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?