Today's post is from Joelle Godwin. She is a new transplant to west FL, hailing from Charlotte, NC. She's taken this opportunity to trade in her MAEd for long hours at the computer writing, mostly short fiction. Her books are all disorganized, but she can always find the one she's seeking. She shares her life with her husband, Paul, and their young daughter.
Looking for ways to expand your literary horizons this year? I’m always on the prowl for a good read, and I don’t discriminate. Below I’ve described some of the more eyebrow-raising titles I’ve come across, determined to read or re-read all of them in the first part of this year. There’s something for everyone, so find a quiet nook, or even better, draw yourself a bath and sink into time, reading just for fun.
The Given Day
by Dennis Lehane
As our resident bestselling author here in Saint Pete, Lehane has given new meaning to the word “success.” If you haven’t read one of his books, you’ve probably seen Mystic River or Gone, Baby, Gone, films adapted from books of the same titles. Martin Scorsese (yeah, Goodfellas Scorsese) is directing Leo DiCaprio in the movie version of his book, Shutter Island, due out next October. So the latest effort, The Given Day, is getting lots of attention. As historical fiction, it is somewhat of a departure for Lehane, who is better known for his crime series and contemporary dramas. Set in Boston after World War I, The Given Day ambitiously follows the stories of two families separated by race, through history-making events such as the Spanish Influenza epidemic, The Boston Molasses Disaster, and the Boston Police Strike. Granted, it’s not a short read—at 700+ pages, it will serve as a sturdy doorstop when you’re not reading it. But a really good read is worth it. Maybe try the audio version?
I Should Have Stayed Home: The Worst Trips of the Great Writers
by Roger Rapoport
Recommended by one of the more interesting men I met at a pre-holiday party, this collection is sure to put your recent trip (say, over the holidays?) in perspective. Great writers such as Dave Barry, Barbara Kingsolver and others document everything from surprise lodgings to language misunderstandings to weather catastrophes, usually with a humorous slant. This title is part of a series, which I am led to believe gets better and better. Other titles include I Really Should Have Stayed Home, I Just Should Have Stayed Home, and I Should Have Gone Home.
I Hate To See That Evening Sun Go Down
by William Gay
This collection of short stories contains one of the best stories I’ve ever read, The Paperhanger. Gay is Southern, so naturally, I’m biased, being from North Carolina myself. His style is dark, heavy, and mind-teasing. You may find yourself sneaking in a story in a parking lot, or getting up earlier to savor his crafty metaphors. The reward for cracking open this book is awakening to a humming undercurrent of rich characters operating in a world similar to yours, just way more sinister.
Outliers: The Story of Success
by Malcolm Gladwell
This book is our newly-formed bookclub’s selection for this month. I was worried I wouldn’t get time to read it over the holidays (traveling and all), but it’s the kind of book that pulls you in. Gladwell uses specific examples to build his theory of why the highly successful in our society reach their levels of achievement. All I can say is that 10,000 hours will have a new meaning for you after this read.
I admit, this is a book I haven’t yet read, but I want to. I’m always looking for another way to save the planet, who isn’t? Matheson’s premise is that “going green” doesn’t have to mean wearing hemp necklaces and shaving only once a week. She provides ideas, products and methods alongside statistics that suggest green makes sense. This book is a great response to those who think that being cool and being green are mutually exclusive.
The Painted Veil
by W. Somerset Maugham
This could be the best American classic I’ve ever read. My initial exposure to this novel was in a college literature class, and while I liked it, I didn’t understand it. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts were in a film version of it a couple of years ago (excellent, by the way) and it spurred me to re-read the text. The film does not follow the book, particularly in the film’s conclusion. Maugham’s writing is sublime, transitioning the reader to the 1930’s effortlessly. It is the story of a young, dedicated doctor,Walter married to a shallow socialite, Kitty who takes him for granted until he decides to move them both into the Chinese interior to address a cholera outbreak. The real fabric of the marriage as well as Kitty’s true self materializes there, and a heart-wrenching twist completes a story set among very adult themes of loyalty, passion, honesty, and trust.
The Bon Appetit Cookbook: Fast Easy Fresh
by Barbara Fairchild
I got this as a present for Christmas. I should mention that in our house, my husband’s the gourmet chef. He loves finding challenging recipes, visiting quaint little shops, and agonizing for hours over a meal’s pairing with the right wine. If, however, you are like me, and don’t have time for that special kind of fun, this is the cookbook for you. Each recipe is quick—I’ve already made several dishes, but am most happy with the sage and mustard pork medallions. The book has plentiful photos, good to get your mouth watering, as well as information on how to choose, store and prepare all kinds of vegetables and fruit. In an era when we’re all cutting spending, maybe the homecooked meal will finally win the battle for the clock.
So, there you go. Hopefully one or more of the above titles caught your eye, and you’re clicking over to amazon.com in about two seconds. What’s even better is that most of these books are available at your local library, too; check it out.
Photo Credit: shaycam
by Christie Matheson
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