Classic 14: Tales of the South Pacific

James Michener.




Recommended for? History buffs, short story readers, or if you're in the mood for some classic 1940's language and perspectives about American life, men and women, justifications, and expectations.

Why Tales of the South Pacific?
James Michener came on my radar reading Wild, by Cheryl Strayed. She talked about how her mom read so many of his books, and read one on her hike with some nostalgia. The way she spoke about his novels, felt initially dismissive (though she seemed to come back around to them as offering more than she originally appreciated) and I figured that they were light hearted mystery books or easy reads. I want some balance in my lists, so light hearted sounded like just the ticket.  


When I was looking at which book to pick of his, I kept seeing Tales of the South Pacific come up as one of the best. I also learned that the musical South Pacific was based on the book. Again - suggesting a nice, light hearted book. After I bought the book, I saw the seal that it was the winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Yeah, that was a bit of a surprise. And the first sign that maybe I wasn't about to read a fluffy, page-turning whodunit.


How was it?
Really good. I see why it won the prize. It fit incredibly well with the books I've been reading over the past couple of years in this reading quest. It stirred memories of Kurt Vonnegot, the realities of war. And resurfaced images from Bradley's non fiction, Flyboys. It was actually quite complimentary. Flyboys focused, as you'd expect, on pilots - whereas this book centered on those who supported the flyboys or what those boys got up to ashore. Shenanigans, that's for sure.


The book balanced serious issues of war with humor and perplexity. Luck and happenstance, forward and backward thinkers, hard work, honor, morals, and bravado - all woven into the story of these men and women. All considered. It didn't answer unanswerable questions, but simply took them as part of life. Jungles, seas, and unanswerable questions - that's war in the South Pacific. I appreciated it.  There was just so much more to this book than I could describe here.


Chapters were more like short stories. Some floating gems, some with returning characters. The abrupt changes between narrators and tones was occasionally jarring, but suited the nature of the book. Linguistically, it felt like it could have been read by Humphrey Bogart at times. With talk about dames and scandal, Japs, and what it meant to be brave or bored in the South Pacific.




I ended up taking my time reading this book, because I didn't want to rush it. It was worth slowing down for. It was an unexpected book - and feels exemplary of why I started this challenge. To branch outside my reading comfort zone.

Classic 15: Brave New World

It was banned books week recently - and the DC Public Library had an outreach at our local farmer's market - basically bringing this book to me!

DC Public Library at the Farmer's Market promoting #bannedbooks !

I liked this book way more than I expect to. I enjoyed the plot, the writing style, and the ideas explored. I almost feel bad that my expectations were so low going in. Maybe that's why I enjoyed it so much, but I don't think that was it.


An early dystopian novel - referred to as a "utopian" society by journalists at the time - but clearly not an idealized utopia. One foraged through science and industrialization gone amok. A British society turned upside down - where sexual promiscuity was not only encouraged, but anything less was frowned upon. Attachments discouraged. Individualism despised. Creativity and independent thought abhorred.


Who else could be the idolized figurehead of the industrial future of human kind, but Ford? For Ford's Sake! I loved it. I loved the simplicity of it. I loved the symbolism. I did not love the truth of it.


But the appalling truth is staggering. The extremes drawn out in the novel aren't so far off from where we are. The idea of tossing things out when they wear down rather than replace them? Just look at our landfills. The idea of soma tablets for the masses to diminish their independent thoughts? We are the most overmedicated society in history - using food, alcohol, and drugs to distance ourselves from unpleasant matters.


An elusive and unsettled concept for me was his idea that we have levels of a society - and that this utopian society could not be sustained long term with all "Alphas" we need lesser people to do lesser jobs or we need room for growth and development. Society can't exist without that. I'm not entirely true I agree, but I think it's an interesting concept to mull on. I've certainly met philosophizing garbage men who appeared very satisfied with their life work. Large and small organizations seemed to have tackled this with either rotating everyone through the menial tasks or requiring the menial tasks as a prerequisite to further participation in the organization or society. You have to be a private before you can be a general.


At first glance, it Huxley seemed to be asking, "What's the purpose of human life?" he was really asking harder questions. Do we want independence or just the illusion of it? What is freedom, anyway? Is life better with no real choices in exchange for no pain? Is it better to be a free thinking individual alone - or a mindless part of a larger community? What are you willing to give up to be part of one or the other?


Recommended? This was a quick read. Fun for those who enjoy today's modern dystopian novels. There were elements of many of them in this early vision. I'd also say it's worth considering for those that enjoy today's post apocalyptic shows (The Walking Dead, The Last Ship, Falling Skies, etc!).

Classic 13: The Time Machine

A classic science fiction for good reason.

This book was short (76 pages) and to the point. Like books of its time, it set the scene and jumped right in to the heart of the story.

Similar to Frankenstein, the book is told in first person, from different characters - but only 2. The first introduces the protagonist, and then story shifts to the story of the Time Traveller. In some ways, we have done away with the need to "set up the story" like this, but I kind of enjoy the way the classics do it. Teeing it up, in a way. It reminds me of the Princess Bride - with young Fred Savage in his bed getting ready to hear the story. We are shifted to hear the story not just from our own perspective, but someone else's and by so doing, hear the story in a different way, too. Simple, but brilliant.

Also similar to Frankenstein - this book was more philosophical than I expected. It used time travel as a way to deal with big, huge societal questions - about socialism/communism, and the purpose of our existence, and played with ideas like how love of war and combat can be a survival instinct and a survival hindrance.

The biggest issue it seemed to contemplate was one class or one race's dominance of another - and how that might play out. HG Wells peeled back the layers of assumptions we make and pushed those ideas a bit farther.

The language in this book dragged. The plot carried the book more than any connection with the primary storyteller. The result being that the 76 pages took longer than I wanted it to (Thank you, jury duty for giving me the chance to get so much reading done!), but it was a solid book with groundbreaking ideas, that have paved the way for so much creativity.

Recommended for: Someone wanting to explore the foundations of time travel stories. Someone who wants to take a step into history and into the future at the same time.

Classic 12: One Hundred Years of Solitude

Camille Beers, my roommate in Oviedo, Spain said something like - "You HAVE to read this book." She must have repeated that at least a dozen times. This book has been on my reading list ever since. That was Spring 2001. Fifteen years later... I finally cracked it open!

The ideas presented appear unconventional, forbidden, and matter of fact at the same time. I enjoyed that anything goes approach to story telling, making each turn of the page unpredictable. The multitude of intertwined stories all stemming from one family provides the author the chance to weave in lots of smaller storylines.

For me, though, it was choppy and not the kind of book that carries you away. In fact, it was not a book that pulled me in at all. It felt like a couple dozen short stories haphazardly shoved together and overlapping. The chaotic jumble of stories was not my cup of tea. It just felt outside my comfort zone, and not in a fun way. More of a nails-on-a-chalkboard kind of way.

I appreciated that many of the thematic concepts of the book did not feel like a manipulation just to lecture or influence the reader - but merely offered differing opinions on industrialization, even more basic traditions vs change, fate, and overcoming or giving in to our inner fears.

The circuitous story telling that may or may not have a point and may have just been a wild story just because. I understand that it deserves a place on library shelves and completely understand why people would enjoy this. It's just not for me. Perhaps my lawyer training ruined me for books like this? But I did reach a rhythm with the book and can understand why so many people love his work. It was a long slog before I realized I was turning the pages a bit faster - and was left smiling on many occasions through the book.

In the end, while I can't say I feel the same as Camille did, I often wondered if I had read this in college if I would have felt more enthusiastic about it. It doesn't resonate with me today. I'm glad I read it. I'm glad I took a walk in this world. I'm also glad that I'm leaving it behind.

Recommended for: Someone looking for a non-traditional story, a winding story. Early magical realism.

40 Non-Fiction

The New Goal:

I've decided to upgrade my annual goal of reading more non-fiction to a full blown 40 before 40 goal. It's aggressive because I'm getting to it so late that it's a lot of books to cram in, in the next 4 years. But, I'm going to count the books I have already read (last year and this year) in my annual goals, so it doesn't feel quite so out of reach.

I had already been keeping a list of Non-fiction books I wanted to read for my list last year and this year - there were way too many good ones, and at the same time I was still not sure that I would do it without the goal. So it seems to fit the purpose of the 40 Before 40 quest.

I'd love suggestions! 

Non-Fiction Read so Far:

1. Boys in the Boat
2. My Beloved World
3. Flyboys
4. Tiny Beautiful Things
5. Spinster
6. Wild
7. Originals
8. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
9. Running with Scissors
10. Rising Strong, Brene Brown
11. This I Believe - NPR Published
12. (Between the World and Me Ta-Nehesi Coates)
13. (All the Single Ladies - Rebecca Traister)
14. Talking As Fast as I can - Lauren Graham (aka Lorelai Gilmore)

On the Possible Reading list

• Omnivores Dilemma
• Just Mercy - Bryan Stevenson (of Ted talks) 
• Misbehaving (behavioral economics)
• Drive
• Dead wake 
• Lusitania
• Where Men win glory, Jon Krakauer 
• Guns, germs and steel
• Unbroken 
• 10% happier 
• Salt
• Mental floss history of the U.S. 
• The monster of Florence 
• The imperial cruise  
• Gang leader for a day
• Stiff
• Heads & beds 
• Holly tucker, Bloodwork

Topics/Subject Areas on Reading List: 

• Presidential History 
• Women in History
• Revolutionary History
• Civil War
• Legal - Supreme Court, RBG, etc. 
• Business 
• Contemporary Psychology/Social Psychology
• Behavioral economics 
• Fun other stuff - how things work from an insider's perspective (ie: Stiff) 

Classic 11: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings

I have at least 3 classics ready to read, and was torn between which one to start next. But when I was home (to Oregon) recently this book was sitting on the bookshelf and I grabbed it knowing it would be exactly the right next classic to read. It was.

I started the book and sank into her melodic words, assuming I knew what I was getting myself into. I was ... mildly right. A young black girl moving to the South. From there, I was swept away to some unexpected stories and insights and into a child's (then teenager's) perspective that was simultaneously relatable and foreign.



I was a bookworm as a kid too - but not like Maya Angelou.  In fact, because I read this very book as a part of my desire to improve my reading repertoire, so I felt viscerally aware that I wasn't up to snuff with this 8 year old protagonist's literary exploits. A Tale of Two Cities might be on my possible reading list ... but I've reserved that tome for when I have the mental capacity to digest it. But ok, Ms. Angelou, I now feel humbled all the more by your reading that book in grade school! Not offensively, just matter of factly humbled.

The story was good, if mildly predictable and a lot slower than I expected it to be. Maya was brave but also beautifully naive in ways. Learning book smarts quickly, but life lessons when they are forced on her. I kind of loved how even in her reflections of that, she was almost scientifically assessing her behavior. Picking it apart for self-analysis, and we were all just allowed a peak in.


It's easy to see why this book is so often required reading - allowing a window into racism and societal norms in a historical context that's also timeless. We experience those pressure points and truths in the rural south, the urban south, and then the west coast. But her story also takes us through personal tragedies and traumas to pull us along with her insistence on perseverance.

Recommended for? Those looking for a dip back in time. Those looking to refresh their perspective on the depth of race relations in the US. Those who want to be told a story (As an autobiography, this book felt more like a long conversation with Maya rather than a book with a beginning/middle/end).

Classic 10 of 40: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

One quarter of the way through my reading goal! 25%! 1/4!

Why Frankenstein?

I had another classic book purchased and ready to read - but ... then had to buy something for a couple dollars on Amazon to get my "add-on" item -and Frankenstein was sitting at the top of my wish list for less than $3. Seemed perfect!

That explains the timing of this read, but really it's on the list because it's one of those classics that you feel like you know already from all modern references from movies, cartoons, and tv shows. And all the costumes. But I realized, I don't really know the "true" story of Frankenstein. And it seemed like a fun way to spice up the Classics reading. And it was!

Thoughts on the Book:

This book was a delightful surprise in many ways. Much more broadly philosophical than I'd imagined. Creationism, wrongful conviction, self-determination, the power and limitations of knowledge, self-acceptance and rejection, etc. It was almost 3 stories in one tiny compact book, with 3 rotating storytellers. My copy was only 166 pages - but Mary Shelley covered quite a lot of terrain in that small space.

Admittedly, I was disappointed by the slow start to the book and how heavy the language was. However, after adjusting to the pacing - the book developed increasingly well. I found myself eager for longer commutes to get back to the story.

The long, heavy language was due, in part, to how old the book is. First published in 1818, it took awhile to get back into older English. To put that in perspective, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was first published in 1870! Jules Verne wasn't even born until 1828 - ten years after Frankenstein was published. On the other side, Candide was published in 1759, but has always seemed so much older to me. The development of science between those years is more than imaginable. And thus, the basis of these novels that flirt was science are so vastly different.

I can't really say that this is an early anti-hero style book. But I will say that Mary Shelley provided reasons to both dislike and like all three of the main story tellers - which I appreciated.

Recommended for? Those willing to brave the older English for a thoughtful, if somewhat dark story.

All the Light We Cannot See

A special book review edition for this phenomenal book!

Recommended by an attorney is my office - I'm so happy I took the time out of my regularly scheduled reading for this book. Not only is this book absolutely incredible, and well deserving of far better praise than I could give it, but it has a deep connection with one of the classics I have already reviewed. 

Set in World War II Germany and France. Primarily told through the point of view of a young, blind French girl and a young German boy. An often romanticized era, this book brought a new perspective. A simplistic vantage point to the war told through a complex series of events and flashbacks.

The quick back and forths might be too much for some readers (chapters were typically 2-5 pages), but the story was quite strikingly told.

More than one of the unpretentious subtleties of the book hit me like a two by four.  There were overwhelming emotional truisms, that struck out of no where. Much like war - it was hard not to recognize the parallel artfully portrayed.

Had to make special stop in Paris: Museum of Natural History

Science has a strong presence in all aspects of All the Light We Cannot See. The young girl's father works at the Natural History Museum in Paris. The young boy shows an early interest in mechanics.

Throughout the book, the author wove a little ode to Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. You may recall, that was no where near a favorite of mine. But this book made it come to life in a whole new way. The sense of discovery and adventure written by Jules Verne was highlighted and made me excited to understand the references.

I can't help but wonder if I would have enjoyed 20,000 Leagues more if I'd read it after this book. But I was glad to have had it under my belt as well - because it certainly added a depth to this book as I read along.


Recommended for: History buffs! WWII buffs! Those who enjoy an exceptionally well woven story.

A Special Thank You:  to my Dad and Nora for this book as a Christmas Present!

Jardins des Plantes!

Goal 14 In Progress: 40 Classics to Read Before I'm 40

My quest to read 40 classic books before I turn 40. 

I'm trying to read about 8 per year. I've had a couple requests to put all the Classics on one page - so here you go! Below are the books that I have read with links to my non-spoiler reviews. Further below are the books on my ever-growing Potential Classics to Read List.

Classics I've Read So far:

1. Gone with the Wind
2. Candide
3. Slaughterhouse 5
4. Dune
5. The Sound and the Fury
6. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
7. Hounds of Baskerville 
8. East of Eden
9. Lord of the Flies 
10. Frankenstein
11. 100 Years of Solitude
12. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
13. The Time Machine by HG Wells
14. South Pacific by James Michener
15. Brave New World
16. The Little Prince
17. ...

My Other Book Reviews:

• All the Light We Cannot See
• The Books That Made the Biggest Impression on Me This Year (2015)
• Reviewed: Wild, East of Eden, Spinster, and Flyboys
• 2015 Reading Goals Accomplished  (Very Brief Reviews)
• History/Biography Reviews: FlyBoys, Boys in the Boat, My Beloved World
• NonFiction Reviews: Tiny Beautiful Things, Wild, Spinster
• BestSellers/Fiction: The Giver, Boston Girl, The Closers, Drums of Autumn

Potential Classics or Classic Authors to Read:

• The Odyssey
• All's quiet on the western front 
• Agatha Christy
• Malcolm X
• Jane Eyre
• Henry James
• Conte of Monte Cristo
• Mrs. Dalloway 
• Hemingway - A farewell to arms or 
• Jane Eyre 
• Ian Fleming (Bond)
• George Eliot 
• Louisa May Alcott
• Henry James - portrait of a lady 
• The winter of our discontent 
• Les Miserable
• Tennyson 
• James Joyce
• Browning 
• Crime & Punishment
• Le Petit Prince 
• CS Lewis
• Dorian gray - Oscar Wilde 
• Fountainhead 
• Moby dick 
• Fitzgerald  - beautiful & damned 
• Dickens - tale of 2 cities 
• Shakespeare - twelfth night 
• Greek mythology  
• Frankenstein 
• Ulysses 
• DH Lawrence 
• Eyes watching God 
• If Biel street could talk - James Baldwin 
• Rebecca
• Brave new world 
• The Sun Also Rises
• Ken Kesey 
• Robert Louis Stevenson 

Classic 9 of 40: Lord of the Flies

Why Lord of the Flies?

I have bought this book at least 2 or 3 times and have never made it through. Correction: had never made it through. It's one of those books that gets referenced all the time - "It's like Lord of the Flies around here!" Of course everyone knows the basic premise and through references I felt like I kind of already knew the story. And I mostly did. But... there were additions and nuances that I didn't know. And the ending I didn't know (and won't share here, of course).

Thoughts on the book:

This was absolutely a worthwhile read. No regrets. It wasn't super painful to get through. Interesting, but not a real page turner for me.

The good: The more I thought about it, the more I realized how many interesting ideas were contemplated in the book. It was a lot more layered and nuanced than I gave it credit while I was reading it. Fear, Leadership, Jealousy, Group Think, Justice and Society, Savagery and primal instinct.  Those are just the highlights that I noticed. The more I think about it, the longer the list gets.

But also, the power of a single voice; the power of the individual. Moral rights and wrong in face of survival, desperation, the crowd. Individual identity (as opposed to the power of an individual - Samneric, for example), the perception of others.

I was most captivated by the power of fear in decision making and leadership. It's hard not to make parallels as we are in the midst of a presidential election with the demagogue currently the front runner for the Republic ticket.

Mr. Golding did a seamless job portraying the slippery slope between Group Think to Mob Mentality. You could feel it brewing before the tipping point, but knew there was no stopping it. Just so well done.

The not-so-good: This was nowhere near what I would consider a good read. I never felt like curling up on a rainy day with this book. The premise felt so full of potential. And yet, the story felt so dry. A lot of it felt like drudging through. Maybe it was supposed to? Maybe we felt the idleness and trapped-feeling of being stuck? But until the very end of the book, it was far from gripping and engaging.

Recommended for?

This seems like the perfect required high school reading book. Or college level for social dynamics/leadership/organizational behavior. You could use this book for the basis of a dozen different college papers. Having said that, I'm still glad I read it. It's a short book and worth the read if you were never required to read it.

The Books That Made the Biggest Impression on Me This Year (2015)

I have been deeply impacted by the books I've chosen this year, in part because I set these aggressive (for me) reading goals. I knew I was facing a serious reading challenge and was more conscientious in the books I chose. I chose books that complimented each other or balanced each other. But also, books that complimented me or balanced my current life.

The books that made the biggest impression on me this year weren't necessarily the books I enjoyed the most; though I did enjoy each of the ones I'm mentioning. The books I enjoyed the most were valuable, but in a different way (Dune, Boys in the Boat, Tiny Beautiful Things, etc).

Wild - Because, hello. Cheryl Strayed.
She conveyed humanity as seen through an individual's choices - the good, the bad - and everything else. The basis of her story was overcoming and progressing through grief by hiking the Pacific Coast Trail. Along the way, she addresses complicated relationships with mothers: the difficult, the straightforward, and the complicated web that it weaves over our lives with or without her physical presence. I feel lucky and grateful to have a mother that taught me to see the beauty in the world. Cheryl discusses romantic relationships and reflects on how love can be both powerful and life saving, and not enough. As she takes a step forward on the trail, you as a reader travel back through her life and find out what brought her to this place often full of stark beauty.

I agreed with a friend of mind that I probably wouldn't have found the "character" in the movie all that sympathetic. Yet, I found the book deeply moving. There was a lot more substance and depth in the book. The book addressed her personal, emotional journey much more than the physical journey - allowing you to feel the triumphs of both as reached milestones and ah-ha moments.

I'd also say that this book would be best read if you're in the mindset for this kind of book. Some books you can plow through - to keep up with the lastest bestsellers - and while that would be very doable with this book. it's the type of book that would be almost wasted to be read like that.  

Quick shout-out to Tiny Beautiful Things! A compilation of letters and responses from Cheryl Strayed's advice column, Dear Sugar! It was a quick read, but thought provoking. It covers so many topics from people in a variety of places in life. Not only does Cheryl normalize the letter writer's experience, but she puts things in perspective in such a unique way. Each letter and response is compelling and somehow relatable. Thank you, Stephanie, for the fabulous book! 

Spinster - I was actually underlining through this book. I don't do that! But listen to this: One woman speculated that, "the woman may write her own life in advance of living it, unconsciously, and without recognizing or naming the process." To which the author inquires of herself, "Is this what I've been doing ...writing my own life, unwittingly, in advance of living it?" 

There were numerous stories of women in history that are not present in our modern concept and daily images of what women are and have been in American History. Our cultural concept of women has forgotten these incredible women of the past centuries that have gone the non traditional route; who listened to themselves over the droning shouts of society and lived on their own terms. Successful or not, they bravely lived true lives. It makes sense that they aren't championed through society. It would be mayhem. Or so we are lead to believe. I'm beginning to believe that there's a secret society of a large portion of women living single and loving it and letting expectations roll right off. 

"I couldn't shake the sensation that I was living out someone else's version of success."

I certainly am not able to recommend this book to everyone. It was written in a very literary style and has a fairly specific audience (that I happen to fall into), but it impacted me far more than I anticipated. It helped to re-frame the choices available to women; it was a reminder that we have more choices than we are led to believe. We can create options if we don't like what we are being served. And that was just what I needed.

Flyboys - This is an older book, but I found it phenomenal. James Bradley shows humanity as seen through war. It's not beautiful, but it's fascinating. It was terrifying in parts and heartening in others. He walked through the life of nine different American airmen - including George W. Bush (Sr.) (I now feel differently about him, and would like to learn more about him).

The facts and the commentary made these abstract ideas of war, that we've grown up hearing about, tangible in a new way. Through interviews and a fairly in depth history of American and Japanese war tactics and propaganda we learn about the mentality of both sides of those that were shooting each other down. He told stories about the bombing of Tokyo, first with facts and then with stories from those that actually remembered it from the ground and describe what it was like to see people they love gone in an instant. You feel the heat from the fires started by the bombs and you know the stories of the men who were starting them. It's this dual, full story about war. It almost neutralizes the inhumanity of war while humanizing it in a way I'd never heard or imagined it before. 

East of Eden -  The only fiction book to make my list for this year. This book has stuck with me. It is a story of original sin, it questions the possibility of salvation. Steinbeck ponders with us, as readers, the ability for someone to overcome their inherent goodness or badness. It contrasts those that actively take control of their life compared with those who let life happen to them. He delves into family dynamics and those influences over individual choice. 


In Conclusion: 
Of the books that have had the greatest impression on me this year - three out of four are nonfiction. Reading challenge: Triumph! It's been incredible waking up to new types of reading again. The importance of reading nonfiction has never been so clear.

Information feels like it is actually pouring in through different neural pathways when I read nonfiction. Narrative nonfiction feels different from other nonfiction, too. I hadn't really realized there would be such differences. When I started this reading quest - I just knew I needed more nonfiction generally. It's been interesting discovering which types of nonfiction I enjoy more, and am curious how that might evolve over time.

I'm excited to be on a new plane of reading and no longer have reading shame. I'm excited to be learning new things and expanding my mind.  

For a full list of the books I've read this year, see 2015 Reading Goals Accomplished!

2015 Reading Goal Accomplished!

My reading quest this year has been a challenge, but a success!

The challenge for me was to step outside my normal reading habits and stretch my mind a bit. After recent discussions with friends about the reason we read, it turns out that my friends were reading "to learn" -  so inspiring and so much more cultured and intellectual than me! Reading for self-education? Prior to this 2015 reading challenge, it had been a long time since I'd done anything like that.

I, meanwhile, realized that I had succumbed to my tendency to read for escapist purposes. For the past few years, I have been reading exclusively for pleasure - mostly detective novels and thrillers. Gripping and well written, but minimal processing required. After reading at work all day, I often felt that all the energy I had left was to relax into a good mystery.

In my former pre-law life, I used to read more broadly, even thought-provoking novels was more than I've been reading in the past few years. I had somehow let my reading go.  Yet I knew that I needed to break out of my reading rut and do better. I still love those pulp-fiction books, but I needed to stir in a little depth for variety.

My reading challenge would not have been much for an accomplished reader, but it felt like the path to rediscovering my love for reading. My return to reading, so to speak.

I've learned that I need both types of reading. I require balanced reading. I have thoroughly enjoyed this higher level of book quality, though. My brain was rusty and slower at first; but after some brain-training has gotten stronger. I read my first detective novel (The Closers) at the end of the challenge, and it felt like such a fast read! I read it so much quicker than it would have had I only been reading detective novels and thrillers all year. I wonder how that will impact my as yet unset reading goals for next year.

The Reading Agenda as Accomplished:
A brief rundown of the books that have brought me back to my first love: Reading.

 Classics:

A full review on each of the classics has been previously posted, click title/link to see the review.

1. Slaughterhouse 5
2. Dune
3. Sound and the Fury 
4. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
5. Sherlock Holmes - The Hounds of Baskerville 
6. East of Eden


History/Biographies: 
1. FlyBoys - History of American Airmen in the Pacific during world war 2. More about this soon, but it changed my view of the atomic bomb and President George Bush, Sr.

2. Boys in the Boat - The story of the American row team going for gold in the Berlin 1936 Olympics. A page turner. If you read it, you know that's true. And if you haven't yet, you should. It's amazing how much you start to get caught up in the lightness of a boat, or stroke repetitions.

3. My Beloved World - Sonia Sotomayor - Justice Sotomayor's memoirs. I bought this book at a family friend's bookshop and it sat on my pile of books until a woman I sat next to on a plane happened to mentioned that she really thought I should read this book - not knowing I already owned it. Reflecting on her life leading up to her appointment on the bench. A quick, but reflective read that I found enjoyable and thought provoking. Justice Sotomayor spoke about growing up the child of immigrants, her community, her family dynamics for better and worse, affirmative action, feeling out of place constantly at the Ivy Leagues, and made me feel better about feeling behind the learning curve at law school and after. She wrote humbly and in a very relatable voice.

Non-Fiction:
1. Tiny Beautiful Things - Cheryl Strayed. I feel like I don't have to say more, but will. My good friend Stephanie sent this to me, and I wouldn't have read it was otherwise. This exceptional book has stories from Ms. Strayed's advice column, Dear Sugar. If you liked Wild, you'll like this. Heartfelt. Heartbreaking. Inspiring.

2. Spinster - More about this soon. About literary women in history who chose to remain unmarried and modern implications and meditations on that theme.

3. Wild - More thoughts on this soon, as well. Famous bestseller by Cheryl Strayed, a Portlander no less. An exceptional memoir about her journey through grief and loss and rediscovery.


BestSellers/Fiction/Fuel the Fun of Reading: 
1. Drums of Autumn (Outlander Series) - Part of the beloved Outlander series. (now a Starz show). Jamie and Claire's love and commitment through ups and downs and more than one life could ever really hold. I love every page of every book.

2. Boston Girl - I went to see Anita Diamant at Sixth and I, (also the author of the Red Tent!). About an immigrant family in turn of the century Boston. It centered on women's family dynamics and personal choices. Historical fiction. 

3. The Giver - My mother met the author of this book; and gave me a signed copy! It was a good read, dystopian and original.

4. The Closers (Harry Bosch) - A detective novel. Love them. Harry Bosch, a hardened L.A. murder detective. Thank you, Dennis Reeves for recommending them!

Classic 8 of 40: East of Eden

East of Eden by John Steinbeck.

 

Why East of Eden? This was an exceptional book that I never would have picked it up if not for the enthusiastic recommendations from an attorney in my office and my step mother. They are both readers I really respect, and both said that this was worth the read.

After drudging through Grapes of Wrath in high school, I just never felt the need to read Steinbeck ever again. Now I find myself wondering if I would like Grapes of Wrath... Maybe I was just too young to appreciate his brilliant writing?

The basics about the book: The book wrestles with strong, biblical themes. Good and evil. Sin. virtue. Cain and Abel and paternalistic love and rejection. While these aren't ideas I mull around with regularly, I was captured by this book wholeheartedly.

The themes in book recur to be reevaluated over different situations. It felt like a philosopher's way of thinking out loud on the written page; applying the same idea to different scenarios and seeing what happens. Almost scientific, but so raw and artfully done so that we could all experience it together. It may have just been good timing for this book in my life, but some moments were so visceral it was almost painful to ask for more from the book.

I am truly in awe of his matter of fact descriptions of human nature. Piercing descriptions of the human condition - the inner most thoughts and motivations of all types of different people and how they interact with the world. It is a genius book on social interaction - how our inner most fears and dreams impact not only ourselves but everyone around us.

Steinbeck explores whether we can overcome our personal nature or whether we are fated by it; and while he presents a resolution - the very essence of the book was the exploration; not the conclusion. Digging in to the depths of human nature. Through pains and sorrows and triumphs and celebrations; we question.

Recommended for: Anyone ready to explore themselves; their family dynamics; or anyone wanting a little philosophical contemplation.

Classic 7 of 40: The Hounds of Baskerville.

Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. 

So iconic.  So screen adapted. And until recently, sadly unread by me.

I'm a fan of so many Sherlock interpretations, it's probably no surprise that I enjoyed the book as well as I did. However, I was nervous that I wouldn't enjoy it so much. That the book may be less than all it's built up to become in modern times.

Very pleased to report that my concerns were not fulfilled. Sherlock is as cocky and condescending as ever; Watson is steadfast and true.

What a delightful classic. A cheerful detour in the land of classics. Lighthearted and mysterious. I would be happy to read more of these - as thankfully - the English begged of Sir Arthur to continue writing after his first stories. They are thoughtful, precise, and masterfully woven. But really, just a fun read.

In the most recent film depiction with Sir Ian McClellan as an aging Mr. Holmes, he describes the books as "penny dreadfuls with elevated prose." I do love that line, and can see how I would have loved them as  a weekly read. Unlike Jules Verne - I found Mr. Holmes' story as told through his ever-loyal sidekick Dr. Watson - remained captivating.

Recommended: Absolutely. For mystery lovers and for anyone ready for a good story.

Classic 6 of 40: Jules Verne - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Finished! This one took me the longest so far; and it was quite possibly the shortest.

Why 20,000 Leagues? I have always wanted to read this; but just never got around to it. I remember the video sitting on my grandma's shelf; and have been curious about the book ever since. This book was the exact type of book I had in mind when I decided to go on this 40 classic novel quest!

Thoughts on the book:
I can absolutely see how this novel altered the course of literary history and how it inspired a new appreciation of science. I imagine there must be so many people that chose a life of science after reading this as it was so ground breaking.

As far a modern read - The first third of the book was delightful. The last quarter of the book was fabulous. The middle.... was a bit of a slog. Endless lists of marine life - classifications of blablapods broken down to genus and species based on the number of legs, location of the gills, skeletal makeup, etc. with notes on how and why they are each different. There are minor bouts of adventure to break up these lists, but I was not as distracted as I wanted to be! The plot was simple and straightforward in that middle section of the book.

The beginning and the end were actually enough to make this a valuable read. I now have a much more vivid image of the enigmatic Captain Nemo. I feel I have a flavor of life on the Nautilus. And i have to say, I feel good about it. I am glad to have had this in my repertoire.  

Recommended for: Scientists! Marine biologists and lovers of detailed marine life. Or, you know lovers of science generally. But most of all - lovers of lists! 

Classic 5 of 40: The Sound and The Fury

 The Sound and the Fury, William Faulkner.

Why the Sound and the Fury? 
I wanted to read something by Faulkner. I was browsing through the used books at the Portland Airport Powells, and found this, and thought, "Perfect!" And away I went.

My Mini Book Review: 
Total honesty: I hated this book. Every page was a challenge to read. I wanted to like it. I wanted to appreciate it. But I couldn't. It made me feel dumb. It made me angry. The book is dark and depressing as far as content goes, but I failed to find the joy in it. I suppose it wasn't intended to convey joy.  There were a couple of poignant moments, some amazing insights into the human condition, but overall - I didn't feel it was worth it. This book was a slog.

I could actually go on about the reasons I disliked this book. But will suffice it to say, it just wasn't my cup of tea!

Recommended?
For those interested in a literary challenge. If you're a lover of true literature. Fans of Shakespeare, and the old classics. But this not a light beach read, by any means! 

Classic 4 of 40: Dune

Dune by Frank Herbert

Why Dune? 
I don't want to be in a classics rut where I just read literary masterpieces. This was a classics can be fun, kind of read! And I have never read science fiction. I like science fiction movies, so it seemed about time!!













Thoughts on the book: 
It was delightful, page-turning, thoughtful, and a worthwhile read! I was taken in immediately by the scenes and imagination of this novel. Soon thereafter I was completely pullled into the universe of Dune. Arrakis. The Arakeen people. The main characters were plentiful and complex. The story was both relatable and other worldly.

I understand how this book has stood the test of time.


Recommended for:  Those who want to sink into a novel with rivalries, revenge, mysteries, and politics. This book has, and likes to point out that it has, plots within plots within plots. But it builds so well, I never felt left behind by the author. And hope you will enjoy it!

If you enjoyed Lord of the Rings, this similarly has journeys full of adventure, a deep cast of characters, and a brilliantly created universe.

Plus, I now understand some nerd jokes! Bonus.

I completely understand this meme! Ha. The power of reading classics.

Classic 3 of 40: Slaughterhouse 5

Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut.

Why Slaughterhouse 5?
It was long overdue: My first Vonnegut book. Finally. Slaughterhouse 5 was recommended by my friend Matt. 

My thoughts on the book: 
No spoilers here. The book is rooted in the bombing at Dresden. Confession:  I didn't know much of anything at all about the bombing at Dresden.

Beyond that basic plot tidbit, I'll say that I had never read anything with this style of writing before. It presented itself with a simple, straight-talking narrator that put you immediately at ease. Maybe I can go so far as to say the manner in which this book is narrated intends for you to feel a bit superior. But I couldn't help but be intrigued by the whole complexity of the protagonist. I was pulled into the strange world and the simply profound insights on human nature and human behavior.

It was a short book that seemed to lull me into believing it would be an easy book. But it was hard to read in a way. Challenged my first impressions, my expectations, and in the end made me feel like I lead a simple life and I'm lucky for it.

Recommended? Yes, For those that want to look at old ideas from a new perspective. While you could pick up this book and read the story, it seems like its best for those that are open to reading for more than just the plot. This book, and I'm guessing this author, is not for everyone all of the time. Recommended for those that are willing to read with an open mind.

Classic Book 2 of 40: Candide

 
Why Candide? 

My good friend Lauren told me about 3 years ago that I should read this book. I said, in passing, that I should read more classic literature. She said I should read Voltaire. I think my response was something like, "What?! Voltaire! I don't think so."

Lauren assured me it was not only good, I would like it. 

As usual, she was right.

My mini Book Review: 

Candide was the perfect book to read after Gone with the Wind. It was short! Super short. Just over 100 pages. The pages are packed full of adventure. With plenty of misadventure. It's philosophical as you would expect from, you know, a French philosopher.

The title, Candide or the Optimist. The book was not what I was expecting. There were gruesome parts and delightful parts. It was simple in language, in fact, it seemed like the story was simple. But it was rich in depth and lacked pretentiousness. It was a delightful read.

Recommended? Yes. For those looking for a good plot that's an easy read, and/or those looking for some philosophical contemplations. This book lends itself to being just a good story or something more for those who want to spend some time thinking about perspective on life.

Classic Book 1 of 40: Gone with the Wind

Why is Reading Classics is on the list in the first place?  
I had fallen out of the habit of reading, generally (except my beloved spy thrillers). But mostly, I feel there are so many classics that I ignore when I impulsively opt for the latest best seller or spy thriller (guilty pleasures - no shame about this).  Having only one classic novel on my 40 by 40 list would be fail in making a real new life experience. I figured it is only natural and fitting to read 40! That seems fine, right? 40 books in more than 5 years. pssh. That's nothing. Or so I thought, then I realized it means 8 classics per year.  Meanwhile, I am, of course, not reading exclusively classics for the next five years, so the challenge portion of this goal is to read 40 classics in addition to my other reading!

Why Gone with the Wind? 
This oft-referenced book creeps up in conversation constantly, in television and movie references. It's a famous movie that I hadn't seen and a famous book I hadn't read. I read about characters in books reading it and always felt a little ridiculous having not read it. That's all changed now! Finally, I understand Scarlett O'Hara. 

Mini Book Review: 
Amazing book. For those who haven't read it - I'll say that I was surprised how big the book was when it arrived. It's huge, but so compelling that at a certain point I was happy the book was so long - because there was more of the story to enjoy!

The characters lept from the page from the beginning. I felt the heat, the excitement, and the setbacks. I shook my head in frustration and wanted to shout at Scarlett. And chapter after chapter I thought, how could it get better? But it did. Gone with the Wind was intense and gripping.

Finally, I understand the epic nature of the novel and how it's stood the test of time. Simply gripping. Bonus: I finally know all the references outside of the famous, "Frankly my Dear, I don't give a damn!"

Conclusion: This was a book worth the hype, worth the time to read. Thumbs up!

Recommend this Classic? Yes. For those ready to sink into a story set in the South, a story with depth, with strong willed and frustrating characters that will take you on quite a journey. For those that love the movie and want more!