Only one of these was published in 2008, but since I just read all of them this year it counts for the purpose of this list. I’ve included the link my review.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr
How Not To Write a Novel by Mittlemark & Newman
The Coffin Dancer by Jeffery Deaver
Thanks for playing! Check back next Monday. For my first quiz of 2009 I’ll be offering a small prize 🙂
Here’s how to play…Identify the author and leave a comment with the # and the name and I’ll cross it off the list. No Googling, that’s cheating and no fun! These authors wrote their final chapters in 2008.
1. Once dubbed “The Queen of the American Gothics” she wrote more than 70 novels and died at age 104. – Phyllis Whitney died on 2/8/08
2. His second (and last) novel made TIME’s 100 Best English-language Novels from 1923-2005. He committed suicide after suffering from depression for more than 20 years. – David Foster Wallace died 9/12/08
3. In 1994 he became the only artist to have a film, a television series (currently in its last season), and a novel all number one at once. His first novel was released in 1966 under the pseudonym John Lange and in 1992 he made People’s Most Beautiful People list. Michael Crichton died 11/4/08- Elena
4. He was a mystery writer best known for his series about an investigative reporter, memorably played by Chevy Chase in the films. He also won 2 Edgar Awards. – Gregory McDonald died 9/7/08
5. Nationally syndicated newspaper columnist who founded the National Review in 1955. William Buckley Jr. died 2/28/08– Mark
6. She was the only child of a President who wrote biographies of both of her parents as well as a popular murder mystery series set in and around Washington DC. Margaret Truman died 1/29/08– Kathy
7. British author of the Flashman series. George MacDonald Fraser
8. British science fiction writer and inventor. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1994, but he is best known for his collaboration with Stanley Kubrick. He emigrated to Sri Lanka in 1956 where he lived until his death. Arthur C. Clarke died 3/19/08 – Mark
9. This novelist wrote more than 30 books, 18 of those in his Navajo series. In World War II he earned a Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart. Tony Hillerman died 10/26/08 – Don
10. American author, historian, actor and broadcaster who received the Pulitzer Prize for General Non Fiction in 1985 for The Good War. He never learned to drive. Studs Terkel died 10/31/08– Dave
Finished 12-27-08, rating 4/5, fiction, to be released 2/09
Fault Line is part political thriller and part family drama with enough sexual tension to make it truly compelling. Ben, an American assassin between assignments, is called back to Silicon Valley by his estranged brother, Alex. Alex, a big shot patent lawyer, becomes concerned when two people close to him are killed and someone breaks into his house. The relationship between the two never recovered from the death of their sister when they were all in high school, but they must now find a way to trust each other.
This book hits on many current trends, cyberwarfare and blogs being the most evident. Even having the love interest, Sarah, be a Iranian-American made the story feel up-to-the-minute.
I loved the different political views of each of the characters and how it influenced their actions. I could identify with them all, which is something more people in the government should take the time to do!
I really liked the book and recommend it. There is a possibility of a sequel and I am hoping it will happen. I’d love to read more about the Treven brothers.
Finished listening to 12-21-08, rating 5/5, science fiction, pub. 1985
Ender Wigginis a six year old boy who is chosen for Battle School, after his older two siblings failed to make the cut. He is sent to school with other children who are the best of the best, but he is quickly established as the brightest hope. The alien ‘buggers’ had invaded earth before and it is of vital importance that the International Fleet trains Ender in time to save the world from another attack. Although he only had six years with his family, he is haunted by loving memories of his sister, Valentine, and fear of his brother, Peter and they affect his performance in both positive and negative ways.
Ender is six when he enters battle school and 11 or 12 at the end of the book. It is easy to forget his age until his vulnerability shines through in his wanting friends or wanting his teachers to like him and it is at these times that your heart breaks for Ender. The weight of the earth has been put on his small shoulders and at many times he almost breaks from the pressure.
I loved this book. It was psychological, political, philosophical and just plain fun. This book is perfect for all ages. I listened to the Special 20th Anniversary Edition and it was wonderfully done (Of course it was also 10 1/2 hours, so prepare yourself!).
This is the first in the Ender series.
Time magazine chose the top 10 fiction books of 2008 (http://www.time.com/time/s pecials/2008/top10/article/0,30583,1855948_1864238,00.html) and sadly I have not read any of them.
1. 2666 by Roberto Bolano
2. Lush Life by Richard Price
3. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld
4. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
5. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
6. Personal Days by Ed Park
7. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Shaffer and Barrows
8. When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson
9. The Graveyard Book by Neal Gaiman
10. The Widows of Eastwick by John Updike
How many have you read? Would you recommend them?
I’ve looked over the books I’ve read that were published this year and came up with four favorites. Hold Tightby Harlan Coben, Inside Out Girl by Tish Cohen, Sweet Carolineby Rachel Hauck, and Enemy Combatantby Ed Gaffney.
Do you have a favorite book that came out this year?
Finished 12-15-08, rating 3/5, personal/environmental health, pub. 2008
Simple Steps to a Healthier Life and a Cleaner Planet
This is a guide to help you clean up your life. It covers dirt and germs, babies and everything associated with keeping them healthy, food choices, water, air, energy and more. Barnett was inspired to become educated in the green movement when her son faced a life threatening asthma attack and she was convinced it was due to environmental triggers. The chapters contain studies and science back up as well as many websites to help you further your knowledge.
I am not a green zealot, but the small things do irritate me. Things like rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher, bottled water, and not recycling are like nails on a chalkboard, and yet I am terribly remiss is turning the TV off (I like the noise and constant stream of news). This book does a great job of pointing out some of the big things we miss in our lives that have an impact on our health and the environment.
The main problem with the book is a big one. Barnett is the wife of Shaklee’s CEO and she makes no apologies in recommending their products at every turn. The only times she does not recommend Shaklee products is when the company does not have a comparable product. She did provide studies showing the Shaklee products were best in some of these areas, but it was distracting, annoying, and made me question her judgement when she kept pushing Shaklee. It seemed odd for a book that wants you to make better choices to give you only one in many areas.
On the whole, I think this is a good book. I took 2 pages of notes and plan on checking out some of the websites mentioned. It also had tips for around the house that I plan on trying. Some of the things I already knew – buy organic, read labels, buy new pots and pans… – but it is always good to be reminded as I seem to get too busy to pay attention and fall back to some bad habits.
I checked this out of the library and that is my recommendation to you, unless you are not familiar with any of these issues. Then I’d recommend picking up a copy, just be willing to read a lot of hype about Shaklee products.
Finished 12-13-08, rating 4/5, mystery, pub.2007
Book 3 in the Sophie Metropolis series
Greek-American Sophie Metropolis is back as Astoria, Queen’s newest private investigator. As a new PI Sophie has yet to prove herself as a the real deal, but when the wife of the Mets star pitcher approaches her Sophie knows this could catapult her into the major leagues. Sophie pushes the missing pets cases aside and follows Reni Venezuela becoming more and more convinced something is off even as he leads the Mets to the World Series.
Sophie’s wonderful Greek family is as warm and welcoming and pushy as ever. Sophie hasn’t seen sexy Jake Porter in a month, so when a handsome Greek banker her mother has chosen for her younger sister shows up on Sophie’s doorstep, she cannot resist temptation. And there is also her ex-fiance making a nuisance of himself by suing her grandfather.
Sophie Metropolis has been compared to Stephanie Plum (series by Janet Evanovich), and while I love both this is my favorite. It has the same quirks and colorful characters, but tells the story with more heart. I care about Sophie and though she is a zany mess now I have hope that one day she’ll pull herself together and get everything she wants.
Something that attracted me to this series in the first place is that fact that Tori Carrington is a husband-wife writing team from Ohio. The have a great website and contests and if you are on their email list they send fun updates with recipes and polls and lots of extras. http://www.toricarrington.net/
I recommend this series to anyone who likes Janet Evanovich, who is interested in the Greek-American culture, or who is looking for quick, light-hearted read.
As I was surfing around last night I came across videos and websites devoted to choosing the perfect cast for Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series. I’ve read all of the books and had a fun time looking at everyone’s choices. I thought I’d make my own picks.
Stephanie Plum- Sandra Bullock and Lauren Graham would also have been good, but both may be 5 years too late, so I’m going with Anne Hathaway or Jamie Lynn Siglar.
Joe Morelli is a tough one, but I’d be happy with Josh Duhamel or Bobby Cannavale.
Ranger is a tougher choice, but both Adam Rodriquez and Shamar Moore have potential.
As for Lula, it is MoNique all the way.
As for the rest of the cast of misfits…
Connie- Debi Mazur
Tank – Dwayne Johnson (the Rock)
Mrs. Plum – Joy Behar
Mr. Plum – James Gandolfini
Grandma – Cloris Leachman
Valerie – Rachel McAdams
Sally Sweet – Russel Brand
Cousin Vinnie – Steve Buscemi
Have you read the series? Who would you choose? And if you haven’t read the series, what are you waiting for?
Finished 12-9-08, rating 4/5, fiction pub. 2006
“Choices.” Elinor finally says, repeating her mother. “That’s kind of a fairy tale, you know?” She leans her head on Beatrice’s bony shoulder. Elinor has always been pro-choice, but it never occurred to her that one day she’d have no choice. There are many things you can do later in life, but having a baby isn’t necessarily one of them.” -Chapter 3
Ted and Elinor have been married for five years, trying to have a child for half of that time. Their struggle has taken its toll on their marriage and Ted begins an affair with his trainer at the gym. When Elinor finds out she is devastated. The two try counseling, but Elinor needs space. This space leads Ted to continue sleeping with his trainer, Gina.
This book has a wonderful cast of characters and enough surprises to keep you reading. I thought all three of the main characters had their moments of too much self-pity, but that’s what made them real. I was rooting for Elinor and Ted and had sympathy for Gina.
This book felt honest and true until close to the end. There was a silly scene that didn’t feel like the rest of the book, but other than that I enjoyed it very much. It’s hard to tackle infertility, infidelity, a troubled marriage, and single parenting and make it entertaining.
I read a review at Book Addiction that made me want to read this book and I’m glad I did. It was a worthwhile read. I plan on checking out Winston’s first book, Gook Grief.
More reviews-
Heather @ Book Addiction
Finished listening to 12-8-08, rating 3/5, fiction, pub. 2006
This is the love story of Mary and Joseph. We meet them as they meet each other and declare their intentions toward one other. Mary is a brazen 13 year old girl who is visited by an angel and Joseph is an uncompromising 16 year old who lacks the faith to believe in the miracle of Mary’s Christ child. This is their story and although it obviously includes Jesus the story ends with Joseph’s passing.
I listened to this on cd read by the author and thought it was a nice story for the season. I think Berg took great liberties with the story, but for a short holiday read it was enjoyable. It would be a nice gift for the sometime reader who doesn’t mind that Mary and Joseph might seem a but too human.
Stacy's Books 