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1PaulBerauer
After being inspired by wookiebender's thread for last year, and being disappointed with last years total of 51 books (a decent amount, but not that many considering the amount of time I had), I am shooting for 100 books this year.
I will try to post reviews as I go along, with me just reposting reviews for the books I've read in the past when necessary.
I will try to post reviews as I go along, with me just reposting reviews for the books I've read in the past when necessary.
2PaulBerauer
Books read so far:
January:
1. The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
2. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
3. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
4. The English Major by Jim Harrison
5. Beauty Salon by Mario Bellatin
6. Bonsai by Alejandro Zambra
7. Ghosts (New Directions) by César Aira
8. Gun, with occasional music by Jonathan Lethem
9. The Armies by Evelto Rosero
February:
10. Simple Genius by David Baldacci
11. The Skating Rink by Roberto Bolano
January:
1. The Informers by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
2. Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
3. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
4. The English Major by Jim Harrison
5. Beauty Salon by Mario Bellatin
6. Bonsai by Alejandro Zambra
7. Ghosts (New Directions) by César Aira
8. Gun, with occasional music by Jonathan Lethem
9. The Armies by Evelto Rosero
February:
10. Simple Genius by David Baldacci
11. The Skating Rink by Roberto Bolano
3PaulBerauer
#1 "The Informers" by Juan Gabriel Vásquez
"The Informers" is undeniably a fantastic book by first time Colombian author Juan Gabriel Vasquez. The book is the fictional story of the narrator's search for truth about his father, and focuses on the experience of German immigrants in Colombia during World War Two. The narrator's life quickly changes for the better only to see it crumble once again, and he must figure out what happened during the 1940s that set off the change of events that sent his life into a tailspin.
#2 "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall
"Born to Run" follows Christopher McDougall, a fantastic journalist and writer in his investigation of a little-known Indian tribe in Mexico called the Tarahumara whose existence seems to be based around running of some sort. Its a fascinating tale of the best, brightest and toughest runners in the world, whether Tarahumara or American.
He also documents his personal investigation into his body's, ahem, 'dislike' of running, and is surprised to find that running may have been in our DNA since we began walking upright. Overall, a great book, even if you aren't a runner.
#3 "Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld
"Leviathan" takes place during World War One in an alternate universe divided between the Darwinists (France, England and Russia) who use biologically engineer weapons made from animals and the Clankers (Austria-Hungry and Germany) who use advanced steam punk weapons.
The plot follows the stories of Alex, the heir to Austria-Hungary's throne, and Dylan, a young girl who disguised herself as a boy to join the British airship forces. The story follows their two lives as they quickly intertwine, all while an alternate World War One rages around them.
My reviews will probably be grouped up like this until I finish posting the books I've already finished, at which time I'll post reviews as I read the books.
"The Informers" is undeniably a fantastic book by first time Colombian author Juan Gabriel Vasquez. The book is the fictional story of the narrator's search for truth about his father, and focuses on the experience of German immigrants in Colombia during World War Two. The narrator's life quickly changes for the better only to see it crumble once again, and he must figure out what happened during the 1940s that set off the change of events that sent his life into a tailspin.
#2 "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall
"Born to Run" follows Christopher McDougall, a fantastic journalist and writer in his investigation of a little-known Indian tribe in Mexico called the Tarahumara whose existence seems to be based around running of some sort. Its a fascinating tale of the best, brightest and toughest runners in the world, whether Tarahumara or American.
He also documents his personal investigation into his body's, ahem, 'dislike' of running, and is surprised to find that running may have been in our DNA since we began walking upright. Overall, a great book, even if you aren't a runner.
#3 "Leviathan" by Scott Westerfeld
"Leviathan" takes place during World War One in an alternate universe divided between the Darwinists (France, England and Russia) who use biologically engineer weapons made from animals and the Clankers (Austria-Hungry and Germany) who use advanced steam punk weapons.
The plot follows the stories of Alex, the heir to Austria-Hungary's throne, and Dylan, a young girl who disguised herself as a boy to join the British airship forces. The story follows their two lives as they quickly intertwine, all while an alternate World War One rages around them.
My reviews will probably be grouped up like this until I finish posting the books I've already finished, at which time I'll post reviews as I read the books.
4wookiebender
#1> *blush* I don't think I've ever been an inspiration before!
Welcome to the group! Looking forward to following along with your reads. (Oooh, did I just read the phrase "steam punk"...? Along with "alternate universe"? Consider the wishlist blowing out. Again.)
Welcome to the group! Looking forward to following along with your reads. (Oooh, did I just read the phrase "steam punk"...? Along with "alternate universe"? Consider the wishlist blowing out. Again.)
5PaulBerauer
>4 wookiebender: Glad I could boost your ego a bit!
6PaulBerauer
#4 "The English Major" by Jim Harrison
"The English Major" follows 60-some year old Cliff as he sets out on the road. Cliff leaves for the journey after his previous life crumbled around him: his life leaves him, selling the farm and the house leaving him with nothing more than some money from the estate sale and his old car.
So Cliff heads out with his car, an old puzzle of the US and eventually a part-time lover. The course of the trip, which is narrated in a stream-of-conscientiousness style, wanders and meanders depending on Cliff's whims, the desire of his family and the demands of his former student, and current lover/travel partner. While the plot revolves around his trip, the real joy is Cliff's wandering observations about life, love, and everything in between. A mixture of philosophy, comedy and sadness, the reflections make the book worthwhile, though I get the sense older readers might appreciate some of the observations about old age more than younger readers such as myself.
#5 "Beauty Salon by Mario Bellatin
The "Beauty Salon" follows the ruminations of the unnamed narrator. The narrator, a former cross-dresser, once owned and ran the beauty salon for which the story is named, and has now transformed it into a sort of hospice (or Terminal as he calls it) for dying men suffering from a unnamed and mysterious illness that appears to be ravaging the area, possibly similar to AIDS.
He runs this hospice on his own, and is the sole provider of aid to the dying men that occupy beds in his store. However the aid is tinged with more then a bit of disdain as the narrator seems to dislike the very patients he provides aid to in the last weeks or days of their lives. Much of the very short novel revolves around his reflections on his once magnificent collection of tropical fish, a collection that grew in size and beauty as the salon succeed, and began to die off as the disease spread and the salon closes.
Overall, a fascinating if depressing short novel (63 small pages), that should be required reading for anyone interested in modern Latin American or Mexican writing.
#6 "Bonsai" by Alejandro Zambra
"Bonsai" follows two university students Julio and Emilia, two lovers who it is revealed will eventually separate and whose end is hinted at the very beginning of the story. Not only is the plot fantastic, but the style is what really brings everything together. The story is told in third person, and is often seem indifferent, as if the story was unimportant, the story unimportant, the characters fate, trivial. The conversations of the characters are interspersed with quotes from their favorite authors and the texts in subdivided into various brief sections, keeping things divided and moving the reader along. Overall, a great book and worth every penny.
"The English Major" follows 60-some year old Cliff as he sets out on the road. Cliff leaves for the journey after his previous life crumbled around him: his life leaves him, selling the farm and the house leaving him with nothing more than some money from the estate sale and his old car.
So Cliff heads out with his car, an old puzzle of the US and eventually a part-time lover. The course of the trip, which is narrated in a stream-of-conscientiousness style, wanders and meanders depending on Cliff's whims, the desire of his family and the demands of his former student, and current lover/travel partner. While the plot revolves around his trip, the real joy is Cliff's wandering observations about life, love, and everything in between. A mixture of philosophy, comedy and sadness, the reflections make the book worthwhile, though I get the sense older readers might appreciate some of the observations about old age more than younger readers such as myself.
#5 "Beauty Salon by Mario Bellatin
The "Beauty Salon" follows the ruminations of the unnamed narrator. The narrator, a former cross-dresser, once owned and ran the beauty salon for which the story is named, and has now transformed it into a sort of hospice (or Terminal as he calls it) for dying men suffering from a unnamed and mysterious illness that appears to be ravaging the area, possibly similar to AIDS.
He runs this hospice on his own, and is the sole provider of aid to the dying men that occupy beds in his store. However the aid is tinged with more then a bit of disdain as the narrator seems to dislike the very patients he provides aid to in the last weeks or days of their lives. Much of the very short novel revolves around his reflections on his once magnificent collection of tropical fish, a collection that grew in size and beauty as the salon succeed, and began to die off as the disease spread and the salon closes.
Overall, a fascinating if depressing short novel (63 small pages), that should be required reading for anyone interested in modern Latin American or Mexican writing.
#6 "Bonsai" by Alejandro Zambra
"Bonsai" follows two university students Julio and Emilia, two lovers who it is revealed will eventually separate and whose end is hinted at the very beginning of the story. Not only is the plot fantastic, but the style is what really brings everything together. The story is told in third person, and is often seem indifferent, as if the story was unimportant, the story unimportant, the characters fate, trivial. The conversations of the characters are interspersed with quotes from their favorite authors and the texts in subdivided into various brief sections, keeping things divided and moving the reader along. Overall, a great book and worth every penny.
7PaulBerauer
#7 "Ghosts" by César Aira
"Ghosts" by César Aira is undeniably a classic piece of Latin American literature. It follows the story of a family who lives on top of an apartment building still under construction. Taking place over the course of only one day, the narration wanders from following various people on the construction site, eventually focusing on Patri, the oldest daughter of the family. The narration follows their lives, and wanders, often bringing attention to a series of overweight and dust covered ghosts that seem to inhabit the construction site and who are visible to those who live and work there. The meaning of time, life and philosophy are covered casually, often with the narrator seeming to make observations that don't make sense or are plain wrong. Overall, a fantastic little book, perfect to be read in one day.
#8 "Gun, with occasional music" by Jonathan Lethem
"Gun, with occasional music" follows private detective Conrad Metcalf in his investigation into just what happened to his former murdered boss, especially after the supposed murderer hires Metcalf to clear his name. The book is certainly an interesting take on the classic noir, with the dystopian near-future world adding a certain amount of flair.
However, the addition of mind altering drugs, highly evolved animals and strange, partially grown baby-things, while interesting, only distracts from the main story. In fact, a lot of times it seems almost an after fact, as if Jonathan Lethem threw them in just to make his book seem more like science fiction than than a normal crime noir.
Overall, an interest book, and one you should check out if you like sci-fi and crime noir.
#9 "The Armies" by Evelio Rosero
"The Armies" follows the life of elderly former school teacher Ismael and his wife Otilia and their life in a small remote Colombia village. The village is constantly under threat from both rebels and paramilitary forces, who attack the town and military garrison frequently. However, life for the couple seems relatively peaceful, with Ismael continuing his habits of picking oranges and observing his sunbathing neighbor's wife.
However, this life is shattered once Otilia disappears during an attack on the village, and soon life in the town crumbles, as Ismael struggles to find out what exactly happened to his wife.
On a side note, don't read all these Latin American novels back to back, or even within the same month if you can help it. While they are fantastic books, they are also incredibly depressing and really put a damper on your happiness level.
"Ghosts" by César Aira is undeniably a classic piece of Latin American literature. It follows the story of a family who lives on top of an apartment building still under construction. Taking place over the course of only one day, the narration wanders from following various people on the construction site, eventually focusing on Patri, the oldest daughter of the family. The narration follows their lives, and wanders, often bringing attention to a series of overweight and dust covered ghosts that seem to inhabit the construction site and who are visible to those who live and work there. The meaning of time, life and philosophy are covered casually, often with the narrator seeming to make observations that don't make sense or are plain wrong. Overall, a fantastic little book, perfect to be read in one day.
#8 "Gun, with occasional music" by Jonathan Lethem
"Gun, with occasional music" follows private detective Conrad Metcalf in his investigation into just what happened to his former murdered boss, especially after the supposed murderer hires Metcalf to clear his name. The book is certainly an interesting take on the classic noir, with the dystopian near-future world adding a certain amount of flair.
However, the addition of mind altering drugs, highly evolved animals and strange, partially grown baby-things, while interesting, only distracts from the main story. In fact, a lot of times it seems almost an after fact, as if Jonathan Lethem threw them in just to make his book seem more like science fiction than than a normal crime noir.
Overall, an interest book, and one you should check out if you like sci-fi and crime noir.
#9 "The Armies" by Evelio Rosero
"The Armies" follows the life of elderly former school teacher Ismael and his wife Otilia and their life in a small remote Colombia village. The village is constantly under threat from both rebels and paramilitary forces, who attack the town and military garrison frequently. However, life for the couple seems relatively peaceful, with Ismael continuing his habits of picking oranges and observing his sunbathing neighbor's wife.
However, this life is shattered once Otilia disappears during an attack on the village, and soon life in the town crumbles, as Ismael struggles to find out what exactly happened to his wife.
On a side note, don't read all these Latin American novels back to back, or even within the same month if you can help it. While they are fantastic books, they are also incredibly depressing and really put a damper on your happiness level.
9PaulBerauer
Thanks! I was pretty surprised myself on the quality of the books. Rarely have I gone through such a long streak of such good books.
10PaulBerauer
And now for something a little different.
#10 "Simple Genius" by David Baldacci
This is the first book I've read by the amazing prolific writer of mysteries and conspiracies David Baldacci. And while I'm usually not a huge fan of these types of books (mysteries or cheap/pulp fiction), but this one was pretty darn good.
The book follows Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, two former secret service agents who get hired to investigate the mysterious death of a worker at a even more mysterious company. While Sean investigates the original death, the body was found on a nearby CIA training base, Michelle struggles to deal with her inner demons and tries to join up with Sean to help him.
Overall, a pretty good book for a pulp fiction mystery. I'll admit that the twist ending (and there always is a twist) took me by surprise. Not an intellectually stimulating book or one that will win any awards, but a good read none the less.
#10 "Simple Genius" by David Baldacci
This is the first book I've read by the amazing prolific writer of mysteries and conspiracies David Baldacci. And while I'm usually not a huge fan of these types of books (mysteries or cheap/pulp fiction), but this one was pretty darn good.
The book follows Sean King and Michelle Maxwell, two former secret service agents who get hired to investigate the mysterious death of a worker at a even more mysterious company. While Sean investigates the original death, the body was found on a nearby CIA training base, Michelle struggles to deal with her inner demons and tries to join up with Sean to help him.
Overall, a pretty good book for a pulp fiction mystery. I'll admit that the twist ending (and there always is a twist) took me by surprise. Not an intellectually stimulating book or one that will win any awards, but a good read none the less.
