So, I've spent this fine Thanksgiving morning looking up the word "gleek" online. I just woke up today thinking about gleeking, and wondering if that was a universal term, or if I could find any diagrams explaining exactly how to do it because I've always wanted to.
And now, for our scheduled Thanksgiving post. I am thankful for:
1. My husband, who puts up with my insanity, laughs when I make hideously inappropriate statements, does the dishes every day, remembers to vacuum, doesn't beat me about the head with the vacuum when I forget to vacuum, takes care of me, loves the dogs, shows up whenever I need him, is always supportive, lets me retain enough of my private self to keep me from going insane, orders 3 pizzas so I won't be without, gets my sense of humor, keeps me laughing, watches Regis and Kelly and doesn't mind when I tease him about it, and provides me with the best life I could have possibly hoped for.
2. My family. Here is my favorite quote about family: "What I am, I suppose, I am either because of or in spite of them, which amounts to the same thing. [...] And in this world, you can't ask for more." William Goldman. I have a wonderful family and they support me in whatever crazy idea I'm bent on pursuing at any given moment. And they seem to actually like me, which is awesome, given that I actually like them, too.
3. My friends. I've been blessed over and over again with the kinds of friendships that keep you afloat, no matter the circumstances. I sometimes wish I could freeze time, and preserve my roster of friendships, as it is always changing and I have trouble accepting that as the way of the world. But I have my one constant truth (Kasey, I'm thankful for you) and the rest can swell and recede and I will just enjoy bobbing in the waves. Friendship is the thing I value beyond everything else in the entire world. I hope that I'm growing into being a good friend. I have excellent role models.
4. My dogs. Thank god for both of them. I've never loved any two beings so selflessly and completely. And at 8 years together, it's my longest running relationship. And also you should see the adorable way that Gertie's nose is twitching in her sleep right now.
5. Fiction. Both writing and reading. I don't think about that enough, how much my life is enriched and made valuable by reading and writing. Without books, I would starve.
6. My students. Without my kids, life would be boring, and who needs a boring life? But really, I think I would be deeply afraid to have children if I hadn't spent the last 5 years with some of the most fun and genuine, loving and smart kids on the planet (or in the city of Wilmington, at the very least).
7. The internet. Which doesn't fit the theme, but let's just go with it, shall we? Seriously, I do not know how anyone wrote anything before the internet. How many times did I pause what I was doing to type: "define: saturnine", "latin root for hair", "medical term for freckle"? And then just the things from my personal life: "Why isn't my turtle eating?", "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptom", "How to Gleek." And of course, the internet gives me LOL cats, Harry Potter fansites, and you, my lovely internet friends. And I am always thankful for you.
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Teeth are Important
I'm on vacation!
5 days off...starting....now! Bring on the wine.
I just got back from a very pleasant walk with my friend, Good Lauren, with whom I've been carrying on an extremely amusing conversation regarding the "Ten Fictional Characters I Would Totally Make Out With...." meme. She suggested Pa Ingalls. I burst her bubble by insinuating that I'm not sure Pa Ingalls had a full set of teeth. Though I appreciate that he rules.
5 days off...starting....now! Bring on the wine.
I just got back from a very pleasant walk with my friend, Good Lauren, with whom I've been carrying on an extremely amusing conversation regarding the "Ten Fictional Characters I Would Totally Make Out With...." meme. She suggested Pa Ingalls. I burst her bubble by insinuating that I'm not sure Pa Ingalls had a full set of teeth. Though I appreciate that he rules.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Poem Sunday, for Michelle
It is always hard to declare what you love most, because there will always be people who do not love it, or worse, hate it, and look at you with eyes that say, Really? But I thought I knew you. I thought we were the same.
Recently, I coerced my friend Michelle into reading The Time Traveler's Wife, which, I have come to know now, is my very favorite book. From the time it first passed into my hands (loaned to me by my sister), I have owned 5 copies, as I cannot stop pressing it on other people. Read this, I want to say. Inside you will find the contents of my heart.
After Michelle told me that she had begun it, I picked up my copy, half-knowing what I was about to do to myself, but unable to deny myself the pleasure of reading it along with her.
The other night we walked, slicing through the cold air along the river, feet clomping on the boardwalk, all the lights dancing on the water. Once we saw a rat, a river rat, I guess, and we clutched each other and danced away, screeching and laughing. And while we walked, we talked about this book.
Finally, we came to talking about the epigraph, a poem by Derek Walcott, and Michelle told me about reading it, and what it made her feel. "It's funny," I said, "I have a story about that poem, too." And I told her that when I first started at UNCW, and I was meeting with my new advisor, I blurted out what I had not yet managed to tell anyone, that I was divorcing, that I found myself in Wilmington without friends or acquaintances, that I couldn't drive a car, that I was living in a hotel, holding on to the writing program like the victim of a sinking ship, clinging to a piece of sodden driftwood.
A week later, this poem was in my mailbox. I took it home and thumbtacked it to the wall in my first apartment, right above the computer. The place where I finally typed enough words to make myself a boat.
This is not my favorite poem, but it reminds me of so many things, not the least of which, now, is reading my favorite book with my dear friend.
Love After Love by Derek Walcott
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
Recently, I coerced my friend Michelle into reading The Time Traveler's Wife, which, I have come to know now, is my very favorite book. From the time it first passed into my hands (loaned to me by my sister), I have owned 5 copies, as I cannot stop pressing it on other people. Read this, I want to say. Inside you will find the contents of my heart.
After Michelle told me that she had begun it, I picked up my copy, half-knowing what I was about to do to myself, but unable to deny myself the pleasure of reading it along with her.
The other night we walked, slicing through the cold air along the river, feet clomping on the boardwalk, all the lights dancing on the water. Once we saw a rat, a river rat, I guess, and we clutched each other and danced away, screeching and laughing. And while we walked, we talked about this book.
Finally, we came to talking about the epigraph, a poem by Derek Walcott, and Michelle told me about reading it, and what it made her feel. "It's funny," I said, "I have a story about that poem, too." And I told her that when I first started at UNCW, and I was meeting with my new advisor, I blurted out what I had not yet managed to tell anyone, that I was divorcing, that I found myself in Wilmington without friends or acquaintances, that I couldn't drive a car, that I was living in a hotel, holding on to the writing program like the victim of a sinking ship, clinging to a piece of sodden driftwood.
A week later, this poem was in my mailbox. I took it home and thumbtacked it to the wall in my first apartment, right above the computer. The place where I finally typed enough words to make myself a boat.
This is not my favorite poem, but it reminds me of so many things, not the least of which, now, is reading my favorite book with my dear friend.
Love After Love by Derek Walcott
The time will come
when, with elation
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror
and each will smile at the other's welcome,
and say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was your self.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you
all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,
the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
A Pocket Full of Posies
It's been an eventful week.
My friend Michelle has been housesitting an amazing mansion style house with a big pool. On Thursday (the day the weather finally turned cold, naturally) I went over there and swam. My first and probably only swimming of the year. It was fun, but freezing. There was a West Highland Terrier there who rode around the pool on a surfboard. If only I'd taken pictures.
On Wednesday, I contracted the Black Death (tm) from one of my six-year-olds. Swimming in the subzero temperatures did nothing to cure me. (I'd had high hopes for the sterilization effects of chlorine).
By Friday, I was in bad, bad shape.
Saturday, I was contemplating euthenasia.
But then I went to see a production of Lost Highway: The Hank Williams Story, which was beautifully sung and acted, and though I cried when we got there because I realized I had to pee after we'd been seated in a packed house and would not be able to pee for 2 and a half hours, I enjoyed it immensely. I then tried the sterilization effects of two glasses of wine and a fine conversation with my friend Steve at the bar. Perhaps as ill advised as swimming, but it worked.
I awoke today feeling weak but on the mend. Go wine! The wine in question, should it work for others, was a Pinot Gris called The Four Graces. It is made in a steel drum rather than an oak cask, giving it no wood flavor at all and a stronger taste of flowers than fruit. Very, very good. And medicinal to boot!
Page count: 336
Read: Marley and Me by John Grogan
Reading: Circles on the Water by Marge Piercy
My friend Michelle has been housesitting an amazing mansion style house with a big pool. On Thursday (the day the weather finally turned cold, naturally) I went over there and swam. My first and probably only swimming of the year. It was fun, but freezing. There was a West Highland Terrier there who rode around the pool on a surfboard. If only I'd taken pictures.
On Wednesday, I contracted the Black Death (tm) from one of my six-year-olds. Swimming in the subzero temperatures did nothing to cure me. (I'd had high hopes for the sterilization effects of chlorine).
By Friday, I was in bad, bad shape.
Saturday, I was contemplating euthenasia.
But then I went to see a production of Lost Highway: The Hank Williams Story, which was beautifully sung and acted, and though I cried when we got there because I realized I had to pee after we'd been seated in a packed house and would not be able to pee for 2 and a half hours, I enjoyed it immensely. I then tried the sterilization effects of two glasses of wine and a fine conversation with my friend Steve at the bar. Perhaps as ill advised as swimming, but it worked.
I awoke today feeling weak but on the mend. Go wine! The wine in question, should it work for others, was a Pinot Gris called The Four Graces. It is made in a steel drum rather than an oak cask, giving it no wood flavor at all and a stronger taste of flowers than fruit. Very, very good. And medicinal to boot!
Page count: 336
Read: Marley and Me by John Grogan
Reading: Circles on the Water by Marge Piercy
Friday, September 28, 2007
It's that time again...
The time when I rave maniacally about the LIBRARY BOOK SALE!
We just got home. I loved the new Friday preview night. I now have the Harry Potter books in hardcover now...as well as 10 more books I couldn't live without...and I am only $25 poorer.
Highlight:
FINALLY found The Time Traveler's Wife, as had sadly lent out my own copy, never to be seen again...
Lowlight:
Still no Geek Love to be found...just gave in and ordered it from Amazon.
Poetry section really sucked this time, but oh well. I'm ready for wine and dramatic readings from my finds.
Oh, and it's page 234, to you.
We just got home. I loved the new Friday preview night. I now have the Harry Potter books in hardcover now...as well as 10 more books I couldn't live without...and I am only $25 poorer.
Highlight:
FINALLY found The Time Traveler's Wife, as had sadly lent out my own copy, never to be seen again...
Lowlight:
Still no Geek Love to be found...just gave in and ordered it from Amazon.
Poetry section really sucked this time, but oh well. I'm ready for wine and dramatic readings from my finds.
Oh, and it's page 234, to you.
Friday, July 27, 2007
And Still More Nonsense
For some reason, I've just been exhausted this week. Second session of summer school ended today...one more session to go. I'm feeling relieved, as second session is notoriously the worst, and I survived it with no tears and no major blowouts.
I don't know if that's because I've improved the way I deal with the older kids (I teach high school during the summer) or if it's that I've simply stopped caring what they think of me. Or both. Probably both.
My library thing early reviewer books have not yet arrived, which has me feeling vaguely worried, however it's left me plenty of time to dwell continuously in Potter-land. While the fever is not yet over, it is subsiding. Though I do sort of want a Potter tattoo now, which is hilarious, as I've been against body modifications my entire life. Until now, I couldn't think of a damn thing I'd want to put on my body forever.
I've been thinking a lot about the role of books in shaping who I've become in my life. (I don't know if the constant quest for self-definition is a hang-up of mine or something that everyone thinks about). But I'm thinking of composing a post about it sometime soon when I feel more up to it. Lately, I can't think of anything except taking a nap.
For now I will leave you with some of my favorite words from the Potter canon:
Parselmouth
Legilimency
Fidelius Charm
Patronus
Wizengamot
Occlumency
Metamorphmagus
I don't know if that's because I've improved the way I deal with the older kids (I teach high school during the summer) or if it's that I've simply stopped caring what they think of me. Or both. Probably both.
My library thing early reviewer books have not yet arrived, which has me feeling vaguely worried, however it's left me plenty of time to dwell continuously in Potter-land. While the fever is not yet over, it is subsiding. Though I do sort of want a Potter tattoo now, which is hilarious, as I've been against body modifications my entire life. Until now, I couldn't think of a damn thing I'd want to put on my body forever.
I've been thinking a lot about the role of books in shaping who I've become in my life. (I don't know if the constant quest for self-definition is a hang-up of mine or something that everyone thinks about). But I'm thinking of composing a post about it sometime soon when I feel more up to it. Lately, I can't think of anything except taking a nap.
For now I will leave you with some of my favorite words from the Potter canon:
Parselmouth
Legilimency
Fidelius Charm
Patronus
Wizengamot
Occlumency
Metamorphmagus
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Mania Continues
Still totally unable to think/write about anything not Potter-related. Sorry.
If you're interested in my incoherent ramblings on the subject, visit Ashley's Post-Potter Blog. Which is full of SPOILERS. SPOILERS, SPOILERS. So don't go there unless you're ready.
I'm remembering that it took me about 2 weeks to recover from The Half-Blood Prince, so I'm figuring on at least that long this time.
Hopefully will be returning to the land of Muggles soon.
If you're interested in my incoherent ramblings on the subject, visit Ashley's Post-Potter Blog. Which is full of SPOILERS. SPOILERS, SPOILERS. So don't go there unless you're ready.
I'm remembering that it took me about 2 weeks to recover from The Half-Blood Prince, so I'm figuring on at least that long this time.
Hopefully will be returning to the land of Muggles soon.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Finished and Hence Spoiler Safe
Finished at 1:30 pm.
Flutterhearted, reeling. Ready to dive back in. Ready to start from the beginning. Ready never, ever to leave a world I wish were real.
Ready to discuss. Ashley has checked in; she's finished. Who wants to start the blog where we can talk?
Flutterhearted, reeling. Ready to dive back in. Ready to start from the beginning. Ready never, ever to leave a world I wish were real.
Ready to discuss. Ashley has checked in; she's finished. Who wants to start the blog where we can talk?
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Spoiler Free
I couldn't wait for the postman. I bought a second copy this morning at 9 am.
Currently on pg. 479.
I'll check in when I'm done to let everyone know that I'm spoiler safe. Any ideas on where we can talk about it when we're through so as not to spoil for any people strange enough to wait to read it? (I accidentally spoiled the Half-Blood Prince 2 WEEKS AGO for a self proclaimed Potter fan, so I'm being a lot more careful).
Currently on pg. 479.
I'll check in when I'm done to let everyone know that I'm spoiler safe. Any ideas on where we can talk about it when we're through so as not to spoil for any people strange enough to wait to read it? (I accidentally spoiled the Half-Blood Prince 2 WEEKS AGO for a self proclaimed Potter fan, so I'm being a lot more careful).
Thursday, July 19, 2007
My Dance Card is Full
It's a reading extravaganza!!
First off, like many others, I am absolutely beside myself about the upcoming release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Somewhat foolishly, I ordered it to be delivered on Saturday, the release date...but this means that I won't have it until Saturday afternoon...when I could be waiting at midnight tomorrow. Damn me! The other teachers at work will have already finished by Monday and I can only hope that the weekend affords me enough time to rip through it. I agreed to go to a party on Saturday night, and now I'm all, what was I thinking? How can I party when there is Harry to read? I will most assuredly be closed for business on Sunday as I ingest the book as quickly as my eyes and mind will let me.
Also, I just found out that I've scored two more books in the Library Thing Early Reviewer's program. Last time, I got Lisa See's Peony in Love, which I liked but was not having a heart attack about. This time, I'm reading Gifted by Nikita Lalwani and a sampler of (Not that You Asked) by Steven Almond. Free books rule! The other great thing about the program is that I often like to complain that "no one asked me." As in, "The ending of that movie sucked, but I guess no one asked me." Or, "That was a stupid way to begin this. Why does no one ask me?" So, now I can't complain. Somebody asked me. Not that anything can be changed based on my opinion, but I do like being asked.
And so, I have 3 books arriving by mail that I must read directly upon their arrival. Poor Wicked will be shoved aside again. I don't know if I'll ever finish that book. I like it fine, but I keep having to make way for things that I just can't wait for. Such as Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn, which I bought myself for my birthday and just finished.
First off, like many others, I am absolutely beside myself about the upcoming release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Somewhat foolishly, I ordered it to be delivered on Saturday, the release date...but this means that I won't have it until Saturday afternoon...when I could be waiting at midnight tomorrow. Damn me! The other teachers at work will have already finished by Monday and I can only hope that the weekend affords me enough time to rip through it. I agreed to go to a party on Saturday night, and now I'm all, what was I thinking? How can I party when there is Harry to read? I will most assuredly be closed for business on Sunday as I ingest the book as quickly as my eyes and mind will let me.
Also, I just found out that I've scored two more books in the Library Thing Early Reviewer's program. Last time, I got Lisa See's Peony in Love, which I liked but was not having a heart attack about. This time, I'm reading Gifted by Nikita Lalwani and a sampler of (Not that You Asked) by Steven Almond. Free books rule! The other great thing about the program is that I often like to complain that "no one asked me." As in, "The ending of that movie sucked, but I guess no one asked me." Or, "That was a stupid way to begin this. Why does no one ask me?" So, now I can't complain. Somebody asked me. Not that anything can be changed based on my opinion, but I do like being asked.
And so, I have 3 books arriving by mail that I must read directly upon their arrival. Poor Wicked will be shoved aside again. I don't know if I'll ever finish that book. I like it fine, but I keep having to make way for things that I just can't wait for. Such as Another Bullshit Night in Suck City by Nick Flynn, which I bought myself for my birthday and just finished.
Monday, June 11, 2007
It Is Happening Again
Sorry, guys. I'm ok and I'm sorry that I'm not blogging right now. I'll be back as soon as I can.
In good news, I joined the LibraryThing early reviewers program and got my first book to review from Random House today! Whoot!
In bad news, real life continues to take precedence.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Best Reading of 2006
So, I thought that in honor of the approaching new year, I would post some kind of list. I considered trying to do one every day until Sunday, but frankly, I don't have a lot to make lists of, and I'm too lazy besides.
I try, in general, to read a book a week. Sometimes I do better than that; sometimes I read only one book in a month, but as I've mentioned before, I don't get cable so that what free time I have can be devoted to reading, blogging, gardening and making stuff. Reading will always be first on that list. I don't think there's ever been a time in my life when I didn't have at least one book going, even if I was just re-reading an old favorite.
So I read a lot of books this year. And a few really stood out. Here they are, in no particular order. (Note: these are not books that came out this year. These are just books I read this year.)
The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
How is possible I waited so long to read this book? I'm so contrary sometimes. An amazing history lesson so tied into the fiction that you forget you're learning. More important to me than most, maybe, as my husband is in the comics business so, essentially, I was learning our bread and butter. But if you know me, you know that I read for story above ALL other things. A beautiful story.
The House on Dream Street by Dana Sachs
I'm slightly acquainted with Dana Sachs, so I put off reading this book for a long time. I never wanted to read it just because I knew her. But I got it at the library booksale for 75 cents. I left it to the bottom of my pile because I'm not so into travel memoirs. But this far transcends that genre. I was impressed by Dana's willingness portray herself fully, even when she was doing something that might make you think less of her. Brave, engaging writing.
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Another one I kept putting off. It seemed so gimmicky and the first chapter was just. so. boring. But a bengal tiger named Richard Parker so charmed me that I was hooked. The ending of this book is masterful. If it doesn't, as it claims, make you believe in God, it at least forces you to know your own heart, which maybe is the same thing.
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Once again, I'm a contrary bitch. And I would have stayed one, as far as this book was concerned if it hadn't been the voice of Alex which ran a lovely counterpoint through the whole novel.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I admit that I am an absolute sucker for a good love story. And to me, this is one of the best. It haunted me for weeks. This book asks you to give in entirely, to give up not just logic but its facsimile as well--I stopped even trying to follow the "story logic" of Henry's time travel--and it is this, I think, that leaves you so raw and open to the story, just like love does.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I read this after the controversy, so I knew what I was in for. But this novel swept me away anyway. I read it like a person on fire, reached the end, turned it over and started again. As I said, I read for story above all else. It was a great story.
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Something about the imperfect relationship between the two main characters really struck me about this book and lent it, for me, something beyond the standard grief/love story. Also, I am a dog fiend.
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
I just finished this recently, so I haven't had as much time to reflect on it as I did the others. But it kept me sequestered for two days, grunting non-commitally in response to Thomas's questions and behind in my work.
Two old friends I revisted this year:
The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan
I hadn't thought of this before, but my feelings for this book are very similar to those for The Time Traveler's Wife. But added to this lovely novel is the insidious way that Amy Tan's dialect makes the world seem skewed and new, like seeing with different eyes.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Just finished this for the 4th time this morning. It was the perfect choice through my illness--familiar enough not to keep me awake with suspense when I needed to sleep, but elusive enough never to seem too familiar. There is something about this book that can never be owned no matter how many times you read it. I hate to make grand pronouncements, but this may be favorite book of all time. There's something so delicate about it, and yet it's as powerful as a sledgehammer.
Thank God for the library book sale and for the library of Ali, my sister, who keeps me in reading material all year long. I've probably read 120 books this year, altogether. For 8 of them to have been exceptional enough to mention seems like a great gift. 8 times this year, I sat up in bed, holding a finished book and crying, either for the characters, or because the book was over, or because someone in the world made something so true and beautiful that it made me afraid I could never do the same.
2006 was a good year.
I try, in general, to read a book a week. Sometimes I do better than that; sometimes I read only one book in a month, but as I've mentioned before, I don't get cable so that what free time I have can be devoted to reading, blogging, gardening and making stuff. Reading will always be first on that list. I don't think there's ever been a time in my life when I didn't have at least one book going, even if I was just re-reading an old favorite.
So I read a lot of books this year. And a few really stood out. Here they are, in no particular order. (Note: these are not books that came out this year. These are just books I read this year.)
The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon
How is possible I waited so long to read this book? I'm so contrary sometimes. An amazing history lesson so tied into the fiction that you forget you're learning. More important to me than most, maybe, as my husband is in the comics business so, essentially, I was learning our bread and butter. But if you know me, you know that I read for story above ALL other things. A beautiful story.
The House on Dream Street by Dana Sachs
I'm slightly acquainted with Dana Sachs, so I put off reading this book for a long time. I never wanted to read it just because I knew her. But I got it at the library booksale for 75 cents. I left it to the bottom of my pile because I'm not so into travel memoirs. But this far transcends that genre. I was impressed by Dana's willingness portray herself fully, even when she was doing something that might make you think less of her. Brave, engaging writing.
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Another one I kept putting off. It seemed so gimmicky and the first chapter was just. so. boring. But a bengal tiger named Richard Parker so charmed me that I was hooked. The ending of this book is masterful. If it doesn't, as it claims, make you believe in God, it at least forces you to know your own heart, which maybe is the same thing.
Everything is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
Once again, I'm a contrary bitch. And I would have stayed one, as far as this book was concerned if it hadn't been the voice of Alex which ran a lovely counterpoint through the whole novel.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
I admit that I am an absolute sucker for a good love story. And to me, this is one of the best. It haunted me for weeks. This book asks you to give in entirely, to give up not just logic but its facsimile as well--I stopped even trying to follow the "story logic" of Henry's time travel--and it is this, I think, that leaves you so raw and open to the story, just like love does.
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
I read this after the controversy, so I knew what I was in for. But this novel swept me away anyway. I read it like a person on fire, reached the end, turned it over and started again. As I said, I read for story above all else. It was a great story.
The Dogs of Babel by Carolyn Parkhurst
Something about the imperfect relationship between the two main characters really struck me about this book and lent it, for me, something beyond the standard grief/love story. Also, I am a dog fiend.
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss
I just finished this recently, so I haven't had as much time to reflect on it as I did the others. But it kept me sequestered for two days, grunting non-commitally in response to Thomas's questions and behind in my work.
Two old friends I revisted this year:
The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan
I hadn't thought of this before, but my feelings for this book are very similar to those for The Time Traveler's Wife. But added to this lovely novel is the insidious way that Amy Tan's dialect makes the world seem skewed and new, like seeing with different eyes.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Just finished this for the 4th time this morning. It was the perfect choice through my illness--familiar enough not to keep me awake with suspense when I needed to sleep, but elusive enough never to seem too familiar. There is something about this book that can never be owned no matter how many times you read it. I hate to make grand pronouncements, but this may be favorite book of all time. There's something so delicate about it, and yet it's as powerful as a sledgehammer.
Thank God for the library book sale and for the library of Ali, my sister, who keeps me in reading material all year long. I've probably read 120 books this year, altogether. For 8 of them to have been exceptional enough to mention seems like a great gift. 8 times this year, I sat up in bed, holding a finished book and crying, either for the characters, or because the book was over, or because someone in the world made something so true and beautiful that it made me afraid I could never do the same.
2006 was a good year.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)