Lori D. Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) Sooo... what have YOU been reading this year just for YOU (NOT for school), and what does your summer reading list look like? Below is what I've been reading in the past 6 months and what I'm thinking of tackling this summer. I'm hoping to get some good ideas from the rest of you to add to my list! ;) We've had an intense and concentrated school year (with a lot of heavyweight classics as our literature), so my personal reading had to all be light and entertaining this year to keep me sane :tongue_smilie: -- but I hope to tackle a few classics over the summer -- ideas welcome! Looking forward to seeing all of your book lists! Warmest regards, Lori D. Past 6 Months Reading List (with my comments): - The Miracle at Speedy Drive (Smith) -- new installment to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series; charming as are all of them! - Black Arrow (Stevenson) -- dull, a whiny wimpy girl character, and too much vernacular makes it stiff reading; only got halfway before dropping it - The Clerk's Tale (Frazer) -- not bad; best of the 3 I tried; annoyingly weak editing left in homophone spelling mistakes - The Reeve's Tale (Frazer) -- tried another, wanting to like this series; I was underwhelmed; and those spelling/word use errors are still there -- where was the editor?? - The Maiden's Tale (Frazer) -- *really* trying to like this series with a third try -- BUT, this was the nail in the coffin lid: multiple *dreadful* and inexcusable typos and errors by the editor, and sadly, the author resorts to swearing and bad-name calling by characters to create tension in place of good, solid writing; I'll stick with the Brother Cadfael series by Peterson for medieval mysteries for the time being... These were all light and entertaining: - Fighting Prince of Donegal (Reilly) - Hogfather (Prachett) -- my first foray into the Discworld series; like a lightweight Douglas Adams book, with a touch more crudity (which I could do without) - I Robot (Asimov) - House of Stairs (Sleator) - His Majesty's Dragon (Novik) - the 5 original "Miss Seeton" mysteries by Heron Carvic (sequels by other authors are not worthwhile); these are so adroit and amusing with *wonderful* allusions and clearly drawn characters; GOOD writing makes such a difference to making a mystery enjoyable! :) 1. Picture Miss Seeton 2. Miss Seeton Draws the Line 3. Witch Miss Seeton 4. Miss Seeton Sings 5. Odds on Miss Seeton My summer reading list so far: - Lathe of Heaven (LeGuin) - Cyndere's Midnight (Overstreet) -- sequel to Aurelia's Colors - Housekeeping (Robinson) - Gilead (Robinson) - Teatime for the Traditionally Built (Smith) - Respectable Sins (Bridges) Family Read-Alouds We Did Just for Fun This Past Year: - Something Wicked This Way Comes (Bradbury) - Till We Have Faces (Lewis) - Screwtape Letters (Lewis) - The Great Divorce (Lewis) - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams) - Restaurant at the End of the Universe (Douglas Adams) - Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (Douglas Adams) - Watership Down (Richard Adams) Possible Fun (Non-School Related) Family Read-Aouds For This Summer: - Do Hard Things (Harris) - Cosmi Comics (Calvino) - Out of the Silent Planet (Lewis) - Dune (Herbert) - Foundation (Asimov) - Harry Potter series (Rowling) Edited May 27, 2009 by Lori D. added info for clarity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Hen Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Unless I take the summer to read the coming year's school books it doesn't seem to happen. While I read I often times find that months can go by without me reading something fun, KWIM? Last week I read To Kill A Mockingbird and really enjoyed it. Then yesterday I completed The Gallant Mrs. Stonewall. My DS mocked me a bit for reading this book but it was interesting and fun to read. I also read Outlier thinking I would have my AP Statistics students read it but have now placed it on my DS reading list. Good food-for-thought book. Next for me is to take the Am Lit lists complied on this board and start my reading there. Carole Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I recently finished Reading the OED: One Man, One Year, 21,730 Pages by Ammon Shea. I was expecting something fairly weighty in terms of content, but it was actually a light and enjoyable read especially for those like me who enjoy words. (And it's bargain priced at Amazon, I see.) If You Could Hear What I See by Kathy Buckley is also a book that I read and enjoyed. This is a memoir written by a woman who is now a motivational speaker; she's described as being America's first hard of hearing commedienne. (Both of the above have language and content that some may find offensive.) Regards, Kareni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Ooooh Lori, thank you for starting this thread and for including some comments about what you've read. Here's some of what we've read and what I've got planned. "meatier" books I enjoyed when life wasn't too hectic: The Man Who Loved China by Simon Winchester is a biography of Joseph Needham who was a much more colorful man than I ever imagined. Needham wrote the many volumes of Science and Civilization in China. It is a great read and perfect for anyone interested in science or China. May not be appropriate for all teens, though. In the Footsteps of Ghengis Khan by John DeFrances. Loved it! A travelogue of going on a camel train along the old silk road during the early part of WWII. DeFrances wrote the definitive Chinese language textbooks used back in the 70s and 80s. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen -- enjoyed this in audio format Maria Tallchief, America's Prima Ballerina -- a good autobiography The Reader by Bernard Schlink -- the buzz from the movie made me curious. I liked it, but wasn't blown away. Haven't seen the movie, though. Books shared with my 14yo ds (he recommended some, some we read together, some I assigned) The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson -- wonderful memoir of growing up in Iowa in the 50s A Short History of Nearly Everything also by Bill Bryson -- all science should be so clear and entertaining To See Every Bird by Dan Koeppel -- memoir and funny descriptions of serious birders The Pluto Files by Neil deGrasse Tyson -- short and funny history of Pluto's rise and fall from planethood The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe -- even better than the movie, and I loved the movie! Sword in the Stone by TH White -- we'll continue with the rest of the Once and Future King over the summer, but we have loved this first book and can see its influence on JK Rowling's writing Fluffy fun reads for when life was (and is) too busy to think... Vivaldi's Virgins by Barbara Quick--historical fiction about the orphaned girls in the school where Vivaldi taught All my Edens by Pat Welch -- a memoir of life and gardening Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell -- more historical fiction, this time post WWI Cairo and almost all of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series -- my current book "drug" of choice!! planned summer reads... a biography of Ghengis Khan my ds wants me to read some more science books like Death by Black Hole the rest of Once and Future King Dan Koeppel's book about the history and economics of the banana industry and others that are waiting patiently on my nightstand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Well, for family fun read-alouds these are some we've read together: (dds are 6 and 12) Prince Caspian Trumpet of the Swan Stuart Little The Ordinary Princess We're reading The Penderwicks right now. I haven't been reading much outside of school readings (maybe since that stack is way too high!:lol:) Right now I'm reading these: English Literature for Boys and Girls Bulfinch's Mythology Climbing Parnassus Famous Books Ancient and Medieval Outlines of 108 Great Works that have Shaped Modern Civilization (whew-long title!) I'm nearly done with C.S. Lewis On Stories I'm about to add on How to Read a Book, Beowulf and King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (sad, but true-I haven't read these yet)and I still will add to this list in a couple of months. Wish me luck.....:001_smile: I did read C.S. Lewis's Till We Have Faces a few months ago and couldn't put it down. I gobbled it up in about 3 days so I think I need to read it over. That was my last pure pleasure read and it still counts too!! We are also watching the Teaching Company's dvds for Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition. This is fantastic! My dh and I watch it together at night a couple of nights a week after the girls are in bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura R (FL) Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I am finishing this for my coursework: The Messianic Character of American Education At night for enjoyable reading: Finally getting to Brisingr in the Eragon series. Last month I read Burmese Days, and Keep the Aspidistra Flying by Orwell. Next I think I'll read Shelley's Frankenstein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laughing lioness Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Why, oh why did I even click on this thread??? I should know better. Ya'll have the BEST book lists! When I read, I ignore my "real life" -kwim?? I've been reading Chiam Potok this spring and LOVING each book, along with Farenheit 451 by Bradbury- I posted on my blog- just in a hurry right now or I'd review them because they were all GREAT. Waiting on getting "Beginnings" by Potok and can't wait. I want to read Climbing Parnassus and TWTM (new ed) this summer along with Weapons of Mass Instruction. Also, 3 cups of Tea and my now longer list thanks to all of you = ). The Ghengis Kahn book I'll have to get. My dd is in Hungary/Romania again and we have all fallen in love with the history/mystery of that region. My dd wants me to peruse Do Hard Things but I think it will be an easy read. Till We Have Faces and the Prelandrea series are in my top 5. I've read both several times. of course, I'll back to see what else is listed :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 JennW in SoCal, will you tell me more about Vivaldi's Virgins? The title is throwing me a little. My dd (12) loves Vivaldi and was really fascinated with his school for girls. Is this appropriate for a 12 year old? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Wisc Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I just finished reading A Sand County Almanac and most of the Canterbury Tales. I also read a biography of John Muir. But the book I'm reading out of pure interest is Walden. So far, I'm fascinated by it. I also am finding The Lessons of St. Francis by John Michael Talbot a book that challenges my thoughts. Our family is reading Out of the Saltshaker and into the World by Pippert. Very, very good. I know there are another half-dozen books sitting around the house that I've started but have not gotten back into--I'm 3/4 of the way through Rebbeca of Sunnybrook Farm and and 1/3 of the way through The Travels by Marco Polo. And I'm reading Square-Foot Gardening and am putting in 4 new beds to replace my big garden which has been ignored too many summers in a row. I also tripped over Keeping a Nature Journal by Leslie/Roth when cleaning off some bookshelves, so I'm reading through that, too. I love keeping a nature journal--but I've filled only a few pages of mine! I'm s-l-o-w-l-y making my way through Introducing the Constellations, Star Lore, and a couple other astronomy books. And now I've added Nourishing Traditions and Eat Fat, Lose Fat to my bedstand. I'm sure there are more titles...LOL! I always have umpteen books all over the house waiting for me to pick up again. I also want to reread 1984--it's been so long I can barely remember the plot. A couple of days ago I found Three Cups of Tea in a bag that I had taken with me when mom was in the hospital. I am 3/4 of the way through it, too. La! Mortensen certainly is an interesting person! If I finish those books, then I can think about what I want to read next! I actually walked through Borders Books last night and the only books I stopped to look at was the astronomy books. I'm on book overload. Soon I will be sorting through my ds's English books for fall. Year III of Omnibus and ??????? :) Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Currently I am reading a novel by Michael Ondaatje, In the Skin of a Lion. This is a book that had collected dust on the nightstand for a while but the time is right. It came from a friend who sent me my last fun read, the latest P.D. James, The Private Patient. Both my son and I recently read The Scarlet Letter. I'll resurrect another thread to talk about rereading this book, the TC Weinstein lectures on Hawthorne and my son's complete dislike of the selection. This summer I plan to read Dr. Zhivago, a couple of Hawthorne stories that Weinstein discusses in his American Lit lectures, probably a Dorothy Dunnett historical novel. Dunnett is one of my favorite writers but I like reading her books slowly with the companion volumes at hand. I usually read a couple of mysteries while at the beach in the summer. My favorite recent selections are from Soho Press, books set in Korea, Spain, Brazil. The cultural elements bring a richness to these volumes. More later. Jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwen in VA Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) I spent a delightful two weeks reading Reading Lolita in Tehran, which is a thoughtful look by a female English lit professor in Tehran about the Iranian Revolution. I have a much better understanding of the Iranian Revolution and some of its implications. Disturbing and thought-provoking but filled with hope Just finished C.S. Lewis's Surprised by Joy for the first time -- what a treat. This summer I plan on reading: Quiverfull: A Look inside the Christian Patriarchy Movement The Problem of Pain (C.S. Lewis) Three Cups of Tea Good Ideas from Questionable Christians and Outright Pagans: An Introduction to Key Thinkers and Philosophies (Steve Wilkens) And all kinds of stuff that catches my eye at the library! Edited May 27, 2009 by Gwen in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sagira Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) I can only read non-fiction (since I've had kids, because if I read fiction I'll neglect them for days or however long it takes to read the book :LOL:). That said, I have read Ivanhoe, which was wonderful. Book we're almost done with: Betsy-Tacy Books I've recently read: Nurturing Inquiry Nurture by Nature The Token Gift Books I've recently read aloud to ds (he's 5) Just the Way You Are Waiting for Wings The Snowy Day Little Mouse, The Red, Ripe Strawberry and the Hungry Bear Make Way for Ducklings Butterflies Now I'm reading: The Well-Trained Mind Books Children Love Our Island Story Love as a Way of Life Books I'm going to read: Climbing Parnassus How to Read a Book Who knows?? I'm always following rabbit trails in all different directions :tongue_smilie: Edited May 27, 2009 by sagira Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 (edited) I just finished reading a series of books by Brendan O'Carroll. The Mammy, The Chisellers, The Granny, & The Young Wan. He tells the story of Agnes Browne, who's the mom (mammy) of 7 kids in inner city Dublin. They were a riot! I just fell in love with the characters. They're very short books so they're easy reads. I was pouring through one every day or two while sick in bed last weekend. I did not like the language in the books but eventually gave it a pass b/c I believe it gave the story the ring of truth. This is what I would consider pure candy, but oh how nice it was for a change. Great reads! Edited May 27, 2009 by Paintedlady Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 JennW in SoCal, will you tell me more about Vivaldi's Virgins? ...Is this appropriate for a 12 year old? Oh my, no! While it is not a steamy bodice ripper, it definitely is not suitable for a 12 year old. It revolves around one girl and her quest as she grows up to find the identity of her mother, and touches on the lives of other girls and of course the music. There are descriptions of courtisans and their lives, and some adult situations. It is a subject matter that could certainly be made into a wonderful book for young teens, but I don't know if it exists! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kfamily Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 Thanks Jenn! I had a feeling with that title it wouldn't be but I thought I'd ask. Yes, I agree it would make a very interesting book for teens. My dd loves the sound of the violin and was so fascinated with his school for girls. (We listened to a biography of Vivaldi when he was our composer study and this is where she heard about it.) I think these two reasons alone are why she says he's one of her favorite composers. Thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted May 27, 2009 Share Posted May 27, 2009 I am reading: Dreams From My Father by Barak Obama Sahara Special...This book is Modern Chicago...CM in action. I think it was written for kids...but I don't think they get it. As an educator...I find it beautiful. How to Read a Book...Adler...I am surprised, but this book is actually enjoyable...who da thunk it? The new Well Trained Mind for obvious reasons. Vreated to be His Helpmeet By Debbie Pearl (also for obvious reasons...sigh...) Faithe (who loves these threads because they help me pick out my new books!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I spent a delightful two weeks reading Reading Lolita in Tehran, which is a thoughtful look by a female English lit professor in Tehran about the Iranian Revolution. I have a much better understanding of the Iranian Revolution and some of its implications. Disturbing and thought-provoking but filled with hope[/bQUOTE] I thought that she bought into a view of that book that I disagreed violently with. She sort of said that it was about asserting personal freedom, and it sounded as if she taught it that way and the girls in her class took it that way. But it's about an incestuous relationship forced on a young, kidnapped girl! I don't care how artsy it is, fundamentally it's about a man asserting his freedom at the expense of a young woman. I was amazed that this professor interpreted the book as she did, and it seemed to me to indicate an internalized oppression on her part. (We read this book in my long running book group, and had quite a lot of discussion about this.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 I lost my summer reading list! Hoping it's in one of my piles as I clear out last year's stuff, file in the attic and sort through incoming books for the new year! A Short History of Nearly Everything also by Bill Bryson -- all science should be so clear and entertaining Thank you JennW! I got partway through this before my overdue library fines caught up with me. I really need to check it out again this summer and finish. I agree that it's very readable. Other books currently on my coffee table: Hinds Feet on High Places -- just finished reading aloud. Loved it. Even my 4yo followed with the children's version. Tale of Two Cities -- next on our read aloud list. Passage to India -- my first official summer read. And does anyone else have trouble remembering the last book read? Unless it's a stellar book, I have to refer to my booklist to remember what I've read recently! I did recall the above books. :tongue_smilie: Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gwen in VA Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) Deleted. Edited May 28, 2009 by Gwen in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nissi Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Here is my list: 1984 by George Orwell A Tale of Two Cities Great Gatsby Respectable Sins by Jerry Bridges Love and Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs Bible : 1 and 2nd Samuel, Romans Old Testament History by Alfred Edersheim Frederica by Georgette Heyer Other Omnibus III primary reads Lightbearer's Worldview Curriculum That's it for now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veronica in VA Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 (edited) Since January: The Story of Edgar Sawtelle Telex from Cuba The Storekeeper's Daughter The Quilter's Daughter The Duggars - 20 and counting Led by Faith James Potter and the Hall of Elders Crossing (fan fiction) The Hiding Place The Magician: the secret life of Nicolas Flamel Safely Home (this was an amazing home about the persecution of the church in China Life As we Knew it People of the Book Lucifer's Hammer Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde Herodutus Animal Farm The Fields of Home Year of Wonders The Great Flood John Adams The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable The Host Wednesday Wars Shiloh Autumn Percy Jackson series On my reading list: the new edition of WTM The Good Thief War Child The Red Tent No. 1 Detective Agency Mornings on Horseback Sonlight 530 books (Brit Lit) my dd is doing this this fall and now the Ghengis Khan book - that sounds great! Veronica Edited May 28, 2009 by Veronica in VA mistake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lori D. Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 heh heh heh [cackling evilly and rubbing hands together] I knew I could get you all to fall for my plot to worm those great book titles out of you... :tongue_smilie: Thanks ladies! I've compiled all your posts into a fantastic list to start looking in the library. And still hoping more people will jump in on this thread! Happy reading, all! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shelly in VA Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Well, I hope to read this summer. I used to be a book-a-holic, but my dh commented this past week that my reading pace has dropped dramatically over the past 3-4 years. It's rather discouraging. Especially when I see the great book lists, and I want to drop everything to read every last title! :crying: That said, the last thing I read was "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson - a very interesting read! I am currently reading "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett - loved it initially, but now, halfway through it, I'm dragging a bit... I'm also reading "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" by Joanna Weaver - easy to read, and some good points are made. Following that, according to the stack on my nightstand, are: "An Instance of the Fingerpost" by Iain Pears "The Secret History of the Pink Carnation" by Lauren Willig "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult Now I'm off to bed for the night, although I'd rather go read - ha! Shelly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Right now I'm reading Mrs. Astor Regrets: The Hidden Betrayals of a Family Beyond Reproach by Meryl Gordon. It is a good read and interesting considering I've had to to deal with elder financial abuse issues with relatives and the Tony Astor abuse trial is happening right now in NY. I just finished Starvation Heights: A True Story of Murder and Malice in the Woods of the Pacific Northwest by Gregg Olsen. It is a story about a turn of the century 'health' resort that the owner was using as a cover for patient abuse and estate theft. After I finish Mrs. Astor Regrets, I'm going to read: The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann. This is from the Amazon summary: In April of 1925, a legendary British explorer named Percy Fawcett launched his final expedition into the depths of the Amazon in Brazil. His destination was the lost city of El Dorado, the “City of Gold,†an ancient kingdom of great sophistication, architecture, and culture that, for some reason, had vanished. The idea of El Dorado had captivated anthropologists, adventurers, and scientists for 400 years, though there was no evidence it ever existed. Hundreds of expeditions had gone looking for it. Thousands of men had perished in the jungles searching for it. Fawcett himself had barely survived several previous expeditions and was more determined than ever to find the lost city with its streets and temples of gold. The world was watching. Fawcett, the last of the great Victorian adventurers, was financed by the Royal Geographical Society in London, the world’s foremost repository of research gathered by explorers. Fawcett, then age 57, had proclaimed for decades his belief in the City of Z, as he had nicknamed it. His writings, speeches, and exploits had captured the imagination of millions, and reports of his last expedition were front page news. His expeditionary force consisted of three men--himself, his 21-year-old son Jack, and one of Jack’s friends. Fawcett believed that only a small group had any chance of surviving the horrors of the Amazon. He had seen large forces decimated by malaria, insects, snakes, poison darts, starvation, and insanity. He knew better. He and his two companions would travel light, carry their own supplies, eat off the land, pose no threat to the natives, and endure months of hardship in their search for the Lost City of Z. They were never seen again. Fawcett’s daily dispatches trickled to a stop. Months passed with no word. Because he had survived several similar forays into the Amazon, his family and friends considered him to be near super-human. As before, they expected Fawcett to stumble out of the jungle, bearded and emaciated and announcing some fantastic discovery. It did not happen. Over the years, the search for Fawcett became more alluring than the search for El Dorado itself. Rescue efforts, from the serious to the farcical, materialized in the years that followed, and hundreds of others lost their lives in the search. Rewards were posted. Psychics were brought in by the family. Articles and books were written. For decades the legend of Percy Fawcett refused to die. The great mystery of what happened to Fawcett has never been solved, perhaps until now. In 2004, author David Grann discovered the story while researching another one. Soon, like hundreds before him, he became obsessed with the legend of the colorful adventurer and his baffling disappearance. Grann, a lifelong New Yorker with an admitted aversion to camping and mountain climbing, a lousy sense of direction, and an affinity for take-out food and air conditioning, soon found himself in the jungles of the Amazon. What he found there, some 80 years after Fawcett’s disappearance, is a startling conclusion to this absorbing narrative. The Lost City of Z is a riveting, exciting and thoroughly compelling tale of adventure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane in NC Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 heh heh heh [cackling evilly and rubbing hands together] I knew I could get you all to fall for my plot to worm those great book titles out of you... :tongue_smilie: Better change your tag to read "The Nefarious Lori D"! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danielle Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I think I ought to be reading what I'm giving dd for next year's reading list. (middle ages/renaissance). But actually, I'm ending up reading lots of books about writing and some for research. here's what I've just read or am in process: 1. The Sun King (Nancy Mitford)--research for a novel 2. The Ode Less Travelled (Stephen Fry)--how to write poetry. Kinda like crosstraining for writers 3. How to be a Famous Writer Before You're Dead (Ariel Gore)--jazzy and irreverant 4. Just read Outliers (Malcolm Gladwell) 5. Tried to read Lavinia (Ursula LeGuin)--couldn't finish it 6. The Instinct to Heal (David Servan-Schreiber) 7. Non-violent Communication (Marshall Rosenberg)--terrific book on peacemaking, conflict resolution, how to talk to teens, etc. 8. Short stories of E.T.A. Hoffman--discovered by watching a Teaching Company lecture. How did I miss these all my life? Hoping to do before September: 1. Hitchhiker's Guide--dd loved this and insists I read it 2. Portuguese in 3 months--I'll bet. Have another novel idea which requires research. 3.Finish reading The Odyssey. I've been at this project for about 35 years now. 4. The Princesse of Cleves 5. The Decameron (Boccaccio) 6. The Pillow Book (Sei Shonagon)-1/2 finished 7. Autobiography of a Yogi (Parmahansa Yogananda)--read in high school, half way thru a re-read 8. The Letters and Journals of John Woolman 9. The pile by the bed & 2 shelves in the bedroom that I've bought but haven't got to. Danielle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in SW WA Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 Currently reading The Reagan Diaries... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hswarden Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 My son's in PS 11th grade & I have to read along with him. I was surprised by how much I like this, and not surprised that he was bored to tears. I am reading The Shack, don't like this genre but daughter recommended. Looking for something next to alternate with my Late Renaissance history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 It all started while reading aloud Tiner's Exploring the History of Medicine to my 8yos who wants to be a dr. someday. I picked up these at the library and have been immersed in them this week. http://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Medicine-Atlantic-Pacific-1492-1941/dp/0307263452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243616991&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Great-Influenza-deadliest-pandemic-history/dp/0143036491/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243617196&sr=1-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JennW in SoCal Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 A friend of mine had recommended The Lost City of Z -- I'm really going to have to find a copy of it now! Thanks for the reminder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 It all started while reading aloud Tiner's Exploring the History of Medicine to my 8yos who wants to be a dr. someday. I picked up these at the library and have been immersed in them this week. http://www.amazon.com/Frontier-Medicine-Atlantic-Pacific-1492-1941/dp/0307263452/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243616991&sr=8-1 http://www.amazon.com/Great-Influenza-deadliest-pandemic-history/dp/0143036491/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243617196&sr=1-1 Tiner's Exploring History of Medicine is fantastic! My doctor to be loved that book. We're doing Tiner's history of Chemistry now and it is almost as good. I'm going to work through all his books with the kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I'm reading Are We Living in the End Times right now, and I plan to read 1984. I must confess, though, that 1984 is school-related. I'm prereading it before I allow ds16 to read it. But I promise that I've been interested in reading it anyway!:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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