(I’ve tried all sorts of creative names for these book roundups, but have concluded that perhaps simple is best.)
Here, the books with which I began 2013:
My Ideal Bookshelf, Jane Mount & Thessaly LaForce
This gorgeous book was a Christmas gift from my librarian mother-in-law. I loved peeking at the colorful, quirky stacks of books beloved by writers, artists, filmmakers and others. Some of the accompanying interviews only mentioned one or two books – I’d love to know why every person chose every book. Some classic-heavy shelves were a bit intimidating, but most were refreshingly eclectic (though there was a LOT of David Foster Wallace). And of course my to-read list grew much longer as I read.
The Taste of Salt, Martha Southgate
Josie Henderson is a rarity in her field: a black, female senior-level marine biologist. Despite her professional success, she can’t forget her family back in Cleveland, especially when her alcoholic brother shows up on her doorstep. Josie’s voice is the center, but her father, brother and husband (though not her mother) each get a chance to tell their stories. A troubling, poignant story of family secrets, love and loss, told in clear, deceptively simple (yet thought-provoking) prose.
Miss Dreamsville and the Collier County Women’s Literary Society, Amy Hill Hearth
I’d seen Kathleen’s review of this title, but forgot about it till I picked it up at the Booksmith one day. Narrator Dora’s voice – Southern, smart and sassy – hooked me right away. I picked it up, started scanning, and fell in love. Dora tells the story of her friend Jackie Hart, who moved from Boston to Naples, Florida, in 1962. Jackie starts the titular literary society, which draws in Dora (recently divorced), a young Negro maid, and the only gay man in Collier County, among other misfits. The friendships they form change all their lives. Such a thoughtful story and a great cast of characters.
I Remember Nothing: And Other Reflections, Nora Ephron
Ephron is a sharp, witty essayist, though I love her screenwriting the best. She evokes the glamour and rush of New York so perfectly – her essays about it always make me want to hop a train there. And in light of her death last summer, the ending lists of “What I Won’t Miss” and “What I Will Miss” were particularly moving.
C.S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet, Alister McGrath
An English pastor friend used to tease me: “What is it with you Americans and C.S. Lewis?” We do tend to lionize him, I admit. But this biography, written by an English theologian, mixes praise with clear-eyed questions about Lewis’ theology and fiction (particularly the Chronicles of Narnia). I learned a lot about Lewis’ early life and his years at Oxford, including his political troubles with colleagues. The two chapters on Narnia veer from biography into literary criticism, but they were so fascinating that I didn’t mind. To review for Shelf Awareness (out March 1).
The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkien
I read this book back in ninth grade, but hadn’t reread it since then (though I love the trilogy – both the books and the films). After seeing the first Hobbit movie, I picked it up again. It’s better than I remembered – whimsical and adventurous, with a large cast of interesting characters and the sense that you’re only glimpsing a large and complex world. I love the flashes of humor, and I love watching Bilbo discover his own courage and resourcefulness. So much fun.
What are you reading lately?
Hmm, i’m thinking of picking up the hobbit too. I read a bit of it before, but I did not finish it.
Just reread The Hobbit, too – after seeing the movie! Am also enjoying Laurie R. King’s Mary Russell series, thanks to you 🙂
So glad you’re loving Mary Russell. She’s wonderful!
Last night I finished Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore. It was so fun — great story, totally nerdy, and a fascinating blend of old (500-year old books) and new (the google campus in San Francisco)!
I’ve been wanting to read that one!
Just finished Deborah Harkness’ A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night. If you like the lovable vampire thing they were great!
I just finished A.M. Homes’ May We Be Forgiven was blown away. If you haven’t considered reading it, I strongly recommend this novel. Right now, I’m in the middle of My Berlin Kitchen and loving it!
Oh, I loved My Berlin Kitchen. Haven’t read May We Be Forgiven, but I may have to!
Are you on Goodreads? I’d love to connect with you there as we both are such big readers! I’m projectstash.
I’m currently reading The Hobbit…just like you, I picked iti up after watching the movie. Good so far!
[…] You don’t have to be on twitter or know how to use it to participate. (I won’t hold you to 140 characters!) Just come back here on January 16 and link-up your posts (new or old) that contain short, casual reviews of what you’ve been reading. (For an example of a book round-up that’s not twitter-style, check out Katie’s reading round-ups.) […]
Having lived in Naples, Florida, I simply must read ..the Collier County Women’s Literary Society 🙂
Right now I’m reading a memoir called Magical Journey by Katrina Kenison, and I love it.
Katie, You have such an interesting variety of reads going on this month. I’m adding several of these to my “To Read” list. Plus, I can trust anyone who loves Nora Ephron.
I just finished my first Alain De Botton book “how Proust Can Change Your Life”. One of those best kind of writers who has something original to say and says it beautifully and creatively. Looking forward to more by him. Waiting also for my copy of EB White letters to arrive, thanks for the recommendation.
I always love your round-ups! I’m eagerly anticipating My Ideal Bookshelf, and we’re reading The Hobbit as a family right now. (It’s moving along much too slowly for my taste–I’d rather sit down and read 4 chapters at a time! Oh well…)
I’ve never read any of Nora Ephron’s work, but now I’m thinking I need to add that to my TBR list. (It only gets longer….)
How fun to read The Hobbit as a family! And yes, the TBR grows constantly.
We recently read The Hobbit to our son as bedtime story, and I was impressed how much he liked it, though much of it must be too overwhelming for a 5-year-old.
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