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I love to read. I was the kid in school whose nose was always in a book. I was the kid growing up who spent every free moment of her time reading. But with deep shame, I admit that I haven't read many books these last few years. In fact, I read a whole total of two books in all of 2012. (I know...I hang my head in shame). You would think that having read the best book of the last decade, Rules of Civility by Amor Towles, would have sparked a new reading fever. Alas....
In keeping with this rah-rah resolution theme I've got going this month, I resolve to end this literary dry spell. In 2013, I commit to reading at least 5 books this year. I renewed my library card yesterday, and purchased one book with my Chapters gift card. To add some extra public accountability, I will blog my review of each book here.
I will post the cover photo and the reasons why I am interested in reading the book. I will then link to the write up by Chapters Indigo Bookstore so you can read a synopsis yourself (hyper linked in the title). In no particular order:
5) Sutton - J.R. Moehringer
This book has three big things going for it:
- It is set in New York City, which is a fabulous backdrop for most stories I find.
- It takes place in an era-span (early 20th century) that I love.
- It is a Heather's Pick at Chapters.
Why is #3 important? She recommended Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I am eternally grateful to Heather for that reason as it was one of the best books I have read this decade in my lifetime. I trust her judgement now, so Sutton should be fabulous.
Edward Rutherfurd is such a story-teller. I read his novel, London, and that was fabulous. Long, but fabulous. He weaves the story of various families through generations, connecting these families to important moment and people in our real-life time. Thankfully, he provides maps, family trees and historical time lines in the beginning, in case you get lost (as I do). A big investment of time, but well worth the read. A story about New York? Sold.
This is a book I saw on the best-seller shelves, but didn't know anything about. Well apparently, Jenny Lawson is a well-known blogger. She is author of the popular blog, The Bloggess. Who knew? Well in the short time I had to skim the blog (for research for my blog), I laughed. She certainly has a gift for story telling her life! I appreciate how hard it is to come up with a blog, so I appreciate those who put the effort to tell their life story. Plus it would be nice to read a non-fiction book, even if the subject matter is one that would raise my eyebrow in disbelief.
I put this as a 2.5 because this is a carry over must-read from last year. It technically does not count for this year, so it will be a bonus read! LOL. Every dog and their bone seems to have read this book...and they love it. In efforts to be more grateful this year, I will use this book to inspire me. Hopefully. I tend to dislike these types of hippy novels. This does look promising though. So I will give it a shot. We shall see. In any event, I did email Joanne and tell her that we had to read this. So help me God, I will!
A baseball book? Something that maybe my husband would read? Sold! That said, I have heard nothing but good things about this novel, so I am looking forward to reading this!
There are a number of reasons why I want to read this giant in Canadian literary canon. First off, it's an important novel in Canadian History. Secondly, I sincerely want perspective on the issues of English Canadian/French Canadian, and nationalist/separatist issues, that continually affect this country I love. Beyond that, I have heard it is a fantastic novel and something I have always wanted to read. The fact that it is part of CBC's Canada Reads 2012 battle makes it a timely choice too.
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Well there is my list. What's on your list? Share with me in the comments, then mosey on over to A Warm Cup of Jo to see what Joanne wants to read!
3 comments:
Wow, that's some heavy-duty reading material you have lined up for yourself. (I just tend to stick to biographies and short stories most of the time, lol)
So kudos to you for taking these on!!
As an aside.... how's the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks coming along? I guarantee once you get a few chapters in, you won't be able to set it down.
I have actually read two of these books!
I read Jenny Lawson's book when I was in Jamaica last year at the same time my smarter half was reading a book on mental health. Funny juxtaposition, I thought. Totally worth the read. I figuratively devoured this book.
"New York" is the other one I read. I picked up "Princes of Ireland" when it first came out and found his books to be a fun historical overview. "New York" was the first book I bought for the Kobo and was terribly disappointed that it didn't have the maps or the family trees. Rutherfurd also has this weird hang-up about "small, perfectly formed breasts."
I think "London" is my favourite, but "Sarum" is a good read too. And "Paris" is coming out in April. The only one I haven't read is "The Rebels of Ireland."
Personally, my list contains "Bossypants" by Tina Fey, something by David Sedaris (my sister-in-law recommended "Me Talk Pretty One Day"), the newest in the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde, and either "The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club: True Tales from a Magnificent and Clumsy Life" by Laurie Notaro or Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential".
As usual, great list! Have fun reading!
You have some great reads of your own Tracy! I agree that Rutherfurd does tend to get fixated on body parts. LOL. London was great though.
And Jo, yah, I don't pick the light ones this year. Ha! I blame Rules of Civility for renewing my love for grown up books.
As for the Henrietta Lacks, I have started and am past a 1/4 of the way in. It's ok, but I am not overly wild about it so much. I like her story and find that part fascinating, but care less about her families. But that probably comes from the can't-stand-people-playing-the-victim-mentality. I dunno.
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