reading recap: fall 2010.

Previous recaps available here, here, here, here, here here, and here. 

I haven’t done a post like this in a while, primarily because graduate school has caused a severe decline in reading for pleasure. But, I didn’t want to fall completely out of the habit (and I love books too much to ever really stop), so here’s a quick recap of the books I’ve read over the past semester, from August until now.

Book: Every Last One
Finished: September

I am a notorious book crier; I won’t apologize for it, either. I’ve seen people who sob at movies, and no one bats an eye. So, if I seem a little melancholy to you, it’s probably because I just finished a really good book, as was the case with Every Last One. A disclaimer: I think Anna Quindlen can do no wrong. Love her. This book, though, was like a punch in the gut. That’s what I told Jordan after I finished, and months later, I still feel that way. Let’s just say it took me a while to get over. My only regret is that I checked it out from the library instead of buying my own copy. It’s just that good.

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Book: Cold Tangerines
Finished: September

During this hectic semester, I’ve found myself drawn to anything I can pick up and read just for a few moments, namely essays and short stories. (Got any recommendations?) This collection by Shauna Niequist is now one of my favorites. You’ve actually seen me blog about it before, though you probably didn’t know it. The title of her book comes from the following excerpt: “I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night and paint my walls the color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on cold white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that He gave life to someone who loves the gift.” Yep, that beauty is hanging in my living room now. Niequist is a talented writer, and I enjoyed getting glimpses into her life while also being reminded of the blessings of my own. This one’s a keeper.

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Book: Get Lucky

Finished: September/October

The beauty of being in a book club is you read things you probably would never pick up on your own, as is the case with this book, which, I’ve got to tell you, wasn’t my favorite. I like the occasional piece of chick lit (Sophie Kinsella, I’m looking at you), but Get Lucky was a stretch. I thought the characters were kind of self-centered and not at all likeable, and from what I understand — and I’m certainly no expert — Center’s portrayal of pregnancy was less than realistic. Now, I don’t want explicit details, but I also don’t care for a book that makes pregnancy (especially a surrogate pregnancy) look like a walk in the park. I won’t judge you for reading Get Lucky, but I don’t really recommend it either.

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Book: Dark Places

Finished: October

This was our book club follow up to Get Lucky; I think some girls balked at the subject matter, but I was excited to have something in stark contrast to the sugary sweet novel we’d just finished. Dark Places, though, is spectacularly dark. It’s not just a mystery or a suspense novel; it’s a study in satanic rituals, which, let’s face it, I’m not really into. I’d take Tana French any day over Gillian Flynn, but Flynn does know how to write a pretty good story. The plotline kept me guessing, and her ability to jump from character to character was impressive. Again, I’m not necessarily recommending this one, but it’s sometimes good to get outside your comfort zone.

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Book: Holidays on Ice

Finished: November

Our book club doesn’t normally meet during December, but we decided to have a holiday-themed get-together this year. Since I’m hosting, I assigned Holidays on Ice, definitely a departure for our group, but hey… my house, my rules. I'll give you the same warning I gave my book club, though: Sedaris can be a little crass, so read at your own risk. Despite my crazy schedule, I had no trouble finishing Sedaris’ collection of holiday tales, both because the stories are easy to read in one sitting, and because they’re hilarious. SantaLand Diaries is my favorite and probably will be yours too. Oh, and have I mentioned Jordan and I are going to see him live in April? Yep. Should be amazing.

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So, there you have it. I know, I know. Not a lot of reading this fall. Here’s what’s on my list for the Christmas holidays, though:

 

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