read 100 books in 2006

there’s always 2008.

I did a lot of things in 06, but, sadly, I didn’t make this goal :(

This is my favorite book that I’ve read so far. I think I might be in love with Sarah Vowell or, at least, extremely envious of her. But, I digress…

Sarah Vowell is a history nut who loves her presidents. In this book, she writes about her pilgrimage following the assassinatinos of three presidents (Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley). Vowell has this amazing way of weaving the past with the present, bringing characters like Edwin Booth, Lincoln and several others into modern-day life. I have to say that she is a master of this craft, making you feel emotional about things your history teacher would have lulled you to sleep talking about.

This book is so many things; funny, sad, sentimental, and unforgiving. It’s so good that it made me want to learn more about these people and also to write. It also drove home the concept that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I wish this book never ended and I never could have completed my 100 books in ‘06 goal; I enjoyed it that much.

I was pleased to find out that there are four Sherlock Holmes books and not just a bunch of short stories! I really enjoyed this book. It is a delightful way to lighten up the reading when it gets heavy, the way “Under the Skin” was. The banter between Watson and Holmes was funny and smart and the story, itself, was mysterious and fun. I think I am going to read all four of the books in between more challenging books I’m planning to read. I’m very much looking foward to it!

This quick read is written by a friend of Giacometti’s who sat for a portrait by the artist. The sitting was supposed to be for one day and turned into 18 days.

The book is very reassuring, if you’re an artist, because Giacometti’s is not shy in showing how he struggles with his medium. We get a closer look at the mind of a masterful painter and sculptor through conversations and day by day photography of the progress of the portrait.

I enjoyed the book very much. I found the dance that the sittings become to be interesting and reassuring. It made me want to paint more and be easier on myself as I do it.

To say I enjoyed this book seems a little strange because it was such a disturbing peice of work. Instead, I’ll say that I could not put it down and, sometimes, it made my heart race. I don’t want to give too much away about the story, in case anyone is planning on reading it, but I will say that it is one of the most thought-provoking and well-written books I’ve read. Michel Faber confronts compassion, vegetarianism, and society head-on with many twists and turns along the way. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for something slightly off and very different!

Well, it’s officially 2006 and I’ve got to get started on all this reading! We’ll see how close I get to 100! I’m very excited about this goal!

Okay, I’m way too late for 2005… and I’ve already got my plan for the rest of this year.. but next year… let’s see.. how many books a month will this be?

It looks like a little over 8 books… hmm… maybe this just isn’t realistic considering all that I have on my plate… I’m going to try though… I’ll aim high and, if I don’t read 100, but I do read 50, I’ll be happy.