I'm not sure if I'll meet the goal, but I do know I'll be enlightened in trying.
Here's to my first three reads of the year. Only 47 more to go!
Book 1 - Room by Emma Donoghue.
I was excited to delve into this book and wasn't disapppointed. Room takes its basic plot from the Fritzl case as well as the cases of Jaycee Lee Dugard in California and of Natascha Kampusch and Sabine Dardenne. The story is told through the eyes of five-year-old Jack and packs an emotional punch. Second half is not as strong as the first but is still highly imaginative and poignant. Highly recommend!
Read the New York Times book review.
Book 2 - The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman.
This book is rife with fantasy and magic realism and reminded me of books I've read by South American authors. It's a haunting yet uplifting tale that describes how each of the three Story sisters meet their fate. Ultimately, it's a tale of redemption and forgiveness. The imagery is vivid and the tone may be dark, yet this one stayed with me, long after I had set it down.
Read the New York Times book review.
Book 3 - The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee.
"Sometimes the end of a love affair is only the beginning."
Set in Hong Kong, this evocative historical novel is laced with intrigue and tells the tale of two love affairs, both involving the same man. Did I mention it also involves betrayal and is set during the Japanese invasion of World War II? I quite liked it and look forward to more from this promising first novelist.
Read the New York Times book review.
Next up for this bibliophile is Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier - our book club selection for March, and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - a novel my friend Kat has recommended.
What's sitting on your nightstand? I'd love to know.
Dajana (:
Oooh great book list! I am shying away from the Room, but the last two I could do!
ReplyDeleteYou should try it, Heather! Room isn't graphic at all. I was worried about that, too. Especially since I'm the kind of girl who can't even watch CSI without becoming traumatized. (:
Deletep.s. Would love to hear what you're reading!
Would you recommend Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures? I noticed it on your Recently Read list.
DeleteI really need to read more myself but school and lesson planning always swamp me. I've seen reviews on The Room and should probably look into it a bit.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, that's entirely understandable, Jenn. You're busy with graphing quadratic functions. (:
DeleteLet me know what you think of Room, if you do end up picking it up.
The last two sound like my type of books. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat's sitting on my night stand?? How to Survive the First Year as Supervisor, lol.
I've got about 5 books in my night stand, some half read, some only a few pages in...one of them is a collection of poems by Pablo Neruda, there's also The Tipping Point and the rest I can't remember the titles of.
Happy reading my friend!
xo
P
You're going to be the best dang supervisor ever after getting through that book! (:
Deletep.s. I love Pablo Neruda. LOVE.
Oh, I wanted to mention...I've got over 200 novels sitting in boxes in the basement (gotta buy a book case for the living room!) from my University days. You're welcome to come over some time and peruse. :-)
ReplyDeleteP
Over 200?! Holy moly lady! I'd love to have a look-see one day. (:
DeleteWell, as you know, fellow literary lady, I've got The Girl With the Pearl Earring on my nightstand : ) If we don't get around to it with book club we'll have to get together when you're back to watch the movie!
ReplyDeleteI'm also quite intrigued by Room and that author Kat raves about. Maybe you can lend me Room and I can see if I can manage two books at once!! I've become quite good at speed reading when book club deadline comes along (thank goodness or I might never finish a book these days!)
I'll send Room along with Scott tomorrow, C. After you read it, we can discuss it over white chocolate raspberry scones at Duchess(:
DeleteTo add to my FB reply: http://pinterest.com/mspopcultini/books-i-ve-loved/
ReplyDeleteYou're awesome, M! Thanks so much. (:
DeleteThe Reader
ReplyDeleteRevolutionary Road
The Help
I also have tons of books in my Kobo and on my bookshelf, boxes in the basement. Want some light reads? The Shopaholic series.
Thanks, Tracy! I haven't heard of The Reader - will check it out.
Deletep.s. Came by to see your Anthro pantalones but you weren't at your desk. You'll have to wear them again tomorrow. (;
I should read Room as well so I can join to you and Christine at Duchess! Maybe eventually I'll make it there!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea, K! (:
DeleteI totally agree with you about Room - I was nervous to read it, but it was very well done. On my nightstand right now? Zen Mind, Zen Horse, as I've just bought my first horse, and realized I could use a "What to expect when you're expecting...a horse!" :o)
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy! I just had a look-see at your blog. Congrats on the newest addition to your family. Lucy is a gorgeous girl. As is your daughter in her H&M duds. (:
ReplyDeleteAfter this new equine experience, you may be able to write a "What to expect when you're expecting...a horse!" book.
p.s. Thanks so much for stopping by and for commenting!
Thanks for visiting, Dajana! Alas, Lucy is my only 'daughter' - H&M Izzie is my cousin's little girl, but I get to spoil her rotten :o)
ReplyDeleteHa - thanks for the suggestion...maybe I can pen it in between falls from riding! (If I joke about it, it won't happen, right?)
Izzie is adorable, Tracy and I'm sorry I assumed she was your daughter. People often assume my niece Rai is my daughter so I should know better. My only daughter is my dog-daughter Lucy. (;
ReplyDeletep.s. No falls allowed!
We read Room for our Bookclub. Amazing book! Different than anything else I've ever read.
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading the Paris Wife and loved it!
Happy reading!
Sarah
That's how I felt about Room, too. Different but fantastic!
DeleteThanks so much for the suggestion - I googled Paris Wife and it sounds lovely. I'll definitely be adding it to my list.
Thanks for popping by, Sarah. I love having new visitors! (: