Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Books Part II: The Challenge

This is a follow-up post to my blog from a few days ago. I have decided to do it. I am committing to read five books in 2011. You may think that number is a little wimpy. I call it attainable. I wanted to ease back into reading with a goal I could achieve. Lets face it, who wants to rekindle a love affair and fail miserably. Here's my line up. I have until December 31st to read all five, which I don't think should be an issue. Thanks for all the suggestions and wish me luck.

The Poisonwood Bible
by Barbara Kingsolver

This was sort of a no brainer and the first book that came to mind when I decided to do this project. I have owned this book for three years. And for three years I have made excuses not to read it. It just looks boring and as much as I hate to say it.....I totally judge books by their covers. My good friend, my sister-in-law and even my grandmother have recommended it countless times so I am giving in and reading it. I hope it lives up to all the hype.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Pretty much everyone I know has read this book and loved it. It was the number one book recommended to me. People actually give me a look of horror when they learn I have not yet read it. I imagine it being the equivalent to someone saying that haven't read Water for Elephants. Everyone has read that book. So here I am...jumping on the bandwagon.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

I think I started this book about four years ago. Life happened. We bought a house, moved and well, unpacking and decorating took over my life. This time I am reading the whole book because I remember loving what I read. Shameful admission: I am so embarrassed at having never finishing this book. That is so unlike me. I crave completion. So, what I did was just tell people I read it and loved it. You read it here first. I never finished this book.

A Widow for One Year by John Irving

My husband and Miss Marina Star both love John Irving. I decided to give it a whirl. I loved the movie The Door in the Floor (the screenplay is based on a portion of this book) so the book has to be great, right? Using the logic 'the book is always better than the movie.' How can I be disappointed.

Unbearable Lightness by Porita de Rossi

No story behind this pick. I am simply intrigued by her story and the bravery associated with sharing something so controversial and private.

Other contenders:

• The Sound and the Fury
• Anna Karenina
• One Hundred Years of Solitude
• Angela's Ashes

4 comments:

Amanda Barefoot said...

the poisonwood bible is also on my list. can we form a 2 woman book club?

Tracy said...

I've read two of your five and one of your contenders. But I read more than most people. Last year I tried to track it each month on my blog but only made it part way through the year. It's a slow month if I don't read five books... but i'm sure that will change once violet is here!
Good luck with your goal! You can do eeet! :)

Fawn said...

i really enjoyed the poisonwood bible. i've read all of them but your last pick, so let me know how it is!

The Hodges said...

I should follow in your foot steps. I read Twilight just after having Carson, but before that it was The Shack (which I loved by the way).
I really would like to read more but, like everyone, I don't know when I would have the time.
This is very inspiring. One of my goals this year is to watch less tv - maybe I can substitute that time w/ reading.
I'm going to use your recommendations. My goal is to read ONE book this year - that would be huge for me!