What I've Been Reading This Year

It has come to my attention that I am the worst blogger in the history of blogging...and I have a flare for the hyperbolic.

Seriously, though, my good pal Carolyn told me to get my act together, so I have committed anew to recording my adventures in literature (and I use that term loosely) - even purchasing a new notebook to log every book and my feelings about it.

So, here is a list, in no particular order, of some of the books I have read over the past couple of months, along with a short synopsis of my opinions.

Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro

Let me preface by saying that I rather enjoy short stories. Let me also say that I REALLY enjoy Alice Munro's short stories. She is amazing (and I am not just saying that because she is from Huron County - represent!)

This collection is just as good as her others (if not better), although I skipped over two of the stories that didn't catch me right away (a big plus about a short story collection is you can pick and choose).  This is a great beach read because you can put it down between stories and hop in the lake, and pick right 
                     back up with a new one.

The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

While I have yet to see the movie (even thought my entire family has...), I really enjoyed this book. I am a John Grisham lover, and this was in the same vein. It was not really a "light" read, but it was easy to read and had a good story line.

I will definitely be seeing the movie, as it was the kind of book that really lends itself to an onscreen adaptation.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This book was a gem. I was sure it would not live up to the hype (as hyped up books seldom do for me), but it was really good. I really enjoy books that explore racial relations in the south, and this book does it with real humanity (on both sides of the coin) and humour.

And... is it just me or is every book being made into a movie this summer? I feel like every book on this list...

One Day by David Nicholls

Again...a movie-to-be. This book was recommended to me by a colleague, and I have to say, I did not really enjoy it. I really liked the premise (following a "couple" through their entire lives spent apart and with other people), but the execution left somethign to be desired. I did not relate to the characters, and found the book to be quite choppy...perhaps an intentional device...but alienating all the same.

I will likely to go the film, however, as I think this type of story may be better suited for the theatre.

Irma Voth by Miriam Toews

I love Miriam Toews. Not only is she Canadian, but she is such a witty talent. Her book A Complicated Kindness is the Canadian, female version of Catcher in the Rye (a true classic).

That said, I didn't really love this book. It didn't grab me at the start (although the premise - Mennonite meets Mexico - is interesting) and I didn't feel it carried the same wit that made me fall in love with Toews initially.


The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Two words - awful and awful.


This book was recommended to me by a colleague (as she had heard it was great) but seriously?! I didn't even finish it (and that is a rarity for this gal). Vampire story trying to appear legitimate...need I say more?


Water For Elephants by Sarah Gruen

I heard a lot of hype about this one. Everyone was saying they could not put it down and the ladies were even more stoked to see Edward...er...Robert Pattinson in the lead role this Spring.


While I thought the book was good, it was not a page turner for me and if it says anything about my feelings for the book, I still have not seen the movie. That said, I am told she appeals to the animal lovers out there (in this and her other novels), so if that sounds like you, this one is recommended.

While I spent many of the past months reading these books, I also spent MUCH of my time enjoying the critically acclaimed television series Friday Night Lights. Seriously, one of the best shows around, by far.
If you haven't checked it out, do so. But be prepared to devote some serious time to it.

Next Time: My Current Obsession with Teen Dystopian Fiction