1. Lord of the Flies by William Golding (fiction)
--Talk about some id overcoming the ego! Watch out pigs...you shall be slaughtered. Yikes. No wonder this book is a classic. I was fascinated how the boy was saved from destruction by a man going off to destroy others. Ironic, no?
Finished January 2011
Required in public schools, forbidden in Sevy institutions. I think it's time to read this teenage classic. Darren and I are continuing our unintentional perusal of books featuring islands (We read Swiss Family Robinson and Treasure Island last year).
2. The Know-It-All by A. J. Jacobs (nonfiction)
Nonfiction about the author's quest to read through the entire encyclopedia. Just like the author, I wish I could remember all the information I read, but unfortunately I fear I have forgotten most of it.
Finished March 2011
3. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (fiction)
4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (fiction)
Important Classic literature, or so I've heard.
April 2011
Interesting take on how the world will be taken over and our minds controlled. I feel like many of the things he talked about have already come to pass in a more downplayed way.
5. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris (nonfiction)
I heard him speak and he signed my book with a rabbit and told me a dirty joke. I told him a joke about poo. It was fun.
Finished May 2011
Hilariously entertaining
6. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris (fictional satire)
Finished May 2011
I didn't like this book as well as his family story books, but I do feel like there was a deeper message in each anecdote that I could have got if I hadn't been so lazy and had actually tried to figure it out
He won a Pulitzer, so it has got to be good, right?
Finished April 2011
I learned about Turkey/Greece, Detroit, and hermaphrodites. The book was very well written, hence I was able to read it in just a few days. There was some gross sexual stuff, but overall I liked the book a lot. It did what I believe art should do--make us aware and observe important aspects of life that we tend to overlook.4. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (fiction)
Important Classic literature, or so I've heard.
April 2011
Interesting take on how the world will be taken over and our minds controlled. I feel like many of the things he talked about have already come to pass in a more downplayed way.
5. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris (nonfiction)
I heard him speak and he signed my book with a rabbit and told me a dirty joke. I told him a joke about poo. It was fun.
Finished May 2011
Hilariously entertaining
6. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk by David Sedaris (fictional satire)
Finished May 2011
I didn't like this book as well as his family story books, but I do feel like there was a deeper message in each anecdote that I could have got if I hadn't been so lazy and had actually tried to figure it out
7. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barberry (fiction)
Popular new book that was on the New York Times Bestseller List for over a year, so I hope it is good.
Finished June 2011
I should have contemplated the thoughts of this book with more depth, but I admit that I did not. It seemed at the conclusion that these things are important: friendship, helping people that will let you help them, and finding rare moments of beauty amongst the "never"--things that will not return and through the woes of life.
8. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (fiction)
Popular new book that was on the New York Times Bestseller List for over a year, so I hope it is good.
Finished June 2011
I should have contemplated the thoughts of this book with more depth, but I admit that I did not. It seemed at the conclusion that these things are important: friendship, helping people that will let you help them, and finding rare moments of beauty amongst the "never"--things that will not return and through the woes of life.
8. The Jungle by Upton Sinclair (fiction)
Get ready for some cow slaughtering. Yikes. At least I hear that it made some huge changes in safety and cleanliness in the workplace and maybe with animal humaneness? I'm not sure, but I am curious.
Finished June 2011
From what I read in the afterword, Sinclair was trying to turn people towards socialism, but instead made more of an impact on getting pure food laws past during the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt. I could, however, sense the desperation and feeling of utter helplessness that Sinclair portrays of his characters living in their unfortunate situations...driven to such depths that they do anything to survive.
Finished June 2011
From what I read in the afterword, Sinclair was trying to turn people towards socialism, but instead made more of an impact on getting pure food laws past during the presidency of Teddy Roosevelt. I could, however, sense the desperation and feeling of utter helplessness that Sinclair portrays of his characters living in their unfortunate situations...driven to such depths that they do anything to survive.
9. Watership Down by Richard Adams (fiction)
Finished June 2011
Very intriguing and imaginative book about fictional rabbits. I always remembered seeing this book on Stella's bookshelf growing up and was curious. Stella has good taste, and I was not disappointed.
10. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (fiction)
Finished July 2011
I read this in basically one night while we had a four hour delay in Denver due to a 30 minute thunderstorm. How that makes sense, I do not know. Anyhoo, this was a book I'd been wanting to read for a long time and I finally did it! The story was so creative and emotional. What a great idea to write a story about a mentally challenged guy who undergoes an experimental procedure to make him a genius.
11. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer (nonfiction)
Finished July 2011
I feel like I understand Mormonism and fundamental Mormonism much more fully now. It's amazing what people will do in the name of god, no matter who that god may be.
12. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (fiction)
He also won a Pulitzer. And I need a little Latin American literature now and then.
Finished July 2011
Lots of cursing and topics not appropriate for children, but I did think his writing unique. And, I felt like I learned more about the Trujillo era in the Dominican Republic. What a crazy, horrible time for that country. I've been to the DR three or four times, interacted with the people there, visited their beaches, roamed the streets, and would have never guessed all the terribleness and fear they had to live (or not live) through. And it seems that if you had a pretty daughter, you had to be quadruply scared. Yick.
Finished June 2011
Very intriguing and imaginative book about fictional rabbits. I always remembered seeing this book on Stella's bookshelf growing up and was curious. Stella has good taste, and I was not disappointed.
10. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (fiction)
Finished July 2011
I read this in basically one night while we had a four hour delay in Denver due to a 30 minute thunderstorm. How that makes sense, I do not know. Anyhoo, this was a book I'd been wanting to read for a long time and I finally did it! The story was so creative and emotional. What a great idea to write a story about a mentally challenged guy who undergoes an experimental procedure to make him a genius.
11. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer (nonfiction)
Finished July 2011
I feel like I understand Mormonism and fundamental Mormonism much more fully now. It's amazing what people will do in the name of god, no matter who that god may be.
12. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (fiction)
He also won a Pulitzer. And I need a little Latin American literature now and then.
Finished July 2011
Lots of cursing and topics not appropriate for children, but I did think his writing unique. And, I felt like I learned more about the Trujillo era in the Dominican Republic. What a crazy, horrible time for that country. I've been to the DR three or four times, interacted with the people there, visited their beaches, roamed the streets, and would have never guessed all the terribleness and fear they had to live (or not live) through. And it seems that if you had a pretty daughter, you had to be quadruply scared. Yick.
13. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan (fiction)
Finished August 2011
I got through half of Fast Food Nation and needed a children's pick-me-up book
14. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan (fiction)
Finished August 2011
Still distracted by kids books
15. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins (fiction)
Finished August 2011
Two complete strangers randomly recommended these three young adult books to me. While it was an interesting view of post-apopolyptic manner, it was too negative in my opinion. Even though there was a semi-happy ending to the story, it left me feeling icky. I know stories are not all supposed to be rosy, but the books ultimately also became tiring and I couldn't wait for the last to end.
16. The Giver by Lois Lowry (fiction)
Finished September 2011
I was really glad I read this book immediately after the aforementioned trilogy. This slim book made, in my opinion, a greater point in probably 600 less pages. Both of these pieces of literature did remind me of Brave New World and 1984 in many ways, showing worlds trying to form very controlled societies with different methods, and the eventual results and reactions of those societies.17. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (fiction)
Finished September 2011
I really enjoyed the book and later the movie. It was inspiring even though it was fiction, and, again, gave me a new perspective on how things were during that time.
18. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser (nonfiction)
This book, from what I've heard, talks a lot about Colorado and the meat industry. I've also read that it has similarities to The Jungle. So for all these reasons, it should be interesting...and I'm sure depressing.
Finished September 2011
Interesting coverage of many aspects of the industry--where the food comes from, how they make it taste certain ways, employees, etc. I'm swearing off fast food as much as possible, so I guess the book was successful.
Interesting coverage of many aspects of the industry--where the food comes from, how they make it taste certain ways, employees, etc. I'm swearing off fast food as much as possible, so I guess the book was successful.
19. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (fiction)
Finished September 2011
Finished September 2011
I have read that Agatha Christie is the highest selling author after the Bible and Shakespeare. I haven't really read many mysteries, but this one was interesting.
20. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson (fiction)
Finished September 2011
Finished September 2011
Interesting fictional story dealing with modern day racism, agism, culture, and love.
21. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (fiction)
Finished September 2011
21. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (fiction)
Finished September 2011
Creative method of sharing a story from a different character's intertwining perspective in every chapter.
22. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (fiction)
Finished October 2011
A reminder of the horrendous things that still occur in the world and what could happen when the sometimes denying comfortable world outside is forced to see and interact with it.
23. You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again: The True Adventures of a Hollywood Nanny by Suzanne Hansen (nonfiction)
22. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (fiction)
Finished October 2011
A reminder of the horrendous things that still occur in the world and what could happen when the sometimes denying comfortable world outside is forced to see and interact with it.
23. You'll Never Nanny in This Town Again: The True Adventures of a Hollywood Nanny by Suzanne Hansen (nonfiction)
Finished October 2011
Kind of a silly look into what Hollywood nannies go through. Not really sure I cared too much, but I guess it was a world I had never really thought about. It was on my Kindle, and I wanted something to read. I guess it was kind of interesting to compare this book with The Help book I read last month.
24. The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle (fiction)
Finished October 2011
Not nearly as good as the Agatha Christie mystery, but I did learn about wine, insurance companies, and France. Again, it was already on my Kindle so I checked it out.
25. A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard (nonfiction)
Finished October 2011
Such a sad, sad story. It is hard to imagine how she was able to endure eighteen years locked away in a backyard to fulfill a man's "sexual problem." I hope that she truly has a wonderful rest of her life and is still able to accomplish all the dreams she desires.
26. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer (nonfiction)
Another book about the food industry, I believe. That is three for the year, but they've all been about MORE than the food industry. This is what I think they were going for: The Jungle was supposed to inspire us to be communist or something (but ended up, from what I understand, just changing food regulations). Fast Food Nation is supposed to inspire us not to eat fast food unless workers are treated better, food is more natural and healthy, and something is changed about the monopolies of big ranches and producers that supply the restaurants. Of what I have read so far, Eating Animals is going to take a deeper look into why we eat what we eat, and why we think that is okay. I guess I will find out for sure
Finished November 2011
And...the book was successful in making me want to become a vegan. They way animals are treated and genetically mutated, plus the terrible damage factory farms cause to the environment is HORRENDOUS. I heard a commercial yesterday by the "beef, it's what's for dinner" folks saying they didn't do any of these things (I guess this guy's book must have caused a stir) and how the beef industry is good for the environment (really??? I just don't see how they can argue this.), local farmers, and animals (really???). I haven't looked up their argument yet, but I don't see how they could ever convince me of that unless they've changed everything since the book was written and they have just as many references as Foer has.
27. Room by Emma Donoghue (fiction)
Finished November 2011
The perspective of a 5 year-old boy who is raised in a room by his kidnapped mom and then later his transition into the outside world. The perspective allowed the author to present modern life in a very unique and critical way.
28. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell (essay-ish)
Finished December 2011
Malcom argues that people have to have the right circumstances (when they were born, where they were born) and practice a lot to be super successful.
29. Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres (nonfiction)
Finished December 2011
What a huge waste of time. I think Ellen is funny, but this book just seemed sloppy--like she just wrote down whatever dumb little thing came into her brain. It felt like she was just trying to make money off of her fame. Disappointing.
30. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (fiction)
Finished December 2011
Very well done, but very sad book about the Jewish round up in Paris, France during the WWII era.
Kind of a silly look into what Hollywood nannies go through. Not really sure I cared too much, but I guess it was a world I had never really thought about. It was on my Kindle, and I wanted something to read. I guess it was kind of interesting to compare this book with The Help book I read last month.
24. The Vintage Caper by Peter Mayle (fiction)
Finished October 2011
Not nearly as good as the Agatha Christie mystery, but I did learn about wine, insurance companies, and France. Again, it was already on my Kindle so I checked it out.
25. A Stolen Life by Jaycee Dugard (nonfiction)
Finished October 2011
Such a sad, sad story. It is hard to imagine how she was able to endure eighteen years locked away in a backyard to fulfill a man's "sexual problem." I hope that she truly has a wonderful rest of her life and is still able to accomplish all the dreams she desires.
26. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer (nonfiction)
Another book about the food industry, I believe. That is three for the year, but they've all been about MORE than the food industry. This is what I think they were going for: The Jungle was supposed to inspire us to be communist or something (but ended up, from what I understand, just changing food regulations). Fast Food Nation is supposed to inspire us not to eat fast food unless workers are treated better, food is more natural and healthy, and something is changed about the monopolies of big ranches and producers that supply the restaurants. Of what I have read so far, Eating Animals is going to take a deeper look into why we eat what we eat, and why we think that is okay. I guess I will find out for sure
Finished November 2011
And...the book was successful in making me want to become a vegan. They way animals are treated and genetically mutated, plus the terrible damage factory farms cause to the environment is HORRENDOUS. I heard a commercial yesterday by the "beef, it's what's for dinner" folks saying they didn't do any of these things (I guess this guy's book must have caused a stir) and how the beef industry is good for the environment (really??? I just don't see how they can argue this.), local farmers, and animals (really???). I haven't looked up their argument yet, but I don't see how they could ever convince me of that unless they've changed everything since the book was written and they have just as many references as Foer has.
27. Room by Emma Donoghue (fiction)
Finished November 2011
The perspective of a 5 year-old boy who is raised in a room by his kidnapped mom and then later his transition into the outside world. The perspective allowed the author to present modern life in a very unique and critical way.
28. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell (essay-ish)
Finished December 2011
Malcom argues that people have to have the right circumstances (when they were born, where they were born) and practice a lot to be super successful.
29. Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres (nonfiction)
Finished December 2011
What a huge waste of time. I think Ellen is funny, but this book just seemed sloppy--like she just wrote down whatever dumb little thing came into her brain. It felt like she was just trying to make money off of her fame. Disappointing.
30. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay (fiction)
Finished December 2011
Very well done, but very sad book about the Jewish round up in Paris, France during the WWII era.
