Book #15- The Lover by Marguerite Duras

HOLY CRAP!!!  This book was very light on "fluff", but at the same time, was so packed with emotion and tension all the way through.  I couldn't put it down.  The story is about an older man, an exotic location, and lots and lots of sex scenes, so could very well be a typical summer beach-read if you took away all the happy parts and added addiction, depression, and an extremely dysfunctional family.  I love the main character, which is none other than the author herself, only as a 15 year old.  This is an autobiographical work, which makes my respect for Duras that much more immense.  I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone, but that's okay, because I'd be just as happy keeping it for myself.
Go Read!

Book #14- The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant

This was the second book that I had read by Anita Diamant, the first one being The Red Tent, which I read twice, and loved twice. 
This is a beautiful work with stories of the residents of "Dogtown" intertwining.  Diamant does a really great job of making you want to cheer on her characters.  Even the "bad guys" are somewhat understandable. 
I checked this one out from the Champaign Public Library, which is just down the street from me (as is, well, everything here).  It's a really nice library- very modern, and they have a ton of reading programs for young and old alike.  Then again, I like all libraries.  Go figure!

Book #13- Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Aaaaahhhh!!!  Annnnd, I'm back!  After moving to a new city (town...okay, town/city), starting a new job, quitting said job and starting another, I am finally settled enough to start updating this beautiful blog again!
Thanks to Lindsay and her wonderful boyfriend Shaun, I was able to watch Neil Gaiman speak at Harold Washington Library with Audrey Niffenegger, who I had seen before.  I thought he was brilliant and so I picked up a signed copy of his book on my way out and LOVED it!  If I wasn't trying to avoid reading two books by the same author this year, I would only be talking about his books from here on out.  Next year, look out, Neil Gaiman will rule you!
This book was absolutely delightful, and the characters were perfect- fun, hopeful, inspiring...  I love a good epic story, and this is one for sure.  Love it!  Thanks Linds!!!

Book #12- The Hamdmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Terrifying.  Completely, absolutely, terrifying.

This is an amazing piece of work, reminiscent of  Orwell, and takes place in the future when a militaristic theocracy has taken over the US. 

Atwood brings up many different issues, probably more prevalent and pressing in 1985, but still appropriate almost 30 years later.  It brings up issues of gender, sex, social hierarchy, religion, race, politics, and tries to get to the root of human morality.  I think this is definitely a good book to read for anyone who is politically aware.  However, it is still completely, absolutely, terrifying.

Book #11- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Aaagh, I forgot to update after this one, so I'll be updating two at once.  Silly me.

Although I don't personally know anyone with autism or Asberger's Syndrome, I had so many great conversations when I was reading this with people who do.  They told me that they had read this book and that it made them understand their cousin/nephew/peer, etc. so much better. 

I'm so glad I read this because it gave me a completely new perspective on an issue that I was previously very uninformed about.  Props to Mark Haddon for making that possible.  I think it's great when an author can make people become aware and compassionate about topics that aren't discussed often enough.
All in all, a great read.  Funny at parts, sad at others, but great the whole way through.

Book #10- Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons

Wow.  I picked this up on a whim at Ravenswood Used Books in Lincoln Square.  I'm really glad I did, too.  This is such a great tale of the strength of this little girl, and the narrative makes you smirk if not laugh at some parts.  Reminded me a little of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" but more tragic, and with a southern accent.  I definitely recommend it.

At this rate, Lindsay and I are going to have 32 books done in no time.  Should we aim higher, or just see how many we can do?  Hmmm???

Book #9- You Shall Know Our Velocity! by Dave Eggers

What can I say... yet another Dave Eggers masterpiece.  This guy has his hands in everything, and I love the way he writes.  The guy hasn't had the easiest life, but you come away from his books with zeal and a zest for life, and really- he is amazing.  If you don't know about him already, go out and buy this book.
It's so hard when you find an author that you love, to not just ignore all other authors, and read everything that they've published.  There are a few authors like that for me, but I find it's much more rewarding to read one of their books every now and then instead of just all at once.  Maybe that's also because I get bored easily, even with writing styles. 
What is everyone reading right now?  I'd like to hear about other people's favorite authors, or writing styles.  I'm tired of picking out my own books, help me out here!

Book #7- The Princess Bride by William Goldman

This book was another recommendation, and man was it a good one!  Such a great story, even after seeing the movie countless times before reading it.  It's exceedingly well written, too. William Goldman is a genius, and he writes the book as though it were an abridged version of a classic written by someone named S. Morgenstern when, in fact, the tale is a Goldman original.  I'm definitely going to read his other books too.
I love talking to people about books.  I think my enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming, but sharing thoughts on books and authors is just so stinking exciting to me I can't help it.  Time to start on number eight!

Book #6- "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" by Julia Alvarez

My sixth book was fantastic, through and through.  It's a breath of fresh air to read a book by a female author who uses complete, brutal honesty in her writing.  There were countless times reading that I couldn't stop laughing.  Because I grew up in a family full of boys, it is usually pretty hard for me to relate to anything pertaining to the special bond that sisters share, but this was written so candidly, that it was just so raw, so human, that anyone could relate.  I think males and females alike would like this one, and I think I'll read another of her books this year!
Whoa, Lindsay and I are on a roll!  Six books already!  I feel like I'm getting better at reading in general.  Sounds weird, but it really seems that way.  After every book, I can't wait to read the next.
Something that gets me excited about reading is making a list of books that I've always wanted to read, or have been meaning to, or something that a friend has suggested.  (This especially works when you're trying to get through an especially difficult read.)

Book #5- One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn

 

This book has honestly been my toughest read so far.  Although it's a mere 140 pages, the material is pretty heavy and there are no chapters.  The writing is great and you really find yourself rooting for the hero of the story, but the reason that it was so tough to get through is that it's an extremely accurate description of life in a Stalinist era Siberian labor camp.  There isn't any glamor, no real climax, just a gritty look at the beauty and tragedy of humanity.  

Here's my take on ebooks:  If they make you read more than you would with hard copies, do it!  I absolutely admire people who can read ebooks with as much gusto as the paper counterpart.  However, I am not one of those people.  I'm a bit more romantic about books in general.  I love the feeling of flipping pages, the smell of old paper (I buy 90 percent of my books used), and the sound of a book hitting the wall when the story didn't end the way I wanted it to (Her Fearful Symmetry).  

As far as investment, it just all depends on how much you read, and how you acquire your books.  If you're like me and prefer books with paper pages, I highly recommend buying your books used.  Amazon has extremely cheap used books, and I'll use them if my local used book store doesn't carry what I'm looking for.  It usually does though, thanks Myopic Books!

Also, the Chicago Public Library system is a great one and it's a great resource for any reader, researcher, or curious community member.  I'll go further in detail about CPL  and libraries in general later.

Moral of the story is- whatever, however, whenever best suits you, just read!

Book #4: Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Whoa!  My fourth book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston actually made me cry real tears.  What a great book, and I see why it's a classic.  Beautiful, dialectically-accurate piece of literature. 

It looks like Lindsay and I are breezing through these books!  I'm in school full time and working part time and still find time to read, somehow.  There's always time.  Maybe just 20 minutes here and there before bed, and if it's a good book, you'll be surprised by how much your book is intertwined in the dreams you'll have.  Then again, maybe that's not such a great idea if you're Lindsay!
Read!

Book #3- Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My third book, "Water for Elephants", has been my favorite thus far.  I read it in a day.  Although a book in a day isn't typical, it's easier than you think when you're stuck in an airport or on a stuffy plane.  This book was fun, cleverly written, and engrossing (to say the least).
Like Lindsay has said before, take a book or a Kindle- or whatever reading source you have- with you wherever you go.  You'll be surprised at how quickly otherwise "boring" situations fly by.  Better yet, you'll be surprised at how quickly the books themselves fly by. 

Here's an interesting article I came across recently about the importance of books in an era ruled by the internet.  Enjoy!
http://warriorlibrarian.com/RESEARCH/libresearch.html

Book #2- The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera

For my second book, I chose "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera.  This had been recommended to me by some coworkers, and I'm really glad I read it.
Apparently, the book has been made into a movie, and it's available instantly on Netflix!  Woohoo!  I love watching movies after reading the book.  I'm not sure if I've ever enjoyed the movie as much as a book, however.  One more reason to read, read, read!

Book #1- Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin

For my first book, I decided to read one of my first very-favorite chapter books.  I loved The Babysitters Club books.  I probably read about 75 of them.  I read them far after it was cool to read them.  In fact, I remember this kid Clint who rode my bus and said, "What's a sixth grader doing reading Babysitters Club books?  Those are for babies!"  After that, I kept them to myself and enjoyed them for another year or so, at the same time reading more age-appropriate books as well.

So yes, I revisited my childhood and laughed a bit, remembering how cool these characters seemed back then.  I even named my first cat after one of them.  

I have to admit, there were a couple times riding the el (realizing how often I try to sneak a peak at what everyone else is reading) when I decided to put my book away.  Stupid Clint apparently has given me a complex that has lasted well into my twenties.

32 to go, this is fun!