Books & Films – Brian Fuchs

currently reading:

The Elephant Vanishes: Stories :: Haruki Murakami {1993}
Moby-Dick :: Herman Melville {1851}
Delicate Edible Birds: Stories :: Lauren Groff {2009}

books i’ve read:

2010

Tasmanian Tiger (Originally published as Thylacine) :: David Owen {2003} While this book is primarily an engaging evolutionary history of the recently extinct Thylacine, it is also a natural history of Tasmania. Thylacines are important because their extinction, like that of the passenger pigeon of North America, was the direct result of a decision to kill them. Many species have become extinct through accidental disruption of habitat or introduction of predators by humans, but few have been targeted for extermination. I found Owen very readable and enjoyed the inclusion of so many first hand accounts of memories of this fascinating animal. Like any well executed book, this one sparked me to find more books on similar subjects. I highly recommend this one. *****
Little Hoot :: Amy Krouse Rosenthal {2007} I’d read Little Pea and was excited to see more by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This one was along the same line as the earlier one, but I liked it a bit more. It’s about an owl family who stay up late. Little Hoot just wants to go to bed early like his friends, but his parents explain that owls must stay up late and play. The illustrations by Jen Corace are awesome. *****
Little Pea :: Amy Krouse Rosenthal {2005} I came across this adorable book while pricing books at work. It’s the story of a pea who has to eat all of his sweets before he can have his vegetables for dessert. ****
Why Do Men Have Nipples? :: Mark Leyner {2005} Okay; I’m glad I got it for free. ***
Damned Strong Love :: Lutz Van Dijk {1995} Lovely and moving true story of two young men caught up in a war, one Polish and the other German and a member of Hitler’s Youth. Powerful book. It is a reminder of how love really is greater than anything. *****
Book of Nonsense :: Edward Lear {1846} A bit silly, but I suppose that was the point. ***
The Little Prince :: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry {1943} I don’t know what took me so long to read this fantastic little book. Truly a classic work of literature. *****
Woman’s World :: Graham Rawle {2008} This is something really special. Graham Rawle is a collage artist who created this novel out of clipped words from 60’s magazines. The story is great, but I’d have liked a tiny bit more of a conclusion. Really wonderful read. *****
ReadyMade: How To Make (Almost) Everything :: Shoshana Berger {2005} Love it! Makes me want to start making me some stuff. ****
Thanking the Monkey :: Karen Dawn {2008} I was apprehensive about reading this book, but ignorance did not win out. Fascinating, but a tad preachy. I’m glad I read this and wish more people wanted to. ****
Bonjour Tristesse :: Françoise Sagan {1954} I enjoyed this quite a bit. It redeemed French literature to me, which I’ve struggled with in the past. This short novel is like watching a French film. ****
Absolutely Positively Not :: David LaRochelle {2005} This was a very fun coming of age story. The protagonist is well written, if a little self-loathing… but only a tiny bit so. *****

2009

The United States of Wal-Mart :: John Dicker {2005} I didn’t really get too far into this one, but I actually did enjoy the part I did read. Maybe I’ll pick it up again someday, but for now I feel pretty satisfied. I don’t need to know much more. The author is fairly bitter about Wal-Mart. ***
Freakin’ Fabulous :: Clinton Kelly {2008} Clinton is fun and this is a great guide to everyday etiquette. Worth a read! ****
Can You See a Little Bear? :: James Mayhew {2005} This is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve seen. *****
Worlds Afire :: Paul B. Janeczko {2004} Poems based on the 1944 Hartford Circus Fire. This book was sad and really fascinating, prompting me to research the fire for several days. ****
Murder in the Rue Dauphine :: Greg Herren {2002} I didn’t hate this book, but I really didn’t love it so much either. The sentences are choppy and the characters are completely stereotypical. I had trouble getting past the author normalizing the endless drugs and promiscuity. In the end, I was glad to have read it. The central story was engaging enough. ***
The Misunderstood God :: Darrin Hufford {2009} This was a very moving book which goes through the different perceptions of who God is and explains (based on the love chapter) what is wrong with that perception. The overall message is “God is love.” Definitely one I’m recommending to several people. *****
Dishes :: Rich Wallace {2008} Quick read. It was like Broken Hearts Club, but the main storyline is about a straight couple. ****
Bristlecone Peak :: Dave Brown {1998} Book 1 of The Legend of the Golden Feather. We meet Jake, a farmer from Kentucky on the run from neighbors who want to kill him and Wiley, the man who becomes his blood brother and partner. Gay Western fun! I can’t wait to continue the series. *****
The Worst Hard Time :: Timothy Egan {2006} Beautiful book. The only break I took from it was to get past some of the harshness, which Egan was able to make so incredibly vivid. I really loved this book and wanted it to go on for a few hundred more pages chronicling the next few decades in the area. Very deserving of the National Book Award for 2007! *****
Belling the Tiger :: Mary Stolz {1961} Small twin brother mice are sent on a mission to bell the cat living in their house. Their mission takes them to a tropical land where they befriend and bell a tiger and scare an elephant before returning home. They don’t share what they’ve done with the other mice as the tiger has warned that doing that would make them braggarts. Cute story. Unusual moral. It seems to be “You don’t need to brag about your accomplishments to get the most out of your life.” Worth saying, but unusual still. ***
Paul Goble storybooks: Star Boy, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, The Great Race of Birds and Animals, Buffalo Woman, The Gift of the Sacred Dog, I Sing for the Animals, Love Flute, The Legend of the White Buffalo Woman, Beyond the Ridge :: Paul Goble {1978-1998} Amazingly illustrated and beautifully written Native American storybooks for Children. I fell in love with these stories instantly! *****
Sweet and Low :: Rich Cohen {2006} I picked this up on a whim at Dollar Tree. I expected nothing special. What I got was a much more intriguing tale of a family than I could ever have guessed lived behind the sugar substitute giant Sweet & Low. Written by the son of the disinherited daughter, this book comes across as bitter in a few places, but what else would you expect? This is great corporate biography and a compelling memoir. *****
Jesus is Sending You This Message: Stories :: Jim Grimsley {2008} This is so beautifully written. I’ve got a soft spot for Southern writers and Grimsley has been one of my favorites for a long time. This collection of short stories ranges from disturbing to fantastic. Very creative work that seems very different from his other works, but still remains familiar. *****
A Perfect Hoax :: Italo Svevo {1929} I really loved this book. It was tragic, but almost in a sweet way. The poor old man is tricked by his well-meaning friend. It sounded very translated, but all Italian books I’ve read have sounded that way. Very worth the read. *****
Totally Joe :: James Howe {2005} We’ve come a long way! This book is about a teenager whose gayness just is not a big deal… the way things should be. There is such a sweetness in the way this is written. Everyone should be as comfortable with themselves as Joe. *****
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire :: J.K. Rowling {2000} My favorite Harry Potter so far! There is so much to like here. Harry’s starting to get irritating, whining all the time, but he does redeem himself a little. *****
French Milk :: Lucy Knisley {2008} My first graphic book, this is a travelogue of a young woman’s trip to France. This is very well done; made me want to go back to France and smoke cigarettes on the balcony of a Parisian hotel. *****
The Little Guide to Your Well-Read Life :: Steve Leveen {2007} Quick guide to get more out of reading — a sort of reader’s self help book. I appreciated it and the ideas presented within. ****
Drama! The Four Dorothys :: Paul Ruditis {2007} I judged this book pretty harshly when I started it. I was coming off some really great books and felt almost let down, but this book was fun for its genre. If you are a fan of teen fiction such as ttfn or Gossip Girls, then this one is pretty good. I’m considering reading the rest of the series. We’ll see… ***
Wicked: the Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West :: Gregory Maguire {1995} Wicked? Not so much. This story is beautifully imagined. I particularly enjoyed her childhood, her liaisons with Fiyero, and Dorothy’s arrival. Although there were a few parts I absolutely hated, overall it was worth the read. *****
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban :: J.K. Rowling {1999}
While I loved this one, it felt a little long in a few places. Specifically, the part in the shack wasn’t moving as fast as I wanted. However, the rescue of Sirius more than made up for it. That was some fantastic writin. ****
Yuuyaraq: the Way of the Human Being :: Harold Napoleon {1996} In his letter, written from prison, Napoleon tells the story of the death of Yup’ik culture. I found his letter to be very important and moving. This is a valuable piece of history that is so often overlooked. *****
Someday This Pain Will Be Useful To You :: Peter Cameron {2007} Either the author himself is pretentious and self-important or was able to project that on the 18 year old protagonist. Still, I generally liked the story, even though it was filled with a lot of angst and aimlessness. The last chapter was nicely written, but I had a little issue with it. I won’t give anything away by discussing it. ****
The Giraffe :: Marie Nimier {1995} This book was beautifully written, but disturbing. I waited the entire book to find something I liked about the protagonist. That never happened. ***
David Inside Out :: Lee Bantle {2009} I was really taken with this story of a teenage boy coming to terms with what it means to be himself. It is more than a coming out story; it is about being yourself authentically in the face of pressure to be what others see you as. The best part was the overpoweringly positive tone, making this book both moving in its honesty and uplifting. I recommend this one to everyone! *****
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets :: J.K. Rowling {1998} Just about everything in this book made it to the film. That said, it was still an enjoyable read. I’ve been wanting to get into the series for a while, but didn’t want to skip the first two (even after being told to). ****
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone :: J.K. Rowling {1997} And I finally got sucked in. Curiosity got to me and I’m actually rather glad. This book is fun; definitely a children’s book — I understand that changes over the course of the series. Nearly all of this book made it to the film. ****
Snugglepot and Cuddlepie :: May Gibbs {1940} Gumnut babies! Not the most exceptionally written story, but very imaginative. Full of crazy animal characters, but not overly controlled by a plot. I’ll definitely have to read the other two Gumnut stories. ****
The Magic of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1919} This is a fun story of preparing for Ozma’s birthday party, complete with a troupe of three inch tall dancing monkeys. *****
The Tin Woodman of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1918} One of my favorites so far. Someone FINALLY asks The Tin Woodman why he left the girl he was in love with. This is the quest to go woo Nimmie Amee and make her the Empress of the Winkies. *****
The Lost Princess of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1917} The epic quest to find Toto’s missing growl. There is more missing of course — a magic dishpan, Glinda’s book, and Ozma herself… but I was really hoping they’d find the growl. *****
Rinkitink in Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1916} Nearly all of this story takes place outside of Oz. The story is fast and interesting. It seemed somewhat similar to the previous book, but also quite different. The only negative thing I can say about this one is that it was more formulaic and less imaginative than any of the other Oz books by Baum. It was still very good. ****
The Scarecrow of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1915} Originally written as the third Trot and Cap’n Bill book, Baum threw in the Scarecrow to make this the ninth Oz book. It is helpful to read The Sea Fairies & Sky Island before this one. Fast paced story with great characters. *****
Sky Island :: L. Frank Baum {1912} In an effort to make this non-Oz series more popular, Oz brought two Oz characters to it in this story (the sequel to The Sea Fairies). When they accidentally are taken to an island floating in the sky by Button-Bright’s magic umbrella, Trot Cap’n Bill, & Button-Bright have a very strange adventure in store for them. Very Baum. Polychrome makes a nice appearance in this story. If you intend to read the Oz series, read The Sea Fairies & Sky Island sometime between The Road to Oz (#5) & The Scarecrow of Oz (#9) *****
Tik-Tok of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1914} The best Oz books seem to be the ones that center on a new group of travelers who’ve never interacted with the others before. This one is really great. There are new Ozites to love: Betsy, Hank, Private Files, & Quox, but these new characters are guided by a couple of old favorites, The Shaggy Man and Tik-Tok. One of the few that could be read all by itself. *****
The Patchwork Girl of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1913} Baum’s return to Oz was swift, but excellent. Finally, the focus shifts away from Dorothy and to some pretty interesting characters. Ojo is my new favorite, but this one also gave us my new least favorite character, Scraps the Patchwork Girl. Baum considered this his best Oz book and it really is up there. *****
Dot and Tot in Merryland :: L. Frank Baum {1901} This book is rather weird. It felt like Baum needed something to do with a bunch of extra ideas he had. It is put together nicely. Very much in the style of The Magical Monarch of Mo. I’d recommend it for lovers of nonsensical stories. Classic pre-Oz Baum. ****
The Emerald City of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1910} Dorothy finally moves to Oz with Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. This book is about a little Oz exploration and who they meet while on it. The end of this one is Baum’s strongest attempt to end the series. Ozma, concerned about others getting in decides that they need to be cut off from the world, which is done by Glinda at the end of the book. We supposedly will not hear about Oz anymore since they cannot communicate with us. That did not last very long. *****
The Enchanted Apples of Oz :: Eric Shanower {1986} The magic is leaving Oz. This action packed graphic novel gives some excellent new bits of Oz and fun new characters (Drox, the flying swordfish is the coolest of them). ****
The Speckled Rose of Oz :: Donald Abbott {1995} This was the first non-cannon Oz book I’ve read (and finished). I was impressed at how Ozzy it felt, but it was a little forced in places. This was a nice story. I will definitely be reading more from Abbott. ****
The Sea Fairies :: L. Frank Baum {1911} Mermaids! This is a great story about two people (Trot and Cap’n Bill) who are taken down to experience the kingdom of the mermaids. This is such a fun adventure and is classic Baum. When this series failed to gain an audience, Baum brought Trot and Cap’n Bill into the Oz series. *****
Finding the Boyfriend Within :: Brad Gooch {1999} This sounds sillier than it really is. I actually found this book helpful for learning to be with me more comfortably.****
The Magical Monarch of Mo :: L. Frank Baum {1899} This group of nonsense stories is so silly. A lot of fun things happen in this book, Baum’s first for children. I especially liked the dancing tiny elephant who jumps down his own throat and disappears. Don’t expect Oz and you’ll enjoy this. ****
The Road to Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1909} This isn’t everyone’s favorite, but I really liked it. Polychrome was a largely unnecessary character; Baum could have given her more depth, but I instantly loved Button-Bright and the Shaggy Man is pretty cool too. Different from the previous books, but still a lot of fun. This one doesn’t get the credit it deserves. *****
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1908} Earthquake! Another great line up of characters. Eureka the kitten is a fantastic character. I really enjoyed Baum’s imagined worlds underground. *****
Ozma of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1907} Bill(ina) makes this book well worth it. Another great classic story. Return To Oz was largely based on this book. *****
The Marvelous Land of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1904} I loved this story almost more than the first one. The moronic characters (who are actually fairly intelligent), make for a really fun book. *****

2008

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz :: L. Frank Baum {1900} This classic is a must! I’ve fallen in love and have commenced with my plan to read the first 40 Oz books, but I’ll probably not finish before I turn 30. That’s okay though. *****
My Trip Down the Pink Carpet :: Leslie Jordan {2008} A fantastic little book by a fantastic actor; I couldn’t stop laughing and crying, often at the same time *****
As the World Burns: the Sonnets of George W. Bush and Other Poems of the 43rd Presidency :: Ken Waldman {2006} Mostly, the words of Duya in verse; this poet is enraged rather than amused and I like that ***
The Portable Queer: Homo History :: Erin McHugh {2007} A quick overview of major events in gay history; a useful primer ****
Cyberia :: Chris Lynch {2008} Cute story about a boy surrounded by machines that tell him what to do; he is on a mission to free the animals from being controlled by a veterinarian (apparently, the beginning of a series) ***
Raven’s Light :: Marianne Schlegelmilch {2008} At a mere 95 pages, this is still a long-winded (and preachy) legend about post traumatic stress disorder; with editing, it could be great **
Mr. Fooster Traveling on a Whim :: Tom Corwin & Craig Frazier {2008} magical tale of a man who wanders out into an enchanting world with his bottle of bubble soap, pondering some of the great mysteries of life *****
The Monsters of Templeton :: Lauren Groff {2008} A young woman returns to her hometown after an affair with her professor, pregnant; discovering that her father is a man in town, she spends her summer researching to figure out who he is (her mother is not telling); meanwhile, a huge dead creature is pulled from the lake in the same town, something completely unknown to scientists — one of the best books I’ve read and definitely the best of 2008 so far *****
Righting the Mother Tongue: From Olde English to Email, the Tangled Story of English Spelling :: David Wolman {2008} A new telling of the history of English spelling mores; well-written, but a tad overly progressive for me… I still highly recommend it ****
Serendipity Books: Snaffles, Trapper, Creole, Serendipity, Raz-Ma-Taz, Memily, Flutterby, Gabby, Kartusch, Butterwings :: Stephen Cosgrove & Robin James {1974-2003} moral stories mostly from the 70’s & 80’s *****
Pizza: a Global History :: Carol Helstosky {2008} somewhat fascinating; examples (styles, chains, regional toppings) tend to be redundant and fail to convey ‘variety’ **
Steel Magnolias :: Robert Harding {1988} awesome play; the movie follows it pretty well, but the play is set at Truvy’s entirely; I highly recommend this tear-jerker *****
Why We Buy :: Paco Underhill {2000} interesting look at the science of shopping; the author doesn’t understand the book business at all though ***
The Book of Liz :: Amy Sedaris & David Sedaris {2002} a ridiculous, but sweet play about a woman who has had it with being disregarded; sometimes, you’ve got to dress like a peanut to feel human again *****
In the Wake of the Plague: the Black Death & the World It Made :: Norman F. Cantor {2001} a look at thirteenth and fourteenth century English life as affected by the Black Death ***
Fahrenheit 451 :: Ray Bradbury {1953} quite a frightening view of a not-so-impossible future; brilliantly written by an amazing author — if you weren’t already assigned this in school or read it as part of a book group or as part of The Big Read, you really should pick it up… and then see Truffaut’s movie, which I thought was excellent as well ****
Unmasked: Erotic Tales of Gay Superheroes :: editor, Eric Summers {2007} exactly what it sounds like; not as smutty as others and well written (compared to those others); a much needed addition to my shelf of books I’ll reread *****
The Wisdom Of Donkeys :: Andy Merrifield {2008} taking a journey with a borrowed donkey, Gribouille, Merrifield loses himself in thoughts from his life, literary donkey references, and things this donkey is teaching him about life; what I got from it: experience each moment (they are all valuable) and don’t be afraid to daydream ****
Pobby & Dingan :: Ben Rice {2000} Kellyanne’s two imaginary friends change the lives of the people in a small Australian mining town; I cry uncontrollably after reading this… every time ****
A Really Nice Prom Mess :: Brian Sloan {2005} a story about a night that changes everything for a closeted high school gay couple; sweet and honest (but perhaps trying to be too current), it is a good time… plus, there is a deaf stripper running from the cops in glitter panties ****
The Pirates! In An Adventure With Communists :: Gideon Defoe {2006} third novel about the Pirate Captain and his crew; the introspective installment of the series *****
The Tale of Despereaux :: Kate DiCamillo {2003} children’s novel about a tiny mouse, a bowl of soup, and a rat’s search for light; classic *****
Prince Caspian :: C.S. Lewis {1951} second published Narnia book, classic continuation of the story of Peter, Susan, Edmund, & Lucy *****
if on a winter’s night a traveler :: Italo Calvino {1979} a story about a pair of readers and their search for the end of the story; almost too much story to keep up with ***
Bikeman :: Thomas F. Flynn {2008} epic poem by a journalist who was caught in the chaos of September 11 in New York; beautifully written and moving ****
Sassafrass :: Ntozake Shange {1976} poetic story of a woman who leaves her husband and moves in with her sister; the writing style made this one great (ie “cd”=”could,” “n”=”and”) ****
Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats :: T.S. Eliot {1939} the poems that would one day become the musical Cats; so much fun ****
The Boomer :: Marty Asher {2000} stylized novel about an All-American man; includes great 50’s-esque illustrations ****
Brokeback Mountain :: Annie Proulx {1997} heartbreaking/heartwarming tale of two men who fall in love with each other; almost essential reading for gay men *****
Caesar: the Life Story of a Panda-Leopard :: Patrick O’Brian {1930} graphic tale of a fearsome animal and the man who tamed it ****
Dandelion :: Amy S. Wilensky {2000} “a weed is but an unloved flower;” this books is full of things you can do with one of my favorite plants ****
Alaska: the Last Frontier :: Serge Lacomte {1992} nice poetry book about life in Alaska ****
The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe :: C.S. Lewis {1950} quintessential story for kids; must-read for every child *****
Still Life Moves :: Jeff Martin {2003} great poetry collection by a friend and former coworker of mine; makes me feel small when I read it, but in a wonderful way *****
Brotherhood :: Guy Edenbridge {2001} unbelievably dirty book; I couldn’t stop myself from reading the whole thing, filthy as it was **
The Trouble With Poetry :: Billy Collins {2005} former poet laureate of the U.S. has a way with words; this is one of my favorite of his collections ****
The Book of Three (Chronicles of Prydain) :: Lloyd Alexander {1964} first of two books that were later made into the movie The Black Cauldron; very well written, but with somewhat odd place/character names ****
A Day for a Lay :: editor, Gavin Geoffrey Dillard {1999} 100 years of gay poetry; some are great, some are not, worth a read ***
Grammar Snobs Are Great Big Meanies :: June Casagrande {2006} this is a hilarious collection of essays that takes back the English language from the snobs ****
Mindless Eating :: Brian Wansink {2006} exploring the psychology of why we eat so much ***
In Defense Of Food :: Michael Pollan {2008} follow up to The Omnivore’s Dilemma; a manifesto of sorts for those who are ready to make better food choices ****

2007

The World Without Us :: Alan Weisman {2007} an interesting look at what could happen if humans suddenly disappeared from the planet; the book that made me reduce my plastic usage ****
Holidays On Ice :: David Sedaris {1997} awesome group of Christmas themed stories by one of the easiest to relate to contemporary authors; I try to read this every December *****
Winkie :: Clifford Chase {2006} beautifully written and haunting tale of a teddy bear who wills himself to life; a bit bizarre, but Clifford Chase makes it so real *****
The Pirates! In An Adventure with Ahab :: Gideon Defoe {2006) second book in the Pirates! series; the only novel I know of that features a ham as the hero of the story *****
Brendan Wolf :: Brian Malloy {2007} anti-abortion organization volunteer, caretaker to an older man who’s recently suffered a stroke, boyfriend to a gay activist, & partner in a planned heist with his brother and his brother’s wife; I hope there is a sequel someday ****
I Remember :: Joe Brainard {1975} nice book by a fellow Tulsan and member of the New York School of Poetry *****
alpha beta :: John Man {2000} searching for the origins of the modern alphabet; interesting subject, but the text is a bit overly British, if that makes sense ***
Made In America :: Bill Bryson {1994} fun and easy-to-read story of the history of the English language in America *****
I Have Chosen To Stay and Fight :: Margaret Cho {2005} Dubya is almost out of here; this book is a sort of odd call to arms for those who don’t often have a voice ***
Fitness For Dummies :: Suzanne Schlosberg, Liz Neporent {1996} well-written fitness book; good information for getting back into shape ***
The Mother Tongue :: Bill Bryson {1990} history of the English language; Bryson uses very easy to relate to language that makes his books engaging ****
Bryson’s Dictionary Of Troublesome Words :: Bill Bryson {2002} a nice dictionary of befuddling words; includes examples of words used incorrectly, many by Bryson himself ****
Committed :: Dan Mathews {2007}
My Fine Feathered Friend :: William Grimes {2002} a story about a chicken who makes a home for itself in an urban backyard, stays a while, and then moves on ****
The Omnivore’s Dilemma :: Michael Pollan {2006} corn — it is all made of corn; a book about the difficulty in finding food as omnivores, even though it should be instinctual; well worth a read, this one will have you reading your labels again; for me, it convinced me that vegetarianism was the right decision for me *****
Your Disgusting Head :: Haggis-On-Whey {2004} hilarious “storybook” by McSweeny’s ****
Giraffes? Giraffes! :: Haggis-On-Whey {2004} as it is well-known that giraffes will take over this planet one day, this book offers insight into these fascinating creatures; written by Dave Eggers, I am inspired by the level of creativity required to come up with this one *****

2006

The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists :: Gideon Defoe {2005} fun with Charles Darwin and the crew of his ship The Beagle; very funny debut of the Pirate Captain, his crew, and their antics *****

????

Dandelion Wine :: Ray Bradbury {1957}
The Foreigner :: Meg Castaldo {2001} while housesitting for her uncle in New York, Alex gets mixed up with several shady characters, whose paths keep crossing; very engaging read *****
The Perks Of Being A Wallflower :: Stephen Chbosky {1999} a beautiful story about high school and feeling infinite; one of my all-time favorites *****
The Fuck-Up :: Arthur Nersesian {1997} sometimes nothing seems to go right; very well written ****
Dream Boy :: Jim Grimsley {1995}
Dreaming: Hard Luck and Good Times In America :: Carolyn See {1995}
Double Trouble :: Barthe DeClements & Christopher Greimes {1987} a childhood favorite about twins and astral projection *****
Greek Myths Western Style :: Barbara McBride-Smith {1998} mythology completely rethought by a great storyteller and media specialist from my elementary school ****
Pure Sunshine :: Brian James {2002} although it is about a couple of acid trips, this novel still manages to be easy to relate to ****
Tomorrow, Maybe :: Brian James {2003}
100 Selected Poems :: E. E. Cummings {1926}
The Collected Poems Of :: Frank O’Hara {1971} the most important book I own; poetry by the author who changed my life after discovering his works in college *****
Poems Retrieved :: Frank O’Hara {1996} the previously unpublished works by my all-time favorite author; my favorite O’Hara photo graces the cover of this amazing collection *****
Words and Rules :: Steven Pinker {1999} very technical book about word origins and grammar; I ate this up ****
Openly Bob :: Bob Smith {1997}
My Point… And I Do Have One :: Ellen Degeneres {1995} old Ellen stand-up routines in book form; classic and hilarious ****
The Kid :: Dan Savage {1999}
Kirith Kirin :: Jim Grimsley {2000}
Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit :: Jeanette Winterson {1985}
Ellen Foster :: Kaye Gibbons {1987}
This Present Darkness :: Frank E. Peretti {1986}
Where the Heart Is :: Billie Letts {1995}
Heidi :: Johanna Spyri {1927}
Stranger At the Gate :: Mel White {1994}
Homosexuality: the Secret a Child Dare Not Tell :: Mary Ann Cantwell {1996}

wishlist / to read list:

Adventure On Red River :: Grant Foreman {1937}
Black Fountains :: Oswald Wynd {1947}This was a favorite book of mine as a kid. I’ve misplaced my copy.
The Rhino With Glue-On Shoes :: Lucy Spelman {2008}
The Pirates! In An Adventure With Napoleon :: Gideon Defoe {2008}
m or f? :: Lisa Papademetriou and Chris Tebbetts {2005}
The Art of Racing in the Rain :: Garth Stein {2008}
The Seducer’s Diary :: Søren Kierkegaard {1843}
Fear and Trembling :: Søren Kierkegaard {1843}
Giraffe :: J.M. Ledgard {2006}
The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana :: Umberto Eco {2004}
Redwall :: Brian Jacques {1986}
Tisha :: Robert Specht {1976}
One More For the Road :: Ray Bradbury {2003}
Parasites Like Us :: Adam Johnson {2003}
When You Were Me :: Robert Rodi {2007}
The Boy In the Striped Pajamas :: John Boyne {2006}
Ordinary Wolves :: Seth Kantner {2005}
Bryson’s Dictionary For Writers and Editors :: Bill Bryson {2008}

Lists » Books & Films