Friday Reading Round-Up for December 12, 2008

Happy Friday all!

My schedule is totally messed up because of several things this week, but it’s all good things. New clients, project changes, lots of writing, lots of reading.

I’ve got a few books to share.

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. This is an interesting read, one that I’m seeing patterns in. The patterns are of anger: a man’s wife cheats on him, they move to Colorado and get jobs at Columbine High School and what happened there we all know. I’m reminded of the shock we all felt during those days following April 1999 (especially when Kip Kinkel struck locally at Springfield High School just a few short months earlier in May 1998). Interesting book. If you’ve enjoyed Lamb’s novels before, you’ll like this one.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. In defense of this well-written book, I’m going to recommend it once again. I hear many people disparaging this book for one reason or another (I actually think they are jealous or naive, and in most cases, they haven’t actually read it; not exactly sure why people make pronouncements against books they haven’t actually READ) and I’m tired of it. Twilight is a good read. It’s engaging, interesting, high concept, and the conflict makes you want to keep turning the pages. My husband is even reading it (he complains about it every time, but continues to read). So, quit nagging those of us who like the book and just read it for yourself. If you hate it, fine. But at least you are making an “educated” statement.

The Art of the Public Grovel by Susan Wise Bauer. In light of our recent political election season, this is an interesting read. I find the author’s thesis quite well-defended and her assertions that American public figures must provide some sort of “grovel” in order to regain their footing is a right one. It’s a great read, well done, Dr. Bauer.

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing by Mignon Fogarty. Not only do I buy every single book on blogging, I buy every book on editing and writing. Call me slightly neurotic or OCD, but I like knowing what’s out there teaching the skills I utilize everyday to make my living. Mignon Fogarty’s book is one of the better ones. She first got her “Grammar Girl” title from producing podcasts on iTunes and then the book came along. If you are one of those people who always wonder when to use a serial comma or a semicolon, this book is for you. Easy to read, fun, and you’ll learn a lot. Highly recommended.

Tagged as: Friday Reading Round-Up, gossip, reading