This month’s lust list reflects that we’re into the fall/winter release cycle. In fact, there are actually two other books that would have made the list except I got them through the library between last month’s list and this one. Granted, two of the books below don’t actually come out until next month but that doesn’t change the fact I have actually been lusting over them for the last couple months. So, here’s a longer list than there’s been in a while.
American Dreamers: How the Left Changed a Nation, Michael Kazin — A couple favorable reviews and the fact it was available from the library moved this book to the list. One thing that intrigues me is whether it is an obiturary.
And So It Goes: Kurt Vonnegut: A Life, Charles J. Shields — I knew I couldn’t resist a biography of Vonnegut, one of my favorite authors. And since this is an “authorized” biography, it should at least be more factual than speculation.
Caligula: A Biography, Aloys Winterling — I know. Even as a history buff, the name Caligula brings little but licentiousness and decadency to mind. But so far the reviews of this biography are highly complimentary and indicate it is a look at the Roman emperor that doesn’t necessarily focus on his reputation.
Feast Day of Fools, James Lee Burke — I admit to never having read anything by Burke. For some reason the description of this book attracted my attention. I’m evidently not the only one as I sit at number 11 on the library reserve list.
The Prague Cemetery, Umberto Eco — Eco is one of those authors where I love one book and hate the next. As this one seems to be more along the lines of Foucault’s Pendulum, which I enjoyed, I am first on the library reserve list.
Report Card:
- Year to Date (January-September 2011)
- Total Bibliolust books: 41
- Number read: 31 (75.6%)
- Started but did not finish: 5 (9.8%)
- Number read: 31 (75.6%)
- Cumulative (September 2008-September 2011)
- Total Bibliolust books: 191
- Number read: 149 (78%)
- Started but did not finish: 13 (6.8%)
- Number read: 149 (78%)
I believe reading good books is the best way we can civilize ourselves even in the absence of all other opportunities. If a child can read, has access to books and the freedom to read them, that child need not be “disadvantaged” for long.
Roger Ebert, Video games 13,823, Huck Finn 8,088
