What I've Been Reading

Primary Whites: A Novel Look at Right-Wing Politics by Anonymous (as told to C. E. Crimmins and Thomas Maeder)
A satirical look at right wing politics circa 1996. Humorous read.
July 16 - July 31, 2006


Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen by Julie Powell
A blogger documents a year spent cooking her way through Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. A fantastic read!
July 1 - July 16, 2006


Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood
by Ann Brashares
The third book in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series for young adults follows Tibby, Carmen, Bridget and Lena through their last summer before starting college. A fun read.
June 20 - June 30, 2006


Book Doctor by Esther Cohen
A woman who earns a living helping others write the books they know they have inside them meets a client who causes her to reevaluate her own life choices. Interspersed throughout the story are letters sent to the Book Doctor from people interested in working with her. Most of the letters are very funny and they add a nice touch to this satire of the writing life. Even though I wasn't completely captivated by the characters in this novel all the way through, I did find the premise interesting, I enjoyed the letters and I think the conclusion was terrific. An amusing read.
June 4 - June 19, 2006


The Tenth Circle by Jodi Picoult
A father deals with his own personal demons after his daughter is raped by her ex-boyfriend. The book includes original artwork representing the graphic novel the main character is working on while the family undergoes the ordeal. A compelling read.
May 31 - June 3, 2006


The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
Six friends gather to discuss Jane Austen's books and their intertwined lives. A pleasurable read that makes you want to revisit the classics the characters in the book are discussing.
May 14 - May 26, 2006


Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
A small Derbyshire community voluntarily quarantines itself during a year of the infamous Black Plague that ravaged Europe in the 17th century. The story was inspired by records of the real village of Eyam and is a well researched work of historical fiction. A captivating read.
May 3 - May 13, 2006


I Have Chosen to Stay and Fight by Margaret Cho
A collection of essays on a number of hot button topics by comedian/activist Margaret Cho. Politics, civil rights, the death penalty, abortion and other important issues are covered with wit, humor and insight. Many of these pieces originally appeared on her Blog. An entertaining and informative read.
April 16 - April 30, 2006


The Truth About Medium by Gary E. Schwartz
A description of university experiments conducted with Allison DuBois and other psychics to determine the validity of after-life communication theories. Interesting read.
April 4 - April 14, 2006


Cell by Stephen King
A technology-induced zombie tale by the King of the horror genre. Fast-paced story telling. Good read.
March 26 - April 4, 2006