Books of July (wait...July is over already?)

Just in case you really need new suggestions for things to read: here are a few. This is what I've been up to this July. Hope you find a new favorite or two. Please comment with thoughts, recommendations or really anything else lovely on your mind about books and such. How to Write a Sentence by Stanley Fish.

I loved Stanley in college while everyone else complained about having to read "Is there a text in this class?" Here, he waxes poetic about sentences, trotting out many lovely ones and inviting us to create our own. I love this book and want to own it, in order to wade through the pages time and time again, perhaps underlining.

Giving Church Another Chance by Todd Hunter.

My parents know the author of this book and when my priest mentioned that he had embraced the Anglican tradition, I wanted to know more. This book focuses on how the practices of the church which sometimes become routine can be thought about newly to bring focus and wonder to worship again. I thought that he had some good points and enjoyed the journey. His thoughts mirror a lot of my own.

Ignore Everybody (and 39 other keys to creativity) by Hugh MacLeod.

This book was a quick read and had some insightful things to say. Things that you (as a creative person) should know, but forget. Reminders are always good, and these were written freshly, with the author’s illustrations. It was an interesting book worth reading.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. 

This is the first book in a series of English mysteries written recently by set in historical London. Many people at work love this series. I wasn’t sure I’d like this book, but it caught me up. It’s a very moving story, about the great war, about personal strength, tragedy and getting past it, as well as a mystery. I will be continuing with the series.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Such an amazing book. He is married to Nicole Krauss (who wrote The History of Love which I recommended a while back).It’s very easy for me to see why he and Nicole Krauss are married. Their writing styles are so similar. They take risks, are hugely innovative, a little confusing and eventually rewarding. This book, from the perspective of a young boy who lost his father in 9/11 is lovely. Difficult, yes, but more than worth it. Thanks again to Kristina for introducing me to these two wonderful writers. You will see others of their works on these posts I'm sure.

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel) by Ellen Raskin.

This post doesn't seem complete without a children's book. Let's fix that. For those of you who know me well, you may have heard me talk about The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, which is my favorite mystery of all time. I really like puzzle mysteries where everything comes together in the end. This book is by the same author and while it isn't as good as my favorite, it's quirky, fun and generally entertaining. If you're bored, give it a whirl (as long as you can stand silliness!)

Until next month, happy reading!