Update on the Homeless Books and a Review of the Last Years Reading

I am happy to report that almost all the "throw away" books have been placed somewhere. I gave several away to friends, Ed took two boxes to work with him for coworkers, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters took what was left.

There were some books that were in such poor shape, they seemed destined for the trash truck. However, I did a little research and those books are finding new life as art. The pages from the dictionary that was falling apart have become decoupage pages, and have already covered a switch plate, a vase, and a desk organizer. The copy of "Runaway Ralph" that looks like Ralph got hungry and stopped to chew on his book, is going to be a clock. For those of you shuddering at the idea of dismantling a perfectly good book, rest assured that I feel the same way.  Most of these books are paperbacks that are falling to pieces, or that have significant water, insect or rodent damage.

Sadly, with everything else going on in my life, I seem to have little time left for reading. I have one shelf here next to my writing table that holds all the books I have aquired over the last year that I want to read. Since January, I have read nine books. Nine books in eleven months. That seems like a travesty to me. I can remember a time when I would have read nine books in two weeks. Oh well.

Here is the list::

Eolyn  by Karin Rita Gastreich
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me by Lisa Welchel
Prominent American Ghosts by Susy Smith
While My Pretty One Sleeps by Mary Higgins Clark
Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog
A Companion of Lesser Brilliance by Eve Brackenberry and Paul McGlamery
Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

I am not a book critic and I will never claim to be one, so what you read here is simply my opinion, and nothing more. I have my own tastes, just like everyone else. I'm not going to say any of these books were "good" or "bad", but I will say what I liked and what I didn't. You are free to read them yourselves, and form your own opinions. I have provided links to other reviews (mostly through "great reads") of these books as well.

Eolyn is a work of fantasty by a local author.  I fell headlong into that world and could not wait to see what happened next. I understand there is a sequal in the works, and look forward to reading it. If you like fantasy, get your hands on this book.

Outlander is what I would call a fantasy with historical fiction thrown in. Another page turner, but some parts were a little too erotic for my taste. A movie is in the works for this one.

The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me  is an autobiographical account of one of the stars of the sit com. Although I do not doubt the sincerity of Ms. Welchel's faith, her telling of it left me a little cold.

To be honest, Prominent American Ghosts and While My Pretty One Sleeps made such  weak impressions on me, I don't remember much about either one.

Lakota Woman was a fascinating look into the life of one of the Native Americans involved in the stand off at Wounded Knee in the 1970's. According to Good Reads, a movie was made from this one too.

Companion of a Lesser Brilliance is a book of poems by two local authors. The poetry itself is very good, but I felt the use of the "f" word unnecessary.

Messy Spirituality was an interesting little book. It talks about how committed Christians fall on their faces in sin, but get back up and keep trying.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell. Oh my goodness! This 800 page tome contains a great story, if you can find it! There were so many times I wanted to say "Oh, for heaven's sake, will you get on with it!" I saw where the BBC is making a series from it. This just might be one of those rare cases where the movie is better.

So there you have 11 months worth of reading. I get to start new books now. I'll let you know how that turns out.