Ted Kennedy. I can't, yet. Saturday. So, something else, for today, since all the good words are taken at the moment. Let's talk escape: reading.
Earlier this week, Bill Burton, deputy White House press secretary, offered a list of which books President Obama brought on vacation with him:
- The Way Home, by George Pelecanos.
- Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution -- And How It Can Renew America, by Tom Friedman
- Lush Life, by Richard Price
- Plainsong, by Kent Haruf
- John Adams, by David McCullough
This got me thinking, of course, about making a reading list for myself. It's nearly fall, schools are starting all over America, bookstores are filled with fascinating combinations of textbooks, and I feel a need to make a list of must-reads for myself. (I also just got a very attractive stack of books as a gift). Since there are a ton of knowledgeable folks out here, I figured I might even be able to solicit a little advice, or at the least find out what you'd like to read this fall, too.
So, here it is, what I want to read this fall:
Non-fiction
- Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. I've been pretty hard on Thomas Jefferson; perhaps it's time to read more about his greatest enemy. This is a weight-lifter's dream of a book, and if I finish it I will throw myself a party of fine wine and cheese. Or at least cheap wine and macaroni and cheese. OK, off-brand diet soda and boxed mac. Man. Surely Hamilton would understand.
-
A good George Washington biography. I'm leaning toward the Joseph J. Ellis book, but if anyone else has read a good Washington bio, I'd love to hear about it.
- The Myth of the Rational Market by Justin Fox, who also writes (and blogs) for Time. I've had this book since the day it came out, but I keep pushing it aside in favor of others. No more! No more shall you languish in the shadows, dear economics text.
- The extended list includes American Theocracy by Kevin Phillips, A Problem from Hell by Samantha Power, the completion of The Dark Side by Jane Mayer, and probably the newest Michael Pollan book.
Fiction:
- America, America by Ethan Canin, has been on my list (and my bookshelf) for at least six months. I've adored his past work -- Blue River is a particularly influential novel for me, at least in terms of the formal decisions, and I think The Palace Thief is a great collection dangerously reduced by the Kevin Kline movie that resulted from the title story. The summary says this book explores themes of "class, politics, fatherhood, wealth, and power -- in a seamless and beautiful multigenerational American saga."Seems like a good thing to read just after the passing of Ted Kennedy, too.
- The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz. Pulitzer Prize winner? Check. Based on characters that I've seen before and was fascinated by in last summer's New Yorker fiction issue? Check. Comic-book obsession to rival my still-reigning favorite book (The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay)? Check, check, check.
- A few good mysteries. I have an Agatha Christie novel in front of me right now, and I fully intend to read Tana French's newest book, The Likeness, before summer officially ends. But I'm open to suggestion on this one. I lean toward the "literary" mystery genre -- which means that while I understand the draw of James Patterson, he doesn't work for me. Anyone got a good suggestion?
-
Bleak House by Charles Dickens. It's been on my list for a while. This one really might deserve a wine and cheese party upon its completion. (Actually, I'd like to read it in sections, as it was originally published serially in England in 20 installments. That makes it seem much more manageable).
- And on the extended list: Zeitoun by Dave Eggers; That Old Cape Magic by Richard Russo; Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon; and very probably the new Dan Brown book because it will provide fodder for days of discussion with my dad.
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
Catherine Forsythe
Writer to the Stars
Emily Holleman
Iron Skillet
Leslie Harpole
old new lefty
Salon.com
Comments
Rated, for literary value.
In any case, your list looks wonderful. Last summer I read the first of Christie's Poirot novels, which was a lot of fun, and I've heard wonderful things about both the Hamilton book (I always have preferred him to Jefferson) and The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
If you're ever looking for another great read from Latin America, might I suggest Carlos Fuentes' The Death of Artemio Cruz -- easily one of the best books I've ever read. Just make sure you get the most recent translation, as it's a vast improvement over the old!
As for your list..."Oscar Wao" is devastating. If you like Tama French, try Benjamin Black's "Christine Falls"; "The Black Swan" and "The Lemur"...Benjamin Black is the mystery writing pseudonym of Irish "literary giant" and Booker Prize winner, John Banville.
And I'm broke, so my list has to be stuff already on the shelves:
The Savage Detectives- Roberto Bolano-- Boyo seem like kind of an arrogant loon from interviews; let's see if he has the stuff to back it up!
Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story- Elizabeth Gould, Paul Fitzgerald-- This book is not getting much press 'cuz it's on City Lights, but so far a better accounting of Af/Pak history than "Graveyard of Empires"...
So Damn Much Money: The Triumph of Lobbying and the Corrosion of American Government by Robert G. Kaiser
Prince of Stories: The Many Worlds of Neil Gaiman
On Some Faraway Beach: The Life and Times of Brian Eno by David Sheppard
>On Some Faraway Beach: The Life and Times of Brian Eno by David Sheppard
WOW! I've gotta find a copy of this!
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is out in paper
the sequel, The Girl Who Played with Fire, is in hard cover.
three dimensional characters, romance, intrigue, international corporate shenanigans ( Larson was a Swedish financial investigative journalist, a socialist of course.)
"Other Colors," Orhan Pamuk
"A Soldier of the Great War," Mark Helprin
"By the Light of the Moon," Dean Koontz
From one end of the spectrum to the other!
Need to spend less time here and more time on these books!
Perish the thought!
I'm way behind on my reading. (See above, and also Netflix streaming on XBox). Right now I'm finishing "Motherless Brooklyn" - Jonathan Lethem, which everyone in the world has read except me, but if you haven't you'd love it and it's a detective story....
Next: "The Arsonist's Guide To Writer's Homes In New England" - catchy title, and everyone else in the world has read it and loved it.
One of my favorite mystery writers is Henning Mankell - the Kurt Wallander series. He's Swedish (both the author and detective K. Wallander), and there's something bleak and darkly funny in all of the books. Many descriptions of long winter darkness, smoking cigarettes and drinking too much while trying to solve the mystery. Quite comforting, really.
Then there's the usual Ruth Rendell, Patricia Highsmith,and others I'm not recalling who sort of inherited the mantle from Dame Agatha.
My favorite writer this summer is Kate Atkinson, who everybody in the world has read and loves, and so do I. I plowed through five of her books in quick succesion - she has a detective in two (maybe more) of her titles, so they're sort of mysteries. Go to her website and read some interviews - she's hilarious.
You're the only non-fiction I'll be reading:)
I have enjoyed reading some balanced essays, maybe more than the gushing ones, because his speeches are enough to make one break out the hankie.
I'm sure you'll have some interesting points and probably a perspective I haven't heard yet.
Ralph, I will succeed this time! I've heard many good things about Banks, too, so I hope it continues to be good for you.
Yekdeli, I did read Christine Falls a while back; it got me kicked off into my Brit mystery jag. I like French a little better, but the similarities are striking, you're right; I have yet to read Black Swan, so I'll put that on the list. I always forget about "Mr. Black."
Whitenoise, I'm intrigued by The Savage Detectives; if you get through that (and the Af/Pak book), I'd love to know what you think.
L&P -- old ones or the new case files?
Gordon, I'll have to look that up. I love pieces about Italy, having traveled there briefly myself.
Ah, Brian, I held that first Stieg Larson book in my hands for a long time at the used store in town, trying to decide recently. I suspect it will become a birthday present to myself very soon. Good to know you and Juliet recommend it!
Juliet -- I'll have to check out the Venice book; just browsed for a review and it seems right up my alley. Thanks!
Ron -- there's no law school for me this fall, so I will probably have more time than I'd like to finish these and several of their friends!
JustCathy, you make me realize -- I should have counted blogs and OS into my reading for the fall, but it's such a daily thing...
Dorinda, I really, really loved the Adams biography. It was actually gripping and suspenseful in parts, despite knowing how everything ends up. McCollough is a great storyteller, and Adams is a fascinating, egotistical but extremely well-meaning and hard-working subject. I hope you enjoy it!
aim, I have read and do love Motherless Brooklyn,. I've long wanted to read Arsonist's Guide, mostly because of that title. And I'm so glad you brought up Mankell -- a friend of mine was telling me about that series the other day and we couldn't think of the author's name. So it's good to have. I think the BBC made a series out of those, right, with Kenneth Brannagh? I could have this wrong.
I'm aiming for having something to say on Saturday about Kennedy -- right now I'm afraid it would be nothing but mush. Interesting to hear about Massachusetts; thanks for the comment.
And thank you all, so far! Great recs! Woohoo, books!
Another non fiction that you'll have to get from the library "The Mangnificent Dunderheads" edited by Rex Stout. Stupid thing Republican Senators and Congressmen said on the record during the 1940s.
If you like mysteries and politics. The Doorbell Rang by Rex Stout. He takes on the FBI and Hoover during the 1960s. Rated.
Anathem by Neal Stephenson.
All My Sons by Arthur Miller.
And then I'll read your posts so at least I can fake it like I have an intellect.
I'm currently hugely enjoying Marina Lewycka's novel, A SHORT HISTORY OF TRACTORS IN UKRAINIAN.
I've tried Peleconas several times and his work just hasn't grabbed me. Denis Lehane's latest novel, on the other hand, fabulous (political and a mystery and historical!).
About 100 pages into Middlesex (finally) and very absorbed in it. Also recently finished Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson--loved it.
And I know I've told you this before, but: Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout.
Likeness is also excellent! Junot Diaz' book is a must read.
Other excellent summer reads:
Bel Canto and Run by Ann Patchett
The Space Between Us by Thrity Umrigard
The Madonnas of Leningrad
The House at Sugar Beach
The Emperor of Ocean Park Carter
The last is a little older, but fascinating and compelling. Anything Dickens should be required reading for folks. At this juncture in history, Let Us Now Praise Famous Men and Grapes of Wrath should be on summer reading lists.
I'm devastated that it's not on yours either, dear Saturn. However, if you give me some street address or P.O. Box number and a commitment to review the book on Amazon.com, I'll send you a complimentary copy.
The book, just released, is entitled, "So You Think You Know English--A Guide to English for Those Who Think They Don't Need One." Gas, or a gas: you decide. The book is more fully described on its web site: www.gordonosmondbook.com As they say, check it out!
hmph
Swan Peak -- James Lee Burke
The Midnight Disease -- (about the drive to write) -- Alice W. Flaherty
Columbine -- Dave Cullen
Sunset Limited -- (I think that's the name) -- Cormac McCarthy
The Anthropology of Turquoise -- Ellen Meloy
The Rest Is Noise (Listening to the 20th Century) -- Alex Ross
AND I'll have to take some poetry, too. Mary Oliver & the collections Garrison Keillor puts together & Sharon Olds & Joy Harjo & Billy Collins (to cheer up) & Marge Piercy. And maybe I'll bring along a Marge Piercy novel, too, because I am taking a very LONG imaginary vacation! My daughter bought me a beautiful set of Poetry on Record which would be nice to listen to on my imaginary beach or sitting on a rock in my imaginary woods!
I have the new Pynchon - at first glance, it's um very entertaining.
"White Tiger", by A. Adiga
Pat Conroy - "South of Broad" again, I have it here; have not begun it. (I need to turn off the t.v.)
I keep around little books like those by David Sedaris or Norah Ephron for short, funny reads. Also keep some Gore Vidal at hand for the same (well, not funny, just that I can pick one up and choose a chapter with my eyes closed and just read him).
Also love my thriller and scifi short stories.
Connie, thanks for reminding me about White Tiger! And I've stared down Nora Ephron's I Feel Bad About My Neck many times in the bookstore. Soon, it will be mine!
Kylala, that's exactly the kind of book I'm looking for (though I will miss the sleep, hee hee).
Voxmom, I love The Things They Carried, and am already looking forward to Olive Kitteridge. I'll check out the McCann, too; I feel I've heard that name recently.
I love your imaginary list, Suzie. I'm already afraid that part of mine is imaginary, too. I have Sharon Olds on my Secret Poetry list, which is Secret because it's so long and almost completely untouched.
TJcassingham, that's an astute observation. I should have included the books I've most recently read, perhaps, half of which are by women -- I just finished The Time Traveler's Wife two nights ago. And I tend to read almost exclusively female mystery writers -- Christie, French, Sayers, and strangely Donna Leon, because I'm a sucker for Italy. Anyway, good thing to keep in mind.
Gordon, how dare I! I'd happily put it on my list -- sounds right up my alley. Let's converse on this in message.
Linda, I adored both Bel Canto and Run -- have you read any of her others? Patron Saint of Liars got me started reading Patchett's stuff, and while it's not as sophisticated as Bel Canto, it's still an extremely gripping first novel.
Lisa, I had no idea. I'll check it out (as soon as I reestablish my library card!).
Ha, LLD, I think I still have your copy of Olive Kitteridge, and I can't believe I forgot to add it to the list. The Lehane, too. Kate Atkinson -- I will keep an eye out. And since I think this list was originally born out of talking with you, double thanks for the recs!
Ginseng, I have no idea what that book is about, but what a fantastic title. (I use the mysteries to lighten things up, and my long list of entertainment blogs).
Zuma -- you don't have to fake it, award-winning writer that you are.
Thanks for the recs, Nick. I've picked up Anathem a few times at Borders, and I should do that again.
A thousand pardons!!
The author of Peace Like a River has a new one, So Brave and Handsome by Leif Enger.
Mysteries. I enjoy Jane Langdon, very literary but the last two were not as good as her early ones. Lately I have been reading the books by SJ Rozan about Lydia Chin and her sidekick. Take place in New York and involve the Chinese community.
1. ANIMAL SPIRITS: How Human Psychology Drives the Economy and Why it Matters for Global Capitalism, by Akerlof and Schiller. It's brand new and looks at Keynesian economics with new eyes. A great econ prof at Hiram College that I know is using it in a course comparing/contrasting the current times with the Great Depression.
2. AMERICAN PROMETHEUS: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Bird and Sherwin. It won both the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award in 2006 for best nonfiction. I'm reading it now and loving it, but I have a bit of a thing for physics. A love/hate relationship, you could call it; I don't understand physics but want to.
Both are Vintage Book Club reads of Long Beach, Ca of which I'm the only male. I'm just about half-way through High Times Hard Times, the autobiography of Anita O'Day, a jazz singer from my home town of Chicago, in fact the North Side (Uptown District).
Earlier this summer while in Hutchinson, Ks I read Retribution by Max Hastings, the Battle for Japan, 1944-45.
Later in 2010 our club is reading Melville's The Confidence Man. That will be April 1.
Duaneart, I'm glad to hear Hamilton so well recommended. I really do need to check out Lush Life. Thanks!
Salinas, that's a great list and many I hadn't heard of. Thanks!
Lainey, I loved Animal Spirits -- loved it! And I've definitely got AmProm. on my list.
Martin, sounds like you have a great book club going. Will have to try White Tiger and your recommended method for reading it. :)