What is Shelly Walston reading?
Shelly is a high-school English teacher, a
roller derby queen (like Jim Croce’s dream woman), and a former Peace Corps
volunteer to Kazakhstan (and no, she doesn’t know Borat… sadly). She received
her Master’s degree in education from Wichita State University, and
every fourth Tuesday,
she leads Watermark’s Longitude Book Club, which specializes in globe-trotting
stories with multicultural flair.
Currently reading:
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer.
I was
there for the midnight release party, and I wouldn't dream of not finishing
this series. Too wonderful for words.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.
I'm taking the
challenge, and loving myself for it!
Epic.
August 2008
Lord
of the Flies by William Golding.
The
Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz.
July 2008
A Dash of Style by Noah Lukeman.
This is a perfect
read for anyone interested in the nuances of punctuation.
The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg
by Geoff Herbach:
Read review
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya.
Even though the July
Longitude discussion has been cancelled due to remodeling, this book is a
class piece of multicultural literature. A real treat!
Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer.
I can't wait until
Breaking Dawn. I'm also enjoying the Twilight Circle discussions!
June 2008
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer.
I'm absolutely besotted with the story of Edward,
Bella, and Jacob. I even joined the Twilight Circle to discuss just how much
these novels have "sucked" me in (pun intended). I can't wait to finish
Eclipse (I'm halfway through it), and I'm chomping at the bit to get my
hands on Breaking Dawn.
Twilight
by Stephenie Meyer.
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky.
Longitude Book Club pick for June!
I Love You,
Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle.
I Love You
Beth Cooper is a great mix between the movies "Say Anything" and "Can't
Hardly Wait." It's a romp through the lives of the unpopular attempting to
mix with the (gasp!) popular kids. A great story that had me laughing out
loud on SEVERAL occasions!
May 2008
The Host
by Stephanie Meyer.
This is the
first Stephanie Meyer book I've read, and I really enjoyed it. It had enough
suspense to keep me on pins and needles, and the plot was very well
executed. I'll have to go back and read her "Twilight" series now.
Southern
Cross by Jann Turner.
Longitude
Book Club pick for May! Everyone really enjoyed the plot, and we had a great
discussion about apartheid-era South Africa. For anyone interested in this
period or society, check it out!
April 2008
The Almond Picker by Simonetta Agnello Hornby.
Longitude Book Club for April! Join us on April
22nd!
Peony in Love by Lisa See.
If you enjoyed Lisa See's
Snow Flower &
the Secret Fan, you will probably also really enjoy Peony in Love.
It's a great story of women's strength and the enduring power of love--not
just romantic love, but sister-love, and mother-love.
A Voyage Long & Strange by Tony Horowitz.
He's coming to Watermark in May! A closer look at
the events between Columbus' discovery and Jamestown, this book promises to
share all of the little factoids would-be historians (like me) crave.
March 2008
Words Without Borders, edited by Samantha Schnee.
If nothing else, the introduction to this anthology
is worthwhile. The text's primary aim is to expose readers to lesser-known,
previously translated authors; it's a collection of works from places around
the globe, and it's wonderful! While some of the authors were somewhat
difficult to comprehend (even in translation), many of the selections are
memorable. If you can't figure out what to read, pick up this
anthology--it's an ideal collection!
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
A classic revisited!
My Most Excellent Year by Steve Kluger.
An adorable tale of growing up, falling in love, and
getting through 9th grade English despite the fact that it can be quite a
"spurious" experience. (A vocab word that T.C., the Bahston resident and
protagonist, learns.) I nearly decided to abandon all responsibilities in
order to finish this book in one sitting. Nearly. But then I decided it
might be a better idea to give it some time and enjoy it for as long as
possible. Three great characters in one great read for people of all ages.
The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillippa Gregory.
A guilty pleasure, for sure. But I'm a sucker for
historical fiction/bodice-ripping drama.
February 2008
Beginner's Greek by James Collins.
HOLY TONS of infidelity! The twists, turns, and
tumbles in this novel really keep you on your toes, but this is a great
story of serendipity, and the way things tend to work themselves out in the
end. An enjoyable read from start to finish, and great for anyone who loves
romance...especially from a man's perspective.
Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif.
A MASTERFULLY written novel. Everyone from the
Longitude book club appreciated this novel, not only for its involved
parallel narrative, but also for beautifully written passages. It's easy to
see why this book was a Booker Prize Finalist.
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.
I've only heard WONDERFUL reviews.
January 2008
Tolstoy Lied by Rachel Kadish.
Tolstoy Lied is chick lit with a PhD!
(Translation: It's got romance AND brains!) Tracy, the protagonist of this
novel, has given up on love; she has resigned herself instead to pursuing
love and happiness through study--to debunk Tolstoy's claim that to be happy
is to be dull. What she doesn't count on, however, is meeting the man of her
dreams. Or is he? A whirlwind romance, a doctoral dissertation, and myriad
work mishaps make Tolstoy Lied a delightfully smart read.
Hole in My Life by Jack Gantos.
After all the hub-bub and talk about potentially
banning this book, I couldn't disagree more. Gantos' observations are
poetic, and his regret is sincere. If books are meant to teach us to look at
ourselves and our world, Gantos' book does so masterfully. Top of my reading
list...and it's great for high school students!
Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee by Meera Syal.
The cultural nuances in this book are glorious; Syal
is able to create three women, who are distinctly Indian, while at the same
time making it easy for any reader to feel a close connection to one of the
three. There are some swatches of beautiful dialogue, and the insight Chila,
Sunita, and (believe it or not) Tania share is touching at times, hilarious
at others. A great multiculutral read; I felt enveloped in the culture, and
encouraged by the plot.
I'm a Lebowski, You're a Lebowski by Bill Green,
et. al.
For anyone who loves the cult film "The Big Lebowski,"
this book is a MUST have. It features short interviews, favorite quotes, and
great pictures of Lebowski-fests from years past. It really ties the room
together.
Hiroshima by John Hersey.
Bleeding Kansas by Sara
Paretsky.
Fabulous parallel narrative. Highly recommended!
December 2007
Things Fall Apart by Chinua
Achebe.
Longitude pick for December! Come join us on
December 27th!
The Commoner by John Burnham Schwartz.
Wowwy. Wow. Wow. Wow. An epic tale for certain. This
novel is rich in description, characterization, and saga. It's the kind of
read which wraps you up and carries you away to another time, another
culture, and another world. Personally, I'm fascinated with Japanese
Imperial culture, and this book revealed it--all of its splendor,
intricacies, and even the heart-wrenching short-comings. I can't wait for
Burnham Schwartz to visit Watermark on January 28th!
Thunderstruck by Erik Larson.
I read Devil in the White City last year, and
I remember being fascinated by the way Larson can weave two frighteningly
and astonishingly different tales together into one nonfiction book.
Thunderstruck is similarly constructed (murder, mayhem, invention) and
equally enthralling. Isn't it wonderful to be entertained and educated all
in one sitting?
London is the Best City in America by Laura Dave.
For the times when education isn't the first thing
on your mind, and a "woman-seeking-life purpose" narrative is. This novel,
set in Rhode Island and Scarsdale, is a heart-warming look at the questions
you have to answer when you make (or are in the process of making)
life-changing decisions. The protagonist is easy to connect with; she's
funny, awkward, and trying to figure out what she's supposed to do with her
life by helping her brother do the same.
Away by Amy Bloom.
I picked this book up on a whim, and I've utterly
been swept away by Lillian Leyb's story of determination, passion, and
growth.
November 2007
The Orientalist by Tom Reiss.
This book is a great example of how circumstances
make a man's life more colorful. And Lev Nussimbaum's life was colorful, to
say the least. The Longitude Book Club members enjoyed this one, and if you
are intrigued by Russian/German/Jewish history, so will you!
Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson.
I wholly enjoyed this historically-based, slim
volume of Shakespeare. It's a great starting place for anyone interested in
Shakespeare, and also an impressive addition to any Shakespearean's library.
Very enjoyable. Very Bryson!
October 2007
An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England
by Brock Clarke.
He's coming to visit the store on October 30th, and his
book is really enjoyable. I started it last night and can't put it down. The
protagonist of the story is pretty hopeless, but I can't help cheering for
him.
Knockemstiff by Donald Ray Pollock.
Due out in May of 2008, this book is a collection of
brief moments in two men's lives. The two characters are both endearing and
frightening, but the stories are certainly memorable. Pollock's use of
language and dialect creates a real sense of back-woods that makes the
characters and setting of this book really stand out.
Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto.
What a wonderful book! If you're looking for a
heart-felt, succinct read, this is the book I recommend. The metaphors
Yoshimoto uses are
so tightly written that you almost miss them; they're seamlessly woven into
the story, yet they pack these amazing punches of imagery and ideas.
Everyone in the Longitude book club LOVED this book, and it was largely
because it captures the story of two young people, both surrounded by death,
who somehow manage to awkwardly come together despite their circumstances.
What a great read!
Death Sentences: How Cliches, Weasel Words and
Management-Speak Are Strangling Public Language by Don Watson.
Because I'm an English teacher. Because I enjoy
sorting through jargon. And because I'm trying to fight the decay of
language! Should be entertaining, insightful, and will hopefully help me
"fit the pieces of the puzzle together."
I was hooked from the third page: "In the information age the public
language is reducing to an ugly, subliterate universal form with a fraction
of the richness living English has." I'm nodding in agreement (or as some
now say, "agreeance"--UGH!) the whole way through.
September 2007
Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life by Steve Martin.
I was sick yesterday, and picked up this book off of
my stack of books yet to be read. What a refreshing tale of Martin's life. I
was impressed with his candid retelling of his own life, including the
not-so savory moments. I also enjoyed seeing how he, one of my favorite
comedians,
BECAME the performer he is. Plus, there are several photos from Martin's
life sprinkled throughout this book; a real delight! Martin's got a real
knack for story-telling, and this memoir is no exception. It made me want to
go back, watch all of SNL (the good years), listen to my favorite Steve
Martin records (Yes, I have these; "The Cruel Shoes" is a riot!), and view
all of the great films that he made (All of Me, Roxanne, and countless
others).
This book is due out in November 2007, and I HIGHLY recommend this memoir
for anyone interested in an uplifting sick-day read, or just an uplifting,
comical read, period.
Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber.
The tale of an independent, Arab-American woman
cooking and
baking at Lebanese cafe in the heart of a university town. She pours all of
her passion in to her cooking until an Iraqi professor woos her. Where
should she pour her passion now? It's the September pick for the Longitude
Book Club. Come join us for discussion on September 25!
August 2007
How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas
Foster.
If you've ever wondered what a dinner scene, a
ghost, the seasons, or a potential Christ figure can mean in literature,
this book is ideal. It's an easy-to-read reduction of symbols, motifs and
other literary techniques, and it's quite useful. The nice thing about this
book is that it also has several "test" sections where one can use what one
has learned in previous chapters and apply it to a selection. This book is
great for students, teachers, and people who just want a refresher course in
determining the "meaty" parts of the novels they read.
Russian Concubine by Kate Furnivall
When I saw that Diana Gabaldon (author of the
"Outlander" series) said this book was a phenomenal piece of historical
fiction, I had to pick it up. She's right! Lydia, the protagonist of the
story, is a Russian-born immigrant to China. Her story is full of rebellion
and romance, and it's quite a rewarding read. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It's
an exquisite depiction of 1920s China as well as an endearing tale of two
"star-crossed" lovers. If you want an enchanting coming-of-age story, this
one's for you!
Fangland by John Marks.
This book is MUCH darker than most of the vampire
tales I've read. I got several thrills and chills while reading it. Part
Bram Stoker, part Blade: Trinity, this novel is seriously intense and
enjoyable.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
I'm re-reading a book that I haven't looked at since
high school. And I find myself wanting to highlight or scribble down the
things Bradbury has to say. If you haven't looked at this book in a long
while, pick it up and rediscover it!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I'd never read this book before, and I thoroughly
enjoyed it. A classic, for sure, it's a great tale of the Jazz Age and one
man's struggle to recapture the past.
Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows by J.K.
Rowling.
The 7th book. I finished it in a hurry because it is
just that compelling. A good end to a great series.
July 2007
X-Rated Bloodsuckers by Mario Acevedo.
It's not as tacky as it sounds. Just good, campy,
vampire
fun! If you like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you'll love Acevedo's romp
through vampire land.
Serving Crazy With Curry by Amulya Malladi.
This book is all about mother-daugther,
daughter-father, and
sibling relationships. Malladi blends culture, real-life problems, and
narrative voice so well that the result is a delectable treat!
Dead Connection by Alafair Burke:
Read review
Interred in Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell.
For folks who wish they knew more about Shakespeare,
this book is a crash-course in different conspiracy theories surrounding the
life of the Bard. It's a quick read, and full of twists and turns. Who can
you trust? Carrell's story leads us to believe that perhaps we're all just
"poor players" on the world's stage.
June 2007
The Devil, the Lovers, & Me: My Life in Tarot by
Kimberlee Auerbach.
The stars aligned one afternoon, and I actually
found myself with a few spare hours to sit down a read this book. And I
LOVED it! As a single woman whose parents are constantly asking if I'll get
married, I quickly identified with Auerbach. She's "driven" to a tarot
reader by pressuring parents, friends, and a companion who won't commit.
During her reading, she's forced to look at her life from a new perspective.
A great afternoon read; I highly recommend this book to people seeking a new
perspective.
Saving the World by Julia Alvarez.
While I had a problem with the switching of
narrators (something I usually enjoy), after reflection, I came to realize
how much the two female protagonists grew throughout the course of this
novel.
May 2007
The Russian Debutante's Handbook by Gary
Shteyngart.
Longitude Book Club book for May! Read it! It's
funny, and there are myriad Russian nuances that I--as a former resident of
Kazakhstan--am already excited to talk about. Shteynart's descriptions are
detailed, thoughtful, and include large doses of comedy. He's been compared
to Nabokov, Dostoevske, Gogol, Arthur Miller, Woody Allen and Kundera.
So...it's got something for everyone! Try it. You'll like it.
Derby Girl by Shauna Cross.
This book doesn't come out until September 2007, but
that's
a-okay. Roller Derby will be in full swing at that time, and this book is a
great read for any enthusiast (or wannabe R-D groupie), and it's good for
all ages, too! Very readable, and fun. The author is an L.A. Derby Doll, and
she brings real-life R-D action to a fictional account. Highly recommended!
If you want to know more about the Derb (or how close to real life this book
is), come talk to me. I skate for the Wichita Rollergirls, and I enjoyed
this book 100%!
April 2007
Snow Flower
and the Secret Fan by Lisa See.
Longitude
Book Club book for April! Come to the FIRST Longitude discussion on April
24th! We'll be discussing multicultural literature at Watermark's Newest,
Cooleset Book Club:
Read review
Fly Me to the
Moon by Alison Noel:
Read review
March 2007
Mr. Sebastian
and the Negro Magician by Daniel Wallace.
A new novel
by the author of Big Fish.
February 2007
The Last
Templar by Raymond Khoury:
Read review
Love, Work,
Children by Cheryl Mendelson.
It's like
fancy-pants chick lit. I love the way that Mendelson makes the reader work
for this story. She doesn't hold the reader's hand, and the story is more
rewarding because you have to figure things out for yourself. Come to chick
lit on February 12!
The Taste of
Home Cookbook:
Read review
The Keep
by Jennifer Egan.
An
intriguing story with multiple narrators and a twisting plot. Some of it
reminded me of the Brothers Grimm, while other parts seemed like an
impossible romance:
Read review
A Long Way
Down by Nick Hornby.
On M.L.K.
Day, while most teachers and students were snug in their beds, I had the
pleasure of attending a spiritual retreat as a faculty
in-service. Knowing that there are always breaks scheduled during these
in-services, I packed this book in my bag and cautiously made my way
to St. Thomas. Seated in the chilly basement, I was startled to hear the
priest mention Nick Hornby. Are priests allowed to read this kind of stuff?
We ended up viewing About a Boy, another one of Hornby's
novels-turned-film and discussed the film's portrayal of consumerism and
family. I actually enjoyed the discussion.
Not that I'm saying Nick Hornby should start a spiritual discussion group
based on his novels, but I think that A Long Way Down is a book
worthy of discussion. Not only does Hornby write four distinct voices in
this novel, but he tackles some weighty topics, which all boil down to the
meaning of life. Martin, Maureen, J.J. and Jess find themselves at the top
of a 15-story building, ready to end it all on New Year's Eve-a night they
agree is as good a time as any. Throughout their narratives (which switch
back and forth from chapter to chapter), each character reveals what has
brought them to this brink, as well as what can possibly keep them from
trying again.
This is a great story, with fast-paced dialogue and witty comebacks. I
really enjoyed how Hornby made each character unique, yet brought them
together in the most unlikely of circumstances. I'd recommend this book for
anyone interested in a good read that's (apparently) even appropriate for a
spiritual retreat.
January 2007
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marsha
Pessl.
I've just started this book, but I'm really enjoying
the narrator; she's witty, eccentric, and oh-so-good at picking out the
minutiae in everyday occurrences. In some ways, Blue reminds me of Oskar
Schell in Safran Foer's Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Both the
novel and Blue's voice are entirely pleasant.
December 2006
Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier.
I've never read (or seen) Cold Mountain, but
I've heard so much about Frazier's writing--his epic storytelling and
regional voice--that I couldn't resist reading this novel. What a wonderful
holiday respite. I got to this book over Thanksgiving, and read it while
tucked away in the Ozark Mountains, a perfect locale for an epic tale set in
the backwoods and Indian Nation of North Carolina. Not only was I fascinated
with Frazier's scenery, but I was also impressed with his ability to craft
interlocking tales--tales from both Native Americans and whites, young and
old, as well as privileged and poor. I'm DEFINITELY going to read Cold
Mountain now that I've read how beautifully Frazier writes.
The Wife of Reilly by Jennifer Coburn.
This book was an absolute guilty pleasure after
finishing more "thoughtful" literature--like Kite Runner and The Tender Bar.
I asked for something soap opera, and, boy, did I ever get soap opera. I
HIGHLY recommend this book for people who need an escape from
reality...mostly because this book is utterly unrealistic. Here's a brief
synopsis: Girl is married to NICE guy. Girl runs in to Old Fling (who dumped
her 14 years ago). Old Fling and Girl have a tryst. Girl lies to Old Fling.
Old Fling asks her to marry him. Girl accepts. Major catch: she's still
married. Chaos ensues as her friends help her find a replacement wife. They
what? Yeah...they help her. Like I said, this book is terrifically fantastic
(as in fantasy filled). Need a break from the realities of a rough holiday
season? Treat yourself to this book.
The Gun Seller by Hugh Laurie.
I'll be the first to confess that I'm not typically
a mystery reader. I'll admit I've read all of Dan Brown, but mystery is not
typically "my style". This book, however, is witty, entertaining and fun.
It's a James Bond spoof that makes fun of itself repeatedly, as Thomas Lang
speeds through the streets of London in search of secret files and weaponry,
all for the love of (no...he can't love her, can he?) a woman whose father
he was contracted to assassinate.
Any Place I Hang My Hat by Susan Isaacs.
Chick Lit book for October!!
The Hidden Diary of Marie
Antionette by Carolly Erickson.
Although Erickson is known
primarily for her "very readable biographies" according to Publisher's
Weekly, she's decided to take a stab at historical fiction with the
story of France's most infamous queen. Typically I'm a fan of historical
fiction (Diana Gabaldon is my personal favorite), but The Hidden Diary of
Marie Antoinette wasn't exactly enthralling. There were moments of
excitement, but I thought the end was difficult to get to.
Erickson takes a sympathetic stance regarding the queen most memorably known
for her extravagant lifestyle in the face of famine. Two weeks ago, NPR did
a segment on Erickson's book, and I think the commentator hit the nail on
the head. Was Marie Antoinette just a victim of circumstance? Was she really
just a simple girl caught up in hectic court and country affairs? That's
certainly how Erickson portrays her. What about the affairs? What about her
over-spending? What about her withdrawal from courtly life?
Even though I thought the book was a bit dry at some points (I was expecting
to read more about her extravagance-not just the ridiculous colors she
invented for court and fashion), I'm glad I read it. It was a nice refresher
on her life and the perfect prelude to Sofia Coppola's movie coming out in
October.
