The New (and Ongoing) Stack
Tuesday, January 5, 2010 at 10:12AM 
Ahhh.. 2010.. a new decade and my book pile keeps getting higher. Maybe, just maybe this will be the year I catch up.
Currently, I am in mid-tackle of these books:
Snow by Orhan Pamuk - this one for my bookclub. I've heard of this Turkish author, but never read his work. Only a few chapters in but already I love the way he tells a story. I can't afford a trip to Turkey right now, so this is my virtual adventure.
What the Dog Saw by Malcolm Gladwell - a requested (and given!) present for Xmas. I've wanted to read Gladwell for a while; somehow I knew I'd love him. And I do! I am not sure if he is writing about stuff that I find fascinating, or if it the way he reports on things like: The History of Hair Colour, Ron Popeil and the Pitchmen, or my favorite: Why are there so many varieties of mustard but only one ketchup? Truthfully, I think Gladwell could write about belly button lint and make it interesting.
The Right Madness by James Crumley - finished this one, and it still resonates. Gotta find me another book of this guy. As I might have mentioned in another blog entry, Crumley influenced a lot of writers, though never gained a lot of personal acclaim. After reading this book I felt like taking a shower, so gritty, and at times so graphic - yet totally compelling. Writers like him and Lansdale are going to make me write that crime fiction novel yet.
No Logo by Naomi Klein - a book I quote from, but never have read. (oops) Found a great copy at my fave used book store. A very good companion to Gladwell's writing.
Airships by Barry Hannah - a book I need to return to. This guy was a recent discovery, and I only put the book down because of general busyness, or other books from the stack that were calling (yelling) at me.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child - another asked for (and given) Xmas present. After seeing the movie I became totally intriugued with Julia Child. Actually, re-intrigued. I still recall seeing her on Letterman in the 80's and wondering who this crazy 8 foot lady was, and why was she cooking hamburger with a blow torch. I haven't made anything from the book yet, but I am soaking it in. Someone said if you can't afford to go to the Cordon Bleu (and I can't) then read and cook through this book.
That's just a few of the books I have on the go. I have heard of people taking a year off to read (though, I don't really believe they do it). One of these years I am heading to Belize with a steamer trunk full of books. Take that Kindle!
Good luck with your stack.
Reader Comments (2)
you have a Kindle? isn't that the reason that McNally Robinson is bankrupt?
got an extra one?
Heavens no! I meant "take that" kindle. Like take that, pow, punch, kick. I love books, real books, real heavy books.
thanks for stopping by Ian