I know I know. I said I wasn't going to do any more challenges, and I have been quite rubbish at the ones I have signed up for. But let's just admit that I have a problem and move on...
I really enjoyed the Herding Cats challenge last year, mostly because it was a wonderful way of getting so many recommendations and finding other great bloggers. So many thanks to Renay for hosting this fabulous challenge again.
Here are the rules for Herding Cats II (April 1st, 2009 - December 31st, 2009):
1. Make a list of five books you love. Directions:
- Five. I'm as serious as a beached whale.
- All titles must be books you've read in 2007, 2008 or 2009.
- Please don't list a series; just the first book. If you really want to list a book in the middle of a series, you can, but it has to be that specific book.
- Feel free to share why you're putting the book on your list, because I am nosy.
- In your own journal, in the comments here, whatever is fine. Share the list here.
- Lists should be public (no locked entries, no logging in to view).
3. Browse the new book list. Stay a while. Read a few (eta: if you want; not even reading is required this time around if you don't have time to commit to a new challenge but still want to share your favorites).
4. If you review your books, you can share the reviews. You know, if you want. No pressure. Definitely not.
My list of five are a rather eclectic bunch of books, and by no means my favourites of the last couple of years, but books that have really stood out in my memory for whatever reason:
Skellig - David Almond. Because I want everyone to read this beautiful beautiful little book in the vain hope they may be moved as much as me.
The Ice Queen - Alice Hoffman. Another heatbreakingly beautiful read that I have recommended to many friends since. Wonderfully lyrical and inspiring.
Lorelai's Secret - Carolyn Parkhurst. A very difficult and tragic book, struggling with loss, frustration and anger. More than a little disturbing, but has really stayed with me.
Moondust - Andrew Smith. This completely reinvigorated my passion for space travel. I could not have wished for a more informative, entertaining and sometimes moving biography of the Apollo missions and the men that flew them. Worth a read even if you have no interest in space!
The Swarm - Frank Schatzing. A German friend recommended this to me and I ordered several into the shop as soon as it was translated. A gamble to be sure, but oh how it paid off. Part science, part global catastrophe and ultimately a ridiculous but entertaining adventure story. This will appeal to fans of so-called environmental thrillers, though be warned, it does get rather silly. But hey, humpback whales leaping out of the water to destroy small aircraft...thats got to be worth a read! I can only imagine how they'd make a movie out of this one!
So, I've had a browse at the selections of others and the following have already caught my eye...
Garden Spells - Sarah Addison Allen
Tender Morsels - Margo Lanagan
Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami
Nation - Terry Pratchett
The Watermelon King - Daniel Wallace
The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
10 comments:
I'm going to join too, of course!!
I read Lorelei's secret too and I has the same feelings. Disturbing at times (VEEEERY disturbing) but also beautiful and romantic and moving.
You know,I think it's out of print in the UK:(
While in the US is published as The Dogs of Babel.
good luck with the challenge!
I think my list of potential reads is going to be insane in size by the time everyone gets around to posting their lists!
I'm glad you picked Skelling! My copy arrived today, so it'll be my first read for this challenge :D
Valentina - Yes, I originally found The Dogs of Babel in the States, and managed to get a copy of Lorelai's Secret off Amazon UK when I got home. I didn't realise it was out of print now, that's a shame. It is certainly not a book for everyone, and I was a little unsure to start with, but it has really stayed in my mind since. Enjoy the challenge!
Kailana - Too true, it's manageable right now, but people are adding fabulous titles to it every day!
Nymeth - Oh good! I so hope it lives up to all my hype!
sounds like fun! I loved The Ice Queen too.
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
You've got a great list of favorites there, Mariel. I really enjoy Alice Hoffman's writing and look forward to reading The Ice Queen one day. I also want to read something by Carolyn Parkhurt. I am not familiar with the others, but they sound just as good.
Good luck with the challenge. I need to look over the list more closely and decide which books I'm going to read for this challenge.
Naida - I think it would be hard not too! I'm a big Alice Hoffman fan now.
Literary Feline - Thanks. I think you would like The Ice Queen, but I haven't read anything else by Parkhurst. Lots of books to choose from now, good luck with it!
I am acutally passing on a challenge, a big shock I know! I hope you enjoy it, your potential list of reads looks fun.
The only one I've read from your list is The Thirteenth Tale. Everyone in my book club loved it, which is pretty unusual. It has a gothic, Jane Eyre feeling.
Rhinoa - That is a suprise, you passing on a challenge! But you did do this last year, so not the end of the world!
Scout - I've heard such wonderful things about The Thirteenth Tale, I'm really looking forward to it. Thanks for stopping by!
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