Mid-Term Report - Joe

Well, this won't take long.  Year of the Big Book has made my mid-term report seem pretty simple.  It seems like I haven't finished anything this year.  But, I'm working on some brilliant  big books that will be finished much later (see, Jest, Infinite).  I will star my early favorites, but my two big books currently under consideration but not yet finish (The Count of Monte Cristo and Infinite Jest) loom very very large on that list.

In fact, I am having such an "experience" with IJ that I will be posting regular updates, which may or may not feature the text exchanges it has inspired.  More on that later.  So, although I think I've read too many short books, I have proof that I am working on some bigger ones:

So, without further ado.

WHAT WAS I THINKING?

Everything's Perfect When You're a Liar, by Kelly Oxford.  I've covered this.  It was not so good.  I think I'm downgrading it to 1.5 because the memory is lingering like spoiled cheese.  I'll just move on.

FUN, I GUESS

Dad is Fat, by Jim Gaffigan.  It was funny at times, but turned into a weird, defensive advocacy of having five children.  I love his stand-up comedy, but the book was hit and miss.  It was not a pile of crap like the one above.

FANTASY TIME

The Hobbit, by J. R.R. Tolkien.  I read this out loud to Jacob and he was into it.  He kept pointing out that the movie was nothing like that and I couldn't agree more... and there are two more movies coming.

A Feast for Crows, by George R. R. Martin.
A Dance with Dragons, by George R. R. Martin.

I have reviewed these two books on Goodreads and we even did a three-person chat transcript where we flushed out each of the five books.  I think that about sums up all I have left to say.  I loved them, and moving on.

Marching Morons, by C.M. Kornbluth.  Why do I think of Michael Bluth burning his arm on a corn-baller whenever I type this name?  I covered this before, but it was a good novella and an interesting concept.

* Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, by J.K. Rowling.  This one was special because I read it out loud to Jacob and he was so thoroughly into it.  That made it so special.  He was so riveted by this one that he sat next to me for much of it on all fours staring intently at me. The escape from Gringotts, the battle of Hogwarts... he was just fascinated and engaged. He liked all the books, but was just oozing with joy through most of this one.

He stopped me to make observations, remembered old plot lines and connected dots. He even stopped me to let me know his theories about what events meant and what he thought would happen. He was even right a few times. Reading this one with Jacob and his engagement in the story makes this an easy 5.

BEHAVIOR SCIENCE

* Dreamland, by David K. Randall.  I read this one thinking of dad a bit.  I even recognized some of his life's work in there (sleep apnea).  I learned so much about sleep.  After having to listen to my father practice speeches about sleep apnea throughout my childhood, I do not feel like I learned much about that ailment, but I did learn a ton about other aspects of sleep.  Also, I will never take Ambien.  A really fascinating look at a basic human need.

Raising Cain, by Kindlon & Thompson.  There were some interesting tidbits, but some philosophical misgivings.  Overall it was worthwhile and interesting even if I disagree with how the authors attempt to address what all boys deal with growing up.  I still think teaching perspective and calmness in conducting themselves wins and I think the authors agree. I also think these authors want to sterilize our world from hurt feelings, but that's another post.  I took a lot of useful information from it even if I am not totally on board.

It Never Rains in Tiger Stadium, by John Ed Bradley.  An interesting look at how a man looks back on his past, tries to run from it and finds perspective through writing.  It was a fun read and marked the end of a fun run.

ELITE  

* The Pale King, by David Foster Wallace.  I have blogged about it. I have harped on it.  You either love DFW or you do not.  I love him and think his writing is brilliant.  I was captivated by this book and still think about it now and again.  I can safely call DFW my favorite writer at this point and I think his stories, concepts, and style are on a higher plane.

* Of Human Bondage, by W. Summerset Maugham.  I just discussed this a post or two down.  Phillip Carey is an interesting character, and the book is really good.

* Choke, by Chuck Palihunik. I really liked this book and it was a real surprise.  Dave assigned this one to me and I stated that Palihunik is like a shallower and angrier version of DFW, which may sound like a backhanded compliment, but it is really high praise from me.  This was my first of his books and I was so very impressed with his style and intelligence.  The book was graphic and crass, but it was also a great read.

THE STUFF THAT'S COMING

The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas.

Infinite Jest, by David Foster Wallace.

Oh man, these two have knocked me for a loop.  I am really looking forward to finishing these two books.  Stay tuned.

The quality of books on my list this year has been a real welcome development.  I like this idea of reading books I know I will enjoy... even if I must be reminded of that with the occasional lemon (Oxford).  It's all about perspective.

Happy reading!