Two weeks ago, I discussed books that I read (or managed to avoid reading) for my college class. Now that that class is all over, it’s time to look toward the summer, which I think will get here at some point and will, in my view, last for nearly four months (until just after Labor Day, when I start my next class). So this week, I’m gonna list off the books I plan to read before September 3rd arrives…
Wicked, by Gregory Maguire
My mom-in-law gifted me this book for Xmas, and it’s just been languishing on my shelf since then. In my defense, I had a lot of books to read during that six-week break in between class back then, and I’ve had to (literally) shelve everything since then. Now it’s time to correct that.
Lennon, by Tim Riley
Same thing here. Mom-in-law included this big-ass (784 pages!) book with my Xmas gift. I looked at the pictures, but so far, that’s all. I hope to bring this to the cabin sometime this summer and just tear through it. Bonus: In case of inclement weather while at the cabin, Jennifer and the kids and I can all huddle underneath it.
A Minnesota Kid, by David Butwin
Okay, in all honesty, I might not read this one. On the plus side, I can submit a review for publication in the local paper and get paid for that. On the down side, I’ve tried to delve into it twice already, and both times I couldn’t get interested. I’ll give it one more shot.
Minnesota’s Oldest Murder Mystery, by Gary Brueggemann
Now here’s a Minnesota-based book that does look engaging. The author teaches at Century College, my alma mater, so that’s cool. I don’t own a copy of this book, but I’ll either check it out of the library or buy a copy soon.
Buddy Holly is Alive and Well on Ganymede, by Bradley Denton
In preparation for the film of the same name that’s coming out next year, I’m wending my way through this sci-fi novel right now. Well, not right now, but you get what I mean. I’m on page 118 or 192, so I should have this one polished off by week’s end. So far, I like. Oh, if you want to buy a copy, looks like Amazon is parting with copies for $300. So…no…you can’t borrow my copy.
Human, by a whole boatload of folks
Okay, I actually started this book, I think, back in 2008. Yeah, it’s true, I think this is the longest time that’s elapsed from commencing reading a book, to completing it. We’re at five years, and counting. In fact, back in September of 2010, I wrote about some stuff I was reading in chapter four. Well, I’m on chapter seven now, and chapter eight is, by a wide margin, the shortest chapter in the book, so my goal is to finally put this book on my “list of books I’ve read” by summer’s end.
An Infidel Body-Snatcher and the Fruits of His Philosophy, by Dan Allosso
Got a copy of this book a couple of months ago. It looks promising. After all, there’s a drawing of the female reproductive organs on the cover, so that kind of makes reading it a no-brainer. The author is a Minnesota resident, so I’m hoping to read the book and (assuming I like it), invite the author onto Atheists Talk for an in-depth discussion.
11/22/63, by Stephen King
My in-laws let me borrow this book, and I’ve already had it way too long. It’s quite the tome, and I’m still only (!) on page 500-and-something out nearly 800 pages. But I’m trying. I want to finish this one soon, so I can give the book back. If I do finish it, it will be the first Stephen King book I’ve ever read.
No seriously, I’ve been meaning to read some trampy pulp romance novel for a while now. I just want to see what they’re like. It has to be just right: some harlequin of around 150-200 pages, with a standard pre-set branding on the cover, complete with Victorian-era people on the cover, on a rocky cliff, maybe with water or a ship int he background, clothing falling off, limbs intertwined and strategically placed so as to cover what needs to be covered so that the book can be displayed in respectable venues like libraries and bookstores. I hope it’s so bad it’s good.