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Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Whatcha readin'?

I love to read. It's a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine - guilty only because when I get into a book, I have a hard time putting it down and things like laundry, dishes and dinner feel like they can just wait until I'm finished. Maybe that's why I don't read all the time. I read when life is a little slower -- Spring Break, summertime and Christmas vacation.

Since Saturday, I've started and finished two books. The first was a chick lit read called Through Thick and Thin. It was ok. I picked it up for $1.99 at Garden Ridge a couple of weeks ago, so I didn't mind that it wasn't the great American novel. But I am curious as to why so many chick lit books have main characters who are either journalists or in PR?

(Also, a Garden Ridge bargain was Jared, the Subway Guy, which was a quick read and surprisingly enjoyable.)

The second book was Push by Sapphire. Definitely not a fun read, but one I couldn't put down. This is the book that is the basis for the movie Precious. I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie because so often the movie really screws up the story (My Sister's Keeper comes to mind -- I've never seen the movie because I know how badly they ruined that one.).

My brother-in-law gave me Push as a Christmas gift. When I opened it, Annie recognized it and said that she wanted to read it after I was finished. I said, "Sure." That was before I'd cracked the book open. Now that I've finished it, this is a book I don't think I want her reading. There are very graphic incest scenes that I would rather not have taking up space in my not-yet-thirteen year old's head.

It was a hard book to read, thinking that those kind of things really happen to people. But for an admittedly white bread girl born and raised in the suburbs, living and raising her own kids in the suburbs, I think it was good for me to challenge myself with.

So now I have to figure out what to read next. My friend Cynthia gave me a few books to read when I was at her house last week (because you know that I'm on the lam from the library), so I'll probably pick up one of those.

How about you? What are you reading? Got any good suggestions for me?

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

The most recent on my lit lis: "The Princess and the Frog" and "The Little Mermaid": guess the 'I like to read for fun gene must have stopped with you.

Amy said...

Girl! What are you doing up at 2am?! Actually, I was going to ask if you wanted to read PUSH. It's a pretty quick read and something I think that would appeal to you.

Sharon said...

I'm starting a Mary Higgins Clark book (Santa Cruise). I like the mystery her books offer.

I'm also about to read some of The Love Dare, once I pick it up from the library.

I want to read The Time Traveler's Wife, and I am also interested in reading Julie & Julia now that I've seen the movie.

Do you like any Nicholas Sparks?

One I read as a pre-teen but could go back to is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Unknown said...

Just finished The Lovely Bones. Currently reading Stephen King's new book, under the Dome.

Melissa said...

If you like character driven detective/murder mysteries, try the Armand Gamache series by Louise Penny. They are also known as the Three Pines Series, for the name of the town where most of the action takes place. Penny writes in a way that makes the characters more important than the mystery.

I warn you though, you'll want to settle in with a cup of coco, wrap up in a blanket and take a long trip to Three Pines. While you're there be sure to sit by the fire at the Bistro.

varangianguard said...

Well, there's always:

Creative Amnesties: How to Beg Your Library to Let You Back In Without Breaking the Bank, Random House.

Library Strategies for Dummies, IDG Books.

Books On-Line: All the Fun Without the Guilt, Tor Books

Katie said...

I'm reading Climbing Parnassus (book on classical education centered around Greek and Latin) and Stephanie Meyer's New Moon.

Amy said...

Varangiangaurd - You made me laugh out loud with those suggestions. Especially the first one! Think I might have to look into those.

Such good suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Joanie said...

I currently have 3 books going right now. I am reading U IS For Undertow by Sue Grafton (on my Kindle), Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell (in print) and Along Came A Spider by James Patterson (in audio)

I listen to books driving back and forth to John's because it's almost an hour drive each way. I download them from my library onto my Blackberry (some people have music, I have books) Gina and I listened to Big Bad Wolf by Patterson and he kept referring to previous characters, so I decided to listen to them in order.

I have at least 30 books in my armoir that I've purchased and haven't read yet, so I'm working my way through them. I keep the print book in my purse and read it when I'm out, especially at work to read in down time.

I have 3 books on my Kindle right now, but I'm currently reading the first one.

I have a list of all the books I've read this year on my blog and also what I'm currently reading.

Eternal Lizdom said...

As you know, I also got "Push" for Christmas and I read it on Christmas Day. Half on the way to Cincinnati and the rest on the way home. Powerful, hard to read, but so uplifting, too. I think Annie will be ready for it in a few years.

Next on the list... "Say you're one of them."

And I'm still reading "NurtureShock" too but I read it in spurts.

Momza said...

I enjoy certain authors alot...but novels aren't my thing. I love real stories, or at least stories based on real experiences/people.
One of my all-time fav authors is Bill Bryson. His book, A Walk in the Woods, is hilarious!! It is being made into a movie, by Robert Redford! No kidding! I've read that book half a dozen times and I think you'd really enjoy it! I even read it outloud with my husband once too and he loved it!

Joanne said...

Amy like you I have to be careful because I can let my world stop easily while I read.

I am going through so many books right now and like Joanie I want to read the Patterson ones in order. I am also reading the Courtney family in Africa by Wilbur Smith (Monsoon was the most famous).
I understand about censoring Push from your daughter -- I feel the way about some books I pass on to my mom - see it goes both ways *grins*

Shelley said...

I really enjoy the chick lit books of Marian Keyes. She's an Irish writer and her stuff is deeper than the typical fluff that comes to mind when you hear the phrase "chick lit." My favorite of hers is The Other Side of the Story followed by Sushi for Beginners.

I also like Dean Koontz for just a leetle bit of spookiness and great suspense. I recommend One Door Away from Heaven and Life Expectancy as two particularly good ones.

Amy said...

Momza - My sister Angie is the same way. She'd rather read stories about real people.

And Varangianguard -- you got me! Do you know I actually tried to find those books on Amazon. LOL! Thanks for the laugh.

varangianguard said...

Silly Rabbit. Tricks are for kids.

LOL

Y-O-U made my day. ;)

Anonymous said...

I am reading a lot of young adult fiction right now. Actually "right now" is a lie. I read YA fiction all the time. I should stop being ashamed of it. I write YA fiction, so I read it to stay "in the know". I'm currently on a Sarah Dessen kick. I just finished 'This Lullaby'.

I am taking my books back to the library tomorrow. I will most definitely be getting more soon, but I have other errands to run and don't want to lug around a bag full of books (the joys of being a carless adult). 'Push' is definitely on my list. I also want to read the new Audrey Niffinegger book.

Amy said...

I finished "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" a while back, but am still happy to recommend it when asked for suggestions. I have to applaud you on "Push" -- I remember too vividly how disturbed I was when we read "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" as our summer read for entering frosh at Butler...

Michelle said...

I am currently reading (listening to) "Open" by Andre Agassi. I just finished "Peter & The Sword of Mercy" the fourth in the series by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson. I listen to those as well, read by Jim Dale who is AWESOME and could read the phone book and I'd listen. The series is about how Peter Pan comes to be.

Nate's Mom said...

Amy, I hear you on movie books. I have not seen My Sister's Keeper either, because I heard what they did to it. I read The Lovely Bones, but I'm not sure I will see the movie. I'm not sure they can do it justice. Having said that, I am reading Twilight (after seeing the first two movies). I'm hoping to read the rest before the next movie come out.

I also read mostly during slow times, like school holidays. But, have during this break. I have several books on my nightstand that need to be read.

You should start a book swap on your blog ;-)

Sheri in CA

Joanie said...

I made the decision just a little while ago to limit my audio books to James Patterson's Alex Cross series and Lisa Scottoline's Rosati and Associates series. I save those books for when I'm in my car for 30 minutes or more.

adraider21 said...

I've heard that Lovely Bones is a great book. Personally, I'm interested but never had time or gotten off my lazy butt and even borrowed from Olivia or Liz. Apparently there's also a movie being made of it and if you want a movie to see, see The Blind Side. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.