Books

Well, here's the stack of books that I finished in 2013. The final talley was 32. There are 30 books pictured here, plus one library book that I returned and one book that Baxter used as a chew toy. Hard to decide what was the best book I read. I really enjoyed "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed. I cried at the end of "The Book Thief." I know it's Young Adult fiction and all, but it was still an overwhelmingly powerful book. Still waiting to see the movie. The two short story collections were also fun. "Tenth of December" made several Best of Lists for 2013.  George Saunders will be appearing at the Tattered Cover in a few weeks. Would love to make it down to meet him and get a book signed. "Praying Drunk" hasn't even been released yet. It was the featured book for my Rumpus Book Club in November. Book Riot called it one of the top 15 book releases they are anticipating in 2014. 

Worst book of the year?? Yep, one of the books I was really looking forward to reading. Colin Cowherds "You Herd Me." It was just terrible. Short little chapters of things he says all day on his radio show. I was hoping for some more in-depth insights into the world of sports and culture. 

Best book?? Can't pick just one. "The Corrections" was strong. Not suprised it was a National Book Award winner. Thanks to Uncle Ed for encouraging me to read it. The other best book I read in 2013 was a selection for my monthly book club here in Greeley. In April we read Wendell Berrys "Jabber Crow."  Wow. Who would have thought that a book about a barber in the rural south in the early 1900's would be so powerful? Looking forward to reading more of Berrys books in 2014. 

My reading goal for this year? I'm going to shoot for 35. Twelve each in my monthly book clubs, and 11 I find on my own. I'll keep you posted on how things go.