2009 Book list

My New Year's Resolution this year was to read 5 books, as I couldn't remember the last time I had read. Well, it hasn't even been 2 months and I've met that goal. I've caught the reading bug now and can't imagine giving it up. I might as well keep a list of the books I've read this year.

In order of read:
(enjoyment rating scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the highest)

Firmin by Sam Savage (4) - The story of a mouse that lived in a used bookstore in a rundown urban area, learned to read, and became aware of his mortality and the his crumbling surroundings. I liked the author's humor in his writing style, and the book was entertaining at times. The subject of poverty and mortality was a bit morose, but realistic. I'd recommend it to someone of dark humor that enjoys literary references that doesn't mind continually being asked, "what does it all mean?"

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien (10) - Of course you know what it's about, and why wouldn't it be a 10? An author cool enough to have 4 initials is inevitably going to produce coolness. I realized there's actually a bit of a science fiction nerd in me after all. I will definitely be reading the Lord of the Ring books, but decided not to jump into them immediately afterwards in order to give a sense of 'lapsed time' just as intended between the two works.

Confessions of a Shopaholic (10) - Okay, so, I'm a sellout and read a bestseller chick-lit paperback, I kinda hated myself when I bought it too. But seriously, if you're a 20 / 30 something woman trying to find your "career path", You'd understand why this book became a bestseller. It's hilarious, just girly enough while maintaining a bit of "hear me roar" feminism, a really easy read, and while it didn't change my view on the world, it made me feel good to be reading a book for entertainment rather than watching the "mass appeal" equivalent on tv.

Shopaholic Takes Manhattan (8) - When I sell out, I go all out. The way the first book ended MADE me go out and purchase the next one. You literally fall in love with the characters, they became like great friends, and I didn't want to let them go with the first book, so I got the second in the series. The characters were all still there, so I was happy, the situations were as equally entertaining/embarassing, but I will admit, I felt like how much more credit card debt can this girl take? So, the main theme got a little exhausted with me. I will eventually read the next book in the series, but because this one wasn't a 10 like the last, I thought I should take a break from it.

The Cheese Monkeys by Chip Kidd (10) - About a male Freshman Art Student in the 1950's taking one of the first Graphic Design courses offered at a Pennsylvania college with a professor who is the equivalent of Simon Cowell. Although it was based in the '50s, it took me back to some of those same freshman year feelings as a music major. The fact that I'm interested in graphic design didn't hurt either, oh yeah, and I caught all of those PA references in the book. Also, I figured out what a 'cheese monkey' is, and that makes the book an instant classic to me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to any adult with a background/interest in the arts.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (10) - Gotta love the classic chick lit! I thought it would be a much harder read due to that fact, but I think I'm more Victorian era fluent than I thought. I've always been told I have an old soul, and I think it founds its origin. This book reminded me a lot of the Sound of Music, but without the Nazi's and the music. So, probably not like the Sound of Music at all, but to each their own.

Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins (10)

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (8)

Next up, Fool by Christopher Moore


To come:
The Soloist - Steve Lopez (own it)
Lush Life - Richard Price (own it)
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen (own it)
Flatland / Sphereland / Flatterland
The Awakening - Kate Chopin (own it)
The Mysteries of Udolpho
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Northhanger Abbey - Jane Austen; after I've gotten in some more victorian gothic
The Lord of the Rings - Tolkien (own it)
The Road
Wicked (own it)
some David Sedaris *recommended by jus
some James Joyce

...and counting. open to suggestions. let's talk books.