1+1+1+++, oh, who's counting??

I'm on a mission this year: A Literary Year. My minimum goal is to finish at least 20 books, and my stretch goal is to finish 30. Strrreeetttccchhh. Could be do-able, as my free time has increased dramatically since I quit my "real" job, and will increase even more when we move to Germany...

So far, I've devoured (mostly):

1. "Unbroken" - Laura Hillenbrand (great book; I learned a lot more history than I was expecting (as I was expecting to be bored to tears by the talk of war), but I was immediately captivated by this expertly woven tale of hope, redemption, and forgiveness; only complaint is that I had to read it in hardcover, as I'm a paperback devotee!)
2. "The Tiger's Wife" - Tea Obreht (talk about great story telling! The author is reknowned for her youth as well as for her skill as a writer, and in this tale, knits together generations, mystery, folk tales, family, and friendships in a mystical and captivating tale)
3. "Pears on a Willow Tree" - Leslie Pietrzyk (1st book of the year outside the book club! Also a great book of the complexities that come with family. In this case, its 4+ generations of Polish-Americans, especially the relationships between the women, who are the focus. Believe you me, it is a complex web we weave...)
4. "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls" by Rachel Simmons (1st library book of the year!; excellent topic which doesn't get nearly the cultural attention it needs; Simmons's book is somewhat repetitive and not incredibly well written, but because the subject is otherwise not discussed, it was still a worthy read.)
5. "A Year and a Day" - Leslie Pietrzyk (2nd non-book club book, and we're off! Honestly, I bought this one because "Pears' was recommended by a trusted source, and now that I'm on Amazon Prime, all of the sudden I'm ordering all kinds of books without a care in the world. Am I ever glad that I did... As a therapist, I have worked with people on all sides of the suicide-suicide fallout spectrum, from passive to active ideation with plan, to family members trying to put their lives together following a completed suicide. This book nails it, from top to bottom, without being any more depressing or maudlin than the word suicide entails (neither minimizes nor aggrandizes any of the feelings on any sort, and made it such that I, who meet people in all shades of darkness, thoroughly enjoyed it. Even more than "Pears.")
6. "We Need to Talk About Kevin" - Lionel Shriver (1st time I've ever taken a book recommendation from a client - I will be asking her for more! This book was absolutely stunning. Best (not least dark) so far, this year, hands down, maybe with one arm tied behind its back. Gorgeous, sumptuous words (which I love) detail the horror of a mother who struggles to understand the copious trauma her son has wrought. Looking back, knowing what I know now, I feel like many people wouldn't be surprised towards the end, but I was absolutely rocked out of this world. The character development is exacting, and leaves only the darkness of your own mind in question.)
7. "How to Be A Best Friend Forever" - John Townsend (loaned to me by my best friend following our discussion of some of the principles Dr. Townsend outlines. I was honestly not overly impressed with either the depth or style of the content of this book. He seems to assume that either we have no other real commitments outside of our friendships or that we have more time in our days than just 24 hours. Aside from that, I also am not sure that this book applies to all personality types - for example, as an introvert, I go about my relationships somewhat differently than he outlines. I was also a little disappointed in how he linked the principles of friendship to biblical principles (meaning that it was lacking, based on what I expect from him). I'm not saying that it was all bad, by any means, but read any 1 chapter or so, and you'll have covered the majority of his points.)
8. "Fifty Shades of Gray" - E.L. James (back to book club, which it is worth mentioning was founded as a group of professional women who could read literature, not Jackie Collins novels. "50 Shades" is one of the most popular books in the country right now, largely, I'm sure, because it is salacious and naughty. This is the story of innocence lost, and the desire of love to redeem, with heavy doses of erotica and bdsm for good measure. I am not the world's biggest fan. 500+ pages to get next to nowhere? I didn't dislike or object to the overt sexuality of the text/plot, but it was (to me) contrived and pointless. At least it was a fast read...)

I'm about to start "The Sense of an Ending" by Julian Barnes. I've always had a "thing" for reading books that were award winners, and Barnes's novel is the winner of the 2011 Man Booker Prize. It also comes highly recommended by one of my most discriminating and literate friends, and as such, is highly anticipated by your's truly.

For my professional edification, I'm also mid-way through "The Eating Disorders Sourcebook: A Comprehensive Guide to the Causes, Treatments, and Prevention of Eating Disorders" by Carolyn Costin and "8 Keys to Recovery From and Eating Disorder" by the same author.


Any recommendations?


More to come... :-)