Reading List

I have had a rather busy summer so far, but I thought I would share with you the books I have been reading and some of my thoughts of them. This is since graduating May 5th. I am very blessed to have a job that allows me to read as much as I am able. I think after this current book, I will look into some more non-fiction. Any suggestions?

1. The Ginger Tree by Oswald Wynd

Such a wonderful way to start reading for fun. Very easy to read, interesting format (letters to and from people) and interesting for me in that it pertains to Asia, especially Japan.

2. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

Interesting and confusing. I can understand it's importance, but feel that I will have to reread this at some point in my life.

3. Nine Stories by J. D. Salinger

Loved these stories. Very weird, twisted endings. I wasn't as much of a fan of Catcher in the Rye so this was refreshing to read.

4. The Question of Palestine by Edward Said

This is probably one of the most important pieces I have read so far this summer. Also the only non-fiction. Very informative, although at times difficult to read. Some of the questions raised in this book inspired my currently painting set. I had previously read Said's autobiography, so it was wonderful to be able to read one of the books that made him famous enough to need a autobiography.

5. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr

This book caused me to fall in love with Vonnegut's style. He's honest, interesting and very unique. Really enjoyed this book.

6 - 9. Holiday on Ice, Naked, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim and Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

These are also somewhat autobiographical comedic short stories. Me Talk Pretty One Day is by far my favorite.

10. The Princess Bride: S Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure by William Goldman

Okay, I know I am suppose to love the book more than the movie, but I don't. I love this movie and found the book at times amusing and at times really annoying.

11 - 16. Harry Potter 1 through 6

I now love Harry Potter like everyone else in this country. I am waiting to get my hands on my neighbors copy of #7. The writing gets progressively better as the series continues. The fourth I believe being my favorite. Read these in a two week period. Very quick reading.

17. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

Delightful first and unfinished draft of a novel by this Jewish Russian author written in France during World War 2. The author was arrested and killed in a concentration camp, but her two daughters saved her drafts and they were translated and publish recently. A beautiful start, some of the lines are enrapturing. I wish she had the chance to finish the book. Reminds me Wilfred Owen in that I feel as though his poetry only barely had a chance to find itself before he was killed in World War 1.

18. Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

LOVED THIS BOOK. I plan on buying it. I have been told it is Vonnegut's best work and I believe them. Wonderfully written and over all delightful. I intend to reread this in the future.

19. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi Wa Thiongo

Favorite novel I have read in a LONG time. The author is exiled from Kenya and has written this allegory of African history and politics beautifully. I also intend to buy and reread this novel at some point. I also think people should read this. It's delightful. It is written in the African storytelling tradition and very interesting throughout the whole book. It is long, but worth every word.

20. (currently reading) The Horned Man by James Lasdun

Just started this book. So far it is not wowing me, but after Wizard of the Crow it doesn't have a chance.

This is not counting the various poems I have read this summer.