Summer reading
A few years ago, you and I, my dear readers, compiled a list of our favorite books. I found some great books on that list that I hadn’t read. Now I’m wondering what you’re reading right now, or what you want to read this summer. What’s in the pile on the nightstand or stashed in your bag? Leave your summer reading choices in the comments and we’ll compile another list.
Here’s what I’m planning to read this summer, time allowing:
Lawnboy by Paul Lisicky. I picked this one up from the free shelf at my old job a few years back because I liked the first page. And then I tucked it into a bookshelf in my office and forgot about it. I rediscovered it while sorting through books to sell to the used book store. Very much looking forward to diving in.
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. I’m rereading this. I first (and last) read it as a freshman in college and I can only imagine how much my young know-it-all brain missed at the time.
After Dark by Haruki Murakami. Murakami. I love him. Love him love him love him. Most likely I’ll read this one first.
Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. The move to Portland will give us a chance to reevaluate our choices, and the freedom to make better ones. We’ll both be reading this book before the move.
Falling Man by Don DeLillo. Not pictured because I haven’t bought it yet. The review in the Times suckered me into it. It sounds damn good, doesn’t it? I have to check it out.
Hi Cari, I just finished making your baby blanket that you gave me the pattern for quite a while ago. It had rows of ‘holes’ and a small wave in between. It’s really lovely!! Thanks, Bonney
Posted by: Bonney
Recently finished After Dark. Currently rereading Jane Eyre.
Posted by: brooke
Right now I am reading “An American Childhood” by Annie Dillard. It’s rather different to read this through a mother’s eyes and I highly recommend it. The flights of fancy and imagination and freedom… Fascinating.
Posted by: sophiagrrl
I just finished reading The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood. In the pile I have A Recipe for Bees – Gail Anderson, Cinnamon Gardens – Shyan Selvadurai and This Thing of Darkness – Harry Thompson. I’m not sure which will be first.
Posted by: Kathryn
I just finished reading “Love you, Mean it” and I can’t recommend it enough. Look it up and tell me whatcha think.
Posted by: knittingnurse
I’m on an historical fiction kick – I’ve been reading Philippa Gregory, right now I’m working on “The Constant Princess”.
On the nightstand is a 25-year-old copy of a novel about Sacajawea – it belonged to my mother – I remember her reading it and passing it around to all of her friends. I’m not sure who wrote it.
Posted by: Steph VW
I think you’ll like “Your Money or Your Life” – that’s a favorite around our house. I just started “A Factory of Cunning,” by Philippa Stockley, and next in line is “GirlBomb,” by Janice Erlebaum. I’m trying to get into “Sacred Games” by Vikram Chandra, but 800 pages might be too much of a commitment!
Posted by: Donna
I’ve got Byron’s _Don Juan_ queued up as well as Marisha Pessel’s _Special Topics in Calamity Physics_, E.M. Forster’s _Howards End_, and Austen’s _Persuasion_ and _Mansfield Park_.
Posted by: Anita
right now? three books all at once (well not really, just on a rotating basis)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (great read about food, problems with food industy, and what we can do about it)
A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Portable Childhoods by Ellen Klages (great collection of short stories). I think you’d like to read this one (it’s all about dear little boys): http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/20051205/design-f.shtml
Posted by: Eunice
Dorothy Dunnett’s “House of Niccolo” series-a masterpiece of historical fiction, which, in conjunction with her Lymond Chronicles, set the standard by which I measure all historical fiction. Nobody else comes even close.
Also Frances Mayes’ “A Year in the World” about her year travelling to exotic European spots with her husband, and “Spellbound” which is literally about the history of English spelling . . . but more interesting than that sounds!
Posted by: –Deb
currently – “krakatoa” by simon winchester. and then, if i feel up to it, thomas pynchon’s “gravity’s rainbow”. if i don’t feel up to it i have already seen several on this list that i’d like to check out!
Posted by: jen c
“A Yellow Raft in Blue Water” by Michael Dorris. My daughter is named after the protagonist. Just read it -it’s my favorite book, and I go back to it again every few years. Also “the Poisonwood bible” by Barbara
Kingsolver. This should just be required reading for everyone in the US. -Really puts things into perspective in terms of what is “necessary” for life.
Posted by: Paula
Hi Cari, I just finished making your baby blanket that you gave me the pattern for quite a while ago. It had rows of ‘holes’ and a small wave in between. It’s really lovely!! Thanks, Bonney
Posted by: Bonney
Recently finished After Dark. Currently rereading Jane Eyre.
Posted by: brooke
Right now I am reading “An American Childhood” by Annie Dillard. It’s rather different to read this through a mother’s eyes and I highly recommend it. The flights of fancy and imagination and freedom… Fascinating.
Posted by: sophiagrrl
I just finished reading The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood. In the pile I have A Recipe for Bees – Gail Anderson, Cinnamon Gardens – Shyan Selvadurai and This Thing of Darkness – Harry Thompson. I’m not sure which will be first.
Posted by: Kathryn
I just finished reading “Love you, Mean it” and I can’t recommend it enough. Look it up and tell me whatcha think.
Posted by: knittingnurse
I’m on an historical fiction kick – I’ve been reading Philippa Gregory, right now I’m working on “The Constant Princess”.
On the nightstand is a 25-year-old copy of a novel about Sacajawea – it belonged to my mother – I remember her reading it and passing it around to all of her friends. I’m not sure who wrote it.
Posted by: Steph VW
I think you’ll like “Your Money or Your Life” – that’s a favorite around our house. I just started “A Factory of Cunning,” by Philippa Stockley, and next in line is “GirlBomb,” by Janice Erlebaum. I’m trying to get into “Sacred Games” by Vikram Chandra, but 800 pages might be too much of a commitment!
Posted by: Donna
I’ve got Byron’s _Don Juan_ queued up as well as Marisha Pessel’s _Special Topics in Calamity Physics_, E.M. Forster’s _Howards End_, and Austen’s _Persuasion_ and _Mansfield Park_.
Posted by: Anita
right now? three books all at once (well not really, just on a rotating basis)
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver (great read about food, problems with food industy, and what we can do about it)
A Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Portable Childhoods by Ellen Klages (great collection of short stories). I think you’d like to read this one (it’s all about dear little boys): http://www.strangehorizons.com/2005/20051205/design-f.shtml
Posted by: Eunice
Dorothy Dunnett’s “House of Niccolo” series-a masterpiece of historical fiction, which, in conjunction with her Lymond Chronicles, set the standard by which I measure all historical fiction. Nobody else comes even close.
Also Frances Mayes’ “A Year in the World” about her year travelling to exotic European spots with her husband, and “Spellbound” which is literally about the history of English spelling . . . but more interesting than that sounds!
Posted by: –Deb
currently – “krakatoa” by simon winchester. and then, if i feel up to it, thomas pynchon’s “gravity’s rainbow”. if i don’t feel up to it i have already seen several on this list that i’d like to check out!
Posted by: jen c
“A Yellow Raft in Blue Water” by Michael Dorris. My daughter is named after the protagonist. Just read it -it’s my favorite book, and I go back to it again every few years. Also “the Poisonwood bible” by Barbara
Kingsolver. This should just be required reading for everyone in the US. -Really puts things into perspective in terms of what is “necessary” for life.
Posted by: Paula
I’ve got an embarrasingly large stack on the nightstand. I just re-read “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and i just finished a few really fine memoirs: Darcy Steinke’s “Easter Everywhere,” JR Moehringer’s “The Tender Bar” and Rob Sheffield’s “Love Is A Mixtape.” Books i have and am planning to read next include Nathan Englander’s “The Ministry of Special Cases,” Lucinda Franks’ “My Father’s Secret War” and “The Lay of the Land” by Richard Ford.
Posted by: regina
great list – but interesting, no Jeanette Winterson. The Passion and Written on the Body are two of my Favorite books.
oh – and A Map of the World by jane hamilton, i liked it much more than the Book of Ruth.
Also suprised not to find The Grapes or Wrath or The English Patient – maybe because they were both such famous movies that many folks never bother to read the books? And that’s a real shame, because they are both incredibly moving.
of course, everyone has their own personal favorites, right?
It’s so exciting that you are moving to Portland, it seems like so many people have moved there lately. It looks like a lovely place.
Posted by: michellenyc
Currently reading “The Emperor’s Children” by Claire Messud – I usually don’t like fiction, but this is very New York-y (Manhattan, to be specific) – awfully good writing …
Posted by: Margaret
The new Murakami book is on my list (thanks for that btw, I enjoyed three of his since you lent me the first). As is the new DeLillo (yep, the review got me too). Just tonight finished Animal Vegetable Miracle by Kingsolver, not fiction, I know, but it was really damn good.
I’m also reading Egil’s Saga, because I’m a geek.
Sorry, I’m mostly just amen-ing. I don’t read enough anymore. (stupid knitting)
Posted by: Cassie
I just finished A year of magical thinking by Didion. It was breathtakingly sad at times, but really beautiful. I wish I could bring myself to re-read it. I’m now reading A Trip to the Stars and have Water for Elephants in the background for bookclub. I’m not far enough into Trip to have fully formed an opinion, but so far I like it. Water for Elephants is great – engaging, great characters, well-paced. Happy reading!
Posted by: Michelle
4 on the list at the moment:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Little Money Street by Fernanda Eberstadt
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Posted by: nova
I’m so happy to have time to read non-school books for a little while… currently reading Blindness by Jose Saramago, next up is either Black Swan Green or What is the What.
Posted by: anne
I just finished The Banquet Bug by Geling Yan. This is one of the most compelling books I’ve read in a long time.
http://www.amazon.com/Banquet-Bug-Novel-Geling-Yan/dp/1401366651
I’m starting A Long Way Down by Nick HOrnby:
http://www.nickhornby.net/
And I’ve been listening to Philippa Gregory on audiobook while I work in the garden. “The Constant Princess”, “The Boleyn Inheritance” and “The Other Boleyn Girl” all kept me enthralled. Henry Tudor was one messed up king.
Really, I’m just biding my time until the last Harry Potter book comes out.
Posted by: Kim
I loved The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, so I’ve got The Last Days of Dogtown (also by Diamant) in the queue. The Dogs of Babel was a hit with me, so I’ve got Lost and Found in the queue as well, both of those by Carolyn Parkhurst. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See looks up my ally. I recently read and would reccommend Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Cheers for women fiction writers!
Posted by: Jean
I loved The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, so I’ve got The Last Days of Dogtown (also by Diamant) in the queue. The Dogs of Babel was a hit with me, so I’ve got Lost and Found in the queue as well, both of those by Carolyn Parkhurst. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See looks up my ally. I recently read and would reccommend Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Cheers for women fiction writers!
Posted by: Jean
Two different Philippas? What are the odds?
Michellenyc and I share lots of favorites. I also LOVE The God of Small Things (A. Roy) and They Whisper (Robert Olen Butler). The latter is a huge favorite, the most “male” book I’ve ever loved, whatever that means.
Breath, Eyes, Memory (Danticat)
Bailey’s Cafe & Mama Day (Naylor)
Peace Like a River (Enger)
The Time Traveler’s Wife (Niffenegger)
…and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one whose literary pursuits have been sacrificed at the altar of her knitting!
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
Two different Philippas? What are the odds?
Michellenyc and I share lots of favorites. I also LOVE The God of Small Things (A. Roy) and They Whisper (Robert Olen Butler). The latter is a huge favorite, the most “male” book I’ve ever loved, whatever that means.
Breath, Eyes, Memory (Danticat)
Bailey’s Cafe & Mama Day (Naylor)
Peace Like a River (Enger)
The Time Traveler’s Wife (Niffenegger)
…and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one whose literary pursuits have been sacrificed at the altar of her knitting!
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
I’ve got an embarrasingly large stack on the nightstand. I just re-read “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and i just finished a few really fine memoirs: Darcy Steinke’s “Easter Everywhere,” JR Moehringer’s “The Tender Bar” and Rob Sheffield’s “Love Is A Mixtape.” Books i have and am planning to read next include Nathan Englander’s “The Ministry of Special Cases,” Lucinda Franks’ “My Father’s Secret War” and “The Lay of the Land” by Richard Ford.
Posted by: regina
great list – but interesting, no Jeanette Winterson. The Passion and Written on the Body are two of my Favorite books.
oh – and A Map of the World by jane hamilton, i liked it much more than the Book of Ruth.
Also suprised not to find The Grapes or Wrath or The English Patient – maybe because they were both such famous movies that many folks never bother to read the books? And that’s a real shame, because they are both incredibly moving.
of course, everyone has their own personal favorites, right?
It’s so exciting that you are moving to Portland, it seems like so many people have moved there lately. It looks like a lovely place.
Posted by: michellenyc
Currently reading “The Emperor’s Children” by Claire Messud – I usually don’t like fiction, but this is very New York-y (Manhattan, to be specific) – awfully good writing …
Posted by: Margaret
The new Murakami book is on my list (thanks for that btw, I enjoyed three of his since you lent me the first). As is the new DeLillo (yep, the review got me too). Just tonight finished Animal Vegetable Miracle by Kingsolver, not fiction, I know, but it was really damn good.
I’m also reading Egil’s Saga, because I’m a geek.
Sorry, I’m mostly just amen-ing. I don’t read enough anymore. (stupid knitting)
Posted by: Cassie
I just finished A year of magical thinking by Didion. It was breathtakingly sad at times, but really beautiful. I wish I could bring myself to re-read it. I’m now reading A Trip to the Stars and have Water for Elephants in the background for bookclub. I’m not far enough into Trip to have fully formed an opinion, but so far I like it. Water for Elephants is great – engaging, great characters, well-paced. Happy reading!
Posted by: Michelle
4 on the list at the moment:
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
Little Money Street by Fernanda Eberstadt
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Posted by: nova
I’m so happy to have time to read non-school books for a little while… currently reading Blindness by Jose Saramago, next up is either Black Swan Green or What is the What.
Posted by: anne
I just finished The Banquet Bug by Geling Yan. This is one of the most compelling books I’ve read in a long time.
http://www.amazon.com/Banquet-Bug-Novel-Geling-Yan/dp/1401366651
I’m starting A Long Way Down by Nick HOrnby:
http://www.nickhornby.net/
And I’ve been listening to Philippa Gregory on audiobook while I work in the garden. “The Constant Princess”, “The Boleyn Inheritance” and “The Other Boleyn Girl” all kept me enthralled. Henry Tudor was one messed up king.
Really, I’m just biding my time until the last Harry Potter book comes out.
Posted by: Kim
I loved The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, so I’ve got The Last Days of Dogtown (also by Diamant) in the queue. The Dogs of Babel was a hit with me, so I’ve got Lost and Found in the queue as well, both of those by Carolyn Parkhurst. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See looks up my ally. I recently read and would reccommend Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Cheers for women fiction writers!
Posted by: Jean
I loved The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, so I’ve got The Last Days of Dogtown (also by Diamant) in the queue. The Dogs of Babel was a hit with me, so I’ve got Lost and Found in the queue as well, both of those by Carolyn Parkhurst. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See looks up my ally. I recently read and would reccommend Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen. Cheers for women fiction writers!
Posted by: Jean
Two different Philippas? What are the odds?
Michellenyc and I share lots of favorites. I also LOVE The God of Small Things (A. Roy) and They Whisper (Robert Olen Butler). The latter is a huge favorite, the most “male” book I’ve ever loved, whatever that means.
Breath, Eyes, Memory (Danticat)
Bailey’s Cafe & Mama Day (Naylor)
Peace Like a River (Enger)
The Time Traveler’s Wife (Niffenegger)
…and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one whose literary pursuits have been sacrificed at the altar of her knitting!
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
Two different Philippas? What are the odds?
Michellenyc and I share lots of favorites. I also LOVE The God of Small Things (A. Roy) and They Whisper (Robert Olen Butler). The latter is a huge favorite, the most “male” book I’ve ever loved, whatever that means.
Breath, Eyes, Memory (Danticat)
Bailey’s Cafe & Mama Day (Naylor)
Peace Like a River (Enger)
The Time Traveler’s Wife (Niffenegger)
…and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one whose literary pursuits have been sacrificed at the altar of her knitting!
Posted by: Lynn in Tucson
I really want to read some Colette this summer. I am going to start with Vagabond and who knows where I will go from there…
I will be lucky if I can find time to read before we arrive in the states – then there will be grandmas and grandpas to watch the little guy!
Posted by: Sarah
‘After Dark’? I LOVE Murakami, and hadn’t spotted this one yet. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: jo
Right now I’m listening to a series of lectures on Byzantine history and Buccaneers and Pirates of Our Coast by Frank Richard Stockton, both from Librivox.
Book wise I’m reading About This Life by Barry Lopez with several others of his in the queue.
Posted by: Phoe
I recently finished Life of Pi by Yann Martel and The Color of Water by James McBride. Next on the list is Blindness by Jose Saramago.
Posted by: Kara
I’m reading Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. Actually, I’m not reading it, but as a Special Education I am copying it by hand, in pencil, one page a day (and I can’t keep reading beyond that page!).
Maddening, really (and slightly mad, of course), but it’s teaching me so so much about his style and his tricks and what he does. I’ve just gotten to the last sentence of chapter two and it’s making me giggle all day today đŸ™‚
For balance I’m reading the new Lee Child, Bad Luck and Trouble. And you absolutely must read ‘Looking for Alaska’ by John Green and ‘Life as we knew it’ by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Must read!
Posted by: marrije
Right now I’m reading Like Life by Lorrie Moore. I’m planning to read This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M. Homes, Nixon’s Memoirs, and a bio of Marie Antoinette I heard about on NPR. Funny, I don’t usually read biographies at all, and I just put together that I have two queued. I also want to tackle Crime and Punishment. It was recommended to me by a friend of a friend upon learning I have a creative writing degree. I’ve been meaning to read more classics anyway.
Posted by: Marlena
With a daughter in a book store and publishing, we have many, many free books around – too many, if you can believe there is such a thing. At the bedside currently, there are Jerome Groopman’s “How Doctors Think,” The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Pollan, Barak Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope” (fabulous) and Al Gore’s latest. What I expect to buy and devour in July are Dan Silva’s most recent fictional account of his Israeli assassin/intelligence agent, and the 7th and last Harry Potter.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I’m currently reading Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss solely to get it off my nightstand– although I’ll admit to having been charmed enough by it to read passages to Dave. I’ve been reading about the history of the American nonprofit arts industry, so the next book in the queue is Art Lessons by Alice Marquis Goldfarb. Also longterm (because I do it in dribs and drabs) is my quest to read everything W. S. Merwin has ever written, in order– I’m on The Moving Target– only about a fifth of the way through his career (measuring by time, rather than number of books). For true summer fun reading, I’d like to reread The Sportswriter and Independence Day before I dive into The Lay of the Land. Ditto the Harry Potter series.
Posted by: Anina
The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon (it’s a wild ride and a joyous read full of rich language, subtle and obvious jokes, rich and ridiculous plot twists and a style that’s hardboiled yiddish magical realist melange).
Up next? Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott
Then there are so many choices. I’m hoping to read Don Quixote this summer. I’ve been reading a lot of Spanish fiction this year so it fits in and will fill in a big blank in my education. Plus, this bit I’ve started is a hoot.
Posted by: anmiryam
I’m in the middle of Chabon’s book as well. I do like it, though I find he’s overly fond of his metaphors. Clever and even brilliant they are, but they call attention to themselves a bit too much for my taste.
Posted by: JulieFrick
I’m re-reading Mists of Avalon right now and remembering how much I love it. And since everyone talks about Barbara Kingsolver books, I’d like to read at least one of those. And maybe The Handmaid’s Tale as I also have not read that
Posted by: Miriam
The Time Traveler’s Wife was so, so good. I finished it on an airplane and had to hope my seatmate didn’t notice me bawling my eyes out.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, I think, is the best book ever.
The Once and Future King is a desert island book.
And I just reread The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins–classic Victorian.
Posted by: Mags
I really want to read some Colette this summer. I am going to start with Vagabond and who knows where I will go from there…
I will be lucky if I can find time to read before we arrive in the states – then there will be grandmas and grandpas to watch the little guy!
Posted by: Sarah
‘After Dark’? I LOVE Murakami, and hadn’t spotted this one yet. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: jo
Right now I’m listening to a series of lectures on Byzantine history and Buccaneers and Pirates of Our Coast by Frank Richard Stockton, both from Librivox.
Book wise I’m reading About This Life by Barry Lopez with several others of his in the queue.
Posted by: Phoe
I recently finished Life of Pi by Yann Martel and The Color of Water by James McBride. Next on the list is Blindness by Jose Saramago.
Posted by: Kara
I’m reading Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. Actually, I’m not reading it, but as a Special Education I am copying it by hand, in pencil, one page a day (and I can’t keep reading beyond that page!).
Maddening, really (and slightly mad, of course), but it’s teaching me so so much about his style and his tricks and what he does. I’ve just gotten to the last sentence of chapter two and it’s making me giggle all day today đŸ™‚
For balance I’m reading the new Lee Child, Bad Luck and Trouble. And you absolutely must read ‘Looking for Alaska’ by John Green and ‘Life as we knew it’ by Susan Beth Pfeffer. Must read!
Posted by: marrije
Right now I’m reading Like Life by Lorrie Moore. I’m planning to read This Book Will Save Your Life by A.M. Homes, Nixon’s Memoirs, and a bio of Marie Antoinette I heard about on NPR. Funny, I don’t usually read biographies at all, and I just put together that I have two queued. I also want to tackle Crime and Punishment. It was recommended to me by a friend of a friend upon learning I have a creative writing degree. I’ve been meaning to read more classics anyway.
Posted by: Marlena
With a daughter in a book store and publishing, we have many, many free books around – too many, if you can believe there is such a thing. At the bedside currently, there are Jerome Groopman’s “How Doctors Think,” The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Pollan, Barak Obama’s “The Audacity of Hope” (fabulous) and Al Gore’s latest. What I expect to buy and devour in July are Dan Silva’s most recent fictional account of his Israeli assassin/intelligence agent, and the 7th and last Harry Potter.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I’m currently reading Eats Shoots and Leaves by Lynn Truss solely to get it off my nightstand– although I’ll admit to having been charmed enough by it to read passages to Dave. I’ve been reading about the history of the American nonprofit arts industry, so the next book in the queue is Art Lessons by Alice Marquis Goldfarb. Also longterm (because I do it in dribs and drabs) is my quest to read everything W. S. Merwin has ever written, in order– I’m on The Moving Target– only about a fifth of the way through his career (measuring by time, rather than number of books). For true summer fun reading, I’d like to reread The Sportswriter and Independence Day before I dive into The Lay of the Land. Ditto the Harry Potter series.
Posted by: Anina
The Yiddish Policeman’s Union by Michael Chabon (it’s a wild ride and a joyous read full of rich language, subtle and obvious jokes, rich and ridiculous plot twists and a style that’s hardboiled yiddish magical realist melange).
Up next? Ghostwalk by Rebecca Stott
Then there are so many choices. I’m hoping to read Don Quixote this summer. I’ve been reading a lot of Spanish fiction this year so it fits in and will fill in a big blank in my education. Plus, this bit I’ve started is a hoot.
Posted by: anmiryam
I’m in the middle of Chabon’s book as well. I do like it, though I find he’s overly fond of his metaphors. Clever and even brilliant they are, but they call attention to themselves a bit too much for my taste.
Posted by: JulieFrick
I’m re-reading Mists of Avalon right now and remembering how much I love it. And since everyone talks about Barbara Kingsolver books, I’d like to read at least one of those. And maybe The Handmaid’s Tale as I also have not read that
Posted by: Miriam
The Time Traveler’s Wife was so, so good. I finished it on an airplane and had to hope my seatmate didn’t notice me bawling my eyes out.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry, I think, is the best book ever.
The Once and Future King is a desert island book.
And I just reread The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins–classic Victorian.
Posted by: Mags
right now I’m reading some non-fiction. The Worst Hard Time: by Timothy Egan. It’s the untold story of those who survived the american dust bowl in the 1930s. It’s amazing and scary. Definitely not the American History you learn in high school. To Kill a Mockingbird is one I re-read every summer, but other than that, who knows what I’ll read. Your list is a great jumping off point.
Posted by: Kim
the only reading i have planned out for the summer right now is the new michael chabon. i just finished remainder by tom mccarthy and it was pretty great.
Posted by: karen
I just (as in about an hour ago) finished Michelle Richmond’s The Year of Fog and can’t recommend it highly enough. Really fine. And a good companion for it would be Richard Power’s The Echo Maker.
And if the stress of house-selling and moving gets to be too much, try some Terry Pratchett. Maybe start off with Good Omens, which he wrote with Neil Gaiman. He’s a funny man but there’s real thought and feeling behind the laughs.
I’ll second Dorothy Dunnett. I am saving the last of the Niccolo books because I don’t want the series to end.
I may be back with more. I read some great books at the beginning of the year but my book list is at home and I’m not.
Posted by: Sarah R
Trying to get into Absurdistan right now, and it’s a bit of a slog.
Next up are The Book of Air and Shadows (David Gruber), The Ministry of Special Cases (Nathan Englander), What I Loved (Siri Hustvedt), and Luncheon of the Boating Party (Susan Vreeland). And whatever else on the “new paperbacks” table looks interesting…
Posted by: J Strizzy
Am currently enthralled with Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy (and I don’t like fantasy). Before that read & loved ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ & ‘The Last American Man’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. Will read ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon next. Oh, and a great summer read is ‘The Observations’ by Jane Harris.
Posted by: Allegra
I’m sorry that this is non-related to the topics that are mentioned here.
I was wondering whether anyone could possibly help me, with a problem?
I became a proud Grandma for the 1st time, of a beautiful baby boy who was born in February. He’s a very BIG boy.
I’m new to knitting and I just love the Baby Yoda Sweater. I thought that it would be a fairly easy 1st sweater to knit, plus it would be easy for putting it on & taking it off of him.
But, here is my problem.
I would like to make it as a Christmas gift & have it fit him for the rest of the winter, plus hopefully he’d be able to use it for most of the next winter also. The winter of 2007/2008. Or at least part of the following winter.
But because I’m new at knitting, I don’t know how to adapt a pattern to make a larger size.
I was wondering whether anyone has made the Baby Yoda Sweater in an 18-24 month size & if so, if you wouldn’t mind terribly sharing the pattern with me?
I would love to have that pattern in a larger size if at all possible.
It’s such an adorable sweater & makes so much sense, with the ties at the side.
I would like to make 2 of them actually. One in cotton & one in a warmer yarn, if that’s possible.
I would greatly appreciate any help that any of you could give to me.
Someone suggested to me that I just double up the pattern, but being a new knitter I’m not sure that would work.
I wouldn’t want to end up with a humungous sweater. lol.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lynda.
Posted by: Lynda
I just finished reading “Lullabies for Little Criminals,” by Heather O’Neill. Unfreakingbelievable and not for the faint of heart, though it’s written in such a sweet voice that even the worst things feel like gifts to read. O’Neill is a MontrĂ©al writer whose real life wasn’t a bed of roses, and it’s reflected very well in her main character, a very young girl who lives with her drug-addict father in a neighborhood which is actually just down the road from me. It’s incredible, this story, and it made me see my city in a whole different light, though I have friends who know the seamier side of the city quite well. It’s one thing to hear about it…another entirely to read the life of a young girl who somehow finds a way to make beauty out of everything. It made me think about parenting my own daughter in a city, too, and made me worry like hell, but I’d read it again.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Just finished Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra – amazing. Also thank you so much for introducing me to Murakami – I might never have read him, if not for your blog!
Posted by: Judy
Just finished Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra – amazing. Also thank you so much for introducing me to Murakami – I might never have read him, if not for your blog!
Posted by: Judy
In regards to my post above: The Baby Yoda Sweater.
Please send any replies to: queen_gueneviere@yahoo.ca
For some reason, our outlook express doesn’t always work properly, so I may not receive any replies there.
Best regards,
Lynda.
Posted by: Lynda
i just finished _after dark_. murakami & ursula k. leguin are dear old friends. in the queue: _the scar_, china mieville; _memories and the city_, orhan pamuk’s memoir of growing up in istanbul; and leslie’s feinberg’s _trans liberation_.
Posted by: eris discordia
I’m currently reading & loving “The Mating Season” – P.G. Wodehouse (so light & amazing language), just finished the fabulous new Ondaatje novel “Divisadero”. Looking forward to “On Chesil Beach” – Ian McEwan & my favourite books of all time are “The Hobbit” – Tolkien & “The Grapes of Wrath” – Steinbeck. I could go on & on, but that might be out of control.
Happy reading!
Posted by: Kristy
Thanks for the list! I’m always on the train and read about 2 books a week to and from work. I’m always looking for something new.
I just finished Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” If you want to read something that gets you thinking, that’s a good choice.
Posted by: Anna
right now I’m reading some non-fiction. The Worst Hard Time: by Timothy Egan. It’s the untold story of those who survived the american dust bowl in the 1930s. It’s amazing and scary. Definitely not the American History you learn in high school. To Kill a Mockingbird is one I re-read every summer, but other than that, who knows what I’ll read. Your list is a great jumping off point.
Posted by: Kim
the only reading i have planned out for the summer right now is the new michael chabon. i just finished remainder by tom mccarthy and it was pretty great.
Posted by: karen
I just (as in about an hour ago) finished Michelle Richmond’s The Year of Fog and can’t recommend it highly enough. Really fine. And a good companion for it would be Richard Power’s The Echo Maker.
And if the stress of house-selling and moving gets to be too much, try some Terry Pratchett. Maybe start off with Good Omens, which he wrote with Neil Gaiman. He’s a funny man but there’s real thought and feeling behind the laughs.
I’ll second Dorothy Dunnett. I am saving the last of the Niccolo books because I don’t want the series to end.
I may be back with more. I read some great books at the beginning of the year but my book list is at home and I’m not.
Posted by: Sarah R
Trying to get into Absurdistan right now, and it’s a bit of a slog.
Next up are The Book of Air and Shadows (David Gruber), The Ministry of Special Cases (Nathan Englander), What I Loved (Siri Hustvedt), and Luncheon of the Boating Party (Susan Vreeland). And whatever else on the “new paperbacks” table looks interesting…
Posted by: J Strizzy
Am currently enthralled with Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy (and I don’t like fantasy). Before that read & loved ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ & ‘The Last American Man’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. Will read ‘The Shadow of the Wind’ by Carlos Ruiz Zafon next. Oh, and a great summer read is ‘The Observations’ by Jane Harris.
Posted by: Allegra
I’m sorry that this is non-related to the topics that are mentioned here.
I was wondering whether anyone could possibly help me, with a problem?
I became a proud Grandma for the 1st time, of a beautiful baby boy who was born in February. He’s a very BIG boy.
I’m new to knitting and I just love the Baby Yoda Sweater. I thought that it would be a fairly easy 1st sweater to knit, plus it would be easy for putting it on & taking it off of him.
But, here is my problem.
I would like to make it as a Christmas gift & have it fit him for the rest of the winter, plus hopefully he’d be able to use it for most of the next winter also. The winter of 2007/2008. Or at least part of the following winter.
But because I’m new at knitting, I don’t know how to adapt a pattern to make a larger size.
I was wondering whether anyone has made the Baby Yoda Sweater in an 18-24 month size & if so, if you wouldn’t mind terribly sharing the pattern with me?
I would love to have that pattern in a larger size if at all possible.
It’s such an adorable sweater & makes so much sense, with the ties at the side.
I would like to make 2 of them actually. One in cotton & one in a warmer yarn, if that’s possible.
I would greatly appreciate any help that any of you could give to me.
Someone suggested to me that I just double up the pattern, but being a new knitter I’m not sure that would work.
I wouldn’t want to end up with a humungous sweater. lol.
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Lynda.
Posted by: Lynda
I just finished reading “Lullabies for Little Criminals,” by Heather O’Neill. Unfreakingbelievable and not for the faint of heart, though it’s written in such a sweet voice that even the worst things feel like gifts to read. O’Neill is a MontrĂ©al writer whose real life wasn’t a bed of roses, and it’s reflected very well in her main character, a very young girl who lives with her drug-addict father in a neighborhood which is actually just down the road from me. It’s incredible, this story, and it made me see my city in a whole different light, though I have friends who know the seamier side of the city quite well. It’s one thing to hear about it…another entirely to read the life of a young girl who somehow finds a way to make beauty out of everything. It made me think about parenting my own daughter in a city, too, and made me worry like hell, but I’d read it again.
Posted by: Lee Ann
Just finished Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra – amazing. Also thank you so much for introducing me to Murakami – I might never have read him, if not for your blog!
Posted by: Judy
Just finished Sacred Games by Vikram Chandra – amazing. Also thank you so much for introducing me to Murakami – I might never have read him, if not for your blog!
Posted by: Judy
In regards to my post above: The Baby Yoda Sweater.
Please send any replies to: queen_gueneviere@yahoo.ca
For some reason, our outlook express doesn’t always work properly, so I may not receive any replies there.
Best regards,
Lynda.
Posted by: Lynda
i just finished _after dark_. murakami & ursula k. leguin are dear old friends. in the queue: _the scar_, china mieville; _memories and the city_, orhan pamuk’s memoir of growing up in istanbul; and leslie’s feinberg’s _trans liberation_.
Posted by: eris discordia
I’m currently reading & loving “The Mating Season” – P.G. Wodehouse (so light & amazing language), just finished the fabulous new Ondaatje novel “Divisadero”. Looking forward to “On Chesil Beach” – Ian McEwan & my favourite books of all time are “The Hobbit” – Tolkien & “The Grapes of Wrath” – Steinbeck. I could go on & on, but that might be out of control.
Happy reading!
Posted by: Kristy
Thanks for the list! I’m always on the train and read about 2 books a week to and from work. I’m always looking for something new.
I just finished Cormac McCarthy’s “The Road.” If you want to read something that gets you thinking, that’s a good choice.
Posted by: Anna
I am currently reading “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote. Also on my summer reading list is the new HP book.
Posted by: Knittripps
I just finished “Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion, am reading “Rise and Shine” by Anna Quindlen, and may read “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy. The Barbara Kingsolver one about food sounds interesting too. I love a good non-fiction/memoir.
Posted by: Jennifer
Lullabies for Little Criminals, by Heather O’Neill.
Posted by: alison
Loved “Your Money or Your Life.” Completely changed mine.
Waiting for Harry Potter.
Can’t wait to read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.”
Currently reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” Thanks for the heads up on Michael Pollan – your link to his NYT article was the first I’d seen of him. This book is blowing my mind.
Posted by: Emily
Hmmm, books. The way to lurker’s heart.
Currently reading:
Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (along with half you guys over the pond it seems!).
Next up:
The Secret Life of Trees: how they live and why they matter by Colin Tudge
The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
… and many, many more in a huge pile that is too big for the bedside. Part of my ongoing quest to perfect the art of knitting whilst reading.
Posted by: Eve
I’m listening to the audiobook of “Broken for You” by Stephanie Kallos. Enjoyable, light but not too light, summer read.
On money matters, I recently read the Bogleheads Guide to Investing, which is basically about living below your means, saving and how to invest your savings to meet your goals. Easy read and hugely helpful. I’m done with my copy and would be happy to give it away now or after the move.
Posted by: claudia
I definitely have more books I’d like to read this summer than time to read them. But I’m hoping to read Nicole Mones’ The Last Chinese Chef; Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union; and Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky. Currently I’m reading The Echo Maker by Richard Powers.
Posted by: Amy
I love the way that a request for favorite books (or ones currently in play) always elicits a ton of responses. It gives me hope. For our society, for the future, for those of us who try and write for a living.
Anyway, I also have to say (before I proceed to my list) that I love To the Lighthouse. I love most Woolf, but that is one of my top two faves (the other being The Waves).
Currently on my nightstand, in various stages of being read:
Captain Alatriste, by Arturo Perez-Reverte (his language is always beautiful, even in translation)
The Tulip, by Anna Pavord
A Test of Wills, by Charles Todd (a mystery recommended by another blogger, in fact)
Firedrake’s Eye, by Patricia Finney
And after those, The Grave Tattoo, by Val McDermid (she writes nice gorey mysteries)
Posted by: Lizbon
If may suggest a book: A Continent for the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa by Howard French. I found this book by the veteran New York Times correspondent quite by chance in the flat I was staying in when I was in Paris this past March (the same flat I am moving into for a year’s stay next week). The book focuses to a large degree on the fate of Congo amidst its legacy of dictatorship and civil war, the genocide in and subsequent military adventurism of neighboring Rwanda, the charnel house of Liberia in the 1990s, the virtual rape of Nigeria by Western oil companies and the continentÂ’s astoundingly resilient civil society and musical and artistic traditions. This might be rather “heavy” for summer reading, but these are important issues, and rarely have I found them explored as persuasively or sympathetically as in this book’s pages.
Posted by: Michael Deibert
Thanks for the summer reading tips!
Posted by: Asaknitter
Okay, I said I’d be back and here I am, the proverbial bad penny. I’ve only read about 65 books so far this year, which is way under my usual count…but here are ones that got a star in my book journal.
The Book of Lost Things – Connelly
The Terror – Dan Simmons
Restless – William Boyd
Self-Storage – Gayle Brandeis
Un Lun Dun – China Mieville (I’d also recommend his Perdido Street Station and The Scar. Haven’t yet read Iron Council.)
Then We Came To The End – Ferris
City of Shadows – Ariana Franklin
Mistress of the Art of Death – Ariana Franklin
The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
What the Dead Know – Laura Lippman (and her other mysteries are good…I slightly prefer her stand-alones to the Tess Monoghan series but they’re all fun…of course, I live in Baltimore so they’re good that way, too)
Eifleheim – Michael Flynn
And I’m about half-way through McEwan’s On Chesil Beach and it’s a good’un so far.
I love reading all the recommendations and seeing some of the authors (Wodehouse! Crispin!) is like seeing old friends.
Posted by: Sarah R
Oh, I’m so conflicted about my current book. Well, not really, it’s just that it’s really really GOOD but it’s also really really creepy, so every time I read it at night, I get freaked out and tell myself I can’t read it at night anymore. But then it’s really really good and I want to keep reading it, and nighttime is when I have the most reading time! What to do …
Anyway, it’s the Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova. So good!!
I doubt anyone else would be interested in my other book – The Numbers Game, a history of statistics in baseball. But it’s really good, too. đŸ™‚
Posted by: anne
I am currently reading “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote. Also on my summer reading list is the new HP book.
Posted by: Knittripps
I just finished “Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion, am reading “Rise and Shine” by Anna Quindlen, and may read “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy. The Barbara Kingsolver one about food sounds interesting too. I love a good non-fiction/memoir.
Posted by: Jennifer
Lullabies for Little Criminals, by Heather O’Neill.
Posted by: alison
Loved “Your Money or Your Life.” Completely changed mine.
Waiting for Harry Potter.
Can’t wait to read “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.”
Currently reading “The Omnivore’s Dilemma.” Thanks for the heads up on Michael Pollan – your link to his NYT article was the first I’d seen of him. This book is blowing my mind.
Posted by: Emily
Hmmm, books. The way to lurker’s heart.
Currently reading:
Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle (along with half you guys over the pond it seems!).
Next up:
The Secret Life of Trees: how they live and why they matter by Colin Tudge
The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai
… and many, many more in a huge pile that is too big for the bedside. Part of my ongoing quest to perfect the art of knitting whilst reading.
Posted by: Eve
I’m listening to the audiobook of “Broken for You” by Stephanie Kallos. Enjoyable, light but not too light, summer read.
On money matters, I recently read the Bogleheads Guide to Investing, which is basically about living below your means, saving and how to invest your savings to meet your goals. Easy read and hugely helpful. I’m done with my copy and would be happy to give it away now or after the move.
Posted by: claudia
I definitely have more books I’d like to read this summer than time to read them. But I’m hoping to read Nicole Mones’ The Last Chinese Chef; Michael Chabon’s The Yiddish Policeman’s Union; and Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky. Currently I’m reading The Echo Maker by Richard Powers.
Posted by: Amy
I love the way that a request for favorite books (or ones currently in play) always elicits a ton of responses. It gives me hope. For our society, for the future, for those of us who try and write for a living.
Anyway, I also have to say (before I proceed to my list) that I love To the Lighthouse. I love most Woolf, but that is one of my top two faves (the other being The Waves).
Currently on my nightstand, in various stages of being read:
Captain Alatriste, by Arturo Perez-Reverte (his language is always beautiful, even in translation)
The Tulip, by Anna Pavord
A Test of Wills, by Charles Todd (a mystery recommended by another blogger, in fact)
Firedrake’s Eye, by Patricia Finney
And after those, The Grave Tattoo, by Val McDermid (she writes nice gorey mysteries)
Posted by: Lizbon
If may suggest a book: A Continent for the Taking: The Tragedy and Hope of Africa by Howard French. I found this book by the veteran New York Times correspondent quite by chance in the flat I was staying in when I was in Paris this past March (the same flat I am moving into for a year’s stay next week). The book focuses to a large degree on the fate of Congo amidst its legacy of dictatorship and civil war, the genocide in and subsequent military adventurism of neighboring Rwanda, the charnel house of Liberia in the 1990s, the virtual rape of Nigeria by Western oil companies and the continentÂ’s astoundingly resilient civil society and musical and artistic traditions. This might be rather “heavy” for summer reading, but these are important issues, and rarely have I found them explored as persuasively or sympathetically as in this book’s pages.
Posted by: Michael Deibert
Thanks for the summer reading tips!
Posted by: Asaknitter
Okay, I said I’d be back and here I am, the proverbial bad penny. I’ve only read about 65 books so far this year, which is way under my usual count…but here are ones that got a star in my book journal.
The Book of Lost Things – Connelly
The Terror – Dan Simmons
Restless – William Boyd
Self-Storage – Gayle Brandeis
Un Lun Dun – China Mieville (I’d also recommend his Perdido Street Station and The Scar. Haven’t yet read Iron Council.)
Then We Came To The End – Ferris
City of Shadows – Ariana Franklin
Mistress of the Art of Death – Ariana Franklin
The Lies of Locke Lamora – Scott Lynch
What the Dead Know – Laura Lippman (and her other mysteries are good…I slightly prefer her stand-alones to the Tess Monoghan series but they’re all fun…of course, I live in Baltimore so they’re good that way, too)
Eifleheim – Michael Flynn
And I’m about half-way through McEwan’s On Chesil Beach and it’s a good’un so far.
I love reading all the recommendations and seeing some of the authors (Wodehouse! Crispin!) is like seeing old friends.
Posted by: Sarah R
Oh, I’m so conflicted about my current book. Well, not really, it’s just that it’s really really GOOD but it’s also really really creepy, so every time I read it at night, I get freaked out and tell myself I can’t read it at night anymore. But then it’s really really good and I want to keep reading it, and nighttime is when I have the most reading time! What to do …
Anyway, it’s the Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova. So good!!
I doubt anyone else would be interested in my other book – The Numbers Game, a history of statistics in baseball. But it’s really good, too. đŸ™‚
Posted by: anne
I just finished a pair of socks with that exact yarn. I love it!! So unbelievably soft!
Love the summer reading as well. I have pictures of my sock on the top of my blog.
Posted by: Michele
Water for Elephants is fantastic. I also just finished Lisa Tucker’s Once Upon a Day. I started Me Talk Pretty One Day and took Francine Prose’s Blue Angel from the library yesterday.
Posted by: Beverly
Just finished Call It Sleep by Henry Roth. Currently on hold at the library:
In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar
The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander
Animal, Vegetable, Miracler by Barbara Kingsolver
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman
Posted by: Tanya
I’m with you on Murakami, I’m about to finish Kafka on the Shore these days. Amazing book. Norwegian Wood is also a great one.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd is wonderful summer reading.
One of the books I’ve read the last year that left the biggest mark is Sara by Toril Brekke. Sadly I can only find it in Norwegian and German on Amazon, but if you read those languages, or find it in English, it is well worth reading. An amazingly well-written story that made me cry several times about how unfair the world was, and still is, to girls and women, and made me realize how much the world is missing out on by not giving females a chance to live out their potential.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
I just recently finished “Women of the Silk” by Gail Tsukiyama. It’s about girls/women doing silk work in Chine in the 20′ & 30’s. It’s just beautiful, though sad.
Posted by: Megan
I thought this summer I’d read the new Murakami after I finished Vikram Chandra’s “Sacred Games.” I am beginning to realize that is not realistic, I will be fortunate to get throught “Sacred Games” by September. Not that it’s not good, more that it begs to be read slowly & thoughtfully.
Posted by: Sarah
Oooo the opportunity to recommend books! I have two, only one of which I’ve actually read (is that cheating?)
1. “Through the Arc of the Rain Forest” by Karen Tei Yamashita. Hey, if you like Murakami (as I do), try her out. She’s a grad of my college and this book is published by a great literary nonprofit in Minneapolis.
2. “White Noise” by DeLillo. I can’t get over that book, despite some of its silly misogyny and its (now dated) dystopia fears.
Love, a wanna-be author and ardent feminist and total non-commenter-blog-stalker, Laura
Posted by: Laura(keet)
I just finished a pair of socks with that exact yarn. I love it!! So unbelievably soft!
Love the summer reading as well. I have pictures of my sock on the top of my blog.
Posted by: Michele
Water for Elephants is fantastic. I also just finished Lisa Tucker’s Once Upon a Day. I started Me Talk Pretty One Day and took Francine Prose’s Blue Angel from the library yesterday.
Posted by: Beverly
Just finished Call It Sleep by Henry Roth. Currently on hold at the library:
In the Country of Men by Hisham Matar
The Ministry of Special Cases by Nathan Englander
Animal, Vegetable, Miracler by Barbara Kingsolver
How Doctors Think by Jerome Groopman
Posted by: Tanya
I’m with you on Murakami, I’m about to finish Kafka on the Shore these days. Amazing book. Norwegian Wood is also a great one.
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd is wonderful summer reading.
One of the books I’ve read the last year that left the biggest mark is Sara by Toril Brekke. Sadly I can only find it in Norwegian and German on Amazon, but if you read those languages, or find it in English, it is well worth reading. An amazingly well-written story that made me cry several times about how unfair the world was, and still is, to girls and women, and made me realize how much the world is missing out on by not giving females a chance to live out their potential.
Posted by: Rippedoffknitter
I just recently finished “Women of the Silk” by Gail Tsukiyama. It’s about girls/women doing silk work in Chine in the 20′ & 30’s. It’s just beautiful, though sad.
Posted by: Megan
I thought this summer I’d read the new Murakami after I finished Vikram Chandra’s “Sacred Games.” I am beginning to realize that is not realistic, I will be fortunate to get throught “Sacred Games” by September. Not that it’s not good, more that it begs to be read slowly & thoughtfully.
Posted by: Sarah
Oooo the opportunity to recommend books! I have two, only one of which I’ve actually read (is that cheating?)
1. “Through the Arc of the Rain Forest” by Karen Tei Yamashita. Hey, if you like Murakami (as I do), try her out. She’s a grad of my college and this book is published by a great literary nonprofit in Minneapolis.
2. “White Noise” by DeLillo. I can’t get over that book, despite some of its silly misogyny and its (now dated) dystopia fears.
Love, a wanna-be author and ardent feminist and total non-commenter-blog-stalker, Laura
Posted by: Laura(keet)