Books. Lots of Them.

Trying to catch up on book reviews I've missed sharing...

Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith :: (Okay, I'm actually not quite finished, but...) The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is so refreshing to read. Cultural insight, gems of wisdom, well-written yet simple, humorous, witty. For me, the books are perfect when I'm craving something light and entertaining but don't want to feel as if I'm wasting my time.

Light in the Window by Jan Karon :: Another series for light, entertaining reading without guilt. This is the second book in the Mitford series, and I was determined to just sit back and enjoy. No picking it apart or thinking too much. And that's exactly what I did. Lovely, except I was a little disappointed at the ending. After the author allowed us to partake in so many small details of the romance, why on earth did she leave out the proposal, engagement, and wedding?!!

The Trumpeter of Krakow by Eric P. Kelly :: An interesting Newberry Medal winner, published in 1928. The Trumpeter of Krakow is set in 1460 Poland. I found the book worthwhile and well-written, but not necessarily a page-turner.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins :: Now this was a page-turner. In fact, I couldn't stop turning pages and finished it in one day. I told Russ that he would like it, but not to start it that evening. He came to bed at 4 am.

An astonishing thing I've learned about myself in the past few years: I enjoy futuristic novels. Even distopian novels as long as there is some hope woven into the story. I've loved The Giver trilogy, Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, and Ender's Game. (But LOATHED 1984.) The Hunger Games was recommended by both my friend, Trish, at What Came Down Today and Seth at Collateral Bloggage. I realize that this book will not be many of my readers' cup of tea. Teenage gladiators in a future, not-so-pleasant world. I'm waiting for the second book at the library, but I won't be picking it up until I have a day with no other obligations. (When is that, again?)

Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card :: What was I saying about futuristic novels? Oh, yeah, I like them! I read Ender's Game a year or two ago. It was so far out of my box, that I felt like I'd been knocked senseless by a blow to the head. The problem (well, my problem) with reading about times and places so far from my experience is that I have to completely dive in, immersing myself in the experience. I have a difficult time getting started (what with either three million interruptions during the day or a foggy head at night). Then, once I'm in deep, I have a hard time coming up for air (or wiping noses and fixing grilled-cheese sandwiches...). Anyway, I loved Ender's Game, primarily for the way Ender's astonishing leadership skills developed and played out. (The same reason I fell in love with Watership Down, even though it is, shockingly, a book about rabbits.)

A few people have told me that, as much as they liked Ender's Game, the sequel, Speaker for the Dead, was their favorite. While I enjoyed the book, my favorite moments were the ones with Ender....and there just weren't quite enough of those.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde :: Strange, strange story. But I now feel slightly more culturally literate. So, there.

The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald :: I read this one aloud to Levi. It was fun to revisit an old favorite from my childhood, and really well-written children's books are even better when read as an adult. This is one of them. We're looking forward to reading The Princess and Curdie.

Scarlet Feather by Maeve Binchy :: This was a really long book which I was determined was going to get better, or even get going. It didn't. Sigh.

Bidding for Love by Katie Fforde :: Meh. I enjoyed the author's Highland Fling much more, though neither were a great use of my time.




I think that catches us up to date. I have so many books on my stack. It is growing much faster than I am reading. Upon recent reflection, though, I think I read an average of 2-4 books a year in the early years of my marriage. I weep for that wasted time! Starting book club in 2004 was a huge jump-start to my new reading life. I read almost every book club selection, but only a couple additional books during the year.

It wasn't until I started this blog at the beginning of 2007 and joined a seasonal reading challenge that my reading turned into a life of its own. And this year, even with a lull in the middle, I will have read over 50 books! I'm not reading just to cross books of my list or bump up my numbers, but I'm really proud of what I have accomplished! I've read classics, non-fiction, children's fiction, YA books, science fiction, fantasy, mysteries, romances, old books, new books, short books, long books. And it feels good.

My reading list for 2010 is taking shape. I urge you to think about being intentional with your reading. Make a list. Even if it is only 5 or 10 books long. My own list is intentionally ambitious. I know that I won't read every book (I certainly didn't this year), and that I will end up reading several books not listed, but that's okay!

I'll be posting my reading round-up for 2009 as well as my reading list for 2010 during the last week of December. Want to join me?

Why Read? Reading is a sage way to bump up against life. Reading may be an escape, but it is not escape from my own life and problems. It is escape from the narrow boundaries of being only me. Reading in some wonderful way helps me find out who I am. When she was a young girl Patricia MacLachlan's mother urged her to "read a book and find out who you are." And it is true that in some way reading defines me as it refines me. Reading enlarges my vision of the world; it helps me understand someone who is different from me. It makes me bigger on the inside. We tend to see the world from our own perspective; it is good to see it from the eyes of others. Good literature helps me understand who I am in relation to what others experience. Far from being an escape from reality, good literature is a window into reality. I read to feel life.

~Gladys Hunt, Honey for a Woman's Soul