Maybe you think I've given up on the Pulitzer's since it has been a while since there's been any action over there. I haven't. It's just that my most recent undertaking took quite some time to finish, and I had to keep reading things I actually liked in between the chapters just to remind myself that I actually enjoy literature.
The book I refer to is "The Mambo Kings Sing Songs of Love." Allow me to describe it this way: It's "American Pie" only Cubans. And the 1940's. Other than that, pretty much the same. And therefore, not worth reading. In fact, I turned it into the library before I finished it, and when I re-checked it out to wrap things up, my bookmark was still in place.
However, my "break" books lately have been extremely rewarding. Here's a little list and my reviews in a nutshell.
These Is My Words: A fictional journal of an Arizona settler. It was so good that I stayed up late into the night reading and missed a workout the next early morning. And you thought NOTHING could keep me from a workout...
Freedom: Okay. I really liked it, but only read if you have a high threshold for profanity. I wish authors (apart from Stephanie Meyer, boo.), did not feel the need to have their characters swear constantly. The story however, was a riveting tale, and the words used to describe people and relationships were beautiful.
Refuge: This is on my top 10 lifetime reads. So very, very touching.
Andy Catlett: It's Wendell Berry so of course I loved it.
Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: I am a huge fan of David Sedaris, but unless your sense of humor is extremely dark, you will find this book disgusting. I found the book laugh out loud hilarious. Most will not.
Where Men Win Glory: I love a Jon Krakauer book. I think he is, without exception, incredibly well researched. This book is the story of Pat Tillman, and unless you want to go to your grave thinking happy thoughts about George Bush, it is a must read.
I'm not just a book nerd, either. We saw Tangled and True Grit recently, and both are worth seeing at full price movie ticket rates. I also took the girls to see Yogi Bear while we were in Phoenix (Bruce went to a funeral instead) and I'm glad I took a book light. In fact, we all might have been better off at the funeral.
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5 comments:
These is my Words is one of my favorite books. Freedom is on my list. I understand what you are saying about the swearing. However, it seems like everyone (except in Utah) swears in everyday conversation. It is nothing to hear the f-bomb dropped by my child's teacher in describing her horrible day. I am not saying I think this is a good thing. I just think that authors write what they know. I am to the point I don't even notice it unless it is excessive.
These is My Words....I just read it last week. Incredible! I was up all night reading it! What Jimmy Reed said on his deathbed---aauuggh. I did NOT see that coming. I knew he was a dirt bag, but wow...such good writing.
In regard to the swearing comment--here's the thing--you already know that it is my weakness. Shoot, everyone who really knows me knows that it is my vice. I hate books with excessive swearing because if I read it then its even more on my mind and then I'm even worse with my bad habit. I really want to read the Glass Castle, but it has some really rough language....crap.
I can't be dropping the F-bomb during visiting teaching or while I drive the grocery cart through the cereal isle--but if I start to read it--hey, it's just a matter of time. See what I'm $#^%$ saying?
These is my words is one of my all time favorite books too! Loved it. I haven't read much lately, but I find you so inspiring that I might just pick up a book or two this year.
Oooh, thanks for the tips. I just finished a re-read of To Kill a Mockingbird. It had been so long, that it was like reading it the first time, and I was absolutely enraptured, start to finish. Amazing. And on the flight home I read a little novel, On the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, from my mom-in-law. I liked it too.
I've got a few books to get through, and then I think I will try some on this list. xxoo.
Oh, oh, and Tangled and True Grit... Loved em.
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