So I've been meaning to blog about books for quite awhile now, but just haven't taken the time to sit down and do it. Well, today I have time. So let's get started.
I love to read. I always have. In middle school (my "ugly years" as Steve would say - and he's right) I packed on the pounds because my favorite pastime after school and on Saturdays was not to frolick around in the great outdoors, but to lay in my room and read for hours. Well, that..... and I ate too much too, but that's beside the point.
Here's What I've Read in the last few months:
The Chronicles of Narnia: I hadn't read it since I was little and I thought the movie was so good I wanted to refresh my memory on the plotline. These are classic and definitely easy reading. I read them all in about a month.
The Girls Who Went Away:
The byline of this book reads, "The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe vs. Wade". Being adopted, I found this this title rather interesting and ordered it off a whim from Amazon. It was incredible and totally changed the way that I view adoption and my birth mother. The author puts together and oral history of hundreds of women who surrendered children in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Fessler artfully blends a background history of how unwed pregnant women were viewed while mixing very touching and poignant stories of young girls being shipped off alone to maternity homes or being hidden inside their own homes so as the neighbors would not know. It gave me a greater understanding of the circumstances surrounding my own adoption and was very eye-opening.
Cider House Rules and A Prayer for Owen Meany: John Irving is one of my favorite authors ever. He's been referred to as the "American Dickens" -- a believable description in my opinion. His characters has depth, his plotlines pull you in and are rich in metaphor and symbolism. He's a wonderful story-teller. Everyone's heard of the movie Cider House Rules, but as usual, the book is better. :) A Prayer for Owen Meany was another novel that was adapted to screen in the movie "Simon Birch" but again, the book is so much better.
Running with Scissors: This memoir by Augusten Burroughs gained so much attention in the media over the summer that I couldn't resist picking it up. Critics have said, ..."this memoir has moments of intoxicating hilarity and grief" and "A wonderful autobiography...Beautifully written, generous, twisted" -- they got the twisted part right. The basic plot is that this kid was left in the care of his mother's shrink (i.e. abandoned), who was actually crazy himself. The kid experiences some of the most horrific things that a child should never have to endure and basically takes care of himself as a 10 year old. I know this book got lots of thumbs-up but I give it a major thumbs down. I'm all about rising above difficult circumstances, but I found this biography mostly disturbing and depressing.
The Memory Keepers Daughter:
On a winter night in 1964, Dr. David Henry is forced by a blizzard to deliver his own twins. His son, born first, is perfectly healthy. Yet when his daughter is born, he sees immediately that she has Down's syndrome. Rationalizing it as a need to protect Norah, his wife, he makes a split second decision that will alter all of their lives forever. He asks his nurse to take the baby away to an institution and never to reveal the secret. But Caroline, the nurse, cannot leave the infant. Instead, she disappears into another city to raise the child herself. So begins this beautifully told story - it's just a good book to curl up and read by the fire.
Those are the books (that I remember anyway) that I've read in the last few months. Here's what I'm currently diving into:
The Republic:
by Plato, of course. This book shaped much of western thought, philosophy, and culture. The central question of Plato's discussion: "What is justice, and why should we be just, especially when the wicked often seem happier and more successful?" Steve-o and I are reading this one together.
Adventures in Missing the Point:How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel
by Brian McLaren and Tony Campolo. I actually got this book for Steve for Christmas but I started reading it a few days ago and it's really interesting. McLaren will rock your spiritual socks and leave you thinking. Campolo provides a nice counter-balance and they banter back and forth, challenging each other's thoughts and ideas after each chapter.
A Photographer's Life 1990-2005:
This book follows Annie Leibovitz through 15 years of camera encounters, recapturing her lens snaps of presidents, actors, authors, war orphans, sports stars, musicians, and her own children. An excellent coffee-table book - I Loooooovvvveeee it. :)
My "Purse Books" -- I like to reread classics so that I stay up-date and feeling semi-intelligent so I usually keep a book of this type in the car or in my purse so that when I have some downtime - waiting to pick the boys up from preschool, or waiting in line for fast food or something, I read a little bit of it. Most often I don't ever finish them, just read enough of them to refresh my memory and make me feel cool. My two latest purse books? Dante's Inferno and The Wasteland by T.S. Eliot.
Next up: The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne.
I won't give a snyopsis on these, because...well, if you don't at least recognize the titles and have a vague idea of plotline, you should be flogged.
And last but not least, Books You Should Read Just Because I Like Them:
Honeymoon with My Brother:A Memoir
Basically, this guy gets dumped a few days before his wedding, but decides to go on his honeymoon anyway - with his brother. As a result, their relationship becomes closer than ever and they both end up quitting their jobs and traveling the world. The best part? It's true (hence the name, "memoir"). This one will make you want to quit your job, pack your bags and hop on the next plane to Calcutta.
A Separate Peace:
One of my favorite books of all time. A coming-of-age story about two friends attending boarding school during World War II, and the harrowing experiences of a dark adolescence that shape them. Dang, that sounded good - like a real book review.
Freakonomics: A rogue economists explores the hidden side of everything. This book is easy reading and really fascinating. Which is more dangerous, a gun or a swimming pool? What do schoolteachers and sumo wrestlers have in common? Why do drug dealers still live with their moms? How much do parents really matter? What kind of impact did Roe v. Wade have on violent crime? This is probably the only economics book that will keep you glued to the pages. And bonus! It's easy reading too. Read a chapter, leave it for a few days or weeks. Then pick it up again and read another one. Fascinating stuff, really.
Harry Potter.
Nuff said.
The DaVinci Code:
Everyone's heard of it, but gosh darn it, it's just a really good book. And if you've seen the movie and don't want to read the book, try Angels & Demons, also by Dan Brown and equally as exciting. Steve-0 liked A&D better than the DaVinci Code.
Nickel and Dimed:On (NOT) Getting By in America:
Barbara Ehrenreich goes undercover and spends months laboring as a cleaning woman; as a waitress; and as a Wal-Mart sales clerk. Her revelations about these hard, supposedly "unskilled" jobs and the difficulty of making ends meet in the U.S. is a fascinating look at those at or below poverty level in our country. I read this book back in college as a social work major, and it's just a really interesting look at how the "uneducated" get by (or try to) in America.
To Kill A Mockingbird:
I like this book so much that if we ever get a dog, I'm going to name it Boo Radley.
Matisse: A Second Life:
One of my favorite artists of all time. He examines genres and techniques with such curiosity and pleasure you can't help but gain an appreciation for his work. His facsination with human form I find most refreshing. I like this book. Most other people probably couldn't care two craps about it though, so take this one with a grain of salt.
Alrighty then. Now that you have a reading list to last you for the next 8 months, how about you share some of your favorite books with me, so I can stock up too??
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14 comments:
Holy crap...I've gotta start reading again...you read all that AND blogged? I bow to you...
I just listened to Jim Collin's Good to Great, a book on business, which was interesting in a really "7 Habits" kind of way.
Under the Overpass. Again, an audio book, but an amazing true story of two college guys who felt led by God to live as homeless men in 5 US cities over the course of three months. Powerful.
Johnny Cash's biography, which is full of interesting tidbits that only he would know. He is very dark and self-effacing, but also has a clear picture of how much grace it took to save him.
U2's biography, which is really a coffee table book, and very hard to hold in bed.
Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski...a 40's children's author who travelled to parts of the country, lived with various families, learned their culture and then wrote books about them. I have a stack of about 12 of them that should go sky high on ebay, but I found them so enjoyable, I can't quite part with them.
Mudhouse Sabbath by Lauren Winner. You'd love her. She's the female Brian McClaren.
Okay, I just made a resolution to read instead of watching Comedy Central at night.
You must read Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell. Best book I've read in 10 years.
Aaron- blast! I meant to put Velvet Elvis on my Recommeded List. I too, love that book - Steve-o and I have read it multiple times and given away several copies of it. It's definitely a must-read - it literally changed my worldview.
We used to go to Rob Bell's church. :) Now we just have to content ourselves with downloading his messages off the internet.
I'll start with Tipping Point and Blink by Malcomb Gladwell, The Wisdom of Crowds, by James Surowiecki, Think by by Michael R. LeGault. Less is More by Jason Jennings, The Speed of Trust by Steven Covey, Stumbling on Happpiness, by Daniel Gilbert, Our Endangered Values by Jmmy Carter and my new favorite The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I too read alot and didn't want to list away, but there's always more than one book going. Same for you Tams?
Not to use this as a pulpit; there are 3 things no one can take from you; your faith, your dignity, and your education. The more you learn and read, and expand your breadth and depth of knowledge, the more you'll come to realize how little we know. Therefore, if you begin the quest (TWL) you will discover that a life long learner has opportunity and possibiliy that the inverse never has...read, read!!!
Apparently, I should be flogged. LOVE to read, have read numerous books, but my favorite is autobios, and mysteries...so I have to admit that I've never read any of the Chronicles and The Scarlet Letter, I never finished. I read To Kill A Mockingbird a few years ago but need a refresher. The supposedly "academic-minded" school I went to was so involved in teaching "ministry" that I guess being versed in the classics, art, 20th century culture, A.K.A the "real" world never was taught. Our reading list was probably laughable, but I cannot remember ")
I've read part of Freakonomics...love books like that which I consider "useless" knowledge, an obvious oxymoron.
I have a book for you to read, I'm sending it to you tomorrow...it's called, "Tight Squeeze" A fun read for expectant mothers or mothers of five "/
LOVE John Grisham and Alfred Hitchcock
Maria Shriver, "Ten Things I Wish I Knew Before I Went Out into the Real World"
Misty Bernall, "She said YES"
Francine Rivers, "Unafraid" just one book in a series about women in the Bible who took great risks in being obedient to God's will for their life. Makes you realize they were not pawns in God's plan, they were real women with fears, dreams and feelings and they decided to take on the challenge
Christina Hoff-Sommers, "The War Against Boys", a must read for parents of boys in our current-day, male-bashing society.
"Blood Money", don't remember the author and gave my copy away some years ago. The author is a lady that owned and operated a very financially successful abortion clinic. Opens your eyes.
"Twelve Ordinary Men", currently reading this. Great, easy-reading book about the twelve apostles and how Christ hand-picked these men and trained them to become the men that would start Christianity as we know it today.
George Grant, "Grand Illusions" the legacy of Planned Parenthood. Gives all the history and behind-the-scenes players.
"Dear Church" A book written to the church by a pastor's daughter who is a now-generation young Christian not happy with the church as a whole. No whining, tells the church what-for and then tells this generation to quit whining, and get up off our butts. Puts down on paper how we all need to change for the church to survive. Also, a website...dearchurch.com
Erwin McManus, "The Barbarian Way"
"Dream Giver"
Frank Viola, "The Untold Story of the New Testament Church" Compiles all of the New Testament books into chronological order and gives you the customs, and history of the times in correlation to the Bible. I never understood the Bible completely until I read this book and only 182 pages. I recommend reading this at the same time as "Twelve Ordinary Men", if you can multi-task
Last, but not least, Bill and Pam Farrel, "Red Hot Monogamy..making your marriage sizzle". Funny and honest and informative.
I also like to read, "People" though it's not a book ")
I just wrote a book, didnt' I. It's your fault Tammi. You shouldn't get me started on books.
books! i along with you was also reading in my young years. babysitters club, nancy drew, and of course sweet valley high... we had to smuggle those in :)
I still LOVE to read here are a few books that i have enjoyed.
Every Womans Battle by Shannon Ethridge it reallys makes you realize how much you need to protect your marriage and everything you do. it might have just been a good read since i just got married but it really opened my eyes to how innocent things can turn into sin if you aren't careful!
I saw that someone else mentioned Francine Rivers she is a really great author! Her Lineage of Grace series is really good, they are small books about some woman of the Bible. BUT my all time favorite book is by her it is Redeeming Love! I don't read books more then once but i have read this book 3 times! It is has the base story of Hosea from the Bible and put into a novel.
Ted Dekker is also a good author, the book Thr3e is great! It actually just went into the theater today, they showed it last night and i got 4 free ticktes to go... they actually did a good job for it being a "christian" made film. the ending is one you wouldn't expect!!
well those are just a few that i can think of off the top of my head. hope you are doing well, you need to put up some pix of your growing belly!!
amy - no need for a flogging for you. I didn't say you had to have READ the books, just have a basic knowledge of the plotline, which I'm sure you do.
Besides, you're always reading good books, so now that I have my list in hand, I'm off to the library. Oh wait...I have a huge fine there. I mean...I'm off to the bookstore.
Dan- *loved* blink, although I haven't read tipping point.
amy - in regards to social/psychology/parenting books on boys, try "Raising Cain". Can't remember the author and I'm too lazy to go look, but that's a good one. As is "Reviving Ophelia" in regards to girls.
Emily - what happened to all my Babysitter's Club books?? I had about 5 million of them! Remember when we tried to start one? Geez were we ever LAME.
As for pics of my belly---um yeah, nobody wants to see that. It's grown, but from food, not the baby!
Wow, I just made a list from what you wrote Tammi and from what your friends added. As I read over everyone’s reading tastes I realized I live in a bubble filled with fictional make believe. I love reading mysteries and trying to guess who did what to whom. Real life hits me smack in the face every day so I enjoy jumping into fantasy. As you all grow older you will understand why it is nice to close down reality and take a trip into make believe. ;) My favorite mystery writer is Janet Evonovich. She has number 13 of her Stephanie Plum series coming out this summer and I will be at the store when they put the book on the shelf. Her first of the series is darker then the rest but if you read them all you will see her characters develop and expand and get funnier and funnier with every page. Grandma Mazur is a hoot! And I find similarities with Lulu when she is lipping off or dieting and cramming her size 16 into a size 10 spandex. LOL So if you want a "get-away-from-it-all" book try Janet.
Jude Deveraux, Dorothy Garlock, Julie Garwood are authors I also never miss reading. Have read all they have written to date.
Harry Potter....once Uncle Gerry pressured me into reading them, I loved them and look forward to the next book due out this year. Even with the thought Harry may not make it, I still want to grab it as soon as it comes out.
I agree with Steve-O, Angels and Demons was better then the Da Vinci Code and the word on the street is that movie is in the making also. But NO movie will ever be as good as the book it comes form. The details can never appear on screen that your minds eye can see from the written word.
Uncle Gerry got me John O'Hurley's book, "It's OK to Miss the Bed on the First Jump" where he tells of the things he learned from his dogs through his life. I enjoyed it very much. As you know being that I have 5 dogs any book that talks about my favorite pet will be on my book shelf. :) "Marley and Me" by John Grogan also was great...except for the last chapter where Ger and I both cried our eyes out.
Yikes I have written a book here also. You could start a whole new blog just on books people love reading.
Thanks to all who have listed their recommendations. I am heading off to the library right now. :)
Auntie Dee. :)
Aunt Dee- nothing wrong with diving into make-believe land via some good books - that's the joy of reading! I love a good fiction book myself. That's another reason I also love John Irving for fiction books. They're good, but not necessarily "easy" reading, so I don't breeze through them in 2 days. They hold my attention, but take me a couple weeks to read.
Let us know what you got at the library!
To DANO: I hate to read but I also hate not understanding things fully. I have so many questions. So occasionally when I can't stand not knowing about something I'll pick up a book and read about it. But reading is not a hobby for me it is just a way to find an answer. Once I’ve found my answer I’m usually done. I am reading Velvet Elvis though. Tammi & Steve said it was a good book & that it would answer some of my questions. They were right. Thanks Tammi & Steve!!!! Thanks for the advice (or sermon) DANO. I'll take heed.
TWL
TWL;
No sermon...you'll be smarter than us all...hit the books, often. Branch out red different things and when Lisa orders up the labotomy, be sure cut clean!! And, expanding one's capabilities and scope of undertanding makes us all better equipped to empathize with an alternative point of view!
And always, an adoring fan of TWL.
Yeah, TWL - you better hone up on your reading/retention skills.
Don't forget I hold a bonified "This Pass Good For One Complimentary Brain Surgery Courtesy of Dr. TWL"
I might need that one day.
Okay Dano & Tammi I'll crack open the books & get to work.
Hey Tammi there's a plus for you!! In many cases there is no anesthesia involved. This is so the dr. can talk to the patient so that they can notice a problem quickly if one should arise. Of course no problems will arise if I'm the doctor. That's where being a perfectionist is a good thing.
Thanks for the support.
TWL
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