Sunday, January 9, 2011

Books in 2011

I read constantly, but this year, I decided to be conscious about my reading. So many times, I find myself struggling to remember ALL the books I've read in a year, and for 2011 I am preempting the struggle.

I'll be posting the titles of the books I read this year here, as well as providing a brief annotation/opinion of each. I am so tempted to dig back into the wonderful titles I read in December, including "On Writing" by Stephen King and "Traveling With Pomegranates" by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor, but...I'll be good and stick to 2011. (Both these books are HIGHLY worth reading, by the way...)

The first book I read this year was "Alias Grace" by Margaret Atwood. This multi-genre historical novel about a nineteenth century convicted murderess is compelling and unique. The ending left me disappointed, but I really can't think of any possible ending to this story that wouldn't have been disappointing on some level.

Next, I returned to a favorite author of mine, Marion Zimmer Bradley, and read "The Fall of Atlantis." The title is deceptive, but it's an ancient historical novel about good and evil, gods and goddesses and the mortals who serve them. Since I love the author, I was surprised not to like this book.

I'm also on the waiting list at the library for "The Help" by Katherine Stockett, and I have two more historical novels waiting for me on the coffee table.

So what are you reading this year? Any recommendations for me?

3 comments:

  1. ooh, Alias Grace! I felt exactly the same way. Couldn't put it down, was disappointed by the ending.

    Was Fall of Atlantis really written by Bradley, or was it one of those things where they took her note and wrote it, or "based" it on her notes? I read one a few years ago that had her name but was not actually written by her, and it was trashy fantasy pap. Guh, so bad.

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  2. Ken and i doing a book share where we take turns sharing a favorite book one of us has read and reading them aloud to each other. i started with "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin and now we are reading Ken's choice, "Blood Done Sign My Name" by Timothy Tyson. The author will be speaking at the Fearington Barn on 2/27. Wasn't planning it that way but we happen to be reading it and then i found the announcement in the Chatham Chat list that he will be here.

    i'll be keeping an eye on your list for suggestions for future readings.
    Rochelle Moser (from choir)

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  3. Amanda- Fall of Atlantis is actually by Bradley: it's one of her earlier ones, and was issued as two separate books at first. But it didn't come close to what I was expecting!

    Rochelle- Are you going to sing again this semester? I had to take the fall off, but I am looking forward to practice on Tuesday. My college copy of The Awakening sits in my writing room...maybe it's time for a re-read!

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