Summer reading

Hi all,

My summer reading list is VERY varied this year. I'm taking on everything from classic lit to light young adult reading. Here's a sampling of what's on the list:

• Crime and Punishment
• Old School
• Insurgent
• The Knife of Never Letting Go
• Heroes of Olympus

The reason for Crime and Punishment and Old School is not necessarily because I would have chosen to read them for entertainment purposes. Actually, these books are a shout-out to my supersmart sister-in-law who taught English to college freshmen in Boston. Shelly recommended them.

She's moving back to Utah and is now going to teach AP English to high school seniors. These books are their assigned summer reads, and I'm taking up the challenge. 

I'm not really sure what inspired me to do this. Maybe because my other sister-in-law, Annie, said she would do it if I did. Maybe because my inner English-major self misses putting myself through the torture of wordy, convoluted classic lit? Because I hope these books will make me smarter? Because I will have access to a high-school level study guide to help me get through the material?

I'm also re-reading The Knife simply because I want to. Those books were amazing. And this time I'll force my husband to listen to it on audiobook. Then there's the obligatory fantasy, adventure, and other young adult fiction that I can't live without.

Have other recommendations? Lemme know.

Dazzled by Monsters of Men

Wow! This series is a-maz-ing. I wish I could say something to convince everyone to read it. I'm basically obsessed. 

You know those books that reach out and pull your nose in from page 1 and you think about it even when you're not reading it and you can't wait until you get a moment to read it again and you wouldn't know if everything was burning to ash around you while you're reading and then when you finally finish, instead of being relieved to have your life back you just feel depressed that it's over?

The ending was everything you hope for in endings and more.

Patrick Ness is a genius. 

He makes me think about the power of language, of perspective, war, madness, love, growing up, having hope, changing the world, how the past affects the present, how there's so much wonder in life... and how a story as captivating as this one can feel so original yet so much like an echo of reality.

The book broke my heart and patched it up over and over again. Patrick Ness takes good care of his readers. 

Trust me.

Read it.

Reading Witch & Wizard

I haven't finished it yet, so this review is a little premature, but nevertheless I have already formed an opinion.

It's an interesting story with some potentially intriguing ideas, I just don't know how well it's executed.

You know some books, like (take an obvious one) Harry Potter, can draw you into the story world right from the start and you feel like you're living in a place where muggles, and Hogwarts, and Quidditch are real? Well, this young adult fantasy/dystopian tale doesn't quite do that.

Not to be too much of a downer, it is an interesting read and it's keeping me entertained just fine. I'm just not getting that sense of urgency near the end of the book that gets me thinking, "Oh no! I just have to get the next book in the series! I need to keep this story going!"

Know what I mean?

Maybe it's because the characters narrating the tale are a little too juvenile in their narrations. Could be that I can't relate to them or they just aren't giving me enough detail or emotion or complexity. I dunno.

Could be that the supporting characters aren't overly intriguing or complex either.

It all comes down to details, I suppose. Details equal richness of story.

But everyone is not supposed to agree with my take on Witch and Wizard. If you have some reasons you think would convince me to read on in the series, I'm open!

Long Time No Read?

Just because I haven't posted in a while doesn't mean I haven't been reading.

And just because most likely no one even looks at this blog doesn't mean I'm not going to post in it again.

In other good news, if anyone has been checking on this blog from time to time, you may have seen all of my updates over in the right sidebar there, feeding from Goodreads.

Thank goodness for audiobooks. If not for audiobooks, I probably wouldn't be reading. (Let alone writing analytical reviews of everything that I read.)

So this post is more like a check-up, really. Because, being totally honest, I don't have what it takes right now to write eloquent literature reviews. My reading/listening hobby has become what many people like to call "escapism."

I hate that term. I'm not really sure why, but it seems like some high-brow readers use the term in a derogatory way to describe people who read for fun instead of for intellectual advancement.

What's so wrong with that anyway?

Last time I checked, even the most simple, pure-for-the-entertainment-of-it novel was a gazillion times more enriching than the latest episode of "we beat the dead horse of reality TV again for the 5th straight night." If it takes escapism to get away from depressingly awful TV (or a long and lackluster commute with only construction cones for scenery), then so be it.

Can we just call our reading habits something else? How about "adventurism"!?

Who wouldn't rather be called an adventurist? (Note the difference between 'adventurer.' I like to be an 'adventurer' too, but when it comes to book-clubbing, then I put on the 'adventurist' tag. Make sense? If you're just joining this blog, remember, I make up words.)

I have several up-and-coming adventures that I'm pretty excited about. When you drive 45+ minutes each way to and from work, you tend to get excited about series(es) that promise to be spine-tingling, imagination-exciting, and mind-occupying.

• Game of Thrones
• The Knife of Never Letting Go
• The Maze Runner

 I'll start at least 1 of these series next month, and hit up a 2nd if I finish it.

Good thing there's way too many novels in the world for me to run out of commuting adventures.

What Sam's reading in May

Well, this should feel a little familiar. And yet, with its unique combination of elements: unique.

Unbroken, from what I can tell from reviews, is not just a story about World War II, but about a man. Part P.O.W., part Odysseus, part runner, and part Pi (remember Life of Pi?),  Zamperini promises to be a very rich character to read about.

I've recently read a few other books that make this description of Unbroken seem weirdly similar: Life of Pi, Born to Run, and (okay, not that recently) The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. 

(Incidentally, did you know that "The Gurnsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" movie is being made with Kate Winslet starring? If that's not a clincher, I don't know how else to sell it!)

Anyway, back to topic. Unbroken seems to have a lot of  deeply original episodes for being a story about the much-written-about World War II.

I'm usually not gung-ho for biographical or historical type books.  The appeal of reading for me is more about The Escape. You know. From life, from stress, from troubles, from boredom.

But, yes, occasionally I do find biographical books that are intriguing enough to trigger this same sort of Escape effect. So I'm going to read it. So there.

A novel about the magic of storytelling?

Hm, yes please! Sign me up.

That would be for The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. It is the overwhelming winner for April's book club read with an astounding 1 VOTE! Amazing.

And it was my vote, too.

I might have to rethink the premise of this blog seeing as how it's not really a book club and more like a "see what Sam's reading these days and what she has to say about all these books" blog. Which is fine, of course. I'm all for calling things what they are.

Speaking of which, I've been on a reading binge lately, what with plenty of time in my car to listen to audiobooks. So check out my goodreads profile on the right sidebar if you're interested in more book suggestions. I've recently read Clockwork Angel, Born to Run, Fire Study, and I'm in the middle of The Clockwork Prince and The Lightning Thief on audiobook.

The official April read is still The Thirteenth Tale  and I'll probably just make Unbroken the official May read. Just because I can.

Feel free to vote or suggest any other books, because I'd love, you know, some interaction.

Announcing the book club read for March...and April?

I have decided to go with Poison Study, based on numerous recommendations. Starting with book #1, I will likely try to complete the series via audiobook while becoming increasingly familiar with every bump and swerve on I-15 between Salt Lake City and Provo.

So is Poison Study okay? ...okay?....kay?...ay....

Ah, the echoes of cosmic web obscurity.

If I were to ever become a manager in a business setting (which I never would because I hate telling people what to do) I would probably be one of those people that needs the input of at least 3 different people before making a decision.

This whole choosing-my-own-book-for-the-book-club business is anxiety-inducing.

In light of that confession, it's never too early to decide on April's book!  What do you think about:

• The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
• Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
• Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John LeCarre
• The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Let me know!

As always, feel free to suggest other books you're interested in or if you happen to be a member of another book club and you want to consolidate your monthly assignments into 1! (Like I said, I'm a bit of a push-over.)

A book recommendation from my dentist...

My dentist in South Jordan recommended a book to me today, once he learned that I am an English major and a Book Hugger. (I just feel like my invented term should be capitalized for some reason.)

I love my dentist. Too weird to be a credible statement? Then I'll put it this way: I love that my dentist is also an avid reader and actually asked me for the web address to my magical book club!

He recommended a book that "we" (notice how I assume that this blog is not a one-man show) have already been considering: Poison Study. Apparently it is a series worth reading! I will officially submit my vote for March's read: Poison Study, including book 1 or the entire series, whichever you prefer.

Of course I'll still factor in everyone's votes. Everyone who does vote. (Wink wink.)

Otherwise I will probably save The Thirteenth Tale or another choice for April. I've also been recommended Unbroken and I do love to follow-up on recommendations.

I'm using the word "love" a lot today and I'm guessing it's the lingering after-effects of Valentine's Day yesterday. (Thanks for asking - my day was lovely.)

Sorry to put off discussing Life of Pi for another week, but I have not had much chance to sit and read lately. We're all human, right? The good news is that my audiobook is reserved for me at the library and I'm picking it up today so that I can start listening during my long commute! Yay!

If you have any interesting thoughts or questions about Life of Pi you want to discuss, let me know. There's plenty of February left. And I...love...discussing literature and analyzing! (Must be an English major thing.)

Hope everyone had a Happy Valentine's Day!

Have you started reading "Life of Pi"?

I have. And so far Life of Pi by Yann Martel is rather slow-going. But that's okay, because I've talked to others who have read it and they say that it picks up.

So hang in there with me.

You may want to keep this interesting tidbit in mind:
Apparently, the story is not as true as it would lead you to believe. Even the "author's note" at the beginning is all part of the overlaying narrative. However, this should not be a deterrent from appreciating the adventure.

(I could go into an abysmal exploration of how the different layers of narrative affect the story experience - I wrote an interesting paper about narrative voice in college. Interestingly enough, that paper was about Ian McEwan's Atonement. I will forbear torturing you with geeky analysis, for now.)

I am still very near the beginning, but I have already found a few passages that I just love.

As a writer, I like to pick apart how other authors build their story and their characters. For instance, chapter 3's primary focus seems to characterize the man called Mamaji by the narrator. Yet, we also get a few quirky little nuggets that teach us about Pi's family and himself.

For instance, I am inclined to think Pi's father is a comical character. Pi says, "It was the talk that Father loved. The more vigorously he resisted actually swimming, the more he fancied it" (chapter 3, page 10). Does this sound like someone you know?

And in chapter 4, when Pi describes his father's zoo.... what a wonderful description! He not only gave me an original perspective on zoo animals, he made me appreciate the sensory experience.

And I am not just referring to what is probably a pungent smell.

Pi pummels us over the head with detail after detail. We get colors, sounds, and exotic animals listed with almost a feverish excitement. You can almost picture Pi waving his arms as he is describing the zoo to you and becoming more and more excited - trying to convey all the wonderful and intriguing details.

The abundance of imagery in words represents the abundance of sensory experience in person. Doesn't it make you feel like you are there, looking around you in wonder as fast as you can, trying to take in as much of the zoo as you can? It's almost overwhelming. It reminds me of how a child might feel upon entering Disneyland for the first time.

I told you I haven't gotten very far. How is it going for you?

Don't get tired of the book club yet!

I promise to maintain this most magical book club blog - I could not stand for the book club to fall off into oblivion - since I recently went back to working full-time. I did the freelance article writing thing for a while and it was great for the experience, but not a permanent thing.

To the fortuitous fulfillment of my career hopes, I am now a full-time, salary copywriter at a marketing firm for fitness and beauty products. I know - it's SO me.

Anyway, I am now making a 45-minute commute to work (90 minutes total each day) and I might just be listening to our February read, Life of Pi, instead of reading it. I've got the hard copy at home until I can get an audio version for my i-pod.

It got me wondering - How do you prefer to read your books? I'm usually all for holding a book in my hands. I love the smell of bound paper, the feel of a book in my lap, the excitement of flipping pages... but that's me - The Book Hugger Forever. Feel free to answer the poll (above left).

Don't worry - I will still drive safely while listening to books in my car. I'm a fabulous multitasker.

It's already February 2 and we have a shorter reading month than usual, but I do believe we can manage. It is Leap Year after all.

Oh, and, I thought I would throw out some book club ideas for March, just so I can update my lovely book club images at the top of the page. How about:

• The Thirteenth Tale
• Poison Study

 ...for starters? As always, feel free to suggest books that you'd like to read or discuss.

Happy reading with Life of Pi!

Let 2012 reading begin!

Alright, thanks to everyone who gave feedback about January's read. From what I can tell, it looks like we had about 3 votes for City of Bones (including comments) and 2 votes for Life of Pi in the poll. Since I definitely want to read both books and I don't want to leave anybody out, let's go ahead and start reading City of Bones for January and schedule Life of Pi for February.

Sound good?

This means if you voted for Life of Pi and you want to get a head start, then by all means you can go ahead and start reading it now. I just won't start discussion on it until the end of February.

Hit the libraries, the bookstores, Amazon, or wherever else you go to get your books. Hopefullly we'll all have plenty of time to reserve the book we want and read it before the end of the month.

Just a reminder about City of Bones: It is the first book of a series - the Mortal Instruments - so if you want to read on in the series, try to squeeze it into January if you can since we will start with a new book in February. I may try to read the whole series as well.

Once again, feel free to let me know if you read Uglies, Pretties, or Specials and what you thought of the series. I have one more post coming up later this week about the series, and more specifically, about the character interaction.

Happy reading!

Vote For January Book

Alright, December is almost over and it's time to choose January's book.

Seeing as how I am the only one who has voted on January's choice, I just wanted to check in and give everyone a chance to vote on what you want to read. As it stands, it looks like I will be reserving City of Bones from the library in the next few weeks.

If you want to continue reading the Uglies series into January, go right ahead. You can skip the official January book if you want.

If you want more discussion about Uglies, feel free to comment on an older post or start a new discussion by commenting on this post and I will re-post it. I may have one or two things more to say about the series, anyway... ;)

I'll extend the poll for January's read until the end of this week in case anyone still wants to vote and then I'll announce January's book club choice next week.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I know things will probably still be busy until after New Year, but then hopefully in January we will be able to find more time to read.

Have a Happy New Year!

proposing January bookclub reads

Ok, so I can't help it. I finished the Uglies series and now I'm ready to start talking new books.

I have some suggestions, but feel free to suggest your own ideas if there's a book you're just getting jitters to read.

For now, don't worry - I won't go read ahead. For now (the rest of December) I'm reading a lovely book called Creating Plot which is helping me in my own fiction writing endeavors, but I wouldn't expect any bookclubbers to want to read that with me.

So anyway, here are my suggestions for January:

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments #1) - a young adult fiction series
Eat, Pray, Love - a NY Times Bestseller
The Life of Pi - another NY Times Bestseller
Shiver - another YA fiction, book 1 of series

I have to warn you - I love young adult fiction because it reads fast and is generally entertaining... and I especially like fun and fantasy during January and February when I'm feeling a little confined... BUT I also read them very fast and if we choose one of those books for January I will be probably end up reading the entire series during the month.

I'm not saying anyone else has to commit to the whole series, I'm just saying, I most likely will.

These are just a few of the books that have been on my list for a while and I would love to finally check them off.

Let me know what you want to read for January, or if you want to read one of these books after January. We can schedule books for a few months out - no problem.