Monday, March 19, 2007

Spring Reading Thing



I have decided to join in on the Spring Reading Thing. I'll be picking five books (or more!) to read this Spring. The hard part will be deciding what to put on the list. Let's start with this...

1. Finn by Jon Clinch
This book revisits the story of Huckleberry Finn in a new and surprising way. It focuses on Finn's father and is supposed to be a bit dark.

2. Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton
This book is said to be reminiscent of Reading Lolita in Tehran. It's about a young American woman who leaves her everyday life in order to bring her love of reading to a small African village.

3. Last Empress by Anchee Min
The sequel to Min's impressive Empress Orchid about China's last empress.

4. Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho
This story is told in flashbacks and interviews about a pagan priestess named Athena and is supposed to fuse philosophy, religious miracle and moral parable.

5. Lover of Unreason by Yehuda Koren
I've been really excited to read this non-fiction book about the life of Assia Wevill, the "other woman" who broke up the marriage of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.

6. Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
This suspense novel/ghost story is written by none other than the son of Stephen King.

7. What is the What by Dave Eggers
I added this one because it has been getting such good buzz. The book reveals the history of civil war in Sudan through the eyes of a refugee now living in the United States.

8. Grotesque by Natsuo Kirino
Another last-minute addition. This has been described as a "twisted novel of suspense." An immigrant is arrested in the murder of two prostitutes but only admits to the first murder. The story is told by several narrators and the reader must decide who is telling the truth.

CLICK ON THE TITLES FOR REVIEWS.

14 comments:

Literary Feline said...

I was just over at Jenclair's blog reading her review of Finn. I'll be curious to read what your thoughts are about it. I had never heard of it before today.

Your other books sound interesting too! I enjoyed reading The Alchemist and am eager to see what you think of Witch of Portobello.

Katrina @ Callapidder Days said...

Thanks for joining the Spring Reading Thing, Malady! I've been very curious about Heart-Shaped Box since I found out who the author is. Enjoy those books!

TaunaLen said...

I enjoyed Paul Cohelo's Alhemist. I am curious to hear how you like Witch of Portobello. Enjoy!

~TaunaLen

Amy M. said...

Thanks guys! FINN and HEART-SHAPED BOX were recommended by my local independent bookstore. I really liked THE DEVIL AND MISS PRYM so I thought I would give the new Coelho a shot.

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

I have Heart Shaped Box on my list, but haven't heard of the others. I'll be interested to see what you think of them. Looks like a great list. Happy Spring and Happy Reading! Thanks for stopping by :)

Deena Peterson said...

Hmmm...interested in Heart Shaped Box...

Katie said...

Finn sounds interesting, I like books that look at another aspect of the story.

Literalicious said...

Great list! I'm anxious to read your review of Heart-Shaped Box (especially now that we all know who Joe Hill really is.)

Happy spring reading!

Susanne said...

I started with 5 too, and have already added one more! Happy Reading!

Nise' said...

Interested to know if Joe Hill writes as scary as his dad! Enjoy the challenge!

Rae said...

I've seen Heart-Shaped Box on quite a few lists. It might not be up my alley now that I know exactly who he is, (too chicken to read ghost-type stories lol) but I'm looking forward to your review! Happy reading! =)

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Heart-Shaped Box seems to be THE spring read, indeed. I hope you review it here!

All the best with the challenge--

Alexis said...

I haven't heard of any of them. I'll be back to see the reviews. Happy Reading.

Anonymous said...

I have alchemist on my shelf, so perhaps I will add POrtobello Witch. I have been considering Heart Shaped Box as a school read with my teenage son who has ventured into KIng. Your review will be very helpful! Finn, I had not heard of, but sounds really good. Another review worth waiting for.