I mentioned in my Resolutions post that I wanted to read more, a lot more. That eventually took shape into an actual New Years Resolution: Read 52 books this year.
You read that correctly, kids. I want to read one book every single week this year. It works out to about 4 1/3 books per month. Now, I have a slight advantage when it comes to reading a lot: I read really quickly. I don’t know if it’s technically speed-reading (I actually highly doubt it), but I have always been able to read super quickly. And not just get through the words quickly, but really read them, know what is going on, and retain that knowledge for a long time.
I had seen the film, and was dying to read the book. And let me tell you, it is even better than the film. It is just absolutely enchanting. It has been a long time since I have come across a book that I wanted to start again the moment I finished it, but this was definitely one. Two enthusiastic thumbs up for this one.
Now, I know you might think this is cheating, since I’ve read this book (and the rest of the HP series) about ten times. But, I wanted my ‘weeks’ to be from Sunday to Saturday, and Week One started on a Thursday. So I needed a book that I could read super quickly to get me on track with the whole Sunday to Saturday thing. And I can read HP&DH in one sitting, and I love it, so it was a good choice.
A good friend of mine sent me a link to this interview with Leo Babauta, and I instantly wanted to read his book. I love the concept of simplifying my life, and would love to be able to do it. I was also incredibly inspired by what he was able to accomplish using his quite simple and straightforward methods. So I went out, bought the book, and devoured it in about two hours. And then emailed everyone I know telling them to read it. It’s a great read about how to create new habits and make attainable goals. I highly recommend this one if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life.
If you want a good laugh, go read this book. It is a hilarious “low culture manifesto” and is full of great pop culture references. It is a very smart, very funny book. It is simply overflowing with witty comments and funny comparisons. It’s a very fun read, with chapters touching on everything from MTV’s The Real World to Star Wars to Cover Bands. It is also one of very few books where the footnotes are just as awesome as the main text. Love it.
Every bit as delightful as the movie, and actually a whole lot different than the movie. For one, the Wicked Witch doesn’t pursue Dorothy et al for the entire length of the story, only towards the end. Also, and most strikingly to me, the Winged Monkeys are actually not evil in the book! They are forced to obey whoever is in possession of the Golden Cap (which isn’t even mentioned in the movie) three times, and it just so happens that the Wicked Witch has the Cap. Anyway, it was good! I’m glad I finally read it!
I know, I know… another Harry Potter book already? What can I say… I just love them! I hadn’t read Order of the Phoenix in a while, so when the craving for some HP goodness arose, I grabbed it. Everytime I read that one, I wish that they had kept more of the chase/battle in the Dept. of Mysteries in the movie. For the most part, I acknowledge the books and movies as completely separate entities, so I usually don’t mind the differences (and I’m pretty sure I’m almost totally alone in that!), but that’s one that always bugs me.
I’ve only just started this one. I brought it with me to jury duty, but ended up not having a whole lot of time to read. So far, I’m liking it. It’s totally different than anything I’ve ever read thus far, but that’s a good thing! I like reading new things. I’ll report more at the end of February!
That brings the grand total up to 7 out of 52 books. Do you have any recommendations for February?
Entry filed under: general. Tags: books, reading, resolutions.
The Brief and Wondrous life Oscar Wao is SO good. I loved it! Check out my 52 books for some suggestions!
I just posted the same thing on my blog about 15 minutes ago… LOL and I also read Ian McEwan this past month as well. Atonement is a great novel!
Yay for Harry Potter! You’ve probably already read The Picture of Dorian Gray, but if you haven’t, you should! Oscar Wilde = Love!