last updated: 17 October 1998 back to kcarlson

Readings 1997 (Recent, Older)
Candide Voltaire Cela est bien dit, mais il faut cultiver notre jardin.
(at least the 8th time I've read this)
Gringa Sandra Scofield Interesting followup after reading Mexico:
"Isn't there anything you want a lot?" Adele asked gently. Abilene knew the answer so quickly it scared her. "When I'm all alone in a room, I want to know who's there."
Mexico Michener Epic like most Michener, easy reading. Long sequences on bull fighting.
Reviving Ophelia Mary Pipher A sociological review of what teen age girls face in our culture. I recommend this for folks who have teenagers or soon-to-be teenagers. May not be exactly what their daughters face, but undoubtedly does reflect the experiences of some of their peers and some of the pressures of this culture.
The Sparrow Mary Doria Russell A very good read, very thought provoking. Could be classified as Science Fiction by virtue of being set in the future, but it would be very limiting to classify it as just Sci-Fi.
The Mystery Roast Peter Gadol Really moves, and interesting.
Moo Jane Smiley Moo University? Interesting fictional view of University politics for those of us working at a University, or is it fiction?
Tracks Louise Erdrich  
A Thousand Acres Jane Smiley I'm not sure how this will be made into a movie.
The Liars' Club Mary Karr  
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents Julia Alvarez  
Banana Rose Natalie Goldberg  

Readings 1996 or 1995 (Recent, 1997)
A Map of the World Jane Hamilton  
High Tide in Tucson Barbara Kingsolver I have read all her books (and will continue to).
Life Lessons from Little League Vincent Fortanasce Good for both parents and coaches to read...
Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas Tom Robbins I have read all his books (but do wait for paperbacks).
Other People Martin Amis  
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten Robert Fulghum Share everything. Play fair. Don't hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don't take things that aren't yours. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.... Be aware and wonder.
Shoeless Joe W.P. Kinsella I saw Field of Dreams (multiple times) before reading the book, the movie definitely deviated from the book some (as always), but both are good.
Sexing the Cherry Jeanette Winterson "I don't hate men, I just wish they'd try harder. They all want to be heroes and all we want is for them to stay at home and help with t he housework and the kids. That's not the kind of heroism they enjoy."
Nobody Nowhwere Donna Williams An autobiography of an autistic, really, fascinating...
The Beet Queen Louise Erdrich  
In the Time of the Butterflies Julia Alvarez  
So Far From God Ana Castillo  
The Stone Diaries Carol Shields  
The Book of Ruth Jane Hamilton  
Homeland and other stories Barbara Kingsolver  
Written on the Body Jeanette Winterson .

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