Though there's nothing artsy to share here, reading is such a big part of who I am and what I enjoy, that I thought I'd share a little. (it is my space after all :D) This year I read 64 books (not counting the occasional art or instructional book) and have a few favorites. If you're a reader, you might consider trying one of these:
The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet by David Mitchell
(Dutch settlement in 1800's Japan)Her Fearful Symmetry by Audry Niffenegger
(odd story of identical twins and a ghost)I Remember Nothing by Nora Ephron
(lighthearted memories by author/director; some hilarious sections about a woman getting older)Room by Emma Donoghue
(critically acclaimed story of a little boy who's raised in a single room the first 5 years of life)Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
(maybe my favorite book of the year, 900 pages following the life of an Australian criminal as he makes his way in Bombay India; loved the depiction of Indian people and beliefs and life in a slum)Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
(recommended by my son, it's a quick, fascinating read about how we think and make decisions)For lighter fare, any legal thriller by James Grippando (ongoing character Swyteck is a wise-cracking lawyer)
And, like the rest of the world I read the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo series of which I thought the second was the best. I also read the Hunger Games series which reads like Young Adult fiction, simply written with a clear plot and characters, but gripping none-the-less. What were your faves last year?
read: Kat's reflective post about focusing thoughts & energy
see: gray skies
taste: ghiradelli chocolate & caramel squares
hear: construction noises from back yard
think: time to refocus my creative energies
feel: how can my son be 30 already?
(idea from Bohemian Twilight)
Books, art and music - where would we be without them? Valerie
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'll be adding some books to my "recommended" list. The only one on your list I've read is Room. Which I couldn't put down. (and I read the dragon tattoo trilogy in 2010 and was glad I did, but was SERIOUSLY done with them when they were over). Reading has taken a back seat to art this year, but I really enjoyed the new releases by Ann Patchett (State of Wonder) and Jeffrey Eugenides (The Marriage Plot) - always look forward to new releases by favorite authors and was not disappointed by either. I also really like "The Unnamed" by Joshua Ferris - I found it oddly compelling. my mother hated it. Thanks for sharing your favorites. - Karen
ReplyDeleteI am an absolute book addict! I could never pick a favourite though... Like food and movies, I just love em all! Thanks for the great list!
ReplyDeletehmm. thanks for the suggestions. wish i knew you kept a log of all your books. would have LOVED to leaf through it. Do you just keep a list or do you also include some commentary as well??
ReplyDeleteI love to make books-to-read lists also. I like to check out other peoples lists, so thanks for posting! One book I've heard lots of good things about is Tina Fey's "Bossy Pants" but haven't read it yet. It just came out in paperback. My all time favorite book is Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth".
ReplyDeleteHey Terrie - saw your organization bit on Julie's blog yesterday and then saw an art journal page of yours in the Art Journaling tumbl site. you're all over the place this week - way to go! (and loved your paper organizing tips, btw)
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