Read Any Good Books Lately?
When I call my sister in Denver, the question she invariably asks is, "So, read any good books lately?" This page is dedicated to answering that question for all who may wonder similarly. (Although my sister won't learn of my reading exploits via this page, as she doesn't go on-line . . .)
Below I've listed books I've read lately, by author, and a brief statement of what I particularly enjoyed about the book. With three little kids at home, I don't have as much time as I would like to spend reading, so I will augment this list with some all-time favorites, as well.
| Author | Title | Statements |
| The Book of Mormon--Another Testament of Jesus Christ | This book is a companion volume of scripture to the Bible. I have read it many times, and I know it is true. For a free copy, click here. | |
| Austin, Jane | Mansfield Park | Story of a poor girl who comes to live with her wealthy relations. For a Jane Austin fan like myself, a novel not to be missed! (The BBC production was great, too.) |
| Chrichton, Michael | Timeline | What happens when you mix historians and particle physics? If you enjoyed Jurassic Park, you will probably enjoy this book, unless you are an armor snob in the SCA. |
| Forester, C. S. | Mr. Midshipman Hornblower | This is the first of the Hornblower novels. The books are well-written and interesting, with lots of adventure and interesting nautical terminology. |
| Hardy, Thomas | Tess of the D'Urbervilles | I couldn't decide whether I liked the book because, while I greatly admired the author's skill, the book is very dark. I think it is worth reading, though. |
| Henry, O | (Any of a number of short stories) | This guy knows how to craft a great short story! Lots of fun! |
| London, Jack | The Sea-Wolf | Adventure, philosophy, romance--this book has it all! |
| Markham, Beryl | West With the Night | Beryl Markham is famous as a pioneer aviator, but her childhood and young adulthood in Africa is also fascinating. Her turn of phrase in this book pricked Hemingway's envy and makes me want to read it aloud just to feel the taste of the words on my tongue. |
| Peters, Ellis | A Morbid Taste for Bones | Brother Cadfael Chronicles--medieval monk meets murder mystery--fun and informative. (There are many more!) |
| The Hermit of Eyton Forest | ||
| The Rose Rent | ||
| Rowling, J. K. | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (and other Harry Potter books) | You've probably heard all the media hype about the Harry Potter books. Here's my take: Fun, escapist literature for young (or older) readers. |
| Sagan, Carl | Contact | Fascinating philosophical ideas. (I like the movie, too!!) |
| Shaara, Michael | The Killer Angels | Classic novel of the Battle of Gettysburg. Recently reread it for the nth time. FYI--the movie "Gettysburg" was based on this book. |