Annual books read post
Having looked back over previous journal entries (and realizing how much I was thinking, saying, and doing about the exact things last summer as I am this summer...that's a sign, but of what I don't know) I've decided to document books I've read in the past year (or at least this summer and late spring, because that's about all I CAN remember). Here it goes (and I think I'll give a rating?)
In no particular order (i.e. not the order I read them in)
god Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
a really really really really amazing book! It is worth a read. I have not felt in so much agreement with an author discussing religious tradition in a long time. And by that I mean that Hitchens' atheist approach is spot on, and his discourse for humanism while unraveling religious myth and pointing out the numerous atrocities, is so intellectually compelling it is darn near irrefutable.
Deep Economy by Bill McKibben
an insightful look at why and how we should be considering and acting to go as local as possible. An expose on how current food and economic systems are structured and how their goals are unsustainable and anti-intuitive. Wonderful book for anyone concerned evnironment, health, politics, etc.
An Abundance of Katherines
Looking For Alaska both by John Green
labeled often as YA novels, they are wonderful for adults too, and hilarious. Absolutely hilarious
King Dork by Frank Portman
Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Nick and Norah's Infinite Play List (can't remember the authors, and my school copy is on loan)
The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter
a very recent book that I highly recommend
Pilgrim by Timothy Findley
Making Love to the Minor Poets of Chicago by James Conrad
Blankets by Craig Thompson
***ABSOLUTELY AMAZING GRAPHIC NOVEL. MUST READ!
and I'm sure a book or two other between there that didn't leave as much of an impression. Of course, the weekly New Yorker and monthly Harper's.
What can I say, reading is my thing. And I'm convinced it affects the brain like drugs. I start with a book or two, and then through summer I go on a binge, and the more books I read the more I want. I must have reading material. Luckily Netflix is helping to balance this addition with a new one...movies of all variety. Yay. ON the plus side, I have started thinking about and planning for school earlier, I think because I"m simply getting bored. don't get me wrong, I do not want to trade summer for anything, but I could highly consider year round school. I think that would work better with mental rhythms (my own in particular). I.e., I was definitely ready for a break a the end of the school year, to the point where I could barely function. Now, now, I'm ready again, but this could wear off if I don't act on it. I'm going to stop in to my room tomorrow to move a few things around and to pick up a requisition form. Oh the joys of the early touch of getting ready. I sometimes scare my self.
In no particular order (i.e. not the order I read them in)
god Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
a really really really really amazing book! It is worth a read. I have not felt in so much agreement with an author discussing religious tradition in a long time. And by that I mean that Hitchens' atheist approach is spot on, and his discourse for humanism while unraveling religious myth and pointing out the numerous atrocities, is so intellectually compelling it is darn near irrefutable.
Deep Economy by Bill McKibben
an insightful look at why and how we should be considering and acting to go as local as possible. An expose on how current food and economic systems are structured and how their goals are unsustainable and anti-intuitive. Wonderful book for anyone concerned evnironment, health, politics, etc.
An Abundance of Katherines
Looking For Alaska both by John Green
labeled often as YA novels, they are wonderful for adults too, and hilarious. Absolutely hilarious
King Dork by Frank Portman
Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
Nick and Norah's Infinite Play List (can't remember the authors, and my school copy is on loan)
The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter
a very recent book that I highly recommend
Pilgrim by Timothy Findley
Making Love to the Minor Poets of Chicago by James Conrad
Blankets by Craig Thompson
***ABSOLUTELY AMAZING GRAPHIC NOVEL. MUST READ!
and I'm sure a book or two other between there that didn't leave as much of an impression. Of course, the weekly New Yorker and monthly Harper's.
What can I say, reading is my thing. And I'm convinced it affects the brain like drugs. I start with a book or two, and then through summer I go on a binge, and the more books I read the more I want. I must have reading material. Luckily Netflix is helping to balance this addition with a new one...movies of all variety. Yay. ON the plus side, I have started thinking about and planning for school earlier, I think because I"m simply getting bored. don't get me wrong, I do not want to trade summer for anything, but I could highly consider year round school. I think that would work better with mental rhythms (my own in particular). I.e., I was definitely ready for a break a the end of the school year, to the point where I could barely function. Now, now, I'm ready again, but this could wear off if I don't act on it. I'm going to stop in to my room tomorrow to move a few things around and to pick up a requisition form. Oh the joys of the early touch of getting ready. I sometimes scare my self.