Okay, so there are only 26.
1. The Jewel in the Crown by Paul Scott Book one of The Raj Quartet. Densely written doings in colonial India.
2. The Lighthouse Murders by P.D. James Intriguing mystery, neatly solved by Adam Dalgliesh and company.
3. Leave It To Psmith by P.G.Wodehouse Comic entanglements that all work out for the best.
4. The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott Book two of The Raj Quartet The continuing saga of India, the British Empire and small histories with large consequences.
5. Sherlock Holmes, The Unauthorized Biography by Nick Rennison Read the first half, skimmed the second. This book is for Homes aficionados only.
6. From Where You Dream, The Process of Writing Fiction by Robert Olen Butler
Interesting ideas. Different approach.
7. Innocent Blood by P.D. James Complex characters in a complex plot with an unusual ending.
8. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies First of “The Deptford Trilogy.” Spectacularly written. Lots of human observations and insights along the way. Not an easy read, but well worth staying the course.
9. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen Fast paced, fun, circus story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
10. The Manticore by Robertson Davies Second in The Deptford Trilogy Fascinating character study.
11. I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe Country Girl goes to college and comes of age among other things.
12. Special Topics In Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl A dark mystery unraveled by the book’s protagonist, a sixteen year old girl prodigy. Brilliant first novel.
13. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole A chuckle fest throughout with a most unusual protagonist.
14. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas Foster An entertainingly written how to read between the lines book.
15. World of Wonders by Robertson Davies Final book of the Depthford Trilogies. All is revealed and we learn who killed Boy Daunton.
16. Dress your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris Funny sketches by a true wit.
Barrel Fever by David Sedaris Off the wall funny.
18. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin Book One of a fantasy series. Awesome.
19. The Woman Lit by Fireflies Jim Harrison Three novellas by a great writer.
20. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde Wildly imaginative fun read.
21. Julip Jim Harrison Three more fascinating novellas. Best character writer I know.
22. A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin Second book of the series. Left hanging. Need to get to book three soon.
23. The English Major Jim Harrison Former teacher and former farmer takes an entertaining road trip following his divorce that makes for an enjoyable read.
24. A Good Scent From A Strange Mountain Robert Olen Butler Short stories about Vietnamese told by Vietnamese living here (the U.S.) and there, Nam. Butler of course has written them all, but each voice sounds original and authentic. This book was a Pulitzer winner and deservedly so.
25. Silent Joe T. Jefferson Parker Layered mysteries with a unique central character. A good read.
26. Killshot Elmore Leonard Pro killer meets amateur killer, both get their comeuppance from a housewife. Elmore’s always fun.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
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3 comments:
awesome list. always great to see what you're reading.
My favorite post of the year. Very eclectic list, Pops. I've read six of them and agree they're quite good!
Special K, I wrote 161 blogs in 2008 including short stories, wit and soul searching and your favorite post is a list? Thump thump thump. The sound you hear is me banging my head against the wall.
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