Thursday, January 26, 2012

January Books

It looks like I'm on track to meet my book quota for the month. Let's hope I can keep this up for the rest of the year.

Book #1: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


Because I love YA novels

I got on this Hunger Games bandwagon a little late, but anyway. I think I mentioned before that I love YA novels. It's the reason my Lit 101 term paper was about themes in Newberry Award-winning books (I had to read a bunch of YA books for school, hurray!). I borrowed the first book from a friend, and ended up buying a boxed set because books 2 and 3 weren't sold individually. That's how much I wanted to finish the series. I normally don't like anything sci-fi-ish, but this one was strangely touching. Movie's coming out in March. Since it's action-packed, it might just translate better on film. We'll see.

Book #2: The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas


Because everyone should read the classics

Wow, this book sure has a misleading title. I don't think I've ever seen a Three Musketeers movie, so it really surprised me that it was in fact about three musketeers and one guard. Hmmm. I was also astonished that it was filled with cheating spouses and swordfights that end in death, but somehow all this was told in a light, playful tone.

Book #3: The Help by Kathryn Stockett


Because I'm also trying to read as many contemporary books as I can (in other words, gusto kong maging "in." Haha)

I'm told the movie is a tearjerker, but OK!'s Kabbie recommended that I read the novel before seeing the film. And read I did. I sped through that thing--I couldn't put it down because it was so engaging. And poignant. And even funny!

Book #4: On Writing Well by William Zinsser


Because, much to my husband's delight, I resolved to read at least one non-fiction book a month

I was hesitant to pick up this book because it just looked so...prosaic. (Yes, sometimes I do judge a book by its cover.) But how could I expect a book about writing well to be anything less than, well, well written? About a third of my way through it, but I think I'll be able to finish it before the month ends. A more detailed post about this extremely helpful, unexpectedly charming book soon.

What have you read lately? Anything you'd like to recommend?

6 comments:

  1. Saw your tweets about On Writing Well and I'm intrigued! I wanna read it! :)

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  2. I love "The Help" too! Though I haven't read the book, just seen the movie.

    Check out my stash for 2011. You might might something interesting: http://eaturbanana.blogspot.com/2012/01/24-books-in-2011.html

    My favorites are Roald Dahl's My Uncle Oswald & Murakami's South of the Border, West of the Sun :)

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  3. i dont know how you manages it! Ang galing! :) Ill see you in Bukidnon tishie! :)

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  4. I honestly was intrigued with "On Writing Well" because I've been working on my writing as part of my 2012 goals. I have not had the time to open my copy just yet, but am looking forward to working with it. how is the book so far?

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  5. I've been working on a post about On Writing Well. It's really good--the parts about cutting the clutter and the importance of rewriting are especially helpful. Enjoy!

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    1. Nice! I am looking forward to that post of yours :-) Pressure ba? hehehe! I'm just finishing this book then will proceed to "On Writing Well"

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Oh, so sweet of you to drop a line!:)