2004 Reading
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Straight Man by Richard Russo (summer) -- I enjoyed tremendously this hilarious
book about the intersection of private and professional dilemmas in the life of
the chairman of a college English department. The narrating main character is
very funny, with a witty, ironic outlook on life. The characters who populate the
college campus and his department are quirky and remind me of many people
I know from my own academic experiences! Mostly, though, the book makes
me happy not to have this guy's life or colleagues! I recommend this book to
anyone who has ever worked at, or attended, a university. It just might put all
your own problems into perspective!
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A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket (summer) -- I have read the
first eight books in this series and am ready to begin Book the Ninth: The
Carnivorous Carnival, Book the Tenth: The Slippery Slope, and Book the Eleventh: The
Grim Grotto. I have found them all to be very funny. The misfortunes of the
Baudelaire orphans, the incompetence of their guardians, and the evil Count
Olaf's determined quest to steal the children's inheritance don't sound like the
stuff of comedy. It's the writing style that makes these unfortunate events fun
to read: "There are many pleasant things to read about, but this book contains
none of them" . . . "Throw this awful book to the ground and run as far away
from it as possible." I'm looking forward to seeing (eventually) the movie
version that came out in winter 2004. [P.S. Saw it. Enjoyed it.]
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Directory of U.S. Political Parties by Ron Gunzburger (autumn) -- This interesting
Web site provides information on the political platforms and histories of not
only the Democrat and Republican parties, but also the numerous third parties
(such as Independence and Reform) and "other" parties (that have never
endorsed a candidate for office, such as the Pansexual Peace Party!). Whether
or not you consider yourself politically informed--or politically interested--this is
a great site for background info and links to further reading. You may just find
a party whose ideals align with your own.
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Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris (summer) -- This guy's
a stitch. I've heard him on National Public Radio reading from his stories and
essays, and I own everything he's written. I was looking forward to this book
(another birthday gift) for his trademark satire and wit in retelling the travails of
growing up in a highly unusual (and hilarious) family. [P.S. His sister is Amy
Sedaris of Strangers with Candy fame.] Once again, he did not disappoint.
Although his family might not appreciate his portrayal of their lives, Sedaris
puts the "fun" in "dysfunction" as he recounts tales from their past and
manages to find insight in the weirdest of situations.
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Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (summer) --
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The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (summer) --
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My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George (summer) --
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The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope (summer) --
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Beach Music by Pat Conroy (autumn) --
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