Phoebe's Top Five: Winter Reading List
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
I know we are dead in the middle of winter, but those who want to escape their seasonal affective disorder can pick up a copy of Thompson’s The Rum Diary, about Paul Kemp, a nomadic journalist stationed in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The writing is rich with tropical weather, lust and rum – a curative substitute for the warmer months. As a bonus, Johnny Depp is set to star as Kemp in the big-screen adaptation, scheduled for release in 2011.
Someone I met in Belgium handed this book to me – she was practicing her English and this book had become one of her favorites. It’s quickly become one of mine as well. The story chronicles the life of twin sisters Olanna and Kainene through the Nigerian-Biafran war during the 1960s, revealing the tension that arises within families - especially during wartime. The words are simple and easy to understand, but the force of them combined makes this a powerful read, and one that you are likely to pass on to the next reader
For the short story aficionado, Dave Eggers’s How We Are Hungry is a well edited selection. Although some are sourced from his previous works, the collection is varied and borders on realistic and surreal with perfect aplomb. While the length of some stories might make it seem like a deceptively easy read, fans of Eggers and proficient readers alike will enjoy the very interesting subtext found within the writing. A good read for the burgeoning bookworm.
blink by Malcolm Gladwell
For fans of Gladwell’s other works as well as the book Freakonomics, blink is a sure hit. Gladwell analyzes topics most people feel they are not smart enough to comprehend, such as how we “think without thinking” and then writes about them in a way that’s deeply entertaining – with references to pop culture, no less – and shockingly logical. The writing is clean and articulate, but the best part is the learning that comes naturally. It’s classic Gladwell – intelligent, informative and completely understandable.
For fans of Gladwell’s other works as well as the book Freakonomics, blink is a sure hit. Gladwell analyzes topics most people feel they are not smart enough to comprehend, such as how we “think without thinking” and then writes about them in a way that’s deeply entertaining – with references to pop culture, no less – and shockingly logical. The writing is clean and articulate, but the best part is the learning that comes naturally. It’s classic Gladwell – intelligent, informative and completely understandable.
The Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank
Not necessarily chick lit, Melissa Bank’s book on central female protagonist Jane Rosenal does have its sweet, funny parts – but is also honest about Jane’s struggles, emotions and thoughts to the point of becoming autobiographical. The fictitious events and emotions are as real and unpredictable as they are in life – which allows this book to evoke a feeling in the reader akin to listening to the life stories of a close friend.
Not necessarily chick lit, Melissa Bank’s book on central female protagonist Jane Rosenal does have its sweet, funny parts – but is also honest about Jane’s struggles, emotions and thoughts to the point of becoming autobiographical. The fictitious events and emotions are as real and unpredictable as they are in life – which allows this book to evoke a feeling in the reader akin to listening to the life stories of a close friend.
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