Books: 2009 in review
January 18, 2010 | 2009,Books,Stephen King,Stieg Larsson
Here’s what I read in 2009.
- Involuntary Joy: A Story of Unexpected Rebirth by Joy M. Newcom [I applied for a job at the local college. When I saw that the person doing the hiring was a published author, I read her book. This one. I didn’t even get an interview. Too bad. It would have been interesting to talk to her about the book.]
- Duma Key by Stephen King
- In Cod We Trust by Eric Dregni
- Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates
- Growing up Country: Memories of an Iowa Farm Girl by Carol Bodensteiner (her blog is Just Walking This Earth
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- Bellbina, Queen of Weed Park by Laura Juszczyk
- A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick
- The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power by Jeff Sharlet
- The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson
- The Night Listener: A Novel by Armistead Maupin
- Zillah’s Gift by Lois West Duffy
- Lights on a Ground of Darkness by Ted Kooser
- The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
- She taught me to eat Artichokes by Mary Kay Shanley
- The Memory Box by Mary Kay Shanley
- The First Paper Girl in Red Oak, Iowa by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
I made a list of Iowa books and authors.
I also participated in a SHE WRITES call to action.
Books I haven’t read yet but should.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (recommended by Zilpha Underwood)
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Any other suggestions?
Posted by Becky @ 6:00 am
January 18th, 2010 at 8:41 am
Is it strange that I finished “The Book Thief” two days ago and then promptly started “The Help”?
January 18th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Nah. You’ve just entered my world of weird connections regarding books. Welcome! :)
January 18th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Great idea to keep a list, Becky. I just visited your Iowa author list and was delighted to see how many I’d read. Robinson’s “Home” was an easier read than “Gilead,” but then maybe because I knew what to expect. My 2009 recommendation goes to “Olive Kitteridge.” I think author Stroud studied at the Univ. of Iowa but can’t find confirmation of that. Always looking for an Iowa connection!
January 18th, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I’m adding Olive Kitteridge to my list, Carol. Thanks! Looks like it won the Pulitzer. I can’t find a definite connection yet either, but maybe she taught at the Iowa Workshop?
I truly enjoyed Robinson. If you liked Home, I will definitely give that one a read too.
Of course I’m waiting for your next book. :)
January 19th, 2010 at 12:26 am
I’m honored you read “Involuntary Joy,” and here’s an interesting epilogue for you: I no longer work there either. My position was eliminated in November, and there is only one person remaining in the department. What a difference a year makes, huh?
You might not have had a chance to discuss the book with me in an interview situation, but if you’d like to have a book discussion over a cup of coffee, let me know. :-)
BTW: I’m very honored the book is on your list.
January 19th, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Well, there’s a third book by Stieg Larsson, but I think you need a friend in England to procure it…
January 19th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
Maggie: Or wait until it’s published here. May, I think. :)
January 19th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Joy: I’m sorry to hear about your job. I’d love to meet you for coffee sometime! I’ve got a house full of sick children right now. When that changes, I’ll get in touch. Take care!
January 19th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Sounds good. I look forward to it.
July 12th, 2010 at 6:06 am
[…] just read Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, recommended by Iowa author, Carol Bodensteiner. It was a great read, and it’s not surprising that it won […]