FUNdamental Reading

[sinkwriter]

"A home without books
is a body without soul."

~ Marcus Tullius Cicero


I was going to be all poetical-like and write an imaginative post about the rich, wonderful worlds of plot and character development, and what it all means to me, as a reader and a writer... but honestly, who's got the time when I have stacks of books to read?

Throughout the course of this year I've found myself struggling to find focus. Granted, it's difficult to maintain even a semblance of structure in life when one is without work. I know it sounds silly, but it can be scary, frustrating, and downright boring living without any sort of schedule.

It's a marvelous thing, to have purpose. It feels rewarding to be productive and driven, to find joy and energy in the completion of a task, whatever it is that captures your attention. Therefore, at a time when everything feels so aimless, I think I need to give myself more positive motivation.

Case in point: every time I gaze upon the piles of unread books cluttering my living room floor, I feel scattered and anxious, completely at a loss as to where to start. I clearly need some direction!

Inspired by willowmina's "New Book Challenge 2008" in which she declared her desire to read one new book per week this year, I have decided to make a list of my own. I don't have the time to commit to one-per-week, especially given the chaotic craziness of my current life, but I figure this list will help me to pick a book, any book, and stick to it. Even better, it will give me a visual benchmark, as I check off a book from my list and gleefully move on to the next.

This list, containing all the books from those aforementioned dusty stacks, is full of variety: mystery, suspense, fantasy/sci-fi, philosophy, psychology, memoirs, and even reference books. Plenty for me to choose from. And seeing them all in an organized fashion such as this helps me to breathe easier. It doesn't have to overwhelm me anymore; I can see what I have and what awaits my attention. All I need to do is open a book.

Without further ado, in no particular order, these are some of the books I will be reading throughout the rest of this year.


Sherry's Reading List 2008

Title	Author
Firefly ~ The Official Companion Volumes One & Two	Joss Whedon
I’m Just Here for the Food	Alton Brown
The Poet	Michael Connelly
Eats Shoots & Leaves	Lynne Truss
Art & Fear	David Bayles & Ted Orland
Letters to a Young Poet	Rainer Maria Rilke
God’s Debris	Scott Adams
Under the Black Flag: The Romance and the Reality of Life Among the Pirates	David Cordingly
The Secret Language of Eating Disorders	Peggy Claude-Pierre
The Measure of a Man	Sidney Poitier
The Elements of Style	William Strunk & E.B. White
Writing for Your Life	Deena Metzger
Dreams from My Father	Barack Obama
The Audacity of Hope	Barack Obama
The Dead Zone	Stephen King
Tigana	Guy Gavriel Ray
Loving What Is	Byron Katie
Self Esteem	Matthew McKay & Patrick Fanning
Storm Front ~ Book One of The Dresden Files	Jim Butcher
On a Pale Horse	Piers Anthony
Bearing an Hourglass	Piers Anthony
The Power of Myth	Joseph Campbell
If You Want to Write	Brenda Ueland
The Bourne Series (4 books)	Robert Ludlum
The Human Stain	Philip Roth
Wicked	Gregory Maguire
The Philosophy of The X-Files	Dean A. Kowalski, ed.
The Original Sherlock Holmes	Arthur Conan Doyle
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose	Eckhart Tolle
The Heroine’s Journey	Maureen Murdock
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha	Tara Brach
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World	Isa Chandra Moskowitz

P.S. Please feel free to make recommendations. What have you been reading? What books do you treasure? Though it may take me a bit of time to get to your suggestions (as you see how many books I already have ahead of me), I'd still love to know. As always, like Fox Mulder, I’m open to the possibilities!

Comments

[kimberkatie.livejournal.com]

Wow, Sherry - that's quite a list! I've read many of those books, and can definitely recommend "Wicked" and "On A Pale Horse". Both books are really, really good! And I've seen bits and pieces of "Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World" online, and it looks SO yummy! I have to track down a copy for myself.

Since I've been bussing to work now (instead of carpooling with my father), I've been able to read again - and I LOVE it! I used to keep a list in Excel of all the books I had read, and keep meaning to get back into doing that, as I often forget which books I have read. Another series, if you want an early series to get into, is Jeff Lindsay's "Dexter" series. The first book is the basis of the television series of the same name (the storyline, anyway), and it's really, really good. I instantly fell in love with all of the characters - even the gritty ones you're supposed to hate.

Good luck with your list! If I come across one that I love, I'll pass the title along to you - and you do the same, okay?

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, Kimber! I'm so glad to hear from you! :D

(And I promise, I'm getting around to responding to your email. I'm just slow.)

I think we've talked about On A Pale Horse before, haven't we? I've actually read that one, but as I was putting the list together of all the books I own that I haven't yet read, I noticed so many were psychologically heavy books, so I decided to throw that one onto the list to mix it up a bit, add a little fun and wacky, unusual humor. I'd decided to re-read Bearing An Hourglass because I hadn't read it since high school and wondered if its in-depth exploration of the concept of time would sink in a little easier as an adult (gosh, I hope so, because I remember it being a bit over my head at the time), so I thought adding the Horse book might ease me back into that series. And On A Pale Horse really is my favorite. It made me laugh very hard, and at the same time, made me think about death in a very different way (which was a good thing). So I'm looking forward to re-reading those two books.

Most of the rest I've just been meaning to read for the very first time, and never got around to it yet. Until now! *GRIN* I've started in with the Firefly books, because they're fun and I wanted to start with something fun and positive.

Isn't that Vegan Cupcakes title hilarious? I've flipped through it, and it's mainly a cookbook, but there are some informative sections in the beginning which I think will be helpful and interesting. Plus, I've been wanting it for a long time now, ever since the title made me laugh. That, and I've been searching for info on how to bake in healthier ways. I love to bake and I usually make my own personal adjustments (like using applesauce instead of oil, depending on the recipe), but I'm hoping this one might give me more to play with, to make delicious desserts while avoiding some of the less healthy ingredients. I'll let you know when I try one of the recipes. If you browse the table of contents, some of them sound pretty yummy.

I think it's very cool that you're reading more often again. Definitely let me know if you come across anything that stands out as a great read! And thanks for the "Dexter" recommendation.

talk with you soon xo

[griva-x.livejournal.com]

Oh, I have Tigana (in English) gathering dust on my shelf for...5 yrs already? I'm not a big fan of fantasy, but I recall buying it from Amazon because of good reviews. Maybe when I'm 40, I'd have read it by then. ;)

"Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World"?????

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi! So lovely to hear from you, Griva. :)

I usually like mysteries and suspense novels best. I find that form exciting and fun. I don't usually read a lot of fantasy novels (depends on the author and what the book is about), but that one came highly recommended to me so I thought I'd give it a go.


"Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World"?????

hee hee.

It's a funny name, isn't it? I'm actually kind of cheating with that one, because it's not really a book -- it's a cookbook. But as I mentioned to Kimber above, there are lots of informative sections at the beginning that I think will give me more ideas to play with when baking and cooking, so I definitely will be reading it thoroughly. Besides, who doesn't like cupcakes? *GRIN* Some of the flavors sounded really delicious, and if they're made in a healthy way and still taste good (the ultimate test), why not give a try? We'll see...

What do you like to read?

[griva-x.livejournal.com]

I guessed that Vegan Cupcakes was a cookbook. Not a horror novel. LOL.

I read little sicne I have children. Unfortuntely expressing myself creatively (through fics and pics) eats up almost all little free time I have. But when I do read, I read in english: good historical novels or fantasy. Examples: Neil Gaiman, China Mieville, Margaret George, Mary Renault, Noah Gordon...

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

I guessed that Vegan Cupcakes was a cookbook. Not a horror novel. LOL.

HAHAHHAAAAA

Too true. But it would make one funny title for a horror novel now, wouldn't it? ;)

I know what you mean about reading less now that you have kids. My sister's going through the same thing. In fact, she often comes to visit and expresses interest in some of the books on my shelf, but knows she just won't have time or energy to get to them, not while her kids are at this young age. It's just too much.

I'm glad you're able to find time to express yourself creatively in a way that makes you happy. I think that's terrific!

P.S. Excellent reading choices. I especially like Neil Gaiman. I've read a few of his. Good stuff!

[vanitashaze.livejournal.com]

I have only read one of those books - Wicked - and absolutely loved it, but still. If you enjoy it, be sure to read the sequel Son of a Witch. A lot of stuff happens in both books, and at the same time nothing does, and they're just genius and brilliant.

As for recomendations, I'm rabidly obsesssed with a big fan of the assorted novels, nonfiction, and short stories of Wally Lamb, Annie Dillard, Lorrie Moore & Jeanette Winterson. They're all a certain type of literature, all detail-heavy and philosophical and just plain lovely. So, um, essential books:

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. This is a monster of a book, something like 900 pages, but it's so very much worth it. The main character is probably one of the most realistic people I've ever come across in fiction.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. A classic, and lovely.
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. SO funny.
Sexing the Cherry and Written On The Body by Jeanette Winterson. Despite the cheesy titles, these are just gorgeous, crackling with wit.
For The Time Being by Annie Dillard. Probably her most easily digestable philosophy treatise. Just... guh.
Self-Help by Lorrie Moore. A book of darkly comedic, painfully amusing short stories written in second-person p.o.v. It was her thesis for her degree in Creative Writing, and I've always held that it's the best of all her works.

Your reading-list seems like an awesome goal - good luck!

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hello! Welcome to my wacky little LJ! *GRIN*

However did you find me here? :)

I've seen the stage production of Wicked and was given the book by a dear friend, so it's definitely something I've been meaning to read. They say the books are always better than the film/show/whatever, but I've come across a couple of exceptions to that rule (for example, I liked the film L.A. Confidential much better than the book). I suppose the books are always more detailed, for sure, because you can never capture everything from a wonderful novel and fully translate it to screen or stage.

I love an assortment, too. It all depends on my mood, I suppose. If I want to read something fast-paced and intense, or funny and smart, or thought-provoking, or educational, etc.

I love the titles you suggested. My brother-in-law really liked David Sedaris' books; I've definitely wanted to check out the one you mentioned. And I've heard good things about Wally Lamb's book. Barbara Kingsolver sounds familiar to me as an authory name, but I admit I haven't read any of her stuff.

I'm so glad you stopped by and gave me such a delicious list of books to read. Thank you!! Please stop by anytime.

[vanitashaze.livejournal.com]

I believe it was through molly_commas' friends list. And I saw books, and reading, and well, the rest is history.

Oh, I am incredibly jealous of you - though I've heard good things about it from critic friends (and critics in general), I haven't had the oppurtunity to see Wicked-the-musical. I'm curious: what'ja think?

As for Me Talk Pretty One Day, oh yes, do. In that book, his style is quite light, funny and fast-paced; if you prefer something a little denser, little darker, but with that same razor wit, I'd suggest Naked. Really, all of his books are fabulous, but I bet you've gathered that by now. (Barbara Kingsolver's mostly famous for her novels about women in the Southwest - The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams, etc. She's somewhat outdated in that strange "wrong-decade" way, but still well-talked-about in literary circles.)

& of course, I shall.

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

I believe it was through molly_commas' friends list. And I saw books, and reading, and well, the rest is history.

Oh, excellent! I've only recently 'met' molly. She's a smart, talented woman, and writes some terrific posts. I especially appreciated one she did about Firefly. That's the post that brought me to her site in the first place.

It's so terrific to find people who appreciate good conversation...and good books. *GRIN*

As for Wicked, I'd actually like to see it again sometime. I went with some coworkers, and some of them were regular theatre-going fans, but several of them weren't so they didn't want to spend the normal amount on a ticket... so I kid you not, we were in the absolute LAST row, in the way back balcony. Nose bleed seats, for sure. The show was fun, and I liked the winking humor (with all the pointed references to The Wizard of Oz), but I'd like to go back and see it, you know, at least A LITTLE closer to the stage, LOL! Facial expression is good to see, in film and TV as well as theatre. :) It is a good show. I wouldn't say it's my favorite musical ever, but they do put on a fun show, some good music, some interesting effects and twists in the story. I'd recommend it, if you get the chance.

Thanks again for all the book recommendations. I shall take your clearly knowledgeable opinions to heart. :)

Have a wonderful week!

[traciebee.livejournal.com]

The Philosophy of The X-Files? How was that? I may have to look into that.

I absolutely LOVED the Twilight Series (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse) by Stephenie Meyer. Even the people I know who aren't usually a fan of vampire books, myself included, love this series (both guys and girls).

I also read a lot of James Patterson Books. The Alex Cross & Women's Murder Club series are great.

Kathy Reichs is also pretty good too.

Can you tell I have a thing for crime novels? :P

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, Tracie! :D

I haven't gotten to the X-Files book yet. This is my 'to-read' list. But I'll definitely let you know what I think. By the way, the Cigarette-Smoking Man himself (William B. Davis) wrote the foreword. Niiiiice. Hey, CSM finally got published! hahaha

I love that you have a thing for crime novels. Please tell me which Patterson and Reichs books I should start with. I've been wanting to read some of theirs (especially Kathy's, now that I'm watching Bones). I think mystery and suspense and crime type novels are the most intriguing to me. I really like that genre.

Thank you for the recommendations! They're definitely going on my list! More, please. :)

[geezbones.livejournal.com]

Oh my!

I'm not a big reader. In fact outside the ones I read for school I only read 2 books from Kathy Reichs. But I want to read more and right now I'm reading Siddartha.

Organization is good. I should do it.

I know it sounds silly, but it can be scary, frustrating, and downright boring living without any sort of schedule.

And no, it's not silly. I have to say that it's difficult. I finished High School last year, supposedly I should have started college to study Graphic Design but I still have to sit for a couple, more than a couple of exams for some subjects I did not passed last year so I'm stuck here. In may I have to start studying for them and I'm doing nothing at all, which it's not good. I have to find something to do because I don't feel ok with myself doing nothing.

So, this list looks very interesting and I hope you can achieve this goal during the year!

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, Sofi! Great to hear from you.

Did you like the books by Kathy Reichs? Which ones did you read?


Organization is good. I should do it.

HAHAHA

I'm trying! I've got to move in about six weeks, so I'd love to purge stuff that I'm not using anymore. Give it away, throw it away, donate it, whatever. Just so long as I don't have to move as much when the time comes. That would be good. But it's not always easy to let go of things, or to find the time and energy to sort through it all. :)

I know what you mean about not feeling ok with doing nothing. I think it's important to find time to relax and unwind and do something for yourself, most definitely, especially in this life of fast-paced go-go-go work-work-work attitudes. However, during this time off from work, I've really longed for a bit more schedule and structure. I don't know how socialite-types can stand not doing anything of substance. I really need more than that. Doing nothing all the time is enough to drive me insane with boredom! I like accomplishing something. It feels good.

Good luck with your studying! *hugs*

[lifeasanamazon.livejournal.com]

Eats Shoots & Leaves is just wonderful. I laughed myself silly while learning quite a bit.

The best book I've read recently (and in a long, long time) is Alice Sebold's The Lovely Bones, but it's not everyone's cup of tea.

Good luck, my dear, I so admire your efforts to be positive.

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, darling Angie!

I remember your thoughtful and glowing post about The Lovely Bones on your LJ; it's definitely one for my list.

Thank you for your positivity. Your presence always makes me smile. Helps me in my own efforts, too.

(And I love your choice of icon, thank you very much. You know Toby's my man. Ha!)

[willowwood.livejournal.com]

Well I'm currently reading Wicked, and I'm honestly loving every second of it so I'd definitely say head towards that one first. As for other books to read, have you read any of the Kathy Reichs books?

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Hi, Will! Another person I keep meaning to email! ;)

No, I haven't had the pleasure of reading Kathy Reichs' novels. Have you? Are there any you recommend most especially? I'd love to give them a try.

Everyone seems to love Wicked! I was thoroughly entertained by the stage show, and love specific songs from it very much. I'm looking forward to reading the book.

Hope you are well and enjoying your week. xo

[pluschi.livejournal.com]

Great Cicero quote!! And what a list of books :) I recognize the feeling of finding it difficult to start a particul books when faced with all of these choices. I love that there is a book called 'the Philosophy of the X-files' - please let me know what you think of it? I'm curious :)
Rainer Maria Rilke's book is inspirational and a classic. You've got some Barack Obama in there - I didn't know he wrote books, I guess they must be best-sellers in the U.S. :) There's so many books!!
Well it sounds like you have mostly serious books in there. I sometimes like reading a little lighter stuff like Harry Potter. Those books are very addictive and fun to read but you have to like the genre I guess. Tolkien can definatly take me to higher places. I love classics like Jane Austen. If I pick up pride and prejudice I'm simply lost. Then I do love some of our Flemish writer but I guess you wouldn't know those...
GOod luck with the reading!

How's the job hunting going?

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

Reposting this message because I messed up my usage of italics in a couple spots. Oops. ;)
*******

Hi, Uschi! (I really need to get myself a good Prison Break icon, so I can use it when you write to me. Hee.)

How are you? :D

Another great lover of quotes, excellent! You use some good ones on your site, I know. I like that about you.

I'll let you know about the X-Files book once I read it. Are you a fan of that particular show? *rubs hands together wickedly* Yes, come to the dark side. The truth is out there. (hee hee)

As for Barack Obama, I've seen him speak on television a few times and saw a few interviews, and thought he was very well-spoken and had smart things to say, so I've been wanting to read those two books. I got them for Christmas from family members. The first one's supposed to be more memoir-ish (about his life, his father, his family, all that). I believe it got good reviews, too. Should be interesting. We'll see! :)


Well it sounds like you have mostly serious books in there.

I know... there are some psychology books on self-esteem that I've been wanting to explore, for my own betterment, but I'm sure they're heavy on homework and require a lot of focus when reading them, so I may have to mix things up and re-read some of my lighter favorites in between the heavy stuff. Cleanse the palate, metaphorically speaking. *GRIN*

I love the Harry Potter books. Have you read all of them by now? I thought they were wonderfully well written. They're definite favorites to keep and re-read for years to come, no question about it. As for Tolkien, I have his Lord of the Rings books, but haven't ventured into reading them yet. I love the films (especially the first one), but I fear the books are a challenge, so I've put it off.

I confess, I've never read Jane Austen. I have some very big favorites -- my favorite book of all time is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee -- but no, I've never read Jane Austen. I should! Perhaps it's something for my list.

Do your Flemish writers have editions in English? What genres do they explore in their writings?


How's the job hunting going?

Meh. I've been applying, and today came across some more possibilities for applying, but so far, no one's called me. I feel invisible and unappreciated. *wry smile* Actually, responding to all of you on this thread was part of my fun break-time from job searching online, so I suppose I should get back to it. *sigh*

I've got six weeks before I have to leave this apartment, and I still have to find a new place to live, so I really do need a new job. Trying very hard not to stress myself out about it too much. :S

Thanks for asking though. I appreciate your support. *hugs*

[fire-mare.livejournal.com]

We seem to have the opposite problem when it comes to our stacks of books, m'dear :) I look at all the books I haven't read, and it just makes me eager to go out and buy more books! I won't admit how many "un-reads" I have on the shelves (though JD said if it gets over 200, he's calling in an intervention ;)

That being said, "Tigana" is wonderful, and I highly recommend it. "On A Pale Horse" is also quite good (and I think was an inspiration for the "Dead Like Me" series, which I love). I haven't read either of the Barak books, so you'll need to let me know what you think. I read the first few of the Dresden Files, and had to give up on them. The writing begins ok, and swiftly moves to so-so. My feeling is, if you're going to set an Urban Fantasy in Chicago, you should make me feel like we're actually IN Chicago (DON'T just keep mentioning the lake!). I noticed Sherlock Holmes on the list too - hoorah! There's a wonderful Sherlock Holmes series that follows Irene Adler (I'm blanking on the author's name right now) that you might like. I think the first book is called "Goodnight, Mr. Holmes."

As for me, with the Derby approaching, I'm swamped with racing books. I've a couple of Dick Francis on the pile (always a good story...), as well as a biography of Man o'War that came out last year. For dessert, I have Jane Smiley's "Horse Heaven," which I'm really looking forward to.

Happy reading, sweetie!

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

I should find you a good Josh Lyman icon, dear lady. I think that would suit you well. Of course, now you've got yourself a new Josh. (Hee.)

I'm definitely always eager to buy more books, but the more that pile up that I still haven't read ... gives me heart palpitations. haha Actually, I just want to read the ones I already have because I did get them because I wanted to read them, so I really should make the time to, you know, read them. (And so I can feel good about getting more!) Did that paragraph make any sense whatsoever? *GRIN*

You may need an intervention though. Tell Josh to call me if things get really dire. haha

As for your Tigana recommendation... um, yes, you were the one you gave me the stellar recommendation in the first place, and... er... I have your book. *runs and hides under the covers in shame* You loaned it to me, and I still haven't given it back. But look! It's on my list! Therefore, it WILL be read now, and then you can have it back. At this point, I owe you brunch at Ann Sather's (mmm... cinnamon buns) and a gift certificate to a book store, in apology for how long I've had your book. It's pathetic. Shame on me. I'm horrible. Bad, bad me.

As I mentioned to Kimber above, I've actually already read On A Pale Horse, but my list has so many serious or self-help-ish type books that could be mentally draining, I thought I'd throw that Pier Anthony novel in there to lighten the load a bit. I should get some more Terry Pratchett for that reason, too. I love his books. Besides, Death who has his own mailbox (like Santa Claus) and a horse that turns into an airplane and a boat? In a world where Satan advertises outright on billboards? That's just hilarious, wacky fun. ;D

Thanks for the head's-up about the Dresden books. I only bought the first one, just to see if I would like it, so we'll see. I liked the premise, and loved that it was set in Chicago, but if he only mentions the lake... oh good grief. That concerns me.

I still can't believe you're not having Derby Day this year. What is this world coming to?? (You know I'm just teasing you, because your reason for skipping it this year is thoroughly understandable. You must be exhausted.)

Thank you for the Holmes recommendation, and enjoy your racing books. That Man O' War one sounds interesting. Let me know how you like it.

Happy reading to you too! (And I'll send you a separate, private email as soon as I'm able.)

Have a marvelous week! Enjoy the Spring weather! Hasn't it been divine?

[fire-mare.livejournal.com]

The Icon-less wonder strikes again!

You don't owe me brunch or an apology. I confess, there may be a few books I have on the shelves that I never returned to Winona State library (don't go and report me to the Library Feds!) But you DO owe me a visit! We are long overdue for a girl's dishing session :) You can also make it up to me by enjoying Tigana when you get to it on your pile :) Or, you can send me that Josh Lyman icon you were talking about - I covet it!!

What can I cay, I collect Joshes ;D

Y'know, I feel like I'm letting the terrorists win by not having our Derby Shindig this year! I promise the Derby Party will be in full swing next year! BTW - Derby Picks: Colonel John (boring name, but trust me on this one...) or Tale of Ekati. I'm high on both right now. Wedding plans will not get in the way of my ponies!!

BTW, a number of people in this conversational thread have mentioned the Kathy Reichs books. I also would like to highly recommend them. I've read the first three in the series, and they were fabu (though, not always the best books to read over lunch, due to their forensic science details). I much prefer her writing to Patricia Cornwall's stuff...

[sinkwriter.livejournal.com]

The Icon-less wonder strikes again!

hee hee


But you DO owe me a visit! We are long overdue for a girl's dishing session

Seriously! It's been very, very long. And I know... you've been buried under piles o' wedding plans, and I've had my stuff, so we've been in our own corners of the world, doing what we need to. But we really should make time for at least one visit, a bit of sanity amidst the chaos, right? :)

Thanks for the recommendations re: Kathy Reichs books. I watch Bones so I've been thinking about checking out her books -- glad to know you think they're good. Considering how much you read, I take your opinion very seriously. *GRIN* So, which books are first in the series (so I know what to start with)? I know what you mean about not reading over lunch -- I always seem to settle in to watch Bones right after I've eaten supper, and boy those gruesome close-ups of the bodies are just so lovely to see at that point. hahaha Eww!

Hope you're having a decent start to your week, even though it's freaking cold out so far. :)