read 15 books in summer 2006

I realized 25 was too great a number, summer too short and that I kept too busy a schedule, so I revised my goal to 15. Looking at it in my perspective, I’ve kept up with reading quite a bit and have thoroughly enjoyed myself, as well as stayed on top of my literary love, so..it’s all good =)

13. Fitzgerald, Great Gatsby – I never could see what the great fuss was about until I read the book, now I see the light! So fine, my awakening for the book was not as profound but it was quite a good read. I skimmed the book for my English class but I read it more thoroughly this past weekend, free to mark up and think about passages—it really helps.

14. Admissions – An accurate portrayal of the admissions process, whether it taken to mean the elementary or high school of Manhattan elite or more recently (for me anyhow) to the college process. It’s all a very tedious, stressful bit and the book had me in titters just thinking about the same horrors I trudged through. Of course, it also mentions the interview process and the wait, all which can be very stressful indeeed!

Heck, I’ve about 5 days before I start school again. I figure I can manage to finish a book by then, eh?

10. Bound
about a woman who meets a security guard and is dominated by his personality. great sex is a plus for her too ;)

11. Saving Fish From Drowning, Amy Tan
I have to admit, this book sat on my shelf for months before i touched it but i’m absolutly glad I picked it up. Amy Tan never ever fails to disappoint. though this isnt her usual write, Tan manages to spin a tale of fantasy, fiction, real life suspense—all for a great read. I loved it!

12. Whenever Frankenstein comes out (Dean Koontz) I will read it! :D

also, i’m not counting graphic novels and manga as books, though I do polish off quite a few of those.

A few have been rereads of what’s been on my self, most were/are new reads. It’s been a really long time since I’ve had time to sit down and read to my heart’s delight about sometime that’s not school related. I definitely am pleased to have this opportunity to catch up on some reading. Here’s a list of my compilation of what I’ve read this summer that I can remember. I have them listed author first followed by book’s name. Otherwise I just have the book’s name in cases that the author’s name escapes me.

1. Stephen King, The Dark Half (I’ve read this book many times and each time, I’m absolutely blown away by how SK writes. He’s phenomenal and I always have a blast with his books)

2. Dean Koontz, By the Light of the Moon (another favorite writer of mine. A friend recommended it to me and DK never fails to deliver)

3. Jan Coffey, Silent Waters (as a diehard fan of military & politics, this fiction made for an interesting read)

4. Laurie Graff, Looking for Mister Goodfrog (funny, has a few good one-liners)

5. Anchee Min, Wild Ginger (interesting portrayal of Chairman Mao’s rule and the triangle of three friends/lovers)

6. Bloodsong (about a woman in love with a murderer. I have to admit, the opening paragraph absolutely grabbed my attention and I had no choice but to polish off the rest of the book.)

..i’ve a few I can’t remember although I do have a list of books I want to finish this summer. The following are the books that I’m currently trudging through.

7. Wild Swans (3 generations of a Chinese family, from 1909 to 1990’s. Reading this is like a history lesson in of itself.) I have since finished this book and I have to say I loved it. It was great seeing the history my parents have told me about in another’s point of view. Thanks to this book, my mom and I got to a good discussion regarding the politics of China, past and current, which eventually led to my high school endeavors (mm. gotta love history class and its crazy term papers)

8. Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

9. Gangs of America (commentary about the monopoly of corporations.. it’s proving to be a very interesting read so far~!!)