I always like to keep a list of books handy for trips to the library or bookstore. Here is my current list (in no particular order):
American Pastoral by Philip Roth -- Why? I recently read The Plot Against America and enjoyed it. This book also won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1998.
Hominids by Robert J. Sawyer -- Why? This book won the Hugo Award in 2003 and I'm a sucker for good sci-fi. I'm actually reading this book now and loving it.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson -- Why? Several people I know have read this book and recommended it. In addition, one of the main story lines is about Daniel H. Burnham, a huge name in Chicago architecture and the girl in me who minored in architectural history would love this.
Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson -- Why? From the author of Cryptonomicon, an incredible book. And once again the whole sci-fi thing. But will I be able to finish this massive 960 page book? (Which is only the first of three volumes!) We shall see.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson -- Why? I love everything that I have read by Bryson! Funny, entertaining and informative. Some of my favorites include: A Walk in the Woods, In a Sunburned Country and I'm a Stranger Here Myself. Travel writing and more at it's best!
Blankets by Craig Thompson -- Why? I've become somewhat interested in graphic novels since reading Persepolis & Persepolis 2 by Marjane Satrapi. So, I went out looking for more graphic novels and stumbled upon this one which has gotten some really good reviews.
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie -- Why? I've been meaning to read this book for ages! It won the Man Booker Prize in 1991 and the best Booker Prize winner of the award's first 25 years. It's a family saga set in the time period following the independence of India.
Saturday by Ian McEwan -- Why? I absolutely loved two of his other books -- Atonement and Amsterdam. I'm looking forward to his latest novel with high hopes. I don't think that I'll be disappointed as I have heard many good things about the book so far.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini -- Why? I haven't really read much about Afghanistan, and while this is fiction, I am under the impression that it gives you a feeling for the climate of the country at the present time. Education and entertainment at the same time -- sounds good to me.
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke -- Why? I don't know why, but I think I'll like this book. I've heard it described as an "adult" Harry Potter book, a combination of historical fiction & fantasy and even a Victorian age work of literature akin to the works of the Brontes. Hmmm. . . this could be good!
Ireland: A Novel by Frank Delaney -- Why? Sounds like an enchanting read! From what I gather, it's an epic tale of the history of Ireland told in the style of the traditional storyteller. I've heard nothing but good reviews for this book.
Well, that should keep me busy, don't you think? I also have to review The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon which I just finished. It won the Nebula Award in 2003 and was an excellent book!
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