Thursday, December 10, 2009

Still Reading after All These Months....

A short update on books I have read:

43. The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman. Just happened to see it in a bookstore in Red Wing on the day it won the National Book Award (or was it the Newberry?). I was reading around All Saints' Sunday and mused on the idea of being taught by the dead.

44. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, by Shaffer and Barrows. This was our November book club book, a charming and multi-layered book about the occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II.

45. Dog On It, by Spencer Quinn. I love Chet, the crime-fighting dog, and his partner Bernie. The next in the series comes out in January; I hope I get a gift card so I can buy it.

46. Christmas in Harmony, by Philip Gulley. A short trip to Harmony, Indiana, and an account of the first and only "progressive" Nativity scene.

47. I will soon be done with Kevin Kling's wonderful book of stories/essays Holiday Inn. And yes, it is named for the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire movie. Kling's a midwestern version of David Sedaris; just as funny with about half the cynicism. Just like Sedaris, he's as funny to listen to as he is to read. (I believe he also graduated from my alma mater.)

will I get to 50? I'm pretty close, anyway. You'll have to admit, it's an eclectic list. And that was as much the point. I'm happy with the variety of reading I've done so far this year.

6 comments:

Lauralew said...

I need to try to read #44 again. I really don't like epistolary novels, and it has been a struggle to get past the first few pages. I'll take it with me on my holiday trip and try again.

Diane M. Roth said...

Laura -- I had the same trouble as you the first time I tried reading it; we selected it for our church book club, and I found that I did, eventually get in the swing and eventually really enjoyed it.

Unknown said...

You are really close to 50! Impressive! I have Dog On It on my kindle, but haven't finished it yet. :)

Barbara B. said...

Oops; Barbara up there is me! :)

Terri said...

I listened to Guernsey while driving to and from Chicago - it took a little while to get into, listening to it...BUT I really liked it, delightful!

Jennifer said...

Indeed, an eclectic and fun list! You've gven me some great ideas!