My friend Andrea had this really cool idea to read her way through the alphabet. She's decided to read twenty-six books, each starting with a different letter of the alphabet. When I heard about it, I thought it was an interesting way to choose your next book, and since I was already half way through reading Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje, I immediately jumped on the bandwagon.
I've since finished my letter A book, which I really enjoyed and have just started Mordecai Richler's Giller prize-winning Barney's Version. I have to admit that I'm not loving it right now, but I'm determined to give it a go. As I write this, I realise I chose two Canadian books. Maybe my goal is to read through the alphabet with only Canadian authors? Hmmm..not sure yet, I'll have to think about that idea some more.
Does anyone want to join Andrea and I in this little project of hers? You don't have to read the same books as either of us. And in fact, I think Andrea isn't even reading them in alphabetical order. Maybe you have suggestions for my next books? I'd love some ideas on what to read. And if you have a B book that you loved, let me know. If Barney's Version doesn't grab me by Friday night, I might have to lob it back onto the bookshelf. Sorry Mordecai.
12 comments:
hey Pasc,
sounds like a great idea. not sure I could keep up though. I was meaning to write to you anyway to say I just finished A Prayer for Owen Meany...you recommended that at some point. I loved it! Might even blog about it too....
A.
Why have I never got on with John Irving? I bought A Prayer... in a charity shop with GaGa a while ago and still haven't set about reading it. I had a suggestion for C - Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber. I really liked it, but it is quite weird...and to skip to V - Vernon God Little! xx
My current favourite is:
Building a Highway.
Very concise and factual. The illustrations are riveting and the prose? O.M.G. They don't get any better than this.
The only thing is that I believe the target audience for this book are people ranging from the ages of 3-6 yrs. of age.
Dunno. Do you have 5 minutes to spare?
:>O
yes! i want to try this.
I will start with 'A' - was Anil's Ghost really good?
So glad you liked A Prayer for Owen Meany, Anita. I know John Irving isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I went through a stage of loving everything he wrote (Until I read A Son Of The Circus). Another book of his that I absolutely loved was Hotel New Hampshire and a little bit more recently, Widow For A Year. He always writes such interesting characters.
Elle - I thought this project was right up your alley. Thanks for your recommendations, you're usually spot on with what I like!
Sarcastic "Haha" to you, Dita! I know you actually read things other than truck books. At least you did. Maybe A & A have converted you? Maybe you now dream of owning your own construction site? We need an intervention, Tony.
And Kat, Anil's Ghost was very good, although I have to admit it was the second time I tried to read it. When I first got it two years ago, I read a couple of chapters and was really disappointed that I didn't like it. I think I was in the wrong frame of mind for it or something. I love Ondaatje's books, so I was very pleased when, on a whim, I picked it up again and really love it. If you try it and don't like it, let me know and I'm sure I can come up with lots of A book titles for you instead! Keep me posted on your alphabet titles!
I'm with you Anita - I LOVED A Prayer for Owen Meany, hence encouraging Elle to splash out for the almost perfect copy of it in the Charity Shop (£1.00). And Widow for One Year is one of my all time favourite books. Not been as engaged with John Irving's other books though - found Garp so depressing I stopped reading it halfway through. If I participate in this I might have to start from the other end of the alphabet since I'm just in the first few pages of Water for Elephants (which Dave/Pops says is the best book he's read this year). And I have to say that I always enjoy books that Elle recommends so I'll be looking out for more titles, El.
Sarcastic? Me? :>O
I LOOOOOVVED Water for Elephants. I was hooked on to every word (Oooops. I guess I do read books that are not construction related...).
That being said, I think I may want to own a construction site. I will always be employed and my boys will really think I AM the best mom in the world:)
Sounds like a great idea- Since I have many years on most of your friends I have read most of the books mentioned but I have a suggestion for the C selection - Clara Callan- -2C's !!- Iloved it - your blog makes great reading too
Phyllis
I loved Clara Callan too, Phyllis, great suggestion! I couldn't believe that a man had written the book - the voices of the two sisters are so real and so...female! If anyone wants to read that one, its by Richard B. Wright, I believe.
Pascale, ever think you should start a second blog entitled "Bob's book club"?! What a wonderful community of readers you have... glad to be part of it.
A.
Hmm, that's a great idea, Anita! I like the title too. I was laughing to myself that this is the post with the most comments I've ever received! Maybe I shouldn't be writing about the kids anymore...
I'm so glad that people love reading as much as I do. There's nothing better then getting lost in a good book. I've read some incredible books over the years, (but also some truly awful ones) and I love sharing the good ones with others. If you asked me for my top ten list of all time, I'd have a very hard time giving you an answer, since there are just so many good ones. But if anyone needs some book ideas, just let me know. I have many, MANY suggestions!
Please keep giving me book ideas for the alphabet though, am loving your suggestions!
I was just about to write 'is this the most comments you have ever had?' but you beat me to it! Makes me think maybe I should revive my little book club in London...xxx
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