I don't know what happened to my reading list. There was a time when I read fiction exclusively. Science fiction, to be precise. Where did all these serious non-fiction books come from? Where are all the fun books? Sure, this stuff will be interesting. Edifying, most likely. But I'm ready for some fun books!
Here's a list of the overflowing pile of books that stares me down, day in and day out, mocking me. For now, I'm focusing my energies on The Language of God, recommended by Grandpa Paul. Has anyone read any of the rest of these books? Can you help me prioritize my list?
The Annotated Pride and Prejudice
by Jane AustenWhat We Believe But Cannot Prove
edited by John BrockmanTwin Tracks
by James BurkeShadow Puppets
by Orson Scott CardThe Language of God
by Francis S. CollinsThe Blind Watchmaker
by Richard DawkinsThe God Delusion
by Richard DawkinsThe Jane Austen Book Club
by Karen Joy FowlerThe Truth (with Jokes)
by Al FrankenSmoke and Mirrors
by Neil GaimanLetter to a Christian Nation
by Sam HarrisDoubt
by Jennifer Michael HechtThe Areas of My Expertise
by John HodgmanBel Canto
by Ann PatchettWhy I Am Not a Christian
by Bertrand RussellThe Dragons of Eden
by Carl SaganThe Varieties of Scientific Experience
by Carl SaganPerfect Circle
by Sean StewartWhat's a girl to do with all this serious reading?
8 comments:
What about a dart board? That is a tough one...and, since I haven't read anything on your list, I can't make any decent suggestions.
Impressive list but I have not read any of them ( my "serious " reading leans towards history)
I got most of my reading done at night after the little ones were asleep, if I remember correctly. I always thought I'd do it at naptime, but something - bills, phone calls, personal naptime - always seemed to get in the way. The other trick which works well is to bring a book to the playground. I'm guessing that by the time spring weather hits Chicago, your girls will be ready to hit the big kid play equipment. You might be able to fit half a chapter or so in between cries of WATCH ME and PUSH ME! Maybe.
That's a hefty stack, indeed. I personally fell in love with Jane Austen over last summer. I had tried for years to get into it, but for some reason it never spoke to me until then. Pride and Prejudice is crucial! And I think we share a geeky love for Carl Sagan. Every time I read his writing I think, "Man, this guy would be so much fun at a dinner party."
I can't help ya either, Kel; I haven't read any of them. But if Chess is right and you can fit in a few pages at the playground, Orson Scott Card is usually a good up-and-down author (or at least the two books of his I've read were light enough to pick up easily after time away).
That's quite a varied list. The God Delusion is on mine, also. It's not easy working in a bookstore when I'm surrounded by so much intrigue and beauty and I want to absorb it all! Each night I work, I have a post-it note stuck to my nametag and I add the titles I want to tackle next to it. It's since grown into a long, long list (nearly a book itself!).
My next tackle is Heart Shape Box by Joe Hill (Stephen King's son, though he tried to keep that a poorly hidden secret!). Then "The Terror"
I've been reading way too much how-to and self-help, lately. A few interesting bios and some "science" related works, as well. I need stunning work of fiction to shut down the mind a bit!
Good luck with this. I'd love to know what you think of these selections as you go along. So I can add to my own list, of course!
I guess I still have all your Jane Austen books. :) I should really return those sometime. They were very good. My bookshelf has turned toward the history of Fiction. We should talk.
-Heather
Your list puts mine to shame. Although I've got some Annie Proulx sitting on the shelf--I'm a bit intimidated to read it. For now I will fill my head with John Grisham and Bridget Jones' Diary. Maybe when all my kids are in school and the house cleans itself I will take up more serious subjects.
My mind is melting under the serious weight of that book list. I am in awe.
Post a Comment