Thursday, January 20, 2011

Ok, Kids

I'm a really, REALLY picky reader. Usually, if I'm not satisfied with a book within the first chapter it's a no-go. But...I realize this is a horrible habit and I need to break out of this historical fiction feminist novel never-ending cycle I'm in and just read something new. 

 I faithfully read a blog of a girl whom (who? I never know) I have never met and, truthfully, don't even know her full name. She is starting a book club. You can meet with her in person (in New York) or discuss via her blog. But, because I don't live in New York and I'm too chicken to comment on her blog for fear of her discovering my little secret, I'm reading the book on my own and I suppose I shall keep my comments to myself. For book club, they (those who were actually invited) are reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I got it today and I already love it. I'll admit that it doesn't exactly get me out of my comfort zone when it comes to genre but the whole thing got me thinking...
If this girl, that I do not know in the least (although at this point I may as well have known her her entire life) could recommend a book that I am thoroughly enjoying, maybe other people (you--my readers, I mean) can suggest books for me to read. And maybe, just possibly, I will read them. The whole of them! And maybe, if you can suggest books that I like, I can also suggest books that possibly you will like! It could be a big circle of book suggesting love!

And so, I suggest my first book. Admittedly, I'm a little biased because of my recent obsession with all things Africa, but this one really is a good one. The Poisonwood Bible has recently graced my life. Try it, you might like it. Either way, let me know what you think. And please, please, please! What book would you suggest for me? When I finish The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I'll let you know what I think and then get started on your suggestions.

Three cheers for reading.

7 comments:

  1. I used to be exactly like you. Okay i still am to a point. If I don't get into a book with in the first 75 pages I'm done. Not worth the trouble, too many books I haven't read to waste my time. But I could reccomend some fairly entertaining weekend reads that would get you out of your comfrot zone...try Hunger Games. It took me the first 60 + pages to get into it but then I was hooked.

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  2. the screwtape letters by c.s. lewis. ummmm very good. definitely out of my comfort zone at first, but the guy really knows how to get you thinking. i knew c.s. lewis was amazing before, but i didn't know how amazing until i read something besides the chronicles of narnia.

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  3. Here it goes-

    Fiction (considering I have only read one fiction novel in about 6yrs this list will be short)-
    -The Picture of Dorian Gray (Love, love, love!)

    Non-Fiction (I don't know why I am bothering putting this considering you have already rejected these suggestions in you heart)-
    -Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell
    -Leadership and Self-Deception, by Arbinger Institute (I recommend this book to EVERYONE!)
    -Fooled by Randomness, by Nasim Taleb

    As you will notice I did not put a single book about finance in here:)

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  4. How about "A Painted House" by John Grisham. Pretty short, by his standards... almost a short story. I really loved it. YMMV.

    Another idea is "The Silver Chalice" by Thomas Costain. It's a book our whole family loved (bet your Dad has a copy). Probably out of print, but you can find one in a used book store.

    Also, since you're only a few miles from the beating heart of 19th Century American literature (aka, Concord, MA). You might consider a few books from the famous authors who lived there, e.g., Hawthorne, Alcott, Emerson, or Thoreau)

    And, since you're so close to so much early American history, the book "1776" by David McCullough is a great read.

    On an entirely different front, and since you're at a point of embarking on new directions in life, you might want to read "People of The Lie". by Scott Peck.

    So there are a couple (ok, more than a couple) of ideas. I usually have 5 or 6 books going at the same time (which can lead to confusion, as I've often picked one up, stared reading and thought, 'that doesn't make sense, why would they do that?' Only do discover I've mixed up my stories. So if something else jumps to mind, I'll pass it along.

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  5. I read The potato peel pie book too and LOVED it you will too! Also like Trisha said Hunger games very good and easy read. I just finished House Rules by Jodi Picoult, I have actually read a lot of hers and liked them. Do you have an account on Goodreads.com? after you read a book you can rate it. You request friends and see what they have read. it is pretty neat. Love you!

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  6. Lee get a goodreads account and we can be friends on there!!! I'll send you an invite.

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  7. I actually have two copies of "The Silver Chalice." but I'm sure the Shrewsbury Public Library will have a copy.

    You can't go wrong with "The Grapes of Wrath." Well, you can by not reading it...

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