Jun 18 2007
Books of Summer
Last week, I helped out with a book exchange at work. I combed through my shelves the night before deciding what to keep and what to swap, and in the meantime, I found some great representations of this month’s color theme:
My shelves are full of books, and so many of them are nice rich colors.
With knitting and full-time work, I just don’t feel like I get to read as much as I would like. Yet, I have managed to fit in some good books this year. I got on a kick early in 2007, and reserved many of the new notable fiction books at the library. I read Water for Elephants
It is interesting that I have read so many fiction books this year, as I tend to gravitate towards non-fiction. I have interspersed a few nonfiction books into my fiction frenzy of late… The Art of Travel
My bookshelves are primarily filled with books I have not yet read. I hold on to a core group of books - mainly my tomes from college and graduate school, and special gift books. The others are just “visitors” on the shelf. My sister often lays claim to some of the books, and others are taken to swaps and exchange shelves like the one at work. I guess I like to share.
Kris and I are heading to beach later this week, and some of the books on the shelves will definitely be coming with me (as well as plenty of knitting).
**What are you reading right now?
I just finished Water for Elephants last week. It was really good… not what I had expecting. Right now, between knitting projects, I’m working my way through The Memory Keeper’s Daughter… but my most favorite author is Jodi Picoult. Have you read any of her books? They are really thought provoking.
I love looking at the bookshelved of other librarians and archivists. It’s like looking through medicine cabinets but so much better. I finished Water for Elephants but wasn’t completely wowed. I am about to finish The Historian, which is much better than I thought it would be; and, will soon start Born On a Blue Day. I need something to lighten up a bit for summer though…
I just started American Project: The Rise and Fall of a Modern Ghetto by Sudhir Venkatesh. He profiled residents of the Robert Taylor Homes project in Chicago. I’m excited to read this book.
Right now, I’m reading The Namesake and I really love it. I’m only about 80 pages in but it’s going so quick. It’s by Jumpa Lahiri.
I just finished The Secret Life of Bees - it was ok - I wasn’t in love.
I want to read The Kite Runner & I just bought A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author.
I just started Green Mars today on the bus. It isn’t a new book, but it is still among the most thought provoking, thorough, and plausible of the science fiction I have ever read.
I also used to be totally faithful to one book but for some reason I find myself reading two at the moment (this is novels - uni books don’t count as no-one is interested in my biomedical texts), one I read when I know I have plenty of time to read a chunk and one I can pick up read a couple of pages and put down.
The long read is The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
whilst the short read is Deadly Decision by Kathy Reichs
I have also started listening to audiobooks. There are three reasons for this 1) I can knit and listen but I can’t knit and read - maybe one day 2) i can listen to books at night when I can’t sleep without needing the light on therefore not disturbing Karl 3) I have to take schedule rests for my ME when I can’t read, knit, watch TV etc. I find it really hard to do nothing, so I have been allowed to listen to audio books and podcasts during this time. I am just about to start listening to Anne of Green Gables. A book I haven’t read before but always meant to.
My parents are retired English teachers, so I was raised by avid readers and caught the habit early. Currently, I am reading “The Shadow of the Wind” which is beautifully written and engaging. I also want to read “The History of Love” this summer. And I want to reread “Winter’s Tale” by Mark Helprin, which I read when it first came out after my mom read it. And I received the non-fiction, travel memoir/natural history “Jewels: A Secret History” by Victoria Finlay for Christmas that I want to read. I wish I could read and knit simultaneously!
I’ve just started A Thousand Splendid Suns, after reading The Kite Runner by the same author. This was a great book, very good.
My bookshelf is also home to many books that are yet to be read. I’m a book pack rat.
A book EXCHANGE? Where you give AWAY books?? Is that even possible????
Pretty much, any book that comes into my library isn’t going anywhere. Other than gifts, I’ve given away exactly 141 of them (donated to the local library’s book sale) in about the last 20 years. Otherwise? All 2900 of the remaining books are mine, all mine! (grin)
Have you seen goodreads.com? It is a great web 2.0/social networking site where you can keep a list of the books you read and want to read as well as your friends’ books. If you want, you can rate the books, write a review and mark when you read it. My friends and I have become completely addicted! I’ve found so many new books by looking through their lists.
I always read more than one book at a time: an audiobook for the car, maybe a non fiction book, a fiction book or two, and another audiobook for listening to while my hands are occupied. The books are all so different that I don’t have a problem keeping them separate. Right now I am reading “The Book Thief,” “The Meaning of Everything,” “Then We Came to the End,” and “How Do You Work This Life Thing?” I like having something different to read and the audiobooks are a necessity for my drive to work!
I’m trying to catch up on back issues of The Nation and The New Yorker, and I am reading the new Miranda July collection of short stories called “No One Belongs Here More Than You.”
I think it is interesting how many knitters are also bibliophiles. I love to collect and read books, but I reserve my book buying to reference titles and, of course, knitting books. I have run out of shelf space, and as a librarian, I have great access to a world of books. I keep a list of every book I read by year, so I can go back later and browse through the memories of each title. Everyone always asks me what I am reading and this list is a great reminder! Recently, I finished the “The History of Love” and thought it was just wonderful. The characters were so well developed, Nicole Krauss has a beautiful way of describing moments and coincidentally is married to Jonathan Safar Foer. A talented literary duo. I am now reading “Eat, Pray, Love.” This is the perfect summer read. A true story about a writer who takes a year off to learn Italian and eat in Italy, study in an Ashram in India and visit Indonesia (the triple”I”s). Don’t let the heavy spiritual content fool you, this is a very funny, interesting book. I just read that Julia Roberts is set to star in the movie. Other books I liked this year: “Memory Keeper’s Daughter”, “The Book Thief”, “Never Let Me Go.” I too read “The Shadow of the Wind,” and hands down it was my sisters’ and my favorite book a year ago. I am gettin ready to read “The Stolen Child” which I actually bought just from the reviews!
though i did not read the full post tonight … as i am on my way to bed, i can tell you what i am reading … _outlander_ by diana gabaldon. though i have been reading when i can (just before sleep time), i only read up to 10 pages per night. slooooow …..
but, i am enjoying it very much!
i like to disappear into fiction against a (pseudo) historical background. i don’t like reference to pop fiction (as, i’ve already experienced it). fantasy is good too … anything unlike reality!
That first story in Interpreter of Maladies breaks my heart every time I read it. I have occasionally reread it just to feel that again. So good. The rest of the stories are good, but I can’t rave about them the way I will about the first one.
As for me, I haven’t picked up any of the great books suggested by the bloggers, and instead am making my way through Race of the Century, a nonfiction book about the New York to Paris auto race of 1908. Yes, 1908! That drive would suck if it were attempted today, much less back when there were no roads! I’m enjoying the narrative.
Right now I’m reading Love In The Time of Cholera.
I’m reading Tandia, by Bryce Courtenay. It’s the sequel to The Power of One, which is also excellent. Both are set in South Africa in the 1940s - 1950s; I highly recommend them, as long as one isn’t too squeamish–some violence, some language, and lots of racial epithets. I think it takes a great writer to blend drama, humor, and tragedy, and Courtenay is on my list.
On the lighter side, I just finished the first five of Diane Duane’s wizard series for kids; book one is So You Want to be a Wizard?. I have a thing for well-written YA fiction and these have been fun–along the lines of Harry Potter thematically, but refreshingly non-formulaic.
I’m trying to read more nonfiction, so thanks for the recommendations. I wish I had a better recall for what I read; I’m definitely going to check out the site above for listing/keeping track of my reading…
I’m reading “The Spellman Files” which is pretty fun so far…I love to read, and I need to find more time to read everything…I still have stacks of books to read though. I generally read multiple books at the same time (one upstairs and one downstairs)…but just finished a very bad, dumb book called “Jade Tiger”.
Ohhhhh, I love Chaim Potok. My favorite was The Chosen
I just finished Stars of David by Abigail Pogrebin. I haven’t picked out a new read yet. I have Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver on order from the library, but it hasn’t arrived yet.
i finished reading water for elephants a few months ago! i enjoyed it.
right now i’m reading the new sherman alexie book, flight. while i normally love his books, i’m not sure yet if i can recommend this book or not - i’m having mixed feelings about it. i’ll let you know how it ends up!
I love Interpreter of Maladies. It’s so well written and very relateable for me (as a child of immigrants). I didn’t like her novel (Namesake) as much.
Another good book is Adam Haslett’s You are Not a Stranger Here - another short story collection. All I can manage these days are short stories. My attention span is much shorter than when I was a child. Then, I would read multi-volume epics - Lord of the Rings, Xanth series, etc.
I read Interpreter of Maladies first in college several years ago. Last year, I stumbled upon the following book, The Namesake, and purchased it without a second thought. It’s different and the same all at once. Plus, a quick read!
Great pictures. i love books and love looking at what everyone has in their collection.
At the moment i am reading “The Bell Jar” [Sylvia Plath]- one that i have been meaning to read for a long time, and also “Tully” [Paullina Simons]- I loved “The bronze horseman” and thought i would read some of her other work. Not very far into either of them to say whether they are my sort of thing. I give any book 40 pages to hook me, then i am not obligated to read any further. An author gave me that little tip, which i definitely think is quite fair. :0)
I am currently reading a bunch of things: Shell Collector for my June TBR challenge book, The Demon and the City, Born in Death, Collapse and The Mobile Library: The Secret of the Missing Books. I really need to focus more.
I’m listening to Pirates and Bucaneers of Our Coasts by Frank Richard Stockton (thank you Librivox!) and I’m in the middle of About This Life by Barry Lopez. I just picked up a stack of books at the thrift store yesterday so I’ll be starting at least one of them soon (probably Valley of the Dolls). And does reading your own stuff count? I’m in the middle of reading draft #1 of a book I’m writing.
Words are like stitches, highly addictive.
I like to answer your questions!
I’m reading “The Inheritance of Loss” by Kiran Desai. I recommend it.
And I’m reading “Lorna Doone” by R.D. Blackmore.
I’m also reading “More True Ghost Stories from Around the World”. Cos, you know….ghosts?
Oh, and I’m also reading Lord of the Rings (again)….
I’ve been reading more non-fiction than I used to … right now I am reading The Assault on Reason by Al Gore. I was reading a number of books about Central Asia as well … Three Cups of Tea was very good and I also enjoyed The Bookseller of Kabul. There’s been some controversy about that last one; it was written by a female Western journalist who lived for several months with an Afghan family. The patriarch of the family sued her, claiming that she misrepresented them.
For fiction, many of the ones you mentioned are on my to-read list. If you haven’t read The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, I can highly recommend that! A great book about people who love books!
I’m also starting to listen to audiobooks … I am really enjoying the recording of Tristan and Iseult from Librivox.
“She’s Come Undone” by Wally Lamb. I’ll also probably be reading a lot of Agatha Christie novels before the end of the summer. I have to move again and getting rid of books like that is a great way to have less to pack!
I, too, have a book shelf (or shelves, actually) full of books I have not yet read! I take a lot out of the library. I just finished Angelica by Arthur Phillips. It’s a psychological ghost story told from several different points of view (so what you think you know gets turned on its head several times) and I highly recommend it. After such a thoughtful read, I’m now reading some chick lit “fluff,” “The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling.” I love classic literature and contemporary literary fiction, but some times you just need a feel-good comfort read!
between work, knitting and the dogs I get zero reading time. I really love books on tape though! driving to agility trials and back and forth to work is when i get a lot of listening done!
I just finished two Jack Kerouacs, Dharma Bums and On the Road. I am letting my brain clear a little before starting something light and silly, like a Terry Pratchett.
Right now I’m reading the text books associated with managerial accounting… I don’t recommend them. I will, however, write down your recommendations for when I break from school next week. Thanks!!
i’m reading Michael Ondaatje’s ‘Divisadero’. i had a difficult time getting into it, but i’m digging it now. i’ve read ‘The Stolen Child’ and ‘The Thirteenth Tale.’ i definitely preferred the latter. up next is the new Haruki Murakami, ‘After Dark’.
I’m reading a collection of short stories called San Francisco Noir. There are actually several other collections of Noir fiction based around various US cities. I enjoying it quite a lot.
I got into a classics kick and am now finishing Jane Eyre. At the same time, I download books from my Public Library (an awesome feature that they have) and listen to silly mysteries/thrillers while at work (yes, this is in between blog reading and blog posting and ravelring - i am going to get fired). I am now listening to Blinded by Steven White. Does that count?
I’m reading THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES and am enjoying it thoroughly! I also read THE THIRTEENTH SWAP after seeing it on your blog earlier this year and enjoyed it, so…………keep the recommendations coming, Lolly!
As I am on the hunt for a new career, I am reading “Now, Discover Your Strengths.” I just read an amazing book that I highly recommend to all called “Eat Pray Love” by the talented Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s a memoir about her journey to Italy, India and Indonesia. Truly thought provoking and inspiring!
I just finished “The Stolen Child” last night, right around the time you posted. It was definitely a very different story and I really enjoyed it.
I have also read “Water for Elephants” and LOVED it. That story made me cry a few different times. The old man got to me every time. The story reminded me of the movie The Notebook.
I am getting ready right now to pick out my next book. I have a list somewhere of books I plan on reading.
I love checking out other peoples’ libraries! currently I’m reading “Dead in Dixie” a very silly story about a telepath and a vampire….
Oooo, A Gentle Madness, I’ve got a bookmark partway into that one right now. I just finished The End (of the Series of Unfortunate Events) and in audio books I’m finishing up The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman - one of my favorite series as a teenager. I also have piles of craft magazines I’m trying to make my way through.
I’m reading “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver and it’s so inspiring and life changing! She’s an amazing person.
Just finished “A Thousand Spendid Suns” and thought it well-written, but rather depressing. Such an unforgiving and intolerate part of the world. Then I read “Wild Swans.” I apparently missed this in the 1990’s, but I was absolutely captivated. I might tackle her book on Mao, too.
Thursday we go to Cape Cod for a long weekend—my reading stack includes “Eat, Pray, Love” for book club and “Middlesex” just because it won a Pulitzer. I’ll add some of the ones referenced here for the summer, too.
Take a look at this bookcase, Lolly. You’ll love it! http://www.flickr.com/photos/santos/27538777
i feel so inadequate compared to your current and recent reads! i am currently reading laura child’s tea shop mystery series and am on “blood orange brewing,” as well as joanne fluke’s “key lime murder,” and ” knit fast die young” from mary kruger.
The Chosen and The Promise by Chaim Potok are two of my favourite books ever.
I just got a job in a bookstore, and I am feeling woefully behind on my reading. There are just so many books to read! I’ve got a few new-to-me mystery authors in my library box, and I just found the sequel to Bread Alone, called The Baker’s Apprentice. And then I need to read The Reddening Path, by Amanda Hale, which I don’t think has been released in the US yet, but is selling quickly here in Canada.
I finished “Pride and Prejudice” about 2 days ago and right now I’m in between books, but I have a LOT on my bookshelf that I’ve been meaning to read forever. I think my next book will be “A Long Way Down” by Nick Hornby. I started that book last summer, but had to put it aside for required summer reading.
I’m a huge genealogy nerd and after recently discovering that I am directly related to Mary Stewart, I decided to read Margaret George’s novel, “Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles. I’m loving it.
I’m also a voracious reader - I spent years only reading non-fiction, but since I’ve been in grad school, I’m doing fiction almost exclusively. However, I recently bought Julia Cameron’s latest, “Finding Water,” which her publisher calls “Book 3 in the Artist Way Series.”
A recent spectacular fiction favorite was “Tehano” by Allen Wier - the story from multiple perspectives of the settlement of Texas after the Civil War. I also love Kaye Gibbons and highly recommend “On the Occasion of My Last Afternoon” and “Divining Women”. Have a great time on your beach trip!
I am reading Three Day Road for my bookclub right now, and I am really enjoying it.
I am going to reserve Thirteenth Tale and the Stolen Child - thanks!
btw - you ask the best questions. I love reading through all the different answers you get.
I’m read The Lost Are of Keeping Secrets, by Eva Rice. I just finished Summer at Tiffany. I listened to The Thirteenth Tale, on CD’s and knit the whole time. It was lovely. Since you are so knowledgeable about books, I love to get ideas from you on what to read. Thanks!
I’m like you, I find myself gravitating toward non-fiction. Right now I’m reading the best book, “The Lucifer Effect” by Phillip Zimbardo. Zimbardo was the social psychologist responsible for the infamous, “Stanford Prison Experiment.” The book details what happened in the experiment day by day and then examines how it compares with what happened at Abu Gharib prison. The thesis is basically, “what makes an ordinary, normal person commit evil acts?” I am finding it fascinating and am having a hard time putting it down. I’ve kind of been intrigued by this question myself most of my adult life (which is kind of why I find myself drawn to true crime books). I Highly recommend this book!
Currently listening to CHOICE CUTS on audiotape.
Great entertaining compilation of culinary articles throughout the centuries. Readers include Ed Bagley Jr, and Candice Bergen. I know more about gourmets and gourmonds than ever. Mmmmmm it is a delicious read.
I love your book pictures! I’m doing some serious school reading: Kafka and Sebald (both good) and Walter Benjamin (also good, but not really light reading); and some fun reading: Golden-Age British Mysteries (my bedtime staple). Right now, I’m reading The Plague Court Murders by Carter Dickson. One of my favorites …
Well, you know I can’t pass up a blog entry on books! Summer is for reading! When I was single and teaching, I lived for summer reading! I would have a HUGE stack of books next to my bed (or in the bed!) that I worked my way through during those lovely summer months. Now that I have children, I find the pile is still there but the time to devote to reading has diminished somewhat. I look forward to those days when I can sit and read while they are swimming in the pool…ahhh. Anyway, what am I reading? I discovered a new-to-me Swedish mystery writer: Hakan Nesser. Two of his mysteries have been translated into English and are quite engaging. I read the first one (Borkmann’s Point) in a couple days but have been savoring the second one (The Return). I am enjoying the references to places and things in Sweden. Have you read Astrid and Veronika? Also by a Swedish author and set in Sweden, it’s a quick read and a beautifully written novel. I also picked up The Far country by Daniel Mason (the author of The Piano Tuner) and am looking forward to reading that this summer.
You should definitely check out The Girls by Lori Lansens. It’s my favorite book that I’ve read this summer and I’m telling all of my friends that read similar books about it. It’s about a pair of conjoined twins who are about to turn 30. An amazing book that I didn’t want to end.
I too loved Water for Elephants and The Thirteenth Tale this spring.