I am very behind in reading Shimelle’s prompts, but I am keeping to my commitment to blog every day. I thought I’d share five of the latest books I’ve read.
Three of these are fiction and two nonfiction. I probably read about 50% of each over the course of a year. I belong to a wonderful (couples) book group, and the group probably averages the same percentage. Both of the nonfiction titles above (The Professor and the Madman & Team of Rivals) were book group selections. Team of Rivals has to be one of the all-time best books I’ve read. I thought I knew a lot about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, but I learned so much reading this book. It is wonderfully written, and although very long, easy to read.
The Professor and the Madman is an older book about two men who were instrumental in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. It’s a fascinating and surprising story. Earlier this year I read Reading the OED which I really enjoyed so this was a good follow-up.
While I’m Falling is the third Laura Moriaty book I’ve read. I consider her books well-written “beach books.” Easy reads, but usually a compelling narrative.
Breakfast with Buddha was great fun to read. I picked it up over a year ago at my favorite independent bookstore, Northshire Books. Unfortunately, Northshire is in Vermont, and I only get there once a year. I won’t buy any book there I’ve ever read about or heard about. The staff produces great little summaries that they post under the books on display so I’m always on the hunt for new books to read.
Yesterday I finished Gate at the Stairs. It got a rave review in the New York Times and I was anxious to read it. It is beautifully written, very funny, sad, tragic, and at times, perplexing. About 2/3 of the way through it I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at all, but by the end, I was hooked. I’m hoping my daughter or a friend will read it so I can discuss it with someone.
My next read is Still Life by Louise Penny. Rochester is so fortunate to have a wonderful Arts & Lectures series that brings in distinguished authors. The next lecturer is Louise Penny, a Canadian mystery writer. I am unfamiliar with her, so I want to get one of her books read before the lecture in December.
Speaking of Arts & Lectures, Thursday night we heard Geraldine Brooks (March, Year of Wonders, People of the Book, Nine Parts of Desire). She was fabulous; entertaining, informative, and so engaging. People of the Book was the best book I read in 2008, hands down.
The Professor and the Madman sounds absolutely fascinating! And I’ve never heard of People of the Book. I’m making a note to check it out!
Karen, Geraldine Brooks was a guest speaker on radio here in a book review session. It was late at night and I was drifting off to sleep and I forgot the title of the book – thanks for posting about People of the Book … I’m going to go out and get it ASAP! She was a terrific interview subject, a most engaging woman – I completely agree with you.
Karen seems like we enjoy similar books. I loved both the Professor and the Madman and People of the Book. Thanks for sharing your reading list!
Nice topic – I LOVE books! TFS! Breakfast with Buddah sounds interesting!
I blow hot & cold on Lorrie Moore. Beautifully written, yes. But then I sometimes feel like I don’t get “it” at the end. I have been very interested in The Gate at the Top of the Stairs.
My bookgroup’s favorite recent read was The Help by Stockett.
The next nonfiction book on my list is “Heart in the Right Place.” It’s a memoir recommended by the same group that recommended a terrific memoir called “Love in the Driest Season.”
Rinda
Have you read The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty? It was her debut novel. I read when when it was released because the bookstore where I worked received an advanced copy. I haven’t read any of her other books because that one was such a difficult read, but I’ve found myself thinking about it a lot lately. I read it in 2003, so I’d say that says a lot about the book.
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