I’ve just lifted my head from the latest page of the current book I’m reading, Spillover. Unless you want to know that a whole host of lethal viruses that used to live happily in animals are now packing up and moving into humans, don’t read this book. On the other hand, if microscopic mayhem gets you going, this book is amazing. But this post isn’t about Spillover. Nor is it about the permanent pile of ever-changing books next to my bed that threaten to topple over and crush me every time I reach over to turn out the light. This is about my thoughts precipitated by an article in the Washington Post way back on December 30, entitled “How many books did you read this year?”
The article starts with the following: “The average American reads four books a year, and the average American finds this more than sufficient.” I don’t know if that is entirely true, because other sources say the average is 16 books for those who do read, making nine books on average. This means that 25% of people don’t read. Twenty-five percent.
I see these non-readers. I watch them seated in airport terminals, at gates, then on airplanes. They fly coast to coast or continent to continent without reading. I watch them sitting in doctor’s offices, staring at their shoes or at the butt of the medical sales rep, while waiting for someone to call their name. I watch them on the Metro, staring at other passengers. I watch them in all the places where I am reading. They are bookless, staring at nothing. And I wonder why staring at nothing is better than reading a book.
My life has been too defined by books to imagine it any other way. If all books were forbidden to me (and the thought is worse than an all-out viral attack), I would read labels on mayonnaise jars or furniture assembly instructions. I would create life and death scenarios, heroes and heroines, out of ingredients and hardware. I don’t know how else to live.
From the Little Golden Books of my early childhood (I still swoon when I sniff the shiny gold paper that runs up the spine) through the entire series of Nancy Drew adventures and to the beginning of my discovery of adult books in junior high school, books have been the pathway along which I have walked. I’ve always said that as long as I have a book, I can be OK in almost any circumstances. I’ll amend that: I need a book and allergy meds.
All this doesn’t mean that all books are worth reading. Some aren’t worth the effort it takes for me to turn the pages or click the Kindle from page to page. Some aren’t actually books at all (Fifty Shades of Grey is a cheap vibrator disguised as a book). I used to finish any book I started. The older I get, the less inclined I am to waste my time on a book that I don’t look forward to getting back to at the end of the day. Last year, I started a 950 page book, and, at around page 450, wished all the characters the best of luck, and stopped reading.
So with that in mind, I invite you to tell me the most amazing and incredible books you’ve read lately. Next to holding people hostage and telling them about all the amazing books I’ve ever read, I love to hear what others have read or are reading now.
Go ahead. Make my pile topple over.
perezzadi
January 22, 2013
Reblogged this on In Search of Meaning and commented:
If I can a million why not?
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Thanks!
denmother
January 22, 2013
The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared!! Fabulous, fun, incredible, dare I say brilliant(?) book. Hope you put it on the top of your stack.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Oh my, I’ve never heard of that one. Will do!
John
January 22, 2013
Hmmmm, here’s several I enjoyed immensely over the past year or so.
World War Z – Max Brooks
The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
Blindness – Jose Saramago
The Invisible Circus – Jennifer Egan
A Pale View of the Hills – Kazuo Ishiguro
New York Trilogy – Paul Auster
Read on, sister!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Loved The Handmaid’s Tale. The rest will go on my list.
Leigh
January 22, 2013
When Women Were Birds, by Terry Tempest Williams. Subtitle is Fifty-four variations on Voice.
Enjoy!
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
OH boy, more books for my to-read list!
The C-Sweet
January 22, 2013
As for me, I don’t understand the book-less. I will read no less than a dozen books this year but when I’m on a roll it’s at least a book per week.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I can sit on a plane and read for seven hours. Delicious.
The C-Sweet
January 22, 2013
I don’t mind being in a waiting room because it’s an opportunity for me to read guilt-free!
The Sandwich Lady
January 22, 2013
Two on my most amazing list: Cutting For Stone, by Abraham Vergese; and Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Guilty pleasures include The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory. wild, by Cheryl Strayed, is a great memoir
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Cutting for Stone and Middlesex were both really good. Will add the others.
mimijk
January 22, 2013
Wow…here’s the most recent list..’Me Before You’, ‘The Testament Of Mary’, ‘The Orchardist’, ‘Wish Her Safe At Home’, ‘Listening Is An Act Of Love’, ‘The Healing’…all wonderful
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
OK, I’ve had others reccomend Me Before You and The Orchardist. Will add the others. Thanks.
cindyricksgers
January 22, 2013
Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness by Alexandra Fuller
An Everlasting Meal by Tamar Adler
The Round House By Louise Erdrich
Blitz by Margaret Gaskin
Anything written by Louise Erdrich
Everything written by Barbara Kingsolver
Laurie R. King has a nice series of mysteries continuing the Sherlock Holmes saga.
Essays written by E.B.White never get old.
Nor does anything by Mark Twain…
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
The Round House is on my list, although I’ve had a tough time with a few Erdrich books. Kingsolver is great. My favorite of hers was The Red Tent. Will look into the others. Thanks!
cindyricksgers
January 22, 2013
I don’t think The Red Tent was Kingsolver’s…but a wonderful book nonetheless. The author of that book has a recent one…The Dovekeepers, I think, which is also fantastic.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Whoops, you are absolutely correct. I was thinking of The Poisonwood Bible! I love (read that: hate) how my mind flips from one thing to another. Red tent was Anita Diamant. I tried to read her later book, Day After Night, but I couldn’t stay with it.
cindyricksgers
January 22, 2013
Ah, yes, that’s right…Day after Night. The Dovekeepers was actually written by Alice Hoffman, who also wrote The Red Garden…and isn’t this fun?? If it keeps up this way, I’ll forget what I’ve read, and everything will seem fresh!
Lunar Euphoria
January 22, 2013
The Poisonwood Bible is one of my favorites. I devour everything by Kingsolver.
I enjoyed If you liked Red Tent you may like Marek Halter’s works – Sarah: Book One of the Canaan Trilogy and Ziporrah, Wife of Moses were both great reads.
The Byronic Man
January 22, 2013
I’m currently reading 3 books. I hate it when I do that.
Brother Karamozov – staggeringly brilliant, of course. The kind of brilliant that slow-cooks and then you have to put the book down because there’s absolutely no question that it’s smarter than you. Also, it’s a Russian novel, right? Tough, slow, all the names sound the same. So I needed a break and started reading…
How Music Works, by David Byrne – wildly fascinating non-fiction about the evolution and creation of music by the former Talking Heads frontman. So, so interesting. About halfway through I lost my WOW factor, and rather than have the book turn plain I took a break and started reading…
Sacred, by Dennis Lehane. I love Dennis Lehane books. This isn’t one of his best, but his books are just so damned damned engaging and fun.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Oh my, I have done that on several occasions. Am now reading Spillover and Doc (the story of Doc Holliday) and am afraid I am about to start a third. Then Husband just published a book that is the #1 best seller about the War of 1812. If I start that, I’m sunk. BTW, have you seen the film “True Stories” by David Byrne? Possibly the best movie ever. OK, OK, maybe not but comic genius.
lbwoodgate
January 22, 2013
I think most Americans would agree that there is still value and interests in books. One of MSN’s unscientific surveys on their browser page recently asked if libraries should get rid of their paper books and convert solely to electronic readers. A whopping 82% were opposed to such a notion. I do like the easier reading I get from my Kindle but actually possessing the written (typed) word on paper is to me like a small personal treasure.
Sadly though, I suspect in the future, this sentiment will become a minority view and books as we know them will be close to extinct except in expensive collectors’ vaults
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I love both. For me, paper books can more easily be flipped through to go back to certain places to re-read, and the books that had the greatest impact on me can sit on my shelf and continue to enrich my life everytime I look at them. The Kindle is convenient for travel and I love being able to load samples (I have about 40 on there now). Eventually, I do believe paper books will be no more, but words (ah, words) will continue to flow.
Barneysday
January 22, 2013
I’ve become a political junkie, so most books I’m reading are about the administration, election, or the financial meltdown.
Reckless Endangerment by Gretchen Morgensen is likely the best book at explaining the financial crash.
Confidence Men by Ron Susskind really explores the personalities behind the first years of the Obama administration, and how they combined to actually impede his goals.
Cronkite by Douglas Brinkley is a superb story of the man, warts and all.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is an engaging story of courage and willpower in the face of an unbelievably cruel enemy.
Lastly, if a book doesn’t really grab me from the beginning, I’ll gladly just put it aside and move on. Life is too damn short.
Great post
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Oh my, I applaud you. I would need a book/class to prepare myself for each book. I am one of the few people (perhaps the only one) who stopped reading Unbroken. I’ll give it time and go back to it.
Barneysday
January 22, 2013
Its not an easy read, by any stretch. But the inhumanity shown the POW’s in that book is an indictment of us all; see Iraq and water boarding. But not every book is for everybody, thank goodness!
muddledmom
January 22, 2013
I didn’t read a lot as a child, picked up books from time to time and found some gems that blew me away. But I didn’t always have one book waiting when I finished a book. My kids do. Sometimes they read three chapter books at a time. I have done something right as a parent! I have been reading a lot more in the past few years and I am enjoying catching up on some of the books I missed out on as a kid. Between adult and young adult books, I plan to read quite a bit this year. I’m hoping to actually finish the Little House series with my daughter. How did I miss that as a little girl?
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
My oldest child was always a great reader. My middle one read a lot but not books I thought were worthwile. My youngest never read at all. Now all three are great readers. Whew.
coyotero2112
January 22, 2013
Still liking your posts so much…books:
The Tao of Pooh – Benjamin Hoff
Pale Fire – Vladimir Nabokov
Guns, Germs, and Steel – Jared Diamond
The Wit and Wisdom of Ocsar Wilde – edited collection
Kingdom of Fear – Hunter Thompson
Sleeping with Houdini – Nin Andrews (poetry)
Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
Being There – Jerzy Kosinki
Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
Man Without a Country – Kurt Vonnegut
As anyone could plainly see, nothing much new. I live in an area where not much is available, and I had to choose among hundreds of books which I would take to the edge of the world. I chose books I could read either once a year, or constantly pick up for a short slice of prose.
Later…
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I adored Guns, Germs, and Steel. I’m thinking I read Steinbeck and Vonnegut and Kosinski a long time ago. Will take a look at the others.
Nanette
January 22, 2013
I read 34 books last year and, judging from my pile of to-be-read books, I’d better read faster this year. I’m fortunate that my work (own estate sale company) allows me a lot of free time. I, too, no longer bother to finish books that I don’t like. I read a real mix of genres and qualities, too. Here’s the top: The Green Mile – Stephen King; The Quiet American – Graham Green; Clockwork Orange -Anthony Burgess; Under the Banner of Heaven -Krakauer; The Reprieve- Jean-Paul Sartre; A Visit from the Goon Squad – Jennifer Egan; Wild-Cheryl Strayer; Nero Wolfe: Too Many Women – Rex Stout.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I’m just amazed at all these suggestions from people. Like you, I’d better start reading faster! I’ve read the Krakauer book. Others have recommended Goon Squad. I’ve seen Wild in the store. Oh boy.
lexy3587
January 22, 2013
I’m going to have to keep checking in and adding comment-book-recommendations to my ever-growing list of books to read.
I recently read “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen – really sweet story, and her writing style sucked me right in.
Anything by Anne McCafferey is also amazing, for sci fi and for fantasy
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I haven’t heard of either. Wow.
mercyn620
January 22, 2013
I also no longer feel guilty not finishing a book. I like light reading when traveling, and this past year read several books by Lisa Scottoline (Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog, My Nest Isn’t Empty It Just Has More Closet Space,etc.) and a couple by her and her daughter Francesca Serritella – Best Friends Occasional Enemies, Meet Me at Emotional Baggage. Other books include The Man Who Left by Theresa Weir, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, and currently reading Roads to Quoz by William Least Heat-Moon.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I love Wm Least Heat-Moon and Kingsolver. Will check out the others.
pegoleg
January 23, 2013
I liked Scottoline’s mysteries with the woman lawyer protagonist, but, frankly, they got to seem all the same. I really loved her humor books which you mentioned. She does a humor column (Philly?) I think – just my style.
Kelly Mac Donald
January 22, 2013
I have a ever growing pile beside my bed also and a bookshelf that thrills me. Nothing is better on a cold January day than to sit in and devour a delicious novel. I go through phases where I read nothing but fiction and then I reverse and read only non-fiction. It is usually a reflection of where I am at the time in my personal growth. Great column. Current fav is Superbrain by Deepak Chopra,
ryoko861
January 22, 2013
I’m not your average American. I don’t like reading. But I did come across a Lee Child book “The Killing Floor”. The movie Jack Reacher is based on these books by Child. They’re NCIS meets Dirty Harry. It’s rather intriguing. But that’s about all I’ve read in the last 3 years at least.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Really interesting, since you do read blogs and contribute your thoughts to them. I looked at the write up for The Killing Floor and it does look like it’s worth reading.
pegoleg
January 23, 2013
I’ve read every one of Lee Child’s books. I love them for escapist fiction, but HATE the thought of Tom Cruise playing Reacher.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 24, 2013
I hate the thought of Tom Cruise playing anything. Except someone who is invisible and mute.
k8edid
January 22, 2013
I am a book listener – as I commute 2 hours a day and would drive off a bridge if I didn’t have books to occupy me. I used to listen (all the way through) to ANY book I started but decided to spare some of my brain cells. I am listening to “Moon Over Carolina” right now and the dialogue is so stilted that I cannot stand to listen to much more, I don’t think. I finished listening to “Room” by Emily Donoghue. Disturbing but good, but I almost didn’t finish it because it was written from a 5 year old’s perspective…and the reader’s voice annoyed me. I’m glad I finished it.
I read “The Paper Boy” by Pete Dexter (as in held it in my hands and read it – a real book). I recommend it very highly. But now that school is back in session I am reading text books: Advanced Pharmacology, Health Assessment for Nurses, etc. etc. ZZzzzzzzzzz.
k8edid
January 22, 2013
And I have Kindle app for my I pad, laptop and my phone, so I usually have a lot of books going on at once in additon to the audiobooks. No matter where I am I can whip out a device and read.
pegoleg
January 23, 2013
Me too, Katy! I don’t have a long commute but I almost always have a book on CD in the car. I hate to admit I got about 1/2 way through The Help and then it lost my interest.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I liked The Help for the idea of it, but it wasn’t the most well written book I’ve ever read by a long shot. Many others have been that: great premise, so-so writing.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I have friends who swear by books-on-tape. I have to get past my fear of not liking the way the reader sounds. Room was great, in a totally creepy, disturing way. It got into my head for a long time. I was staying at my daughter’s flat and sleeping in my grandson’s room while I was reading it, and I actually had to get up and measure the room because I had to know how big the room in the book was. It was SMALL. I envisioned it in my head as so much bigger than it was.
k8edid
January 23, 2013
I certainly have my favorite readers – I like that I get them FREE from the library. I order them online and pick them up when they come in. I listen to at least one a week, sometimes I’ll take it into the house when I get home to continue listening. I am glad you did this post, I’ve added loads of books to my “to read” list as well.
Did you see my e-mail I sent you?
Angela
January 22, 2013
I am currently reading The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich. It is part of the trilogy that includes The Round House which is in my stack. I can’t remember the third book (frequent memory failure). My stack includes the latest Kingsolver, Sanctuary by Jane Urquart, and two Jayne Ann Phillips books-Machine Dreams and Shelter. So many books, so little time. I read about thirty books last year. This year I would like to read about one a week.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Thanks so much, Angela. Several people have reccomended The Round House. I hadn’t realized it was a trilogy. I will check out the others, as well. I feel like I need to take a 100 hour plane flight to start devouring books.
Lunar Euphoria
January 22, 2013
In the non-fiction realm I’ve been on a compassion kick lately with books like Lorne Lander’s The Lost Art of Compassion and Karen Armstrong’s Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. I’m currently in the midst of Talia Leman’s A Random Book about the Power of Anyone, which is a ridiculously fun book written by a 17 year old. On a related vein, I recently posted about three books I read about teaching in the “Reads & Rambles” section of the blog.
As far as non-fiction goes, Secrets of a Fire King was a great collection of short stories by Kim Edwards. I completely lost myself early in 2012 in the Hunger Games Series. Also, Lord of the Flies was just amazing.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
I lost myslf in The Hunger Games as well, although the thrid book wasn’t nearly as compelling to me. I read Lord of the Flies back in school. It was, indeed, amazing. will look into the others. Ah, my list keeps getting longer and longer.
Colline
January 22, 2013
People’s lack of reading is reflected in their writing. Start reading this and you will realise that the stats may just be right.
Personally I am never without a book nearby. If the story doesn’t grip me early on, I put it aside for another. Why waste time on a badly written book when I could savour the words of a well written yarn.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 22, 2013
Well said, Colline!
John Lever
January 22, 2013
vN, a wonderful story about artificial life, by Madeline Ashby.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I just took a look at it on Amazon.
writingfeemail
January 22, 2013
I think I won every reading award in school, and am still a book hound. I’ve recently acquired a kindle and have a nice stash waiting for me there. There is also a stack of books on my desk about Medieval France. All I need is some spare time….
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
You had reading awards in school? Wow. Yes, time. And to make things worse, now when I get in bed to read, I fall asleep. I never used to do that.
morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer
January 22, 2013
I’m reading “Prague Winter,” by Madeline Albright. It’s not a fun book, but gives a thorough picture of the happenings leading up to and during World War 11, and Czechoslovakia after the war. Why does the truth have to be so upsetting?
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I haven’t read that, but I have read many non-fiction books about the war and its aftermath. It’s always so disturbing.
chlost
January 22, 2013
OH, it is so wonderful to read this post and all of the comments, I have a new list of great books to read. I have large stacks of books that I have read or plan to read all over the house. I am never far from a pile so that I can just reach over a grab one. However, remembering the books that I have read is a little more difficult. I loved Dave Eggers “What is the What?”, I enjoy Patricia Cromwell, Janet Evanovich, PD James, Elizabeth George, Barbara Kingsolver. I am just finishing up “Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake”, memoir by Anna Quindlen. Great! I also have read many of those listed by others above…..apparently we all share good taste in reasding. I haven’t succumbed to a Kindle yet, but am intrigued. I love to have the books around.
I am going off to update my reading list. My husband should not plan to see much of me for a long time………
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
What is the What is one of my all time favorite books. I finished it on a plane and started bawling. Then, when I got home, I dropped my suitcase, ran to the computer, sobbing, to find out what happened to Achek Deng. Oh my. I’ll check out some of your others.
chlost
January 24, 2013
I did the same thing after reading that book….I checked online to see if I could find an update on him.
Paula J
January 22, 2013
Velva Jean Learns to Fly is about the WASP during WWII. Fiction. Author is Jennifer Niven. That’s what I am reading right now.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I actually know Jennifer Niven!!! She is one special young woman and a real sweetheart. She gave us advice while we were writing our first book. Have you read her first book, The Ice Master? Really impressive, and even more so because the author was a woman.
gelolopez
January 23, 2013
Doing 50 Books a Year. So far, I am in my fourth. The Lord of the Rings, Two Towers
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I read the Lord of the Rings many decades ago and it knocked me out. I’ve thought about going back to it, but there are so many books I want to read.
benzeknees
January 23, 2013
I have just started re-reading Brian Lumley’s Necroscope series. It is a series of books about ESP & other supernatural phenomena & vampires. There are about 8 books in the series, plus a few extra books. Love the series! I did not enjoy most of the rest of his writing, but this one I really enjoyed.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I’ve read some books about supernatural phenomena but nothing connected to vampires. Mostly esp, past life regression, etc. I’ll take a look.
Snoring Dog Studio
January 23, 2013
First of all – I so agree! I cannot understand or relate to the person who says he or she doesn’t read books. It’s as unfathomable as knowing a person doesn’t like chocolate. My problem is that I start too many books at once. I’m glad to hear that you also don’t finish a book if it’s just becoming too painful to continue. I just closed “When Will There Be Good News” by Atkinson because I’ve had all the sadness and trials I can manage for awhile. I recently read, “The Tower, the Zoo, and the Tortoise” by Stuart and was delighted with it. I’m going to be reading “The $64 Tomato” next.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
Oh boy, more books to check out. I’ve already ordered a couple of the ones people mentioned and will put others on hold at the library. Whooie.
pegoleg
January 23, 2013
I hate to admit I don’t read as much as I used to. I spend most of my spare time making things, listening to music and thinking. I reread The Iliad recently. Interesting how many common sayings come from the ancient Greeks, like “the rosy fingers of dawn”.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I commend you for rereading The Iliad. I’ve never gone back to some of the classics I read in school, because there are so many other books I want to read. But it would be interesting to read them now, at this time of my life.
Pat Rose
January 23, 2013
I’ve enjoyed everything by Geraldine Brooks and also books by her husband Tony Horwitz, both Pulitzer Prize winners. The Talk Funny Girl was great though I can’t recall who wrote it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and it reminded me of Sarum which I read years ago. A friend recently turned me on to the Arthur W. Upfield mysteries featuring Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte. I enjoy lots of Australian authors, especially Bryce Courtney – he can really put a story together and gives you a good pay off at the end, a bit like another Aussie author, Nevil Shute. I usually read more than book at once – something small to carry in my bag and something else I don’t want to haul around. I once saw a college professor of my acquaintance board a plane with nothing to read! Shocking! I always have something to read – that way I am never bored and never mind waiting if someone I’m meeting is late.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 23, 2013
I’ve read several books by Geraldine Brooks. My favorite was March. I haven’t heard of her husband. Pillars of the Earth was great. I’ll check out the others you mentioned. And I agree: Let me sit with a book and wait. I don’t mind.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 30, 2013
I’ve just finished The Talk Funny Girl, thanks to you. I read the entire book on our (total 3) flights to Seattle a couple days ago. I love long flights!
Pat Rose
January 30, 2013
So glad you enjoyed Talk Funny Girl. I am so happy to have connected with this blog. We are about to go on a trip with several long flights and am armed with good reads. And I am hanging on to the suggestions I’ve seen in the blog responses. You are a wonderful resource for those who love to read!
Life in the Boomer Lane
February 1, 2013
Thanks so much, Pat. That’s one of the best things anyone can say about me!
oneaday34
January 23, 2013
I have nominated you for Versatile and Very Inspiring Blogger award. To follow up see: http://oneaday34.wordpress.com/2013/01/21/ive-been-nominated-for-a-blogging-award/
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 30, 2013
For reasons only known to my therapist, I don’t participate in awards. But I am sincerely honored.
Shannon
January 23, 2013
I recommend Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn; Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson; and, The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling (her first book written for adult readers).
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 24, 2013
I am so looking forward to reading Gone Girl. I’ll check out the Balson book. I still have a lock in my head about reading the Rowling book, but I have to get over that.
Anonymous
January 23, 2013
I LISTEN TO BOOKS ON TAPE IN MY CAR ON THE WAY TO WORK . JUST FINISHING MAJOR PETTIGREW’S LAST STAND BY HELEN SIMONSON RIGHT NOW. A WONDERFUL STORY TO LISTEN TO. MY FAVORITE ONES ARE THE BOOKS READ BY THE AUTHOR ESPECIALLY THE ONE ABOUT BILL CLINTON’S LIFE.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 24, 2013
Great idea about the Bill Clinton book. I got the actual book and never read it, for no good readon. I think hearing the author speak would make a difference. I swooned while listening to Barbara Kingsolver read a section from Poisonwood Bible at a Natl Press Club event.
Karen
January 24, 2013
I belong to a “Global Minds Book Club.” We are people from all over the world reading books from all over the world in Istanbul. My favorite book from that book club this year was this one: http://empty-nest-expat.blogspot.com/2012/03/africa-day-global-minds-book-club.html .
Reading on my own, my three favorite books from the year were 1) Persepolis, an Iranian graphic novel that shows that external wounds to a country often lead to worse wounds that are internally inflicted (sound like any country you know?), 2) Sand County Almanac – a book so profoundly inspiring it felt divinely inspired. The man who wrote it is an American hero and there will be a documentary called “Green Fire” debuting on PBS on Earth Day, and 3) “My Life in France” by Julia Child, simply the greatest expat book ever. I cried like a baby when I finished it.
Thanks for asking. Happy Reading.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 30, 2013
Oh my, more books for my list. Another person recommended the Julia Child book, as well. My husband was born in Istanbul. his family is still there. I have been fortunate to have been there several times now.
iwrite11
January 30, 2013
I really enjoyed Wild by Cheryl Strayed, which I’m sure you’ve either heard of or read by now. Also just finished The Tender Bar by J.R. moehringer. Really well written.
Life in the Boomer Lane
January 30, 2013
Wild has also been mentioned and is on my list. I will add The Tender Bar. Thanks!
Joyce Kramer
February 1, 2013
One of my all time favorites is The Autobiography of Malcolm X. I rarely read books more than once because I’ll never get to read all the books I want to read before I die, but I am going to re-read Malcolm X.
Life in the Boomer Lane
February 1, 2013
I remember loving it when I read it decades ago.