Book list 2010 ... month three

Every once in a while I randomly plug in the names of authors I like to see if they have any news or new releases. It helps. I suggest others do it too. I need to be at certain benchmarks in order to hit the 100 book goal. For instance, this month I need to be at 25 and next month I need to be at 33. I am already a month ahead and need to be for my own mental well being. I almost feel like a slacker this month, but this month has sort of sucked emotionally and my brain has been moving at a constantly rapid pace so it has been hard to settle in a read sometimes. Yet, I look at the total and made over the minimum to stay "on pace".

Taming a Liger: Unexpected Spiritual Lessons from Napoleon Dynamite by Adam Palmer & Jeff Dunn
Ended up reading this on accident while I was at the library with my son while he was doing homework. Title caught my eye. Not really the sort of thing I would normally read, but they do a nice job of deconstructing the film.

Death by Leisure: A Cautionary Tale by Chris Ayres
As someone who has felt the economic bubble burst and its aftershocks for the past several years this felt familiar, other than the dates with supermodels. Still, his idea of selling furniture on CL in order to meet single women made a degree of sense which disturbed me at the time and while writing this.

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim: Essays by David Sedaris
Unfortunately, these stories go to the too much information end of the spectrum. And fortunately, they go there because it is what makes these essays worth reading. Real life is more interesting than fiction most of the time.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I first "heard" of this novel on another blog on blogspot. Then, shortly after I saw something about this pinned to a board behind a desk in a classroom. Two such endorsements were enough for me to add this to my library list. This is the first book over 500 pages on the lists for the year and it kind of makes me feel like I need to make sure there are a few more, just on general principle. When I finished this book it gave me a feeling I have only felt from a few things I have ever read; genuine jealousy over the talent of the writer. This is a staggering work of genius.

Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid by Dr. Denis Leary
Denis Leary speaks his mind, even when it seems like he goes to far. I do think he sometimes crosses the line, but he is always worth a listen - or in this case a read - because the best comedy and insights come from blurring that line and saying some things that bite really hard. Plus, he feels about his cat exactly like I feel about the one that lives with me; if he could he would eat me but doesn't because he doesn't need to.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith
I saw the title and synopsis and could not help myself. As a historian and teacher it is nice to finally find out some hidden details of the real motivations behind the Civil War. This is a guilty pleasure, and a quick read, but worth the time. I cranked through this.

The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead by Max Brooks
Very practical knowledge in the event the world really is ever actually overrun by zombies. I feel so much more prepared now.

Jim Walden's Tales from the Washington State Cougars Sideline by Jim Walden & Dave Boling
It took me a few games to get into Coach Walden as the color guy on Cougar Football broadcasts. In 1986 I was a frosh at Wazzu during his final season and remember a lot of what he writes about.

Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf by Bill Murray & George Peper
Reads like a long rant, which it is. For someone who generally seems as private as Murray this is an interesting look into what makes him and his comedy tick.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu
I have always meant to read this. Over the years I have read little bits and pieces so it was nice to read it straight through. People say the lessons apply to many things and for the most part I can see how that can be true.



March total = 10 / YTD = 37 (goal 100)