What have you been reading?

Missy Misdemeanor "Elliott" the dog is wondering what you've been reading lately.

Bill Bryson, are you single?

This is the post where I gush about a favorite author, in this case Bill Bryson. I am currently re-reading At Home: A Short History of Private Life. What I love about this book and what I love about Bill Bryson is that he asks and then ANSWERS fascinating questions. In this book, for example: why are salt and pepper our favorite spices? Why not salt and cinnamon? Why do we have lawns planted with grass that we cut short? Why do forks have four tines? Why are modern houses the way they are? What is up with STAIRS?   In this process of answering these questions, Bryson has written a fascinating history of the home. This is popular history writing at it's best.

I also enjoyed A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering American on the Appalachian Trail, in which is Bryson recounting his travels up the Appalachian Trail and the history of the trail. I swear, this guy can make anything interesting! I have also read A Short History of Nearly Everything which was interesting, but a bit too science-based to truly be enjoyed by me.

He has several other books as well which I have not yet read. I like reading his books because I feel like I'm still sort of learning something even though I'm really enjoying myself.

A Self-Help Book that Actually Seems Helpful

Over the weekend I read This Is How: Proven Aid in Overcoming Shyness, Molestation, Fatness, Spinsterhood, Grief, Disease, Lushery, Decrepitude & More. For Young and Old Alike by Augusten Burroughs. This was a rare case where I started reading a book without any expectations at all, because I had not read any reviews or even descriptions of the book. Since I am a fan of A.B. I put it on hold at the Lawrence Public Library without knowing anything about it. I assumed it would be a collection of true stories or vignettes like some of his previous books have been. And while he does write a little about some things that have happened in his life, it is mostly a self-help book.

And really, I can't think of anyone more qualified to write a self-help book that Augusten Burroughs. I mean, the guy had a horrible childhood, was a major alcoholic/addict as a young adult, and has not only lived to tell about it but is also a successful author. I don't usually like self help books, but I liked this one because it seemed more honest than others. It read like Burroughs was talking to a friend who was going through a hard time. The only thing that didn't work for me (and is why I gave it 4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads) was that it wasn't the right timing. Knock on wood, but my life is pretty good right now and I am not experiencing any major traumas that this book would be helpful with. It's like eating really good food when you are not hungry. It's still good, but it would have been best when you were actually hungry.

Bottom line it is worth a read either way, but would be especially good if you are experiencing hard times. 

Making Googleable the Un-Googleable: Where is my shoe?

Q:
Where is my shoe?

A:
Under the bed
In the back of the closet
Under the sofa
In your backpack or gym bag
In the kitchen!?
By the front door
By the back door
In the car
Worlds unknown
Outside

Review: Winter's Bone

Yesterday, I finished reading Winter's Bone: A Novel
by Daniel Woodrell for the second time. It was just as good as the first. I really like this book. (Can you believe I haven't seen the movie?)

The main character is Ree Dolly, a teenage girl in the backwoods of the Ozarks. Her meth-cooking father has gone missing, and her mother has gone crazy. Her father has to be found because he put their house up for bail, and if he doesn't show up for court their house will be taken. The tumbledown house and the wooded land it is on is the only thing this family has. It has been in their family for a long time, and the Dolly clan holds tight to their land.

Ree is one of the best-written characters I've encountered in a long time.  I like her because she is a work of contradictions- deep & simple, hard & kind, tough & soft.  Woodrell's writing is mostly great. He occasionally over-describes landscape type details, but it's well worth getting through it to get to his characters and plot. Some people compare him to Faulkner- I can see how this gritty story could remind someone of Faulkner, but I don't think their writing styles are similar. However, this is the only book by Woodrell I've read, so maybe his style is more Faulknerian in his other books. Is Faulknerian a word? If not, it should be. Has anyone read any of Woodrell's other work?

If you've been looking for a push to read this book- here it is: Winter's Bone: A Novel is the community-wide read for Read Across Lawrence, which is happening in September!

Most Read Authors: Coming Out

I am putting one of the most embarrassing, private things about myself on the internet for all to see. Why? Because we need to dialogue about this, people! The left side is what I wish I were showing you. The right side is the truth. I have read so much garbage! But I read those books because they were fun and I enjoyed it. But they are so embarrassing to share with others! I have always wanted to be considered a "serious reader", and thought of as someone with great taste in books. Damn you Charlaine Harris!

Today I am here before you coming out as a person who frequently reads trashy, popular literature and loves every second of it. Now it seems foolish to tie in my self-worth with what I read, but earlier in my life it was very important. Growing up as a major dork and somewhat of a social reject, the ONLY THING I HAD THAT MIGHT MAKE ME COOL WAS BOOKS. But I'm over it. I have friends now. (Also glad I put this up before I finished the Fifty Shades Trilogy, haha.)

For more fodder to make fun of me with, the full list is here: Jessica's Most Read Authors

Summer Reading

   The summer reading program begins today at my local public library. I have to admit, I have not participated in a public library summer reading program since 2010, when I worked at a public library. I know, I know, please don't tell the American Library Association what I've done. I'll be a good librarian now, I swear! 

   The first book I'm reading is Winter's Bone: A Novel by Daniel Woodrell. I actually read this once before, but I am re-reading it for a work-related purpose, so I have decided it counts. I will be posting a review soon as I am nearly finished.

Are any of you participating in a public library summer reading program? Or perhaps have created your own summer reading plan? What is it about summer that makes everyone want to read books, anyway?        

 If you plan to purchase some books for your summer reading, please use this link. Shop Amazon Books - Summer Reading for Adults