Sunday, September 6, 2009

September Book List

Since Mel's request for good books was such a hit, perhaps we can keep a monthly log of literary suggestions.

As we finish a good read, let's post suggestions here as comments, ok? Ok. :)
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8 comments:

  1. MariannaSeptember 6, 2009 at 10:41 AM

    I like it, triple!

    M.

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  2. JoanneSeptember 7, 2009 at 4:25 PM

    Okey dokey - I am in the middle of another Ken Follett -- set in late 1800's England and so far I don't want to do anything but read (I am taking a break to visit with everyone here).

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  3. decogirlSeptember 8, 2009 at 9:43 PM

    I've been busy getting used to the new job and odd days off. But after all the great posts for book ideas, I made a stop at the bookstore and picked up The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, along with a couple of others.

    I read the Guernsey... in 2 days and it was truly delightful! Thank you Nadya!!! I am going to send it to my aunty in Oxford, England who served in WW11. She's 87 now and I think she will love it (if she hasn't already read it).

    In many ways it reminded me of our little group here. The mutual love of literature and romance. The way the main character comes to meet a whole new group of friends through that shared passion, by mail, not email. And the parallels between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr D'Arcy with Juliet and Mr. Dawsey and the missing Elizabeth.

    This week I've read the first of a two part series, The Meaning of Night, by Michael Cox. A Victorian mystery/romance published in 2008. Reads like a Dickens, extremely well researched and authentic feeling. Very enjoyable and I am looking forward to diving in to the sequel, The Glass of Time. If you like Victorian literature, like Dickens or Wilkie Colins, you'll love this one. The protagonist is a booklover and the story is full of references to many classics, mostly too obscure for me, but includes Victorian contemporaries and Austen and many poets, Tennyson, Browning, Yeats etc.

    I read Pillars of the Earth last summer and did like it, but not as much as the book I mentioned, The Crimson Petal and the White. Has anyone else read it? I wish someone else would, so we could talk about it together!

    Both the books I've read in the last week have inspired me in many ways and I thank you all for giving me another gift. After I finish the sequel to Meaning of the Night, I think I shall reread Wuthering Heights. I was only 19 when I read it first and I suspect it will be a different experience now.

    Who needs TV nonromance, when there is a whole world of words to explore.

    Ann

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 10, 2009 at 1:55 AM

    Four days ago, my pal, Elizabeth, another bibliophile, and I discussed our most recent literary selections.

    Me: I'm in a drought, lady.
    Elizabeth: Ooooh, stay here.

    She jumped to her feet, up the stairs, and in minutes, returned with book in hand.

    Elizabeth: You will fall in love with this book.

    In my hand she, Elizabeth, placed a novel that open-faced to this quote: Perhaps there is some secret sort of homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.

    I looked up at her.

    Me: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.

    +++++

    Spread over two train trips, up and back to DC, I smiled as I looked out the window into the world of Guernsey. It's a place I'd love to be, full of people who live in the way I love. They are authentic and true. And whatever could be more romantic than falling in love through letters?!?!?!

    Yes, as Ann has written, it reminded me countless times of how our friendships were forged. In honor of that, more irrefutable words: "Love of art--be it poetry, storytelling, painting, sculpture, or music--enables people to transcend any barrier man has yet devised".

    Read and reread this book.


    Other books: I Was Told There'd Be Cake, by Sloane Crosley. A collection of essays by a 29-year-old hilariously reflecting on 20-something experiences. She's a veritable hoot.

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  5. NashSeptember 16, 2009 at 9:20 AM

    Leeny Lou, I love this idea. I am so behind on the blog. I have been unbelievably, horribly busy. Will catch up soon.

    Miss you all.

    Nashy-Nashtastic (for old times sake).

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  6. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:48 PM

    Nashy-Nashtastic!!!!!

    Kiddo, I miss you (and K...where are you?) to bits and Reese's pieces. The traffic on this here fine blog has virtually evaporated as college and work and real life brazenly intervene.

    I miss you right back,
    Leen

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  7. MariannaSeptember 21, 2009 at 8:49 PM

    Nash!

    Don't goooo.... stay with us and check in from time to time!

    We love hearing from you.

    Triple:

    Wish I had more time to read for pleasure these days...

    Nothing like those lazy summer days, lounging around with a good book.

    Work-related reading: I'm currently teaching Albert Camus' classic novel "L'Etranger" to my students of French literature. It's a great book -- you can find it in English translation as "The Stranger" (or it is "The Outsider"? - can't remember).

    When I crawl into bed at night, physically and mentally exhausted, I need some fluff to put me to sleep -- any suggestions? Not formulaic romance novels but something witty and well-written but easy to read -- no thinking needed!

    M.

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  8. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2009 at 9:59 AM

    M~

    Hmm, really, the only fluff on deck at the moment is the book I mentioned above, titled, I Was Told There'd Be Cake. Every other sentence is a laugh riot.

    Currently, I'm reading The Bookseller of Kabul (why can we not italicize in the comments section?), and chapters from Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Kingsolver.

    Hmm, what else is light? Have you read Couplehood by Paul Reiser (he starred in the TV sitcom, Mad About You, opposite Helen Hunt...loved it). Hilarious. I'll keep my ear to the ground for more easy reading :)

    P.S. The Stranger pissed me off. Threw me into an existential crisis at 17. Wait. I think every teen is in existential crisis at 17. Whatev. :)

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