50 Book Challenge Part 2

So if you missed it, this is part 2 of my blog about the 50 book challenge. The idea is to read 50 books in 2012 and I am blogging about what I am reading because I like receiving book recommendations and feel I should reciprocate! Part 1 has books 1-20 and this is the next 10.

I noticed this set of books had a bit of a theme-recommendation from fellow book worms. I didn't plan it that way but figured I would shout out to those who told me about these books as they were all damn good! It also proves that, yes, I do listen to you when you tell me about a really good book. It just takes me some time to work my way around to it due to various reasons: 

a) I have a long book stack and new ones hit the bottom of the pile (some exceptions of course...) 

b) It might take me a bit to find a copy as I don't normally borrow other peoples books but prefer to buy my own. Libraries are great but if it's a good read, I wanna keep a copy.

c) If it is a series, it may be too big of a commitment at the time.  HELLO Robert Jordan....

d) Might not be what I am in the mood for and was stored in my reserve memory.

21. The Phantom of the Opera-Gaston Leroux. 

Drama

No one recommended this one to me, it was a part of a thrift shop $2 bag sale (seriously, two bucks for a BAG of books!!!!) and I had no idea that it was a novel before it was an Opera. Bet you didn't either! It was first published in France in 1909. Upon reading, it didn't blow my mind and I think I may have had too high of hopes for it. I had just read Great Expectations and had a naive assumption that all books that has lasted in print for over 100 years were going to be master works. Some things were explained (like hold your hands at the level of your eyes...) and it is a fuller story but...meh.

22. The Ruins-Scott Smith

Recommended by: Ed S.

Horror

I loves me some horror novels and when Ed was telling me about this book I was mentally comparing the prospect of reading it to the movie adaptation... and wasn't quite sold. But Ed has solid taste and I put the title into mind storage. I came across a copy in a book sale and was all YOINKS-mine. Right was price and I was in the mood for something dark. 

Whoa. 

For shame movie makers, you made a passing decent film from a really good book! I was able to get lost in this book for hours at a time and enjoyed it tremendously. DO NOT let the movie drive you away from this read, if you like the horror genre-pick it up.

23. 1984-George Orwell.

Recommended by: Every English teacher everywhere.

Classic

What took me so long to read this book? I won't insult this book by trying to blurb about it-most of you already know of its content and impact. I will say that I feel I am catching references that I previously didn't know the origins to and gave the implications thought long after finishing.

24. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang-Chelsea Handler

Recommended by: Kari-An A.

Comedy / biography

I was curious about Chelsea Handler, I don't have cable so I haven't watched her TV show but I heard the books were funny. Little raunchy, but funny. 

Ya they are! 

I am okay with a spattering of raunch among the anecdotes and practical jokes. She seems to be the kind of person I find hilarious-from afar. I would have a nervous breakdown if I were to befriend her. Want an easy read, light laugh and a bit of colour? Give it a read... if you want raunchy and to nearly piss yourself laughing-read Tucker Max.

25. Fool-Christopher Moore

Comedy fiction

Christopher Moore books are almost too funny. The first chapter or two is laugh out loud, show your neighbour on the bus type funny. Then you become desensitised to it and recognise that it is clever and funny but now it's a smile and nod.

That being said, I still love his books and appreciate the wit and humour they provide! This one is a rip on King Lear as told by Pocket, the court jester/fool. Oh, and when he warns you the book is vulgar & bawdy-he means it. And it's awesome.

26. The Hedge Knight-George RR Martin

Recommended by: Chris S.

Graphic novel / fantasy

We all know and love Mr. Martin for his 'Song of Ice and Fire' Series (if you don't, GO READ THEM) and this is based in that same world, about 100 years earlier.  Enjoyed the story... once I got the hang of reading a comic book. 

Gotta say, they shouldn't be allowed to be called novels. 

It's a big comic book. 

Seriously.

Regardless, still good and well illustrated. I found it interesting to read about the Targaryens while alive and in power. I would say give this a read to any fans of Song of Ice and Fire or any fantasy / comic book geeks.

27. The Lovely Bones-Alice Sebold

Recommended by: Jenny B

Drama

What an interesting read. I like books that have unusual narratives. Like 'The Book Thief' where Death is the unexpected narrator, (if you haven't read the Book Thief, I cannot recommend it enough. I cried, I was shocked, I was heartbroken, and I was made to feel the holocaust & war time Germany like no other media item has produced.) a dead teenager tells her story from Heaven in the lovely bones. 

I was pulled in within the first pages and was impressed. If you don't mind a tear jerker, it's worth it.

28. Assholes Finish First-Tucker Max

Recommended by: Heather via "I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell" fame

Comedy / biography

OMG. Just, OMG. I was looking for a birthday gift for my younger brother and had "Name of the Wind" in my hand ready to go, when I saw this book. Assholes Finish First. I was curious. I flipped it open and read the first short story....AND NEARLY PEED MYSELF. I was laughing and hoping that I wasn't attracting too much attention (no one likes the crazy lady off laughing to herself in a corner...). Now I was pretty set on "The Name of the Wind"... and I had some time to kill. So I flipped to a different short story and started reading, again: Laughed out loud. Legit. LOL. 

I was still reading, yet another story, when in line at the till at the book store and found myself desperately trying not to snort and full belly laugh. Didn't work, I was giggling like a true nutter as I purchased it. I almost didn't want to give it away-I wanted to read it!!! But after my brother was done with it, he lent it to me and WORTH THE WAIT.

Don't get me wrong, Tucker Max is an asshole and a pig. But he is damn funny.

29. Alias Grace-Margaret Atwood

Historical Fiction.

It's based on the true story of Grace Marks and well told. It would seem it was told accurately but I am no expert and the only research I've done was Wikipedia. I was interested for the historical aspect, plus its set in Canada and I respect the author.

It was good but I am not inspired to rave about it. I liked it but don't think it's a repeat read.

30. The Wind Through The Keyhole-Stephen King

Recommended by: ME. To EVERYONE.

Dark Tower (deserves its own genre)

I am a big fan of the Dark Tower series so when I was told this was coming out I nearly vibrated with excitement. For those of you who love Roland and want more of his back-story then READ THIS. It's like Wizard and Glass in that it is set during the trek to the tower with Roland telling another story to Eddie, Jake, Suzanna and Oy. It takes place very close from where Wizard and Glass leaves off (both in dark tower timeline and Roland’s youth) and while I was sorry Alain and Cuthbert didn't make an appearance, I was still thrilled with a new instalment. 

And read it super quick. 

Guess I shall just have to go back and reread the whole series with this one set as book 4.5!

Loves me some Uncle Stevie!