No TV = LOTS of Reading

I love not having TV. Sure, I miss some of those addictive shows that convince you that by watching their fictionalized reality you can actually learn something (House, Law & Order, etc.). But, ultimately, I have enjoyed reading far more. I have rediscovered my inner nerd that wanted so much to re-emerge. Previously inhibited by required reading (which always brings out my inner rebel that shouts “REQUIRED?!?!? FORGET THAT!”) and the alluring presence of other media forms, this deep-seated desire to consume printed words has released itself on my year of simplicity. At this point, (and mind you, the year is not finished) I have read 30 novels and skimmed or partially read 10 others. This may not sound like a whole lot, but for someone who hadn’t read more than 3 “for fun” novels a year for over 4 years, this is an achievement of which I am quite proud. So below, I offer my suggestions on reading. Please feel free to respond with more suggestions or other comments

My Top Eight (because 8 is my favorite number ) :

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

When I hit my most homesick moment, I picked up this book and was transported back to the Blue Ridge that I consider home. Frazier does an amazing job of painting the scenery of the Appalachians and the storyline featuring a Civil War journey and love story is a classic time period for the area. The movie doesn’t do it justice, I can assure you, but the soundtrack helps

The We Came to the End by Jonathan Ferris

If you like The Office, you’ll love this book. Set frighteningly well to the times of the current economic downturn, this novel tells the tale of cubicle dwellers at an advertising firm that is facing serious cutbacks. Ferris tells the entire tale, with the exception of two chapters, from the “we” standpoint, so you begin to feel a part of the collective group of individuals that make up the office. I loved the characters and the odd situations that arise featuring totem poles, stolen office furniture, clowns, and attempted shootings.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

The follow-up to Tipping Point (which I haven’t actually read yet), this book discusses the decisions and actions that occur in the matter of a few second, or in a Blink. Gladwell is brilliant. Check out his talk for the TED conference at ted.com. (This site is quite possibly my favorite find of the year — free downloadable talks by world’s leading experts, and they’re limited to 20minutes!). This book covers topics from recognizing an artistic fake to the instant judgments made based on appearance. The key to Gladwell’s writing is the simple ways in which he presents dozens of studies, followed by situations that demonstrate the results and topics of those studies, then he keeps coming back to the ones he has already covered.
This is crucial for someone like me, who when I read, I feel an emotion, rather than absorbing any notable facts. I highly
recommend any of his work, even though I’ve only read this one, because I am sure it is a great read!

All Over Creation by Ruth Ozeki (technically a read from before my LVC year but it’s still a fave!)

This book offers a fictional story of the overlapping lives of a traditional farmer and seed archivist, a group of environmental rights radicals, a teenage boy on the outs of society, and a woman trying to cope with her life. All of the character portrayals are steeped in non-fiction reality from the effects of pesticides and engineered foods to the impact of teen pregnancy. It’s an engaging tale that leads to all kinds of interesting situations!

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

A classic story that deconstructs any sense of rational reality. The story of a zookeeper’s son lost at sea aboard a lifeboat with a monkey, a zebra, and a tiger, this novel takes you on a journey of survival and ultimately demonstrates the impact of a good storyteller. A MUST read for everyone.

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

After finishing this book, I had to resist the urge to start over again (a testimony which I later noticed was reflected in a review on the back of the book!). Roy’s use of imagery is astounding and you truly feel transported to India. She reveals just enough information about the storyline to keep you searching for more. The captivating beauty of this book truly kept me coming back for more.

Anything by Shane Claibourne (Irresistible Revolution, Jesus for President, Becoming the Answer to our Prayers)

Shane Claibourne has single-handedly restored my hope in the world. His interpretation of the Christian gospel demonstrates the hope that can be found in this faith. He truly tries to live the life of Jesus, and through his writing, he convinces that it is possible for anyone to do so. Though he currently lives in a radical community in Philadelphia that focuses on living in an intentional community among the impoverished neighborhood of Kensington (www.thesimpleway.org), Claibourne discusses in his books examples of this simple way of life from a
mega-church where he served for a while to international work he has pursued. Anyone who affiliates with the
Christian church or feels compelled by the story of Jesus will truly benefit from his works.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

This is a lovely tale of a correspondance between a woman searching for the truth behind the sunny-side coverage of war and an island caught up in German occupation. Ultimately a story about finding home and discovering the beauty of community, this tale is just a great read to become assured of the potential of humanity.

Other notables:

Lamb by Christopher Moore – a humorous take on the possible childhood of Buff, formally known as Jesus of Nazareth.

Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert – a biographical look at Eustace Conway, a man devoted to living from the earth in the Appalachians

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien – a set of short stories that connect together to give a haunting glimpse into the experience of Vietnam soldiers

Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

I hope to keep up my passion for reading as the years come on, especially once I get back to school. I hope to update about the coming transitions soon.

Best, K