Books I Read in January 2008

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz.

• Why I read it: Cuz I read just about everything by DK.

• What I thought: It was OK. There were dogs and psycho exes and a couple named Amy and Brian, and yet I still didn’t think it was that great.

Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken.

• Why I read it: It’s a classic of the alternative/conspiracy theory set, a set to which I often belong.

• What I thought: I read the actual 1972 version, so I don’t know if there’s something out there that argues the author’s points a bit better or proves his theories wrong (since it is so very dated). He made several great points, several bad arguments, and wrote a few sentences of questionable syntax. Overall, I’m glad I read it, but I’d love to see a modern book that tears it apart or bolsters it point by point.

Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut.

• Why I read it: I am apparently drawn to Kurt Vonnegut!

• What I thought: I LOVED this book. Experimental, hilarious, great characters, lots of meta…

I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert.

• Why I read it: Duh, who wouldn’t?

• What I thought: I hope it’s not cheating to have actually LISTENED to this one. Read by, of course, Stephen Colbert and company, it was hilarious, especially the religion sections. I do regret that I didn’t get to see a lot of visual gags I’m sure was in the hardcover (it was changed for audio), but at the time I didn’t have time.

Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne Duprau.

• Why I read it: I read the first two in the series. And I have the irresistible urge to complete the series I start.

• What I thought: The message was very freethinky, which I loved, but the tie to the other books was tenuous and didn’t have the “other world” feel the other books had. It wasn’t exactly a big reveal that the main girl would be who she turned out to be. I would totally recommend this book completely outside of the series though. The message about crazy nutjobs and having pure faith in false prophets was a bit shocking for a juvenile book. Bahaha! Confuse those kids with opinions differing from their parents! This book will so be banned in places.

Mid-Life Confidential: The Rock Bottom Remainders Tour America with Three Chords and an Attitude by Stephen King, Amy Tan, Dave Barry, Matt Groening, and everybody else!

• Why I read it: I knew about this band thru the millions of Dave Barry books Brian pleasantly giggles me to sleep with.

• What I thought: The book details the inception and touring of the band and allows everybody to tell their part. It’s fun and totally for fangirls/boys of the members.

Atheist Universe: The Thinking Person’s Answer to Christian Fundamentalism by David Mills.

• Why I read it: I think you know.

• What I thought: Best one I’ve read yet. Beats the more popular Dawkins and Hitchens books easily. Excellent book.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.

• Why I read it: So I could watch a movie with a serious Kal Penn.

• What I thought: As usual, the book was better. The only real complaint was both book and movie seemed a little choppy. I don’t have a problem with vignettes (Big Fish, the book). But they way the story was told should have been more inclusive of even more moments. Anyhoo, I liked it a lot.

The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health by T. Colin Campbell (Author), Thomas M. Campbell II.

• Why I read it: I like reading books about food. Especially ones that scratch my back.

• What I thought: It was quite technical at first, which will totally turn some people off. It is pretty much written like a technical paper, but I used to write those all the time, so no biggie. When he gets to the good stuff, it’s amazing. I knew this stuff was true. I have stop eating cheese and ice cream dammit! It must STOP!

Six Tales of the Jazz Age and Other Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

• Why I read it: Cuz Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett are going to be in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

• What I thought: I really wasn’t a fan of The Great Gatsby. I don’t know why. Maybe I’d think different nowdays, since I quit enjoyed the book. Especially the short stories Benjamin Button, O Russet Witch, and Hot and Cold Blood. Oh, I liked em all!

The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth by E.O. Wilson.

• Why I read it: A girl at work liked it and I’ve heard interesting things about E.O. Wilson.

• What I thought: Written as a letter to a pastor, Wilson appeals to the common benefits religion and science gain from aiming for the same goal: saving earth. He is open about the differences between the groups involved in this fight, but is encouraging and positive about overcoming them and focusing on the commonalities. I don’t know how effective something like this might be, but the woman who recommended it to me is a fundamentalist christian, so maybe his angle works!

Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips.

• Why I read it: I glanced at it and the woman who covers books thought I wanted it.

• What I thought: Fun fluff read that took just a few short hours to cram in. The Greek gods are living in a trashed London house working day jobs, and they are barely holding on to their powers. Aphrodite and Apollo squabble and pull in the cleaning lady and her man, and Artemis sets on a journey to solve the power-loss issue along with getting her cleaning lady back. The conclusion was a bit lame, but overall the story was cute and funny.

Lost’s Buried Treasures by Lynnette Porter, David Lavery, Hilary Robson.

• Why I read it: Duh, LOST!

• What I thought: Doesn’t really matter. It was about LOST! YAY!

I did pretty good this month. Of course, January is a long month…