Posted
by Joel Mathis
August 1, 2006 at 3:50 p.m.
What I've been reading
Last year I kept a running list of all the books I was reading during 2005. I haven't done that this year; my reading pace has slowed down, unfortunately.This has bugged me a little bit. While its true that the ultimate mark of poseurdom is asserting your identity -- if you have to tell people you're a, say, coffee snob, you probably aren't - the truth is I want to be a reader. It's part of how I see myself ... it's part of how I want to see myself.The wife and I hit The Strand Bookstore in NYC last week, part of our hike across Manhattan. And I realized that while I can never read enough -- there's always more books out there -- it hasn't been such a bad year for reading.An incomplete list:["On Beauty" by Zadie Smith:][1] A 21st century homage to "Howard's End" examining American hangups about class and race from Smith's British vantage point. It drags at points, but is also filled with some astonishing writing -- I don't think I've ever seen the issue of how a partner's weight gain affects a marriage dealt with so directly (and painfully) in "serious" literature.["The Path to Power (The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Volume 1)" by Robert Caro:][2] Anybody who wants to understand the modern political landscape probably owes it to themselves to read Caro's biography of Johnson, three volumes and counting. I'm not sure I buy the idea that Johnson alone introduced big corporate money into politics, but Caro shows how he was a key figure in that evolution. Plus, one begins to suspect that Johnson ... wasn't nice.["Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett:][3] Read at the behest of my wife, who is (and I say this as praise) way geekier than I am. A comic novel about the coming of the Antichrist. Fun read.At The Strand, I picked up two more books that I'm enjoying.["Instanbul" by Orhan Pamuk:][4] Beautiful memoir of a city.["Second Space: New Poems" by Czeslaw Milosz:][5] I won't bother you with the personal details of my own faith journey; however, I find this to be one of the more compelling poems I've read in years:¢¢¢¢ IF THERE IS NO GODIf there is no God, Not everything is permitted to man. He is still his brother's keeper And he is not permitted to sadden his brother, By saying that there is no God. ¢¢¢¢What've you been reading? [1]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594200637/103-3114942-3785422?v=glance&n=283155 [2]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0679729453/sr=1-2/qid=1154463963/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-3114942-3785422?ie=UTF8&s=books [3]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0441008615/sr=1-1/qid=1154464196/ref=sr_1_1/103-3114942-3785422?ie=UTF8&s=books [4]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400033888/sr=1-1/qid=1154464348/ref=sr_1_1/103-3114942-3785422?ie=UTF8&s=books [5]: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FA4UJC/sr=1-1/qid=1154465222/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-3114942-3785422?ie=UTF8&s=books
and 12 others
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Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Also: "Killing Yourself To Live: 85 Percent of a True Story" by Chuck Klosterman. Good airplane reading, but nothing too deep. It's when he goes off on pop culture commentary -- instead of whining about lost loves -- that Klosterman shines; if you read his monthly column in Esquire, you know he's probably one of the smartest pop critics around.
OnShakedown (Chris Tackett) says…
damn, joel. I had planned on using the "what i've been reading" post on my blog one of these days. Maybe i can use a "books i've read half to three-fourths through" theme...
these are my latest....
Collapse by Jared Diamond. I thought it started a little slow. But ends up being really fascinating. Diamond's great style of combining such a range of subjects into one work makes it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in science, sociology and history. He explains how and why societies fall. Really interesting theories on Easter Island, plus thoughts on how current societies are nearing collapse.
The Impossible Will Take a Little While by Paul Loeb is a great collection of essays detailing some of the ongoing struggles for social justice from here and abroad. It is political in nature, but has writers from all areas of the political spectrum. Really interesting and inspiring.
Voices of a People's History by Zinn is another inspiring collection of speeches and essays. A must read.
and i'm about to finish The Republican Noise Machine by David Brock. Brock is an interesting character (read Blinded by The Right for an overview) and does an excellent job of explaining how our media has gone from Murrow to O'Reilly, Blitzer etc in the last 30 years and the effect that transition has had on our democracy.
altheasus (Althea Schnacke) says…
Right now, the Harry Potter series. Because I'm a nerd like that and read the series about once every six months. Gotta have a fun read every once in a while. I consider it a reward for reading "The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle" by Murakami. My girlfriend read it for class and it looked interesting, but it was a very slow read with a slightly disappointing ending considering it took me a solid six weeks to get through it
lazz (anonymous) says…
"Hobo," by Eddy Joe Cotton (frontman of Yard Dogs Road Show, played at Wakarusa Fest)
"Extraordinary Exhibitions" and "Jay's Journal of Anomalies," by Ricky Jay
"Gilead," by Marilynne Robinson
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Lazz: Marilynne Robinson has been on my "must read" list for awhile now. How is "Gilead"?
wbabbit (Will Babbit) says…
Archie and Jughead...by...I dunno
Mr_A (Bryan Anderson) says…
"The Broom of the System" by David Foster Wallace
"Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis
"Guided By Voices: A Brief History: 21 Years of Hunting Accidents in the Forests of Rock and Roll" by James Greer
I can reccomend all of the things I'm reading, especially the last for GBV fans.
I haven't read "On Beauty", but I have read Zadie Smith's debut "White Teeth", and I really enjoyed it.
OtherJoel (anonymous) says…
I'm finishing "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote. Like so many dumb Americans it took a movie for me to pick up the book.
I just bought John Irving's latest, "Until I Find You." For some reason I have to read everything he does, even though his last couple haven't really blown me away.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
OJ: I understand the Irving obsession. He's a good storyteller ... and "A Prayer For Owen Meany" ranks among my favorite novels of all time. Apparently, though, Irving is pleading for Harry Potter's life these days....
I read "In Cold Blood" in high school, then picked up a very old copy at the library book sale last year. I re-read it after the movie, and found it much more compelling than I did when I was 17. Go figure.
Mr_A: I also, a few months back, read "Consider the Lobster," a collection of David Foster Wallace articles and essays. He's a brilliant writer, but I find him way more accessible when he's working in nonfiction.
gaiapapaya (anonymous) says…
The Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver. I read Poisonwood Bible last summer and it was so awesome that I figured Prodigal couldn't be too bad. It's great so far. I was at the pool this evening and had no less than 4 people tell me what a great book it is, so I'm obligated to finish it, but I'm enjoying the story so much that I'm looking forward to the end. Sometimes I finish a book I hate just because I'm compelled to keep reading to find out what happens or I feel like it *must* get better. Then I'm just disappointed. I think it stared with BookIt, the book reading promo from Pizza Hut. When you've read so many books each month, they give you a personal pan pizza. My parents would pick me up from school to go out to lunch and get my pizza. I actually ate the salad bar and my dad at the pizza. My parents must look back and realize that I was always a vegetarian in training...
I also can't believe I've never read In Cold Blood. How does one grow up and live in Kansas most of her life and not read that book. It's next on the list.
leslie (Leslie vonHolten) says…
Joel, the current issue of Vogue (my counterpoint to your Esquire) has a lovely piece on Zadie Smith.
Currently finishing up Richard Ford's _The Sportswriter,_ which is wonderful and maddening. I've never been a suburban homeowner, but Ford helps me understand the appeal of living in the burbs.
Also read Barbara Kingsolver's _The Bean Trees_ and _Animal Dreams_ this summer. She writes a smooth narrative, with complete character development. I envy her skills.
gaiapapaya (anonymous) says…
I am also pleading for Harry Potter's life. JK Rowling, if you're reading this, please do not kill off Harry. Or Ron and Hermione. I think they'll make a great couple and it would be fun to read about when their kids go off to Hogwarts. Am I a total geek or what?
leslie (Leslie vonHolten) says…
Shawn, we cross-posted!
I highly recommend Truman Capote short stories, especially "Children on Their Birthdays" and "A Christmas Memory." He was a brilliant writer--one of my favorites.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Ah, Leslie: I was thinking of you whilst I was blogging this. I miss your book clubs; they certainly helped broaden my reading horizons.
I've read "Poisonwood Bible," and it was so startlingly good that I'm kind of scared to read anything else by Barbara Kingsolver. How could anything else she writes be so perceptive and compelling? I don't know that I've ever experienced that sensation with any other writer or book -- typically, if I really like one work, I get obsessed with the author. But I'm really fearful of a Kingsolver letdown.
Gaiapapa: Roger that on the Bookit. Possible that one reason I equate reading with pleasure is because reading used to mean pizza. That's why I'm a chubby literate guy today.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
As far as Esquire goes...
There's a lot to be embarassed about when my monthly issue comes in the mail. Superficial celebrity profiles and half-naked women are featured out front, and I'd rather the mail carrier didn't judge me for that. (I'm deeply insecure, as you can tell.)
But over the last 18 months or so, I've found some really fantastic journalism in the magazine -- a couple of months ago there was an amazing account of the Chechen guerilla siege of the schoolhouse at Beslan, Russia that might be the best magazine article I've ever read. Another article about a U.S. soldier who literally had his skull blown apart in Iraq and somehow survived, and more. There's always one article each month that thoroughly impresses me -- Klosterman aside -- so I'm willing to keep shelling out my $10 a year for the subscription.
katnip (Deb Townsend) says…
"Stealing Jesus" by Bruce Bawer
"Teta, Mother and Me: Three Generations of Arab Women" by Jean Said Makdisi
"Magical Thinking" by Augusten Burroughs****He is my current favorite flavor as authors go.
"The Kitchen God's Wife" by Amy Tan.
I am also re-reading "Dutch," as I was very moved by my stop at the Reagan Library this summer.
Also revisiting a couple of books by Bishop John Shelby Spong....and I got one of my "Get Fuzzy" books back from a friend, so I wll revisit that as well!
OtherJoel (anonymous) says…
Oh jeez...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060801/p...
toreador (Michael Austin) says…
"Hell's Angels" by Hunter S. Thompson
"Isms: Understanding Art" by Stephen Little
"Atlas Shurgged" Ayne Rand
But it is slow going. The summer is a bad time for me to read. Too many places to be, too much outdoorsey stuff to do.
"In Cold Blood" was one of my favorites in High School. I loved going back to read it after seeing the movie. It improved with my age.
lazz (anonymous) says…
Hey Joel --- "Giliad" is spectacular. Truly. I'm going rather slow with it simply to savor it ...
And I'll absolutely second your praise for the occasional piece of brilliant journalism in Esquire, and the account of the Russian schoolhouse tragedy was simply the most powerful story I've read in a long while, probably ever. I would certainly anticipate it will win the National Magazine Award for article of the year. Speaking of which --- The LA TImes is currently in the midst of a series on "altered oceans," which is fabulous. Horrifying, but fabulous.
And Mr. A, thanks for the heads up on the Bret Easton Ellis! I wasn't aware of "Lunar Park." Give it a thumbs up?
This is a ton of fun, by the way ... I love hearing about all these great books ...
kthutch (anonymous) says…
I read The Good Omens about once a year. And give it to all of my geeky friends. No Alcohol Lager indeed.
I loved Killing Yourself to Live. Fluff, but good fluff.
I just finished the following:
Long Way Round - Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman
'Round Ireland with a Fridge - Tony Hawks
Academy X - Andrew Trees
Much Ado About Nothing - Shakespeare
I forget the other one. I was on vacation, and was averaging a book a day.
I'm in the middle of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil - John Berendt
I also read Harry Potter when I don't have any new books, or when I'm sick and want to read fluff. See also, the Wizard of Earthsea Books - Ursula K. LeGuin.
clayhill70 (anonymous) says…
Just finished The Sorrows of Empire by Chalmers Johnson
Rereading The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav
SarahSota (anonymous) says…
Joel,
I work a block away from Strand. You should have psychically known that and come in to say hello.
Right now I'm reading Cell by Stephen King. I started reading it because Frank and I were going to see Stephen King, John Irving, and JK Rowling speak last week at Radio City Music Hall (we did and it was awesome)- and I haven't read a King book in years. It's not that good. But, it's kinda fun.
SarahSota (anonymous) says…
Also, should say that Irving read from Owen Meaney and it was fantastic. Rowling read from Half Blood Prince and was expectantly tight-lipped about Harry's future- and King read the puke-a-rama scene made famous by the movie Stand By Me. I have to admit that it was one of the most fun nights I've ever had. . . which makes me a complete nerd but I don't care.
Joel (Joel Mathis) says…
Sarah: I thought about sending you a note that we were on our way...
... but we were, ahem, on our honeymoon. Thought it best not to put too many committments on the schedule.
But we'll be back in NY soon, I'm sure. And we'll probably always visit The Strand. Next time?
SarahSota (anonymous) says…
Joel, I understand. You are forgiven.
jennlacey (anonymous) says…
I just finished reading "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime" by Mark Haddon. The book is told from the perspective of an autistic individual... very interesting.
Shelby (anonymous) says…
I've been reading "Light In August" by Billy Faulkner since 1994. Had to start over once because I took about an eight-year hiatus from reading. It's merely okay.
I've also been reading this blog. It's awesome.
cvillehawk (anonymous) says…
I only get to read at bedtime, so it depends on how much sleep I'm willing to sacrifice. I'm really not going at a very good pace since my kid was born, so I hate you all.
I did enjoy the Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini) quite a bit.
I also read Bill Buford's Among the Thugs during the World Cup.
Right now I'm getting back into Ann McMillan's Civil War mysteries. I've never been much of a fan of mysteries, but an insistent Waldenbooks employee got me to buy one of these and I love them. Probably because the main character is a woman, and her trying to solve a crime when she's supposed to be perched on her pedestal drinking a julep makes for some very interesting moments.