If I was truly Bookish, I'd have figured out the number of pages per day!
Inspired by Cathi and her new Pen and Pink endeavor, I am going to start posting more in depth posts about my reading. While knitting may be my buoy, reading is my anchor. I love to read, absolutely love it. I cannot take books out of the library (eh, hem...I STILL have the Knitters Guide to finishing techniques and two Plum books out. We get DAILY phone calls from the Boston Public Library. They have a scary recorded system. "This - is --- the --- Boston ---- Public --- Library. ---- Wen--day---Blah blah blah." I swear, it is almost enough to scare me in to returning them!) because I must own them. I prefer used to new. In my opinion used books have more of a soul and I almost always find a relic of the book's former life in its pages. A picture, airline stub, a grocery list. Finding these pieces of life left in a book makes the whole experience of finding and reading a used book so romantic. I love to give books as gifts and have yet to determine if it is tacky to give a used book. My gut tells me yes, only because others do not necessarily feel as I do. However, if I know you like them you will most certainly get one from me!
Reading is a very organic process for me. I used to have a section on my sidebar - "On the bookshelf" - a list of books that I was going to read next. Try as I may I cannot prescribe to this mode. My desire for a book changes with the wind. As I get into a book I become consumed and rarely stray from book monogamy (this past year has been one huge frustrating exception to this rule.) When I finish a book the taste in my mouth, the smell in the air, or the feeling in my body makes me choose a book. I cannot stick to a list. The one time this rule does not apply is to my book club books. I belong to a local book club and I love that these talented woman tell me what to read when.
What can I say? I am a picture of contradictions.
In 2005 I read quite a bit. Here is the short list, as far as I can remember it:
Shop Girl by Steve Martin
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey**
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole**
Eleven on Top by Janet Evanovich
Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
Devil in the White City by Eric Larson
The Partly Cloudy Patriot by Sarah Vowell
To The Nines by Janet Evanovich
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich
Seven Up by Janet Evanovich
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich
High Five by Janet Evanovich
Four to Score by Janet Evanovich
Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich
Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich
The Human Stain by Phillip Roth**
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan
So Many Books, So Little Time: A Year of Passionate Reading by Sara Nelson
Truth & Beauty: A Friendship by Ann Patchett
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Something Rising (Light and Swift) by Haven KimmelReading is a very organic process for me. I used to have a section on my sidebar - "On the bookshelf" - a list of books that I was going to read next. Try as I may I cannot prescribe to this mode. My desire for a book changes with the wind. As I get into a book I become consumed and rarely stray from book monogamy (this past year has been one huge frustrating exception to this rule.) When I finish a book the taste in my mouth, the smell in the air, or the feeling in my body makes me choose a book. I cannot stick to a list. The one time this rule does not apply is to my book club books. I belong to a local book club and I love that these talented woman tell me what to read when.
What can I say? I am a picture of contradictions.
In 2005 I read quite a bit. Here is the short list, as far as I can remember it:
** - Books read for my real-life Book Club.
I'm pretty sure I'm forgetting some there. There are about 32 titles there or 2.5 books a month. Wow. That is quite a bit more than I had thought. However, the Janet Evanovich Books don't count in my book (ha! puns are fun!) so, in reality, I read 20 books or about 1.5 books per month. What a good little Bookish Girl I am.
My favorite of the bunch? Hmmm, cannot pick one. They are like my babies each with their own personalities and quirks. I would say that reading Murder on the Orient Express brought me to a new place in my reading. It started me off on a quest for mystery type novels with quirky characters. The Plum novels totally brought that thirst to a very serious disease. I enjoyed reading these but the last one brought a lot of eye rolling in its general direction. Not because it was any worse than the others, or less interesting. It just finally got old, and predictable, and irritating. I will still seek out another series of book-candy but will try to steer clear of the "I have a template that I'm using for every book and you'll like it dammit" authors.
As far as book-candy goes. This is the first year in my reading career that I have sought out such a thing. It is a strange beast and I need to process it more before I can define or understand the appeal. For now, it is defined as a book I know will leave me feeling light, a sure bet, something that won't throw a punch or leave me aching (A Million Little Pieces is the opposite of book-candy. The book is blatant in its gut hitting angst, it doesn't hid from it and will leave you groggy.) As I get older I find more of a need for these sure-bets. I am not entirely sure why. It has happened with my movie watching as well.
On to the first finished book of 2006 (the bulk of this was read in 2005):
The first book that I finished in 2006 was Devil in the White City (borrowed from the lovely Elisa.) I listened to the first half of this courtesy of my ipod and aubible.com (love that site.) I like listening to books, but have discovered that only the book-candy books are really good this way (another reason why book-candy needs to find a way into my reading list, I love to listen to books during my commute.) Devil in the White City is non-fiction written like fiction. It was meticulous in its facts and scenes set during the Chicago World's Fair in the late 19th century. I found it interesting and would recommend it to someone who enjoys history or who has lived in or around Chicago. However, I did not love it and would not read it again (in the book's defense, there are only about a dozen books that I would ever read again. I'm not a big re-reader.) It was a bit dull in places and repetitive. It did present a wonderful sense of place (one of the qualities I love to see in my books) and made me wish that our world still had the wonder of discovery. Such as the wonder found in riding, or seeing, the first Ferris Wheel. It also made me thankful that although our world may be a bit heavy on the communication (phones, newspapers, Internet) at least it's easy for us to figure out if someone is "missing", "dead", or "on vacation in Europe."
The book that I'm finishing right now is Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. As I mentioned above, 2005 was also the first year that I fell prey to the multiple book on the night stand syndrome. I guess that I thought if it worked with my knitting maybe it would work with my books. Not. so. much. Jonanthan Strange was a victim in this arrangement. He kept getting pushed aside. Only 75 pages left!
posted by Bookish Wendy at 1/12/2006
40 Comments:
I would certainly appreciate continuing reviews. I'm always on the lookout for something new and interesting (at least new to me, not necessary the market). The Amazon "people who bought this also bought...." is getting a little less creative. I think I'm going to start keeping track of what I've read. I like that approach.
Have you tried "Ella Minnow Pea"? Interesting proposition, that I'm only part way through...can't wait to see how the author spins out the premise.
What do the asteriks mean? (Did I spell that right? I never can spell that word. Astericks? No that's not right either.)
Can't believe your actually going to finish Strange. Let me know k? Oh and I started Kavelier & Clay per you and so far so good. I'm like fifty pages in.
L, Me
Did you not LOVE LOVE LOVE Time Traveller's Wife? So, what's your thought on the controversy now over A Million Little Pieces? I had this on my "to read" list but now I'm not so sure.
When it comes to mysteries with great characters, I love Anne Perry. Her books are set in Victorian London and she has two different series: the Thomas and Charlotte Pitt ones (which tend to have place names in the titles) and the William Monk and Hester Latterly ones. They're perfect for Audible. They're well-researched and well-written.
Also good for Audible, though I've never tried them in actual book form, are Sue Grafton's Alphabet series.
I tried listening to both the Devil in the White City and Jonathan Strange through Audible--each of them a couple of times--but couldn't do it. I'll give them another shot on paper.
I know I just sent emails to you guys (cause I have them, sorry stephanie, i don't have one for you!) but I thought it would be good to put my responses here.
Laurie - I'm a bit intimidated by the review process. Most of what I think of books comes out with discussion. I'm a very - hey, i read it, it was good - type of person on the outside. Start to ask me questions and you won't shut me up! l-o-m-n-p....
I've seen this one...and you know - I just "got" the title. Such a dummy, I am. It sounds like a really interesting premise. I like "sci-fi" novels (for lack of a better description.) It is fun to explore normal human behavior in a world where we, as the reader, do not have preconceived notions. Two great books that explore this idea - blindness by jose sarmamago and the sparrow by mary doria russell (who also just published a fab book - a thread of grace. not sci-fi - history...so good.)
Cara - Oh, i'll have to fix that. Books that I read for my book club. The real life one. I finished Strange last night. I liked it. It was epic though and hard to penetrate for that reason. I wonder if I should blame the author or myself? I also listened to the first half. I definitely enjoyed reading it better..created a better vision in my head. Love K&C with all my heart. That is one book I would read again. Did I tell you hubby ripped it down the spine?
Carole - did love Time Traveller's Wife. I admire the authors ability to switch between the points of time so seamlessly and without confusion. Incredible talent there. The story itself was sweet and tinged with just enough squishy heart stuff. Not too over done. It's definitely a book I recommend.
I haven't seen anything about Frey since that story first broke a few days ago. Honestly, I never look at memoirs as pure non-fiction. No one remembers their life exactly as it happens AND add to that the fact the man was high for most of it you get a lot of butter there. Additionally, he's writing for an audience - that was readily apparent in the book. So, I figured that he embellished a little. It's his right. I don't think it takes away from the power of his story. How he felt is how you feel - that was his goal. The methods he used to make you feel that way shouldn't have to be held to the fire. Having said that, I'm a big fan of reader manipulation. Henry James is my fav for this! Also - Million Little Pieces was good - but not deserving of the kind of sales it's had. It sold well before Oprah, but Oprah's fawning over it makes me want to barf (and I like Oprah and what she's done for books!)
stephanie - I have officially added those mysteries to my list. Thank you! Now, I just have to pay off my library fines and I can get them (so poor.) See my comment to Cara above...I think you should try to read those and not listen - they do not lend themselves well to verbal communication.
I listened to the World is Flat on my I-pod and really liked it. I can't seem to get back to March: A Novel (Geraldine Brooks) because I don't remember where I last left off. But, I am enjoying the story - it is about the father from Little Women who is away in the Civil War during LM Alcott's book.
On my nightstand: The Queen's Fool by Phillipa Gregory for my book club. Little Women, which I've never actually read, The Devil in the White City and The Crimson Petal and the White, which stalled about 1/2 through. Will have to try again.
Loved your list, totally get book-candy. I find Jennifer Weiner's books are book candy that don't make you feel sick afterwards (Shopaholic series, did for me).
yay you're back!
sorry girl -- listening to books ain't reading. just my point of view.
having said that -- i read maybe 5 books last year -- so sad i know.
Amy - have March on my book shelf. Can you believe I never read Little Women? I've seen the movie 800 times. I cannot get over how young Elizabeth Taylor is in it!
You're all in the same time period there with that stack. I haven't read any that you mention, with the exception of Devil in the White City (obviously.) The thick English (they are set in England, right?) books haven't yet made their way to me. I don't know why, but they scare me ;)
I have Watermelon, that's a Jennifer Weiner right?
Maryse - I know! I've had this same debate with myself and I, in the end, determined that it is reading. It is the exact communication of a book (unlike a movie, which is an adaptation.) Therefore, it sooooo counts.
I don't read as much as I used to, but I still get a thrill when our local library electronic voice calls, mispronounces my name and tells me that the material I requested is available for pick-up. This is usually followed by a call from the very same electronic voice 3 weeks later about some over due material that gives me a different kind of thrill.
We're similar readers, I see, so I'll be checking back to see what you're onto next. I'm about to dive into the Laurie R. King mysteries (Martine very helpfully gave me the order recently here). I find audiobooks are helpful when doing chores, too. As for Maryse's comment, I read an article about this in the NYT (not that I can remember what it said) and just don't care about the debate--especially because most of my listening is "lighter" fare and I scarcely count that as reading anyway. It's still way different than watching TV or listening to any type of radio and that's what matters to me.
"It also made me thankful that although our world may be a bit heavy on the communication (phones, newspapers, Internet) at least it's easy for us to figure out if someone is "missing", "dead", or "on vacation in Europe.""
Heck yeah, I thought the same thing when reading that!
and do you keep a list as you read, or do you remember all of that?!
I keep a database of all the books I read plus a mini review/synopsis. I read so many series (and *most* series will eventually fall into a pattern/template whatever (imnsho)) that I sometimes forget which books I've read.
I'm bummed that you didn't love "Devil in the White City"...I dreamt about it more than once. :)
I thought your aversion to the library was interesting: I love the library because there are little bits and pieces of the previous readers in the books. I really miss the old sign-out card system, where you could see who had read the book before you. Technology's great and all, but it took that one little way of making a personal connection away from us.
I didn't know you could listen to books on an iPod--now I have a reason to get one! Although I don't absorb information as well through my ears as through my eyes (and my hearing's not what it used to be), so maybe I should stick with paper.
What are you thoughts on a Million Little Pieces now that the word is out that he pretty much made most of it up?
I haven't read it - it was recommended to me and the news came out just as I was about to pick it up. Now that it is known to be a work of fiction, I am wordering how that will change my experience as a reader.
Oh, and if you want Mysteries that are hysterical and witty and light, but not fluff, try Sarah Caudwell.
Have you read any Terry Pratchett yet? He is my latest author to follow. I own 10 or so & have found another 10 or so from the library & haven't found him formulic yet. He is also great to listen to if can be found on tape. Same with the Laurie King's Mary Russell books. Sherlock Holmes with a fresh voice. I just finished Debbie macombers' The Shop on Blossom Street & wished I had checked out A Good Yarn when I had the chance.
Hi Bookish W!
I see from your list that we have very similar taste in books; I have read about 90% of what you read in 2005. In fact, perhaps I'll post my own list now, just to compare.
I know what you mean about book candy. As I get older, I am enjoying "lighter" books more and more. I read the Plum books until I burnt out at about #9. I recommend the Laurie R. King Mary Russell series (not funny, but satisfying and fun) and if you like old school myseries (a la Christie) John Dickson Carr is the "master of the locked room" mystery. Also, I LOVE Bill Bryson's travel narratives, like A Walk in the Woods or In A Sunburnt Country. Very funny.
Just my two cents; glad you are posting again!
I'd second the Weiner for book candy - she did not write Watermelon (Marian Keyes did), but Keyes' books are good too. Weiner wrote "Good in Bed" and "In Her Shoes." All of hers are great - I love them.
If you want a mystery with a bit more meat, I'd recommend Sara Paretsky (Blacklist is my favorite), Linda Fairstein (Bone Vault is great), and Kathy Reichs. These are authors that give me my mystery "fix," but are thought provoking as well. Ayelet Waldman's mystery series is good book candy too (and she's married to Chabon!). BTW, I *heart* K&C too - I reread it at least every other year, and I've been itching too in the past few days. We own the hardback and paperback copies, in case we both want to read it at the same time! Nerds!
Hey Wendy,
Happy New Year! Love the post. First, based on the Bookish Girl's recommendation, I recently finished JE's Metro Girl -- pretty light, but fun too!
You must read "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls. Must. I also recently finished "Prep" and really enjoyed it. I read those two back-to-back and haven't found anything that compelling in the last few weeks. Oh - I also read that Sara Nelson book, "So Many Books. . ." -- found it interesting too. I have a similar book on request from the library. (And I must be the only knitblogger to not like Time Traveler's Wife, but I just couldn't get into the male character -- he kind of freaked me out.)
Wendy,
Thanks so much for posting a list of your reading. It always helps to find out what others enjoyed as books.
One of my favorite books ever is "A Confederacy of Dunces" so I was happy to see that on your list. I need to reread it. It's been a few years (a decade). Heh.
If you like quirky characters, may I recomment "Lamb, The Gospel of Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal"? It's written by Christopher Moore and is, well, it defies description, but I loved it.
Have you tried Jilly Cooper for book candy? The most excellent thing I've come across is Sam West reading her 'The Man who Made Husbands Jealous'. Not recommended when driving though. Too distracting. ~x~
Fab post, I love hearing about what other people are reading. The book-candy thing made me crack up. I've found out that even my prim English profs read them. I'm making my way through Jennifer Weiner's Good In Bed right now. Just finished Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden and LOVED it. How's the knitted tetrahymena coming along? :-)
Those are so great book reads for the year. I didn't keep a list of my reads for the year, but I'm planning on doing that this year. An author I really enjoy in the mystery field that's set in early 20th century Egypt is Elizabeth Peters. The Amelia Peabody series is wonderful, set in Egypt with archaelogical dig site. It is a series, but doesn't take the silly turns like the JE one did. And I like Stephanie Plum character alot, but towards the last 2-3, it began to get stale. And that does happen with series, but sometimes they come back and surprise you with a great next book. I also really like Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Isabel Allende.
I LOVE used books...and bookstores. If you come across the Hearing Trumpet by Leonora Carrington, let me know. Outta print, dontcha know.
Audio books totally count.
Oooh, I think the last 100-200 pages of Jonathon Strange and Mr Norell were the best part of the book.
I second Kathy's recommendation of Glass Castle.
If you like mysteries set in England you might also enjoy Elizabeth George.
Ooh, just remembered... I need to add Gaiman's Nansi Boys to MY list!
I saw your post about the books that you read for 2005. I am setting a similar goal for myself. As a 6th grade teacher I find myself reading YA books quite often. I am looking for someone who would like to read similar books and possibly start up a reading club. Does this interest you? Let me know by visiting my blog at http://kelbrown.blogspot.com. Thanks.
Pssst: you can get The Knitter's Book of Finishing Techniques here:http://product.half.ebay.com/The-Knitters-Book-of-Finishing-Techniques_W0QQprZ2285871QQtgZinfo for your very own! Fifteen bucks -- probably less than you owe in overdue fines! (LOL)
P.S. Take the book back! The whole point of libraries, is that EVERYBODY gets a chance to use the books! (twenty years of library work made me say that)
Okay, before I say anything I'll warn you that I mostly skimmed and then I didn't read the comments so if I am reapeating......
Anywho-mysteries with quirky characters, I love the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. I love this series, the first couple of books are kind of a warm up and in some the "mystery" isn't as strong as others, but the characters are so funny and engaging. The first book in the series is Crocodile on the Sandbank. Let me know if you try them.
What a nice book list. I also agree with your thoughts on used books... They really do possess something unique. I wish I read as much as I used to; however, knitting takes over much of my reading time now. I am sure you will find lots of new and wonderful reads in 2006.
If I really wanted to do that much math, I could figure out how many pages I read in 2005--for the first time ever, I jotted down the length of the books on my "done" list. (Usually, just title, author, and a note whether it's a new book, as opposed to a re-read.) But since I read 330 books last year and didn't keep a running tally, that's just way too much addition all at once!
I'd cast a vote for the Amelia Peabody mysteries, too. Ramses Emerson is one of my all-time favorite characters. Ever.
And about new/used books? I personally prefer new--I like to be the first person to crack them open, and I like to wear them in myself. I do reread my books and I like that I can tell just by the state of the book how many times I've read it--because it doesn't matter how careful you are, eventually the spine is going to crack. I can understand that people prefer used ones, but not me--I like my stuff to be new when I get it. And, for gifts? Unless you're talking First Editions, I'd say giving used verges on being a faux pas.
My favorites for the year, if you're interested, are here: http://chappysmom.typepad.com/bookworm/2006/01/favorite_books_.html
I'd be curious to hear what you thought of the Wodehouse- I've been thinking about reading one for a while.
And I know you're buddies with them, have you read the M/D essay about how Kay was convinced that Ann was Ann Patchett? Very cute.
Nice list of authors - about the only one I don't read is the Stephanie Plum series, which for some inexplicable reason I just can't get into. Sue Grafton's Alphabet series is easy mystery reading too. (A is for Alibi, etc.)
Have you ever visited Chick Lit? www.chicklit.com It's a site started by Deborah, one of the contributors to Television Without Pity. They're a pretty well read group over there. The Devil in the White City was one of last winters non fiction selections.
totally O.T.
Did you ever see the Cane toad documentary? Well the scene where the VW bus is swerving down the road trying to hit as many toads as possible sums up the Kiwi feeling against possum.
possums are bad, bad animals whose population is continuing to explode. They are eating the poor native animals out of house and home. They must be destroyed. There are many ways to destroy them...possum wool is one of the more attractive ways....plus I love knitting with this yarn, it feels great, knits smoothly, doesn't split....there is a little defuzzing going on like angora though.
O.T. stands for Off Topic (in other words warning you that I am not talking about your post or anyones comments).
The Cane toad documentary is a classic Aussie video...a little bit out there...
Howdy, Wendy. (I can say howdy cause i went to a rodeo yesterday...) Anyway! Wow, what a list. I can't believe you're reading Jonathan strange, et. al. That was one of the first books in years I couldn't finish- just never got into it. Chick Lit aka book candy can be fun, in its place. I just got an iPod, so I'll have to try out that "listen on the way to work" thingy.
PS I like used books as well, but that could because I am cheap;-) Actually, I get loads of my books at thrift stores- it's like a treasure hunt every time.
I like new books because I rarely get to have them. There is something to be said for unearthing a cool book at the annual library book sale, though.
You definitely come by the name of your blog honestly! I am the polar opposite of you. I read THREE books last year, and I think two of them would probably be considered book-candy: the most recent Harry Potter book and the most recent Traveling Pants book. I didn't get around to reading "Wuthering Heights" with my 12 yo; luckily she managed just fine without my help.
There are years where I don't read anything but magazines and my Bible. This has been a conscious choice, though. I get so absorbed in novels that I ignore the other responsibilities that I have. Now that my kids are older, I plan to read more and be a better example to my kids.
It's great to find someone else who loves books and reading with the same passion! I found you via the Yarn Harlot via Sheep In The City.
(my other LJ is http://nstynittinnymph.livejournal.com)
BTW, do you know about Chicklits.com? Excellent site!
(of course, I meant to say, "who loves books and reading with the same passion for knitting...")
Just found my way here, though I have known of you and probably visited before. Books, I love books and am always willing to throw in my 2 cents on what I found to be good reading.
If you find yourself looking for something new if you haven't read Kate Atkinson, give her a try. Her most recent book is nominally a mystery, so it may be a good extension of the mysteries you were reading last year. What else? Hmm, have you read Nicole Krauss's The History of Love? Or, Saturday? I liked that much, much better than Atonement.
It was great fun reading your reading list!
Post a Comment
<< Home