Midterm Book Report

One of my goals for 2006 was to read 12,000 pages I’m on track to meet or beat that goal, and thought I’d give a quick review of my books so far. They will be rated by Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down or just Eh. Sorry if it’s long.

• The Prizewinner of Defiance Ohio by Terry Ryan- Eh.
• Bee Season by Myla Goldberg- Thumbs up.
• Night by Elie Wiesel- HUGE Thumbs up. I have to agree when O when she says it should be required reading for everyone in the human race.
• Marley and Me by John Grogan- My favorite book of the year, thus far. Laughed until I cried, cried until I laughed, and wanted to adopt a puppy the day I finished.
• Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki- Thumbs Down. A lot of to-do’s but none of the “how” to accomplish the goals.
• Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt- Thumbs way up.
• My Friend Leonard by James Frey- Scandal or no, great writing style. Not as good as A Million Little Pieces but still good.
• YOU: The Owners Manual by Dr. Mehmet Oz- Thumbs up.
• Endurance by Caroline Alexander- Eh. Great story, great pictures, but could have been told in a more dynamic style.
• Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx- Thumbs up.
• Smart Couples Finish Rich and The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner by David Bach- Thumbs WAY up. Fiscal advice for everyone with not the “how” as well as the “why.”
• Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie- Thumbs up.
• Metro Girl by Janet Evanovich- Eh. Fluffy beach read.
• The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown- Thumbs still up on the third time around.
• Hello Mrs. Pigglewiggle by Betty McDonald- Thumbs Up. Kiddie-lit, BTW.
• Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld- Thumbs up.
• Perfect Match and The Pact by Jodi Piccoult- Thumbs up. My new author of the year.
• 700 Sundays by Billy Crystal- Thumbs Up
• A Spanish Lover by Joanna Trollope- Eh, leaning toward Thumbs Up
• The Devil Wears Prada and Everyone Worth Knowing by Lauren Weisberger- Thumbs up.
• The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve- Thumbs up, leaning toward eh, for a lack of ending.
• Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner- Eh leaning toward thumbs up. Stick with Chick Lit, and lay off the mysteries, Jen.
• Without You by Anthony Rapp- Thumbs WAY Up. If you’re a theater geek, you must read this…. And weep…. Numerous times…. I did. Tied for favorite book of the year.
• A Little Love Story by Roland Merullo- Thumbs up, but another lack of ending.

Now I’m on to The Trouble With Girls by my college professor Marshall Boswell. Love it so far. Buy it just to support the Bos. Love that guy. Loved his classes. I doubt he so much as remembers my name but I’m thrilled he’s doing so well. I also have his second book Alternative Atlanta which is on the To-Read list for later this year.