Well I really just reread a book that I LOVED!!! I think that everybody should read it and so Interactive Wednesday is finding out what other books people loved and feel that others should read too.
Give the name of the book.
The Author.
A short synopsis.
Why you like it.
Here's mine: (I know a lot of you have already read it but I really want everybody who hasn't read it to hear about it):
Life of Pi
by Yann Martel
A young indian boy finds himself floating on the Pacific on a raft with a Bengal Tiger, a Zebra, an Orangutan and another animal I can't remember.
First, of Martel is Canadian. Yeah!!! Second, the book made me think like no other. In fact a year later I am still thinking about it. That's what a good book does.
I look forward to getting a new library list from everybody.
11 comments:
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver and Pigs in Heaven by the same author. These books are a sociological analysis on a young native american trying to be adopted by a white mother after a series of events. They are an excellent read!
anonymous, if you liked those books, you may want to check out Indian Killer by Sherman Alexie. Not for everyone, the story is quite dark; it follows an Indian man who is adopted by white parents and the Identity Crisis that he faces as a result of that. The back drop of the story is set to a murder mystery and the protagonist himself doesn't know if he's guilty or innocent. It is an exceptional, if not dark and slightly depressing, book.
That is not my pick, however! My pick is The Delicacy and Strength of Lace. Edited by Ann Wright. This is a compilation of letters written between poet/authors Leslie Marmon Silko and James Wright. The two authors only met twice, but their correspondencs allowed them a strong and cherished freindship. Each time I read this book, I take away something new from it.
Since we are currently into the Fantasy at Clark Central, Our book is The Briar King by Greg Keyes. Somewhat violent, but honestly very gripping tale of a kingdom in peril. I honestly LOVE the character development.
In keeping with the Canadian origin of Squishy Burito, I'll recommend a tome of short stories called "From Ink Lake" written by exceptional Canadian authors. The stories are varied in subject, can't really be rated PG, but I can remember none offensive or gross. They're good for the insomniac, (though the book is too heavy to read in bed). I can't remember the editor, but he's the guy who wrote "The English Patient."
Another recent read is "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell. Nonfiction, it is an observation and scientific study on how much an individual perceives subconsciously and instantly. Fascinating reading. Sounds like a textbook, but it's really fun reading.
P.S. I love Barbara Kingsolver's work. Thanks for the other suggestions. I've put them on my list. Squishy: I loved "Life of Pi" too.
Another P.S. to complete my book review. Michael Ondaatje, editor of "From Ink Lake."
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Greatest sci-fi book ever. Nell even loves it. Teen-aged boy is plucked off Earth to defend all of mankind from the buggers. It is much better than it sounds.
Reading. HUMMMM. Time to read??? When I do get it, I like to escape into fantasy. The children's books Harry Potter were great for that. Mostly my reading is about mutual funds, stocks etc.. Not very interesting, but when you are trying to build a retirement portfolio, sometimes you have to be practical. That and the daily newspaper does it for me. I guess I really do need to get a life!
Catch 22 is the best book in my humble opinion. Written by Joseph Heller. A pilot stationed in Italy at the end of World War 2. He tries to come to grips with his own mortality and the death of his friends. For those of you who know me, imagine a book that can make me laugh out loud even after I have read it 30 or so times. I read it once a year at least to keep me sane.
Look at you! You have a flippin' following. I love that book too (Life of Pi). Mine would have to be my favorite of all time - Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard. It is a non-fiction pulitzer prize winner, collection of essays, mostly about nature. I love her writing style and the imagery she uses. It's good because you can read a bit at a time and each time you learn something about yourself.
Okay... I can't contain myself, I have 2 books I would like to suggest. The first is 'The Eyre Affair' by Jasper Fford. It is a fun romp in world like our own but not quite, where fiction literally comes alive. An excellent read and the rest of the series is great too.
The other book I would like to suggest is non-fiction and titled 'Early Impressionism and the French State' by Jane Mayo Roos. It sounds boring, I know, but if you're interested in Impressionist art its a good read and you can learn a lot. Whats more, after you read it you can go down to the art museum (its free!) and check out the art work itself. What can be better than that!
I was going to say Ender's Game...
I was going to say Catch 22...
I was going to say The Eyre Affair...
So I'll add that the "sequels" to Enders Game (Shadow of the Hegemon, Shadow of the Giant) are also really great.
And the sequel to The Eyre Affair, Lost in a Good Book is also great.
And for an original thought...The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay.
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