My 2009 Reading List

So, here’s the thing… I’m kind of (really) addicted to books. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, how to rule-the-world-in-30-days, you name it and it might already be on one of my many over-stocked shelves. I love books like some women love shoes – they just cost less and look a lot more awkward when I strap them to my feet.

When I was in university, reading books was practically my sole mission in life (a dream come true when you’re a major bookworm) since I was working on a BA in English Literature. The only down side was that if it wasn’t on a syllabus, I didn’t have time for it… So now I have a lot of catching up to do. Like figuring out who this Harry Potter chap is, anyway.

Now that I’m on the path to life as a bona-fide “grown-up” (eek!), I’ve found that I don’t make nearly as much time for my books as I used to. It’s like a great friendship that’s drifted over the years – we started hanging out less and less, and before I knew it, they weren’t returning my calls. Or e-mails. Or singing candygrams.

But, it’s a whole new year, and in 2009 I’m determined to get my relationship with books back on track. I hope to work my way through quite a stack this year – new titles, old must-reads and a few classics for good measure. Here are a few new finds that I’m really looking forward to:

With so many amazing books out there, it’s going to be quite the task to figure out which ones are a must-read this year. I think I’m going to need some help. Which brings me to a very important question: If you could suggest only one book – something that moved you, changed your life, or just made for a really great read – what would it be? Let me know, and I will add it to my list! (And perhaps make a recommendation in return!)

9 Responses to “My 2009 Reading List”

  1. Karen Lombard Says:
    January 21st, 2009 at 2:25 am

    Alicia….
    The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch – it’ll take 1 day to read and it is so good!

    Also….anything by Jodi Picoult

    Twilight – just started it and soooo good.

    Hope these help!

  2. Mark Foster Says:
    January 21st, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    You’ve probably read it, but my favourite book is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.

    I also definitely recommend Look Homeward, Angel by Thomas Wolf.

  3. Shugs Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 am

    Kite Runner. If you haven’t read it. I resisted a long time because of the hype, read it in one night, then went to buy it the next day. ummm and for some CANADIAN LIT- Tin Flute.

  4. Martha Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 4:18 am

    You’ve probably read these, but..

    White Oleander- Janet Finch.. There are certain passages in this book that absolutely changed my life ( I would say which ones but if you haven’t read it, I don’t want to ruin it!) :) It’s a semi-fluffy, easy read but it’s so good..

    Starlight Tour- I can’t remember who this is by, but it’s a must-read for any Canadian… It changed my views on Aboriginal affairs in Canada..

    Feel free to suggest any to me, I’m always looking for something good :) (Recently read: Through Black Spruce, Good to a Fault, Mercy Among the Children, The Hour I First Believed)

  5. Errka Says:
    January 22nd, 2009 at 2:51 pm

    Angel Riots by Ibi Kaslik (It’s Rock’n'Roll and it’s Canadian)

    People of Paper by Salvador Plascencia (Bowman recommended this to me, this book is so weird it will never, ever be made into a movie)

    City Wolves – Dorris Heffron (She’s my neighbour, and a swell lady. The book’s all Canadian and an easy, but fun read)

    Persuasion – Jane Austen. (C’mon it’s JANE! and there’s some amazing letters in his book.)

    And, in case you haven’t read it, My Friend Leonard by James Frey. (Mark recommended this one to me)

    Oh and Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

    :)

  6. Deidra Says:
    January 23rd, 2009 at 4:19 am

    Ok so my list includes…

    An oldie but goodie: ‘Catherine, called Birdy’ by Karen Cushman, this book is a children’s novel but it is the one that started my love affair with books

    A newbie: ‘My sister’s keeper’ by Jodi Picoult, can’t say anything or I’ll ruin it, bit it’s good trust me.

    ‘Prozac Nation’ and the sequel ‘More, Now, Again’ both by Elizabeth Wurtzel, A-MA-ZING books…one of my all-time favourite quotes is from the prior book “500,000 herion addicts can’t be wrong”

    Last but never least…’The Princess Bride’ by William Goldman, the movie is good, but the book is soo much better an absolute favourite read of mine, I must have read it 10 times over the years and will continue to re-read it many more times throughout my life

  7. Philip Cavaco Says:
    January 30th, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    “Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy” a light hearted sci-fi classic that is worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.

    “The girl with the dragon tattoo” a translation of a swedish novel that I am currently reading. The book is amazing so far. The first in a trilogy written by an author who sadly died BEFORE any of his books were published.

    I too have fallen behind in my reading but am making a comeback the last few months. If you have some suggestions for a geek like me I would be happy to check them out.

  8. Tara Says:
    March 6th, 2009 at 1:04 am

    1) The Neverending Story: Michael Ende
    To make you fall in love with reading again.

    2) East of Eden: John Steinbeck
    To make you fall in love with story telling again.

    and

    3) Illusions: Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
    To make you fall in love with wonder again.

  9. Cork Says:
    March 9th, 2010 at 2:45 am

    I have been a big fan of the book and watched the movie for the heck of it and I’ve got to say, that was one hell of a movie to watch. I was nearly on the edge of my seat when watching My Sister’s Keeper. I knew about the story plot and everything, but never did I anticipate me getting teary at the end. The movie is a simply must see movie. For those you haven’t watched it yet, I recommend watching it at http://tr.im/mysisters

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