I am using the 50 book challenge as a way to explore many types of books. This year, I’ve challenged myself to read books from different genres, in different formats, and to also spread the word about the books I have been enjoying. I have been on a Teen novel kick lately reading books like Return to Paradise, Uglies and Janes in Love, but I have also read a few biographies such as Patti Smith's Just Kids and Mike Birbiglia's Sleepwalk with Me. There are also few graphic novels in my log-Houdini, the Handcuff King, The Eternal Smile, and even a children’s book-The Thief Lord. And don't worry, I know that one doesn't count as part of my 50.
But those books are in the past. Now on to the future! Looking forward, I don’t know all the books that might catch my eye, but there are some that I know I will be reading.
One of our Thursdays is Missing- the 6th book in Jasper Fforde’s literary detective Thursday Next series set in an Alternative Universe of 1980’s England. Another book from across the pond is A Red Herring without Mustard by Alan Bradley. 11 year old Flavia de Luce, uses her love of chemistry and her ability to intellectually best most of the adults around her to solve mysteries around her village of Bishop’s Lacey. And of course, I will have to re-read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows before the last movie comes out. And I can’t make any promises that I won’t cry as much as I did the first time I read it.
Some others on my list for this year are:
Fables 11-14 by Bill Willingham, a graphic novel series that explores the idea that what if all those fairy tales were real people and happen to live in NYC. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the first book of a trilogy with a lot of buzz so, of course, is soon to be a movie. Extras, and Specials by Scott Westerfeld- I started the series and I can't stop now! And The Magician King, which hasn't been published yet, but is a sequel to Lev Grossman's The Magicians.
I have heard Mike Birbiglia's stories on The Moth podcast and think he's an excellent storyteller. I am interested in finding out how good he is at putting his stories into text.
ReplyDeleteMike Birbiglia is a good storyteller, but he is an even better stand-up comic. If you ever get an opportunity to see him, take it. Like the book suggestions here, will try to read some of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the strong recommendations. I've placed his book on hold!
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