The books I have to share for December are SO great- I hope you all take my advice and seek them out. ( I can tell you the Provo Library has them, since that’s where I put them on my hold list and eventually got my mitts on them.)
First- a children’s book. Meant for the kids, but I have actually read this by myself a few times. It’s that clever… and the artwork is FANTASTIC.
I give you…
“Children Make Terrible Pets” by Peter Brown.
Teaser-
That last line gets me every time. I will definitely be buying this to add to our children’s literature collection. It’s a classic.
For the adults- I have a book that got a whole lot of buzz in 2010 (including library journal’s top 10). I finally got my hands on it and I want everyone I know to read it, just so we can discuss.
The Passage by Justin Cronin.
( when I buy it, I’ll be looking for the cover on the right. It represents the content so much better than the first- love that haunted expression)
The novel reminded me a bit of The Stand by Stephen King, with the addition of VAMPIRES (yes!) and much more sympathetic characters. Even the “vampires” (called virals by the author) are sympathetic. Medical researchers are the villains in this one. (imagine that! ha)
It’s an EPIC story- over 700 pages long but I never once found myself wishing it would move along quicker or just end already. I read HARD on it for a week and was completely engaged and entertained the whole time. I love it when a book like this one comes along- a reader’s dream.
I’ve been thinking about starting or joining a book club. There is one in my ward, but they stick to very tame books and I’m a promiscuous reader. I went to one meeting and when they asked everyone to name their favorite book almost everyone answered… wait for it… The Book of Mormon.
Now, i’m not saying I don’t appreciate the BOM. It is scripture and certainly important. I just can’t honestly say it’s my fave, you know? I also knew I could NOT tell that particular group my real favorite. ( A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Just in case anyone who knows me had forgotten!) They would have run me out of the building. Oh wait, I was already running for my life! Long live stuffed armadillos and Hester the Molester.
It sure would be nice to find a group of like minded bibliophiles that I could hang out with, though. My mom is one, but she gets more than enough of me already, I’m sure.
Anyone have suggestions? Or want to be my reading buddy?
6 comments:
Your BOM book club story has me giggling quietly to myself. That is so hilarious. I love that term, "promiscuous reader." I also am a promiscuous reader ;)
I haven't read "The Passage," but it sure is getting a lot of attention. I've heard it's been optioned for movie rights already. If you're feeling vampire-y, I have a killer vampire novel you might like by one of my favorite authors ever (not Stiefvater, my other favorite).
I'll be your reading buddy!
Jenna, I would LOVE a book club and I'm sure we could get plenty of promiscuous readers there!!
I think my Lucy might need that kids' book. I'm definitely up for a book club, I just have to borrow your books because Payson library sucks!
"A Prayer for Owen Meany" is also one of my favorite books of all time, although I don't like all John Irving books.
If you can find it at the library, check out "The Pleasure of My Company" by Steve Martin. It is gentle and beautifully written and is another all-time favorites. It is also really short. I read it in an afternoon (although I am childless and therefore had an entire afternoon to do nothing but read.) It is so delicate and funny and lovable.
I'm down for a book club, although I can't get into the vampire thing. Also, we tried to start a book club with my mom and sisters and they all said my questions were too hard, so there's that to consider.
Another author I find easily readable is Anne Tyler. I can read her books over and over again and find something new each time. My mom thinks she's weird, though.
I want to be your reading buddy. (From what I can see, we have similar taste.)
I still need to read A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Off to put it on my hold list along with The Passage.
I was just excited that you posted a few books that you like! I will for sure be reading those. :) It looks like your book club has begun!! :)
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