1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed-What a riveting memoir! Who knew hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail would be so enthralling? The book describes her 1,100-mile hike on the famous mountain path in a journey of self-discovery. I'm looking forward to the movie version now.
2. Black Vodka by Deborah Levy-These are well-crafted stories with nothing obvious tying them together. You can go quickly for the surface story, or dwell on the underlying themes if you're feeling thinky. Levy's work is edgy and complex. Maybe the reader brings that extra layer to the table, or maybe Levy puts it there. Either way, I feel like this author gives us a subterranean level to explore.
3. Bird Cloud-Annie Proulx-Hmmm. Not what I was expecting. It's an intriguing look at one woman's attempt to build a very custom and expensive house in rural Wyoming. Even though this is about her own life, I didn't come away with much info about Ms. Proulx. To be honest, I didn't finish it. There are long, loooong passages about the particulars of home building that I found tedious. Other books kept calling to me. I might pick it up again when I want something with a slower pace.
4. A Writer's Garden by Ethel Pochoki -This was more of a flip-through-while-dreaming-of-spring kind of book. It made me itchy to get outside and stick my hands in the dirt.
5. Old Songs in a New Cafe by Robert James Waller-Shoot. I found this one frustrating. I thought Waller's romantic novels were lovely. Everyone and their great aunt loved Bridges of Madison County, and I did, too. This book of essays covers a period of his own life, and much of the writing has the warm, very human feel of his other work. However...and this is a big however...I recently found out Waller had a seven-year-long affair with his mistress before leaving his wife of thirty-odd years. Eeesh. I have no idea what happened there, and frankly-none of my business. I don't think readers need to know about a writer's personal life. Sometimes I'm curious if I really like an author, but I think their work should stand on its own. But. But but but...when reading a memoir-ish book about his undying love for family, well...meh. I wish I hadn't heard about any of Mr. Waller's personal issues. I found the personal news distracting at best, and found it hard to find his book genuine. You know how after it became public knowledge that Tom Cruise is kind of wacko, do you have uncontrollable twinges of thinking 'crazy person' while watching his movies? I feel a little like that.
6. Good Bones & Simple Murders by Margaret Atwood-I'm partial to Atwood to begin with, but add fairy tale motifs and I'm there! The author also did all the charming, loose illustrations that accompany the stories. I've only read one so far, and I'm doling the rest out like candy.
A quick recap on these:
-This I How by Augusten Burroughs-Didn't disappoint! This is a self-help book for people who loathe self-help books. I dig his tell-it-like-it-is style regarding a variety of life's issues. He writes with a deep understanding of human nature. Be warned, though, Mr. Burroughs will call you on your b.s. And most people could use a good healthy dose of being kicked in the pants. I will definitely be picking up more of his work.
-The Annie Dillard Reader-selections from Annie Dillard -This stood out as so special I'm going to reserve it for another time. A time when I can dedicate a good chunk of hours to this author's gorgeous writing. Thanks for the recommendation, Mr. Alvear!
-This is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett-I've only read five of the essays, but they were warm and witty. I haven't read any of Patchett's fiction, but this was a nice introduction to her style. I was curious to hear about a prolific author's take on writing vs. life. After this, I'm eager to pick up Bel Canto.
-I Drink For A Reason by David Cross-I think Cross is a hilarious actor with brilliant timing, but this book was a bit much for me. He goes there. And keeps going there.
-Do Not Deny Me by Jean Thompson-These short stories have a dark humor that border on painful. I'm not sure I'd grab this book if you're looking for uplifting fair, but I'll give her another try in the future.
