Books...

This last week I had a conversation with an old friend about books. I read a lot for school, but I also try to always have a book to read for fun. I thought it might be fun to keep track of the books I've read for fun this past year. Also, it might be helpful for me sometime to have a record somewhere.

Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

I have wanted to read this book since I watched the movie Conspiracy Theory with Mel Gibson. His character buys a copy whenever he sees it because it makes him feel normal. Something about how everyone has read that book. I hadn't read that book, so I thought I better so I could be "normal" too. It was a well-written book, but it made me very apathetic. The main character is restless and I felt the same when I read the book. That is a mark of good writing because I was drawn into the world of the book, but bad because it took me forever to finish the book. Like the main character, I would stop caring about stuff - including finishing the book.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I own the newer version of this movie and I had seen the Wishbone episode featuring this story way back in the day, but I had never read the book before now. The only Austen book I had read prior to this was Northanger Abbey. This is a great book. It is no wonder Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett are beloved literature characters.

Half of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

I liked Jane Eyre written by Emily's sister Charlotte, but I did not like Wuthering Heights. In fact, it is the only book that I stopped reading halfway through because I hated it. There is not one character that I like or that I could identify with. Some told me that it would redeem itself in the end, so I watched a movie version of the book. The end did not justify the book for me. In fact, I wanted to shut off the movie at the same point I quit reading the book.

Dakota by Kathleen Norris

This is a nonfictional spiritual book by Kathleen Norris who lives in Lemmon, SD. She talks about what life is like in Western SD from someone who is not a native and combines her experiences with her spiritual growth. It was a fascinating book and she is very insightful into the culture of a small Dakota town.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

I finally finished the Harry Potter series. Great books. Lots of interesting themes to explore within them.

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

The prequel to The DaVinci Code which I have also read. I think Dan Brown is a good writer and I liked this book better than the DaVinci Code. However, after reading 4 or 5 of his books, it is easy to see the pattern and predict the outcome. Having said that, they are great travel books.

Pontoon by Garrison Keillor

My first Keillor book. A funny book that utilizes the small northern midwestern quirks for its humor. I found myself laughing hysterically at his portrayal of the different characters because there is a kernel of truth in them. At the same time I felt a little defensive while reading the book thinking that people shouldn't be laughing at my upbringing. But in the end - an enjoyable book.

Emma by Jane Austen

It is my goal to read all of Jane Austen's books. I really liked Emma, but I knew I would. I had seen and liked the movie version with Gwenyth Paltrow and it usually follows that the books are better than the movies. Also, I like Mr. Knightley more than I like Mr. Darcy.

Anne of Green Gables series (Books 1-6) by LM Montgomery

I have decided to take a break from the Anne books before reading the last two. I've been reading these books since the end of March - I need a break. My favorite book was Anne of the Island with Anne's House of Dreams coming in a close second. I also watched the first 2 movies while I was home. I was a little disappointed that they didn't draw more from Anne of the Island for the second movie. It is really too bad they didn't ask me!

Currently reading: Temptation by Diogenes Allen

It is the book all the theology majors received when we graduated from USF. I've been meaning to read it for about a year. It is sort of like a devotional going through the temptations that Christ went through and what we should take from Christ's example in dealing with those temptations.

Planning to read:

My next book will probably be Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. I'm ready to dive back into some Austen!