We are both voracious readers. One thing we really like to do is read the same book so we can discuss it. Here are some of our favorites from this year.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand(read by Eric and Chrissie)
Eric picked this book up to take along to the honeymoon. He wasn't sorry he did. It had wonderful characters, and more importantly a wonderful social commentary. The events which occured were completely outrageous, and yet one couldn't shake the feeling that these events could come to pass. The theme would have made a wonderful short story, and yet there were a lot of other juicy bits which made all 1000 pages worth turning.
Chrissie read the book second. The best part about that was that she got to discuss it as she went along, and every time she noticed the foreshadowing Eric would be surprised.
Fire and Ice Trilogy by George R.R. Martin(Eric and Chrissie)
Don gave Chrissie this series while she was there, and had to hurry to finish the third book so she could read it too. These books are so amazingly well written. I loved every minute of reading them, and even now I sometimes think about the characters' plights, and wonder what will happen to them. The third book especially amazed me with the intricate tapestry of plots and twists that came together so well.
Eric would like to add that the details are astounding.
Atlas(Eric and Chrissie)
We got addicted to some websites that had all the countries and capitals of the world. We made a competition out of memorizing all the countries and capitals in Europe, North America, Sounth America, Central America, and Asia. We attempted Africa, but didn't really learn it well. Chrissie won the competition.=)
Geodyssey Series by Piers Anthony(Eric)
This ws a series that Chrissie pushed into my hands as I was leaving for Puerto Rico. I thought I'd have some time for reading each night, but that was a poor assumtion to make. I think I finished the first book on the flight back. Anyway, Piers Anthony is much better known for his fantastical fantasy, but he did a pretty interesting thing in these books. He watched a couple people grow up as humanity was also growing up. So as a child humanity was young, and by the time he got old the setting was in the future. It had a good amount of anthropology, and some nice bits of history woven into the book. It was interesting enough to make me think quite a bit, and that is always appriciated by me.
Cats Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut(Eric)
This book was suggested by my Uncle Richard. Its a fairly quick read, and brings up some interesting points of view. Its written with a light feel on what is a pretty heavy topic.
Road Less Travelled by Scott Peck(Eric)
This is a book I've read before, and this year I want back a read sections again. Scott Peck is soemone who I've pattered a lot of my thought after, and revisiting their origins is always enlightening.
Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier(Chrissie)
I picked up this novel to read on the way to California. I was amazed at how gripping this novel was. It is a retelling of the Seven Swans fairy tale. I was so caught up in the heroine's plight that I could hardly speak for fear of breaking the spell.
Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters(Chrissie)
I love this whole series. It's basically a mystery/romance/comedy set in Victorian era Egypt. Amelia Peabody is the main character and she is hilarious. You also get some good historical information on Egypt.
Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling(Chrissie)
Ah yes, I had to get the new Harry Potter. The first time through I read it too quickly, but it was definitely darker than the first ones. I wish Harry was a little less whiny, but there was still plenty of the fun like the first books.
Naked Empire by Terry Goodkind(Chrissie)
Another installment of the Goodkind series, which I've gotten many people to read. I love the characters, especially Zedd. And Richard. And Kahlan. Oh, I like them all. =) The first book is especially wonderful, but they are all good, and this last one has Richard again so everyone should like it.
Witches of Eileannan by Kate Forsyth(Chrissie)
This is another random book I picked up in the bookstore, but I liked it enough that I read all seven in about a month. The first book was fun to read because you could kind of tell she was a new author, but she still wrote an excellent story and they only get better as you go on.
The Fairy Rebel by Lynn Reid Banks(Chrissie)
This was my favorite book from elementary school. KaLynn, my niece, and I were doing some reading, so I checked it out again. It's still wonderful!
Calvin and Hobbes Comics by Bill Watson(Chrissie)
Funny stuff! Eric has the whole series.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger(Chrissie)
I read this book because my sister invited me to join a book club. It was ok. I think peole who actually have had bad work experiences and can sympathize would enjoy it more. All my work experiences (few as they may be) have been very good. It had a couple of good moments, like when the author complained when a guy gave her a wimpy handshake, like he was afraid she'd break. I hate it when people do that.
