What I am Reading

I've pledged to keep everyone posted on my own reading progress this year, 3 books at a time. And I'm happy that I managed to finish 3 more books by the end of January, making my total for the month, 6 finished books (and probably 2 or 3 more started and not finished).

I'm Down

by Mishna Wolfe

finished 1/17/2010

A more laugh-enducing that tear-jerker of a memoir, Wolfe tells the story of growing up white in an all-black neighborhood, with a father who doesn't realize he himself is white. Young Mishna is half-precocious and half-oblivious making for a witty read that keeps its audience entertained. It's a perfect selection for "go-out-and-get-'em" women and outcasts. Or those who are anxiously awaiting the newest book from funny-lady Chelsea Handler.

When We Were Romans

by Matthew Kneale

finished 1/24/2010

Told from a little boy's perspective, readers slowly gather information to piece together the reality of a woman who believes her ex-husband is out to harm her family. Motivated by fear, the narrator's mother moves the family to Rome where they must rely on the kindness of old friends until the truth comes crashing in around the little boy. A moving read and fitting for those who were fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time.

When You Reach Me

by Rebecca Stead

finished 1/29/2010

The 2010 Newbery Medal Winner! Truthfully, I had not encountered this book before ALA announced its choice, but after reading it in just one day, I'm a total fan. Stead's book is a perfect blend of coming-of-age, friendship and even science fiction. Set in the late 70s amid preparation for the $10,000 Pyramid (with Dick Clark!) the plot is complex and detailed as it pieces together mysterious clues and changing relationships. A pick for both children and adult-book lovers alike, you'll want to finish it in one-sitting too.

Honestly, these three book were some of the best things I've read recently and I am a bit sad that they all came one right after the other. Sometimes it can take so long to reach a gem and I was lucky enough to find 3 in January alone. Has anyone read any of the above? What did you think? If not, I highly recommend starting one of them soon...and then come back and tell me what you think!

Best Books

One of the projects I want to tackle on this blog is the dissecting and reviewing of "top" books. For awhile, I thought I would tackle the "Best Books of All Time" lists that float around the Internet and be very honest when I had not read something. But, frankly, that's a little boring. I found lists from Newsweek and from Time and the BBC and though I had read many on the list, the ones I hadn't, I had not desire to even attempt.

I was an English major, at a prestigious liberal arts school, so of course I was taught to appreciate good literature and yes, I am a book snob because of it. My own personal taste in reading material tends to attract memoirs and literature fiction, short stories and information books. Sure, I read YA and picture books, but I consider this type of reading "professional development." I read them while trying to capture the eye and mind of children and teens, it's "different" reading. Now, I will absolutely defend your right to read whatever it is you choose to read, but that doesn't mean I have to believe that publishing books about Guiding Light or choosing only to read steamy erotica is the best way to make sure books survive the digital age.

That being said, I thought it would be fun to tackle a list of "Best Books of the 21st Century." Since the list only has a decade to span, I can easily remember the titles and most of them are still being read by those discovering the titles. But I'll be keeping with my idea that I won't be picking up non-read books to read solely for this blog. There are too many books on my own list that I don't need to add more unless I'm compelled too. I'll try to be honest no matter my relationship with the book and I'll try to tell you why 1.) I liked/didn't like it 2.) Why I haven't read it/why I have read it 3.)What I thought about the hubabaloo behind the book if applicable.

Oh, and you may want to know that I'm taking my list from GoodReads' "Best Books of the 21st Century" which is voted on by GoodReads users. So I expect the list to change from time to time, so my Top 100 may not always be what is on their website.

So, here we go with Numbers 100-91:

100: The End of Faith: Religion, Terror, and the Future of Reason

by Sam Harris

Right away, one I have not read. In fact, I don't even recall being aware of this book. The review tells me it discusses how humans are willing to "suspend reason in favor of religious beliefs." Though I consider myself a more spiritual than relgious person, I could be interested in picking this up. But I want to know more about who reads this before I invest my time. My first thought is "Really?! Best book of the 21st Century"?!

99: 2666

by Roberto Bolano

I haven't read this either, though I think I would. This book takes 5 of the author's "interlocking yet independent" novels and puts them together. Bolano has passed away and I know nothing of his life. Can anyone offer some insight?

98: The Yiddish Policeman's Union

by Michael Chabon

First off, I have to set the record straight & let you know that I am a Chabon-junkie. I love him and his writing style. He brings sentences alive and reading one of his novels is like eating a whole bag of Hershey Kisses in one day. You end up feeling ill from all of the treats. Seriously, he's so good that it's almost an overdose on great writing. Though Policeman's Union is not my favorite of his books, nor do I think it should be the one to break your Chabon-virginity (try Wonderboys first or even Mysteries of Pittsburgh, and then move on to heavier stuff), but it's a compelling read.

97: The Nanny Diaries

by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Straus

I own this book thanks to Half-Price books. I remember picking it up one summer but I have no recollection of finishing it. I thought it was funny/cute but best book of the 21st century? I can't even imagine a real scenario where this could be true.

95: The Bookseller of Kabul

by Asne Seierstad

I first heard of this book through an English friend while I was teaching abroad, but it took me a few more years before I read it myself. I went through a phase when I was reading pretty much anything I could get my hands-on about the Middle East, fiction and non-fiction. Though it's not the best choice when gathering factual information, it's an interesting story that could hook people who have read Hosseini.

94: The Host

by Stephenie Meyer

I have not read, I don't plan on reading immediately. Though because people in the library are reading it, I may eventually pick it up. I just don't think Meyer has staying power and I doubt that in 5 years we'll still recognize this as one of the "Top 100." In fact, I find it hard to imagine anything Meyer writes will be at the top of any "all-time" list unless it's for YA-Vampire fiction.

93: Magical Thinking: True Stories

by Augusten Burroughs

One of Burroughs' books that I haven't read, but would add to my list. Does anyone have an opinion about this book? I enjoyed his brother's book Look Me in the Eyes: My Life with Asperger's more than Burroughs himself.

92: Odd Thomas

by Dean Koontz

I haven never read anything by Koontz and would need a seriously convincing argument in order for me to do so.

91: Kafka on the Shore

by Haruki Murakami

I was a sophomore in college when I first encountered Murakami through a short story that was printed in The New Yorker. I think that was the moment that I new I wanted to get a New Yorker subscription and one of the moments that made me fall in love with the story story. Sadly, I have not yet read this book. Oh, internet voting.

So, should I get flack for not reading some of these books? I haven't read others on the list either and I promise one day I'll create a "Top" list of my own. Who has read any of these books? Which ones should I add to my queue? What would be on your "Top 100 of the 21st Century" list?

More to come in the following days....

Sunday Morning

There is not a better way to begin a Sunday morning than having a warm cup of tea and a visit with Charles Osgood. CBS Sunday Morning. If watching it makes me old, I'm okay with that. Especially after sleeping 10 hours at my Mom's.

Yesterday I had long, tiring day at the library with just a few hours sleep. But the kicker was when we opened our doors at 10 and welcome a parade of toddlers & their families coming in for story time. I had a record-breaking 20 toddlers & 15 adults for story time yesterday! Perhaps that isn't large for some libraries, but we are a tiny, tiny space. There is no separate room for children's programming and what we can move around for extra space is minimal. But the kids (and parents) had a lovely time as we all waddled around like penguins and felt how cold it was to live in the Antarctic. It was one of my most fun story times. I'm hoping the numbers keep up to the 15 or so mark, it would be great for the library and help out for some future programming I am working on.

Now, it's off to spend the day moving furniture so that my Dad can have space for when he comes home (he'll be under a nurse's car for a while) and then visiting him at Mercy.

"Defying Gravity"

My friend Leanne, over at Leanne Lately, posed these questions to her readers today:

"How did you know it was the "right" time for a change in your life? How did you prepare yourself? What made you know it was all going to be "okay" in the end?"

It seems that many of my friends have been going through their own personal sea changes, in the past few years and more recently, and I can't help but be amazed by the strong and determined individuals I know. They are intelligent, caring and passionate. Three qualities I think one must have in order to make a difference and when I look around at the work some of my friends have done (work for non-profits, teach abroad, go back to school, and more) I am proud to know that I am among people who really are changing the world.

But Leanne's question also reminded me of the time in my own life when I knew I had to make a change. I was coming home from work every day, crying and depressed. I was more angry as working in a place where my opinion wasn't mattered more than I was over being bullied on a regular basis. I remember waking up and knowing I had to get out of there. Yes, I enjoyed working with the children, but my surroundings were making me unhappy and physically ill. The day I turned in my resignation was both exhilarating and frightening. And quite frankly, only made the remainder of my year worse. But it was one-hundred percent worth it. The need for change fueled my decisions and I found the confidence I always thought was lacking.

Over the past year and a half since I left, I have thought about how much my life has changed for the better. It's been an awesome ride since then and I've gotten to do so many things I never had the time for and met so many people that I needed in my life. I knew it was all going to be okay when I realized my work made me feel at home, school fueled my excitement and my friends were energizing and supportive.

So, like Leanne asked, what made you realize a change was needed and how did you prepare for it?

Good Luck on your endeavors, friends!

Updates

Well, things are progressing here in my part of Pittsburgh. My Dad has been moved to Acute rehab at Mercy Hospital. He'll be there for another 2 - 3 weeks, spending 4-5 hours a day in physical, occupational and speech therapy, but it's fantastic that he's moved on to this step in his journey towards recovery. Considering his state over the Christmas holidays, we are so very fortunate that he is with us and progressing today. He's in good spirits and is just glad that he can have some "mechanically soft" food instead of the puree he was getting late last week.

Things at the library are going smoothly as well. Most of you know that I was given a bit of a promotion when I graduated and I have started being full-time here at the start of the new year. I'm doing a mix of what I used to do as library assistant and well as some new responsibilities such as training and overseeing our teen volunteers and have 10 hours a week devoted to program planning. For instance, over the weekend I had a group of people come into the library to learn how to turn MP3s into ringtones. And I'm working on more toddler/teen/adult programs to come our way in the next few months. We aren't the biggest library in the county, but that's what I like about it. I get a fix on all of my creative energies and get experience in may aspects of the librarian profession. Sure, it may not be the most glamorous of library jobs, but I think it's an exciting way to begin my world as a librarian. Plus, I still get to see and talk to people on a daily basis from behind the desk, helping them select books, research, chat about our reviews, etc. And that is one of the best parts about this job & the reason why I knew working at a library was for me: helping people and making a difference, even if it's a small one, every day. (Yes, I realize I am being sappy. I just know I'm lucky & starting a fun ride.)

Also, updates on my blog layout. I've added a running list of blogs that I read on a regular basis. Believe it or not, they aren't all of the blogs in my Reader but the ones I find more enjoyable and/or update more regularly. Some are written by people I know, others are not. If you write a blog, or have a favorite I missed and you think I should be reading, leave it in the comments & I'll add it to my list. In addition, I hope to keep up with my GoodReads account more as well. I don't plan on writing reviews on the books I read because I do plan on keeping you updated on my reading accomplishments here (I plan on writing reviews for every 3 books I finish). But you can check out the books I am reading currently off to the side. I think it will be interesting (for me at least) to see which books I finish out of the ones I start. Back in the day, I used to belong to the "club" that when I started a book, I finished it. But that was when I was buying most of my books instead of borrowing. And way before a wise person once told me, "There are too many books and only one life."

Alright folks, please leave your suggested blogs in the comments. I'm really curious to hear your suggestions. It's always fun to see what other people's "non-required reading."

When Things Go Viral

I'm only posting this because one of my friend's fathers also had a comment about this week's biggest pop culture story. You can read the fabulous Brenna's blog over at What Would Chuck Bass Do?

Anyway,

My Dad has been moved to Mercy Hospital's rehab. Today's funniest moment came just as we turned to Fox to watch today's early playoff game. A commercial for American Idol come on, featuring the one and only General Larry Platt, singing "Pants on the Ground." My Dad, who has probably never watched an episode of American Idol in his life said, "I like that song, it's entertaining and catchy."

I'd say he's definitely making progress.

P.S. The fabulous Brenna and other pal, lovely Lindsay, blog weekly about American Idol. It's a riot to read, even if you don't faithfully watch the show. Check it out.

Sometimes We Cry...over spilt milk and things of the more-serious variety

For a long time I considered myself someone who adapted to change easily, but as I grew older I realized that though I welcome change, I need time to adapt. Like many, I don't like to feel out-of-control and it's hard for me to sometimes accept things as they come. Most of the time, I am very upbeat and I really honestly try to look on the bright side and focus on the positive every day of my life. But sometimes, things become so weighed down that it's very hard.

I've been feeling weighed down lately. My Dad was very ill over the holidays and is still in the hospital. Though he is steadily progressing, is no longer in the ICU and today was allowed to eat food, he still has a long road to recovery in front of him. It's been tough, on him, my Mom, my family and friends. I'm happy that my Dad is doing much, much better the worry and stress is hard. When things like this happen to family, you feel like everything should stop. But it can't...bills need to be paid, work needs to be completed and time marches on. I don't even think I need to discuss that very much here because I truly believe that each and every person has been through something that has made them feel the same way. We all understand how it feels.

But I'm a tough cookie because my parents are tough cookies. We'll all get through this together and in the end, that's what matters. That doesn't mean a tough cookie can't be upset. And it's often the small stuff that makes us crumble, if even for a minute. That's why I was practically in tears this morning because I can't find the black beret I got for Christmas. It's been missing since Saturday and I love it and I want it back. The fact that I can't fix this one error is driving me crazy. It's like the one thing that tipped me over the edge and I just know I'll never find a hat just like it if doesn't reappear soon.

And even a tough cookie gets self-concience. We all carry the weight of our past with us and sometimes those old habits come creeping back even when your most sane self knows they shouldn't. I have the best guy. But sometimes the old habits and fears creep in. And I get sad and dramatic and worry. But he is the best guy I could ask for. He missed Christmas with his family to spend it in the hospital with mine. He visits my Dad in the hospital in-between his classes. He brought my Dad a cell phone and charger and even gives him "dollars" and answers all of my Dad's med-induced goofy questions. He is patient and kind and sat down to go over paper work and money-questions with my mom. All without me even asking. And I love when he laughs when I cry over hats, and old men, and the homeless, my Dad, money, school work and every thing in-between. Because yes, I do know that I can be a drama queen. But it's nice to be reminded and loved at the same time.

The Books I Read

For Christmas this year, my little Key (Yes, I was in a sorority. Vice-President, actually. And yes, those who did not know me "back then" can hardly believe I could ever be a Kappa. But I am and I am proud), Tiffany, bought me just about the best gift a book-loving gal could hope for. Thanks to Miss Tiff, I am the proud owner of an actual book journal that lets me record all of the books I have read, want to read and those I lent to others. Sure, there are wonderful online tools, like Good Reads and LibraryThing, that allow people to do this via the computer but there is something about writing down on paper with pen that makes it much more exciting to finish and record a book.

It's a personal goal for 2010 to write down every book I have read, when I finished it and a little review. I plan on writing regular updates about my book journeys here on the blog and carrying my book journal with me each day makes it easier to keep track. For a gal that typically has over 34 items checked out from the library at any given day, it can be hard to keep them all straight. And I don't even plan on keeping track of the picture books I read in a given year!

So, here are the 3 books I have finished since the start of January:

The Risks of Sunbathing Topless and Other Funny Stories from the Road

by Kate Chynoweth (finished 1/2/10)

A fitting read for any woman who loves to travel or for those that wish they had the budget. The book is filled with *mostly* funny essays from journalists, foreign corespondents, writers and other women who have been around the world. A perfect companion to take to a beach, pool, or even just your backyard in the summer.

Double Trouble: A Memoir

by Kevin Michael Connolly (finished 1/3/10)

A young man takes on the world with no legs, moving around on a skateboard. Connolly tells the tell of his life from birth to present day (and he is still only in his 20s). It's a light, quick read that would be suitable for readers who don't like too sad of a story.

Push

by Sapphire (finished 1/10/2010)

The acclaimed book that has turned into an Oscar-buzz worthy film grips readers from the very beginning. Told from the voice of an illiterate narrator, Precious' story is filled sadness, but is ultimately trumped by love. Though the tale does not promise the happiest of readings, readers will find themselves fixed on seeing Precious through until the end.

So, has anyone read any of these? Think they'll check them out? What are you reading and what should I put on my ever-growing list?

Say Hello to Your Friends...

Because the libraries in Allegheny Country are "connected" we share items with each other on a regular basis. Two times a day at Scott Library, we run our "pull list" that sends requested items from our shelves into the hands of patrons at other county libraries.

On this list this morning was Mary Anne and Too Many Boys by Anne M. Martin, which I'm sure most of my readers will recognize as a classic Baby-Sitters Club title. We have quite a good collection of the Baby-Sitters series and they are always going out with young girls or making their way to different libraries. It always makes me excited to see young girls reading the books I enjoyed so much in the 3rd, 4th & 5th grade (and let's face it, probably 6th...there wasn't as much YA and and "tween" literature back then as there is today).

The best thing about the Baby-Sitters Club series was the calendar put out every year that they sold at the Scholastic Book Fair. We didn't have a lot of money when I was growing up, so I could never go hog wild at the book fair & therefore usually saved my designated book fair money for actual books (and a pencil, they always had the best pencils) like a good future-librarian should. But one year I planned ahead and did manage to buy the calendar. Freakin' A, it had stickers & awesome pictures & was just about the best thing on Earth for the year 1992 (aprox)! And the TV show! And the movie (which I saw On Demand over the holidays)!

Even Facebook has a quiz that was popular a few months ago that let determined what Baby-Sitter you were. The results said I was Kristy but I always figured myself more of a Mallory though I always wanted to be Claudia.

But did you know that the series has been out-of-print? The series officially ended in 2000 and currently, unless the books reside on the shelves of a local library or on the shelves of a teacher/fan inside a school, or a mom passes them on, young girls can't get their hands on them.

That is, until now this year. Later in the year, Scholastic will be re-releasing "slightly revised" editions of the first two books in the series, plus an original prequel to the Club.

Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/ye7nufg

I can't wait to see this books updated for today's young reader. They are clean, age-appropriate, show positive role models for young gals & really exhibit great examples of friendship. Yes, there are tons of things out there for young girls to read but I think the hardest group to find appropriate, yet interesting books for, is always the 4-5th grade set. When I was teaching this age, and even now at the library, often few books of high caliber are aimed at this set and they are often stuck reading things below their skill level or way above their emotional level. Twilight may be great for teenagers, but not for pre-teens. Plus, I remember Logan being a way better boyfriend than this Edward Cullen.

Hopefully the tweaked Baby-Sitters Club books will catch on and more will be released in time. It would be great to have a suitable series for this age group that isn't historical fiction, fantasy or something every teacher assigns in school.

I know I'll be checking out the revised editions and I super-cannot-wait for the prequel to be released. Will you travel back in time to read it too?

A Show I Would Watch Every Week

Earlier today I was searching for a book-related article I had read a few days ago but ended up reading this:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/jacketcopy/2010/01/the-tv-book-club-ukstyle.html

This year, a British TV producer is introducing a "TV Book Club," a show that will be devoted to people discussing books on TV. Now the UK has seen popular talk show hosts turn books into overnight successes (ala Oprah here in the US) but this idea of a television show ABOUT books is certainly a fresh concept.

So far, the article says, 10 books have been chosen for 2010 and they hope to have famous comedians come on to liven-up the discussions. I haven't read (or admittedly hear of) many of the books on the list, but I did manage to make time for Nick Hornby's latest Juliet, Naked over this past summer. Maybe it was the fact that I was in school all summer, but I couldn't get into it as much as I have Hornby's other work. Just didn't grab me in the way that I was expected it to, but it was still a good read and would be fun to read with others.

Really though, I'm wondering why this idea isn't happening here on our side of the pond. Often I know many book lovers who don't read Oprah's latest pick simply because it has her stamp of approval on it. Having a show like this would be the perfect place for avid readers to try new genres. Plus, think of the online tie-ins that could happen: book discussions, contests, meet-ups, etc. I'd totally be a fan and I'm jealous of my Brit friends for having this as a viewing option.

Or we'd manage to make it totally lame and have all the titles by Jodi Picoult.

Should be Ashamed to Admit this?

After a long day of visiting my Dad in the hospital (he's out of the ICU, Yay! One more step to being better & home!) a busy night behind the circulation desk & a shopping trip to Wal-Mart Jim & I are home vegging out before it all begins tomorrow.

We don't always watch a lot of TV at night, especially when our normally scheduled shows aren't on. But tonight we were flipping channels and found this lovely gem:

http://abc.go.com/shows/conveyor-belt-of-love

Conveyor Belt of Love. Where women get to sit and say if they are "interested" or "not interested" in a series of men that are rolled out on a conveyor belt doing a variety of things (such as immitating Chris Farley, professing a more-than-likely unhealthy love for your dog & showcasing Native American dances) in order to impress.

Now did I miss something, or has no one else ever heard of this show until tonight?

And also, is it horrible that we were mildly entertained and voted to keep on watching the show for the full hour?

And how is this on ABC? and not FOX? or MTV?

So, who else watched? And who will be tuning in next week?

Day 1 on Day 2

As the days of 2009 dwindled down, I had pledged that I would return to writing in 2010. Long gone are the days where I thought only an MFA would make me a legitimate writer but I really haven't been putting the pen to the paper at all in the past year. I have a need to change that. I need goals to keep me going, so to keep a blog is now my new goal for 2010.

This year marks many new beginnings for me. My masters degree is complete and I am an official a librarian now. A big girl, all grown up with a pretty kick-ass job in a fantastic, tiny suburban library. Sure, people will continue to be confused as to why being a librarian requires a masters degree and I'm sure I'll still have to pretend that jokes about the Dewey Decimal System are funny. But I have made it and a new journey begins.

So, now what?

Long-term, I want to broaden my library skills in developing countries. I know that I am not finished with school. And fully expect to see myself as a student again sometime in the future. Maybe for another master's. Maybe for a PhD. Maybe for both.

Short-term, I want to be great at my job, implement new library programs, expand my technologocial skills & bring the library to a more digital place. But also, I want to work on me. I want to keep track of books I'm reading, reflect on events that happen in life and generally explore the world around me. I thought a long time about having a "theme" for this blog, but I am too indecisive to settle on one idea. For now, I just hope to write often and have fun.

I wanted to start writing on January 1st, but my Dad has been in the ICU since Christmas Day fighting a severe infection. As I type, I'm at the hospital but he is out of sedation today and doing okay. We can only take it one day at a time and send positive energy his way. I thank all of you who are sending love, kindess and prayers. I'll keep you posted on his progress.

So, here's to health, peace, love and happiness in the New Year!