With the crazy year I had last year, I didn't get to read quite as much as I would have loved, but that is going to change this year. I have a massive list already and am in a terrible habit where I'm reading about 4 books at the same time. Hopefully close to half of the books will be in german this year. I need to get back into that habit.
My 2010 list includes:
War and Peace- Leo Tolstoy **
Just the number of pages that this book has, has intimated me for a while now and I've always said that "one day I'll read that mother of a book", so I figure, why not this year? I'll have a lot more time to read (hopefully) so I may as well tick this goal off the list already. I've been hearing rumors that it's one that needs to be put down and picked up every now and then, apparently you can't do it in one go (meaning over a period of time.. obviously not in one sitting), but I am determined to make it to the end either way. I've already ordered a couple of different copies in for me at work so I can choose the nicest and most sturdy one possible. With a book that big it has to at least be pretty.
1984- George Orwell
I really enjoyed his 'Animal Farm', and '1984' is supposed to be his best work. I really have nothing else to say about it at this point. Although, I am still undecided as to whether to read it in german or english as I have a german copy, but it's never the same to read a translated book when you can read the author's original words.
Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert*
This book was recommended to me by a friend and has been hugely popular at the shop lately. Something about being on some daily talk show, hosted by an african american woman. Apparently millions of women tune into her show daily and I hear she's even given away free cars to her entire audience! Yes, Oprah did have it as he book club book at one stage but I swear that isn't why I'm reading it. Okay, maybe a little.
Farewell to Arms-Ernest Hemingway*
I'm too nervous to comment anything on this book as of yet, because apparently a friendship that's dear to me is depending on it. I had always planned to read this book eventually and it was given to me by a dear friend this past christmas with a warning that if I do not like enjoy this book, our friendship will have to be re-thought. I loved Hemingway's 'The Old Man and the Sea' so I'm sure that this won't be an issue..
Coco Chanel- Axel Madsen*
Well this one is simple. I've been infatuated with her work for a number of years and this tells about Chanel's rise from being a penniless orphan to millionaire designer- 'inventing' sportswear, the little black dress and No. 5.
The Picture of Dorian Gray- Oscar Wilde*
I love love love Oscar Wilde's work. I can seriously sit reading the book with a notebook and constantly be writing down brilliant quotes. A friend from work and I decided to read and discuss the book at the same time, but I think we both keep getting distracted and have never actually gotten around to finishing it and holding a discussion.
The Vampire-Alexej Tolstoi
Well, a few months ago, I came across something of a treasure chest to me. My parents are both book lovers and when we packed all our things up in germany, a lot of those boxes were full of books. They never really interested me as long as I knew my brother had packed the most important Donald Duck comics. That's right, they were the best. Anyway, I randomly decided to go through some of my parent's bookcases and found so so many classic books. All in german, of course, but I'd been planning on reading more german. So among this massive pile that I'd assorted was this book. That is why.
The Brain that changes itself- Normal Doidge, MD
I've picked up this book a few times already. It's one of those ones you can do that with, that's full of success stories about neurosurgeons changing the lives of a number of people. As well as being one of those 'feel-good' books it actually gives hope to people facing 'incurable' diseases that are being fought and won.
Think Big and kick Ass- Donald Trump
So shoot me. I've read all his other books, except for the one co-written with Robert T. Kyosaki, and even though they aren't amazing business books, they do teach you a lot and get you motivated.
Tuesdays with Morrie-Mitch Albom
I read 'For one more Day' earlier last year and have somehow accumulated two of his other works (see below). I like his style of writing and after, or before, I get through 'War and Peace', I need some lighter reading.
5 People you'll meet in Heaven- Mitch Albom
See above.
Die vermessung der Welt- Daniel Kehlman
A gift from my brother and supposedly amazing. The story of two genius' adventures.
Life of Pi- Yann Martel
This has also been on my list for a while now. It sits on my bookshelf accumulating dust and I keep hearing great things about it and figure it really is about time that it gets crossed off.
Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth- Peter Kelder*
For as long as I can remember my mum has been doing these ancient 'yogic' exercises and believe it or not, they actually work and everything that's guaranteed to happen, happens. So a while ago I decided to give them a go and get her to teach me. She did and in turn handed me the book to read.
The Great Gatsby- Francis Scott Fitzgerald
A classic that's been on the list for a while. I haven't decided which language I'll read this in yet. I have it in both german and english.
Tintenherz trilogie (Inkheart Trilogy)- Cornelia Funke
My sister in law bought me a beautiful copy of the first book years ago and I've since gotten the second, but never actually got around to reading it. They're as thick as the harry potters plus now theres the third and final in the series that I need to get when I'm in europe. I'm just petty like that.
*Currently reading
**I've had the goal to read this book for some time now and always knew I'd read it one day. But seriously, when we say that it usually doesn't happen. So I'm going to make it happen. I've already ordered myself a nice copy from work.
I'll most likely be adding to the list and may not even get around to reading a couple of these. Hopefully that won't be the case, but this list isn't final.
I swear reading and books isn't all I think about all day :) Unless I'm working of course, then it's sort of a given.
If you've read any of these or have other suggestions or comments or any books that your reading, I would love to hear about them.
I'll try to write a few lines about each once I've read it.
i like you miss marie
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