Dennis's comments (member since Dec 19, 2008)

Dennis's comments from the Books on the Nightstand group.

I read so slowly and my job takes up so much time that I'm shooting for 26 non work-related books (one every two weeks).

I just finished my 15th of 2009, so I'm doing pretty well.

I wish I could make the time for a book a week.

I just finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and I'm now about 100 pages into Child 44. This comes on the heels of reading "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" last month. I think I've really hit a good string of books here - all of which I heard about on the BOTN podcast.

I just finished "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" yesterday and loved it. That would be my recommendation. I wrote up a review which you can read on my books page.

I'm currently reading seven, yes seven, books. This isn't necessarily by design, it just sort of happened organically. It was nine at one point.

At least I diversify. I've got two non-fiction (history), one book of poetry, one science fiction, one fantasy and two general fiction.

Somehow, I'm able to keep all the storylines straight due to the diversity.

I am trying to get back to a monogomous reading relationship, so I've made the following decision. I will not start a new book without first finishing one of my unfinished books. This way I'll alternate over the next 14 books and be back to just one.

I've only recently taken up poetry. I've found a few poets I like (Charles Simic, Charles Bukowski & Mary Jo Bang) and one that I didn't care for (Frank O'Hara).

The book of poetry I'm currently reading by Mary Jo Bang is entitled "Elegy" and was written in the year following the death of her son in the prime of his life. This collection is very powerful and moving.

Ann,

I realize the original post to this string was in November, so I hope you don't mind a late reply.

How about the concept - "If You Can Read Only One"?

For instance, and I think this is near to your heart, if I could only read one Ian McEwan book - which would you recommend. That kind of thing. You could do it for the classics (Tolstoy, Faulkner, etc.), but also for contemporaries like McEwan and John Irving (there will be heated debate between Prayer and Cider House).

This idea came to me in a bookstore the other day when I decided I want to read Camus but couldn't decide between The Plague and The Stranger.

Just a thought.

I love the podcast. You and Michael do a terrific job with it.

Thanks,

Dennis