Wednesday, December 12, 2007

list

my favorite things I read this year:

Overlook: Exploring the Internal Fringes of America edited by Matthew Coolidge and Sarah Simons
I've already rambled on about this book

The Goldbug Variationsby Richard Powers
Likewise about the already rambling on

The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder
I might reread this book every year. It's beautifully sparse.

The Complete Stories by John Cheever
I sort of want to make a glib comment about how the stories induced me to become an alcoholic country clubber. But that's the cartoon take on Cheever. On of my favorite writers ever, hidden behind a veil of martinis

Marie Antoinette by Antonia Fraser
I'm a Coppola-worshiper, so I first saw the movie. And then had to know the details. The book is a real page-turner. Which is something considering how well-known the ending is.

The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead.
I love Colson Whitehead

Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson
A life-changing (seriously) book read on a plane

The Aspern Papers by Henry James
OK, this is actually the second time I've read this. But it is such a perfect look at art and life. Set in Venice!

Music for Chameleons by Truman Capote
If only for "Hand Carved Coffins" alone.

And, I'm still reading two books that I should finish before 2007 ends. So - list may be subject to change.