but fast-paced enough to keep me reading.
51. The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell
I never read this when I was a kid, and when I was at my mom's a few weeks ago, I picked it up from my brother's old bookshelf. It was a really good story. And I had no idea that it was based on an actual woman who lived on an island alone for 18 years. Unbelievable.
52. The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn ParkhurstI just finished this book 10 minutes ago, and I'm not entirely sure where I stand on it. I definitely enjoyed it.
It started out as a sweet, melancholy story of a man mourning the death of his wife. He tells the story of how they meet, and how, in not so many words, he realizes his life hadn't begun until then. But the widower, a very likeable character, gets this obsessive idea that he can teach his wife's dog, the sole witness to her death, to speak so she can tell him what happened. From here, it justs gets a little too creepy for my taste, culminating in the man getting involved in a criminal group that uses more...medical approaches to reaching his same goal. I read that part of the book before going to sleep last night, and I have to say I didn't really want to turn the lights out after that. But the book finishes conveniently with all the ends tied up and everyone happy (or as happy as can be) and the bad guys caught.
I don't know, I did get caught up in the characters and the marriage. The book was very readable and accessible. But that one part haunts me. But maybe that's a sign of a good book, no? That it sticks with you after you've finished it?
I only wish goodreads would let me give it 3.5 stars. It deserves more than 3, but I can't bring myself to give it 4.
Kate, thanks for the in-depth review...now I am intrigued. I can relate to the 'reading before going to bed', but that's when I can do most of my reading, that and at mealtimes. There are a couple of books in your previous list that I want to check out (that you didn't write a review for) #17, #21 and the Pullman series. I saw the movie 'The Golden Compass' and can see how religious zealots could feel threatened, but after all...it's a story. And just someone's opinion.
Carol wrote: "Kate, thanks for the in-depth review...now I am intrigued. I can relate to the 'reading before going to bed', but that's when I can do most of my reading, that and at mealtimes. There are a coupl..."Death of Innocence was written by Mamie Till-Mobley, the mother of Emmitt Till, the boy whose murder in Mississippi sparked the Civil Rights movement. I personally find the Civil Rights movements one of the most inspiring eras in American History. Ms. Till-Mobley tells the story of Emmitt's short but heroic life and death in a way that only a mother can. It was a really great, but heart-wrenching, book. I will warn you that there are a few sections, particularly surrounding Emmitt's death, that were incredibly hard to get through, especially considering I read them while eating lunch. But I think this is a story that should not be forgotten.
The Dead Beat was a little disappointing. I thought it would be more of a plotline or story to the book, but it was basically just the author laying out her research and interviews with obituary writers. It was interesting to learn that obituary writing is such an art form and has a decent fan following.
The His Dark Materials series was just amazing. I highly recommend it. The Subtle Knife, the second book was my favorite, but the entire story is fantastic. The religious symbolism and discussion does get way more in depth and controversial in the last two books, so if you are sensitive on that topic, it may not be the best for you. I actually talked to a friend after I finished the series, and she told me that they won't be making any more movies out of the books for just that reason.
Kate, I was going to say that I Googled Mamie-Till Mobley and read her obituary, a past article on the Democracy Now website (Feb. 29, 2000), and a couple of other less-satisfying accounts. Perhaps I will get around to reading the book she wrote, you are right, it is a little hard to take in parts. The other one (Dead Beat, etc.) didn't get terrific reviews, but Marilyn Johnson has written another book called "This Book Is Overdue!" which is a result of her having written one about obituaries, she found the librarians' obituaries to be the most interesting. There is a whole first chapter of that book to read on a link from her website, and I think that that book would be a lot more interesting. In general she talks about how librarians are coping with fusing the new technology with the before-computers technology. Also, some stories of real-life libraries and librarians she has known. That one I think I will read.Carol
53. Everyman by Philip RothEh. But I loved The Plot Against America, so I'm not giving up on him yet.
54. The Wednesday Letters by Jason F. WrightAgain, eh.
55. Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss One Song at a Time by Rob SheffieldRob Sheffield is a writer for Rolling Stone magazine, among others. This is a memoir of his early years up to around 2002. He is a hilarious writer. I laughed out loud many times. And it was a great walk down memory lane the way he would talk about the culture of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, including how great of a movie The Cutting Edge is. I think that paragraph bumped up my review from 4 stars to 5. Be warned, though, I also bawled through an entire chapter last night. After I got a hold of myself, I was hugely grateful I wasn't in public while reading that part.
Thanks for the review, I remember those years also, as well as my favorite years, the 60's. I will have to see if my library has this book...Carol
Kate wrote: "53. Everyman by Philip RothEh. But I loved The Plot Against America, so I'm not giving up on him yet."
Is this the Philip Roth that wrote Portnoy's Complaint?
Carol wrote: "Kate wrote: "53. Everyman by Philip RothEh. But I loved The Plot Against America, so I'm not giving up on him yet."
Is this the Philip Roth that wrote Portnoy's Complaint?
"
Yep, it's the same one.
57. Sailing Alone Around the Room: New and Selected Poems by Billy Collins
58. My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud'hommeLoved it. I never watched Julia's cooking shows, but when I saw Julie and Julia, I loved her parts more than anything else. Julia's personality really came through in the book.
59. The Opposite of Love by Julie BuxbaumTotally chicklit, but I really liked it.
60. The Known World by Edward P. JonesThis is a beautifully written work centering around a black slave owner and his plantation in Manchester County, VA, in the 1850s, just a few years before the start of the Civil War. Jones has woven together a true epic. With, I do believe, every single character we meet, he tells that character's history of how he got to where he currently stands in the novel and the consequences of where the decisions he makes in the novel will take him in the future. It is amazing to see how complex and interconnected the characters lives and histories are, but, for a book of less than 400 pages, I think this was done to the detriment of the character development. While I knew everything about everyone, and while Jones told me the motivations behind many of the actions taken, none of the characters seemed much more than 2-dimensional. I did not see any emotions or motivations emanating from the characters themselves. Everyone in the book seemed to have the same level of stoicism, not only in front of other characters, but also during solitary moments when Jones let us into his/her head. I did not really connect with any of the characters or become attached to any one story line. Overall, I can see why Jones won the Pultizer, but I think there is still quite a bit to be desired.
61. Freedom For the Thought That We Hate: Tales of the First Amendment by Anthony LewisA good, basic biography of the history and evolution of the First Amendment.
62. Miss Understanding by Stephanie LessingHigh on my list of worst books I've ever read. That's all I'll say about it.
63. YOU The Owner's Manual An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger by Michael F. Roizen and Mehment C. OzVery informative.
64. Juliet, Naked by Nick HornbyThis is Hornby's newest book, and it is by far my favorite. I loved it. I really love the way Hornby creates his characters. They are by no means perfect, but they are really very likable, and the situations they get themselves into are so realistic. It was just a really, really enjoyable read.
Kate wrote: "63. YOU The Owner's Manual An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger by Michael F. Roizen and Mehment C. OzVery informative." Kate, these two authors have another book out for mothers-to-be on how to give the baby the best advantage genetically. It was fascinating to hear some 'latest findings' about how the baby's DNA 'markers' are affected by the mother's nutrition (something we probably already knew on some level) but also the baby's future children. Anyway, the book is titled 'YOU are having a baby'. This is just the connection I needed to spur me to read the book you are talking about (YOU the owners manual)...I think this is the same DR Oz that Oprah is talking about, yes?
Carol wrote: "Kate wrote: "63. YOU The Owner's Manual An Insider's Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger by Michael F. Roizen and Mehment C. OzVery informative." Kate, the..."
Yep, it's the same Dr. Oz. They actually have several different books out. I have some on my TBR list, but not the baby one since I won't be having a baby anytime soon. Although, it probably wouldn't hurt to read it if it has to do with long-term effects like you said. And all that genetic stuff is fascinating, I think.
65. Charlotte's WebI recently came across my copy of the book from elementary school when I was visiting my mom. I didn't remember the story at all, so I figured it would be good for a re-read. Definitely was.
66. Not Quite What I Was Planning Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure by the editors of Smith Magazine
67. The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston and Mario SpeziThis is the story of the serial killer that terrorized Florence in the 1970s and 1980s and the ensuing manhunt that continues to this day. The fascinating part of the story was the reckless criminal investigation conducted by the Italian police and prosecutors who ravaged the lives and reputations of so many innocent people, including the authors of this book. They became so desperate that they began to depend on the ridiculous claims of a woman who runs a conspiracy theory website, with absolutely no basis in physical evidence. This case made it quite clear how very different the Italian legal system is from that of the U.S.
A related story described in the Afterword really gave me goosebumps. The former prosecutor of the Monster case, who has himself been indicted for several crimes including abuse of office and obstruction of justice, is the lead prosecutor in the Amanda Knox case, the American student who was just found guilty of murdering her British roommate. After seeing all the lies and manipulations he is capable of asserting in order to put the Monster case to rest, I really have to wonder about Knox's case...
Needless to say, my mouth was hanging open in disbelief for the last 20 pages or so of the book last night.
Kate - I was on the fence about this book, but after reading your commentI think I will read it. Thanks!
Mary wrote: "Kate - I was on the fence about this book, but after reading your commentI think I will read it. Thanks!"Wonderful! I do want to let you know though, that the killings provide more of a background for the setting of this book. The real bulk of the story is the investigation into finding the killer and Mario Spezi's own search for the truth that parallels the police investigation. I'm not sure if that was clear from my review. But it's really a fascinating read.
68. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie BarrowsThis was a good, sweet book that made me want to live on a small isolated island where everyone knows each other. Definitely what I needed after reading about serial killers and conspiracy theories.
69. In the Woods by Tana French70. Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Challenge: 50 Books
Books mentioned in this topic
The Monster of Florence (other topics)Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure (other topics)
You: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide To The Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger (other topics)
You: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide To The Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger (other topics)
You: The Owner's Manual: An Insider's Guide To The Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger (other topics)
1. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
2. All Over But the Shoutin' by Rick Bragg
3. A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel
4. A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut
5. The Wonder Spot by Melissa Bank
6. Sudden Sea: The Great Hurricane of 1938 by R.A. Scotti
7. Such A Pretty Girl by Laura Weiss
8. How To Work For an Idiot: Survive & Thrive - Without Killing Your Boss by John Hoover (Luckily, this no longer applies to me!)
9. My Friend Leonard by James Frey
10. Dante by R.W.B. Lewis
11. The Bell Jar by Syliva Plath
12. The Plot Against America by Philip Roth
13. Number The Stars by Lois Lowry
14. What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love by Carole Radziwill
15. Family and Other Accidents by Shari Goldhagen
16. Morning Is A Long Time Coming by Bette Greene
17. Death of Innocence: The Story of The Hate Crime That Changed America by Mamie Till-Mobley
18. And The Walls Came Tumbling Down: Greatest Closing Arguments Protecting Civil Liberties by Michael S. Lief
19. Half Broken Things by Morag Joss
20. Tomcat in Love by Tim O'Brien
21. The Dead Beat: Lost Souls, Lucky Stiffs, and the Perverse Pleasures of Obituaries by Marilyn Johnson
22. The End of the Alphabet by C.S. Richardson
23. The Pleasure of My Company by Steve Martin
24. Dispatches From the Edge: A Memoir of War, Disasters, and Survival by Anderson Cooper
25. Where or When by Anita Shreve
Wow, I'm half-way there!