Messages From Carrie
Some of Carrie's Favorite Reads of 2008
January 8th, 2009
Carrie Newcomer
Here are some of my favorite reads this year! Let me know what you've been reading!
1. The Story of Edward Sawtelle - by David Wroblewski
This book is a wonderful debut novel. I was drawn in particularly by how the author allowed you inside the experience of Almondine, the family's dog. If you liked “The Life of Pi”, or “Watership Down” or “The Poisonwood Bible”, definitely pick this one up.
2. Radical Presence: Teaching as Contemplative Practice - by Mary Rose O'Reilley
This is a beautiful little book about mindfulness, contemplative practice and spiritual journey. I loved this book and found it very inspiring.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns – by Khaled Hosseini
A stunning follow up to “The Kite Runner”. The story takes you into the lives of two women in Afghanistan before and after the rise of the Taliban. Difficult and powerful subject matter, but beautifully and insightfully written.
4. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close - by Jonathan Safran Foer
From the Author of “Everything is illuminated”. I fell in love with the nine-year-old hero, Oskar Schell. This is a very originally written exploration of the healing and the lasting effects of violence in a culture. Warning to the tenderhearted. This book has alternately hilarious and appalling passages.
5. Redbird By Mary Oliver
Mary Oliver is one of my favorite poets. If you are a fan of Wendell Berry, Billy Collins or Joyce Stuphen definitely pick up this newest collection or any of her past works. Her use of elegant us of language and nature imagery is inspiring.
6. I Love You, Miss Huddleston: And Other Inappropriate Longings of My Indiana Childhood - by Philip Gulley
This is Philip Gulley's newest book to be released in April of 2009. I had the wonderful chance to read the book before publication. I have loved and appreciated so many of Philip's work, but this new one is really exceptional. It is a wonderful account of the treasures, trials and plain old wackiness of growing up in small town Indiana. He tells his stories with a bright intelligence, a wry wink which are at the same time tender, thought provoking and downright hilarious.