My kids are definitely too old for trick-or-treating but they still get into the festivities. Emily is a nerd, Jessica was a tiger last night and going as a bloody chef tonight, Josh is...I'm not sure but he is certainly having fun. I particularly like the paper bag hat.
The village tonight in NYC should be insane. We are hunkering down as the kids come in and out.
Mary Karr: Lit: A Memoir
There is a reason this book is on everyone's top books for 2009. Incredible read, wonderful writer, amazing tale of Karr's discovery of eventual sobriety.
Carolyn Slaughter: Before the Knife
Wow. Growing up in Africa when the British ruled. Raped at 6 and then repeatedly by her father for years which she kept suppressed for decades. Thank god these things are not so easily swept under the carpet anymore. Incredible story.
Mitch Albom: Have a Little Faith: A True Story
Loved it. An intellectual question of faith of Albom's relationship with a rabbi and a priest. A must read.
J. M. Coetzee: Disgrace: A Novel
Second book I have read of Coetzee and I need to read more as each has left me thinking about the book for quite a while. Follows a 52 year old professor, a womanizer who is asked to leave the University after an affair with a student. He takes refuge with his daughter in the outback. The book is dark, layered and tragic. Coetzee is an incredible writer. I think of him as an Australian Philip Roth.
Heather Gudenkauf: The Weight of Silence
Start early because it will hard to put down. 2 - 7 year old girls are missing and mystery unfolds. Each chapter is the voice of a different character which moves you quickly through the story, and of course seeing all sides. Clever, first novel, quick read, well done. Lots to discuss. Could be a great book read, especially for women.
Simon Mawer: The Glass Room
Man Booker Prize runner-up. Centered around the Landauer house, a Glass house way before its time prior to WWII. We follow this financially successful family, who were leaders in their community pre/post the war as they had to leave Europe. Interesting story but I found myself forcing to finish the book not so much enjoying the journey to get there.
Rhoda Janzen: Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home
Memoir of a women returning home to her roots after her husband leaves her for another guy. Laugh out loud at times, a little long winded at others. Honest reflection of how she got to where she did.
Gail Collins: When Everything Changed: The Amazing Journey of American Women from 1960 to the Present
Finally finished. LOVED. Thought provoking, well researched, all generations should read.
Philip Roth: The Humbling
I am a huge fan of Roth. Whether you like his topics or not, he is such an incredible writer. The Humbling is really a short story about an actor in his 60's frustrated by his inability to perform. Interesting and haunting. If you like Roth, read the book.
Jeannette Walls: Half Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel
After the success of The Glass Castle, which I loved I felt compelled to read this book. Written in first person as Wall's grandmother by learning countless stories from her mother. Her grandma's life. Certainly interesting and historical in some sense but just not that deep. Read Angle of Repose by Stegner for a real literary piece on Grandparents.
Allen Jones: The Rat That Got Away: A Bronx Memoir
Fantastic memoir about getting out of the Bronx, alive. A must read.
Michelle Huneven: Blame: A Novel
Page turner. Young professor, alcoholic, wakes up after a black out to find she murdered someone while drunk. Her life and her recovery. Quite a novel.
Jonathan Tropper: This Is Where I Leave You
Loved it. Laugh out loud hilarious. Family angst at its best.
Maria Murnane: Perfect on Paper: The (Mis)adventures of Waverly Bryson
First novel for all women out there. Really well done.
Mark Oliver Everett: Things the Grandchildren Should Know
If you love the Eels, a must read. Best music autobiography I have read.
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