A few more of my Faves…..
~~~15 Absolutely Totally
Incredibly Kick Ass Books that I Love Love Love…
1. LOLITA by Vladimir Nabokov : The words seduce,
entice, and lure the reader into
Nabokov’s brilliancy until we descend inside the
pages. This book cannot be rated. It is completely off the charts.
2. THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF A PART-TIME
INDIAN by Sherman
Alexie: I already ordered several copies to
give to family and friends because everybody should be required to read this
book, devour it, love it, and savor the messages of hope, not only for American
Indian People, but for ALL of humanity. I’m in love w/ Sherman.
3. DISGRACE by Coetzee: “Disgrace” begins with an affair. 52 year
old, Professor
David Lurie, crosses the uncrossable line when he has an affair with one of his
19 year old students. Lurie cares about
nobody but himself, and in the end, gets everything he deserves. Dazzling Narrative
4. STILL
ALICE by Lisa
Genova: Imagine yourself jogging in
your own neighborhood
and quite suddenly – not able to find your way home. Imagine pulling your underwear
over your head rather than your bra. Imagine not recognizing your own face in
the 
mirror. Now imagine that woman is you.
Alzheimer’s disease affects everybody…..I interviewed Lisa Genova HERE
5. THE BELL JAR by Sylvia Plath: “The silence depressed me. It wasn’t the silence of silence. It was my own silence.” ~Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar
6. THE BOOK OF RUTH by Jane Hamilton: Reading
Jane Hamilton’s “Book of Ruth” is like diving into a sea of
outrageous, uncivilized, hideous dysfunction. It is like drowning. It is like observing
from below the surface and unable to do a damn thing about the events happening
before 
your eyes. This was Oprah’s first Book Pick.
7. DRY by Augusten Burroughs: Augusten Burrough’s memoir, DRY, is an incredibly candid
account of an alcoholic and drug addict who has fallen so deeply into the abyss
that he is finding it impossible to climb out of the darkness. Burroughs has NO
boundaries. He gives the readers
Everything. I kind of dig that in an
author.
8. EVENING
by Susan Minot: “Evening” is a
Picasso painting with a heartbeat. Every sense will be heightened and
alive; every moment matters; every disconnected brush stroke will reconnect in
the end. Pure Profuse Perfection.
9. LITTLE BEE by Chris Cleave: “Sad words are just another beauty. A sad story means, this storyteller is alive. The
next thing you know something fine will happen to her, something marvelous, and
then she will turn around and smile.” If that quote doesn’t make you want to
devour Little Bee, nothing will.
10. THE UNABRIDGED JOURNALS OF SYLVIA PLATH by
Sylvia Plath : “God, is this all it
is, the ricocheting down the corridor of laughter and tears? Of self-worship
and self-loathing? Of glory and disgust?”
–S.P. This book will burn inside
the reader’s hands.
11. THE SCENT OF GOD by Beryl Singleton Bissell: Beryl is a nun. She falls in love with the Italian
Priest. Need I say more? So very Thorn Birdy!
A note:
after Kay was murdered, Beryl invited me to her home on the North Shore
for lunch, conversation, & prayer.
She’s amazing and inspiring.
-Me and Beryl Singleton Bissell!
12. THE HOUSE OF SAND AND FOG by Andre Dubus
III : Overflowing with symbolism,
metaphor, and layer after layer of beauty, misery, and sadness.
I loved this book.
13. A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini: Set in Afghanistan… This is a story of oppression, terror,
bondage, love, and friendship. You will
find yourself screaming in air. Beyond
Brilliant.
14. TALK BEFORE SLEEP by Elizabeth Berg: “I will come back as a little breeze. You
will feel me on your face, and you will know that I am still listening. So you
can still talk to me.” A story about
friendship, loyalty, & girlfriends, but mostly, a story about love.
|
15. TRAVELING MERCIES by Annie Lamott: A
breathtakingly honest account of Lamott’s progression into Christianity. Yeah,
this unorthodox, untypical, sassy, not afraid to say “fuck” chick loves Jesus and she’s not afraid to say it!
My Lovely Reader, What are you reading now? What are some of your Kick Ass Books?
—–My beautiful friend’s book Sara\’s Sleep had it’s book launching today. Brava, Terri. :::::: You Rock Like Gaga!:::::: <3 xxx
—Another friend of mine, Pam, has a kick ass book out which is getting LOTS of buzz called Unlady Like Please check it out!
Thanks for the list- I have not read about half of these so I will have to check them out. I have a short list of all time favorites from each genre- but a lot of times my next pick will vary with my moods
–Yeah, check them out Trishe! Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Sherman Alexie is one of my favorite writers. There was a film called “Smoke Signals” based on one of his books that was amazing too. I love the wide breadth of your selections. I’ve read some of them, and I agree with your opinions! Thank you for the selections!
Linda Medrano recently posted..It Could Have Been Worse – Day 30
Linda, I’ve watched SMOKE SIGNALS and Looooved it. I adore Alexie. I think he’s talented & sexy!!
Don’t you? Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
It’s been ages since I’ve read a real book. I miss it.
Sandra recently posted..July 4th Table
Sandra,
well, get going. After you bake something deliiiiish, of course! Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Ooh, some fabulous reads here I need to pick up!
Alison@Mama Wants This recently posted..Happiness Is…
Mama A, do you have time to read? Ha Ha xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
You’ve just given me an excellent bunch of books to add to my “to read” list.
I’m reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed and
Shimmering Images: A Handy Little Guide to Writing Memoir, by Lisa Dale Norton.
Tina Barbour recently posted..Can you please turn that down?
Tina,
I’ve been hearing LOTS about “WILD.” Oprah started her bookclub again because of it.
What do you think? Should I read? It sounds exciting. Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
I would recommend it. I’ve let other books pull me away from it, so I haven’t finished it, but will hopefully do so this week. The writing is excellent, and she moves back and forth in time really well, which I’m trying to improve on in my own writing.
Tina Barbour recently posted..Don’t run from the animals, don’t show your fear
I shall buy for my Kindle Xxx Thanx, Tina.
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Love the list!! Have read a few of these, but now I have lots of good ideas for more to put on my own list… especially Beryl’s!
Last one I read was Water for Elephants… SO good.
Cathy recently posted..I Have an Exam Coming Up on Friday
Beryl’s is wonderful. Hope you read it <3
Kim, thanks for providing such a great list. I’ve read a few of these, I own (and have yet read) a couple. Thanks for sharing it with us, just in time for summer reading!
Monica recently posted..When Morning Comes
Happy Reading, Monica <3 Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
I can see I have miles to go before I sleep! I only have no.13 and haven’t read it yet. When I post a review of that book, I am going to dedicate it to you.
You’ve got wonderful taste in books, Kim. And I can’t wait to get what you’ve listed here!
By the way, I emailed you the ebook version of Anna Karenina – did you get it?
Hugs. Great list – this is going to enrich my life! Thanks for a beautiful post, darling, Kim!
Vidya Sury recently posted..A Cherished Privilege
I never recieved your Anna Karenina! SORRY. How sweet of you to do this, Vidya.
You ENRICH my life. <3
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Kim what a wonderful list of books! (Have I told you I adore your lists?) I’ve read the Plath, Hosseini, Coetzee, and Lamott, but I’ve copied this to my desktop to make sure I read ALL the rest. GRAZIE MILLE! Can’t wait. I’m reading Mansfield Park, which I love. I found it for cheap on a dusty bookshelf in Rome.
Jann Huizenga recently posted..Vespas with Liver Spots in Sicily
Mansfield Park must be Lush! I’d like to read that. So many books … So little time.
How do you like Coetzee? I love his writing style.
XX Love to you, Jann.
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Thanks for posting this. Was just thinking that I needed to get another book soon for summr reaidng since I just finished my last book a few days ago. I read mostly nonfiction….I enjoy any kind of true story, autobiograpshy, etc. Think I may try some of the novels on your list!
Debbie recently posted..Strawberry Cake with Thick Strawberry Glaze
–It is weird, but I write completely non-fiction …
but mostly read fiction.
I must read an autobiograpy. Have you read Elizabeth Edwards book? Xx
Oh, lovely list. I have read most of them but not all so it is off to Amazon to add to my ‘Desired’ list immediately as it seems we have similar eclectic taste in books.
Currently engrossed in: Random Family, Adrian Nicole LeBlanc
An older book that is utterly sad about the ‘thug’ life of a family in the Bronx.
Val
Val,
let me know what you read over the summer! Xxx
Hooray for more books to add to my TBR list!
I’m currently reading Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (memoir) by Jenny “The Bloggess” Lawson. It is, in turns, laugh-out-loud funny, and soul-wrenchingly sad.
xoxo
Ellen M. Gregg recently posted..Forging a New Life
I must get the book by Lawson.
I kind of dig her.
Xxx Thanks, Ellen.
What an eclectic choice of books! I’ve read some, heard of others and some are totally new to me, waiting to become old friends. I love to read, especially in this summer heat by getting up early and sitting on the deck while it is still slightly cool, very quiet and a perfect time to read a little! I’m off to check out Terri and Pam’s books!
nan @ lbddiaries recently posted..The Proposal Redux
Nan,
Pam’s book is about inequality in the church. It is getting LOTS of buzz.
Xxx How are you?
Wow, Kim, these sound like some great books! Must read! I loved your descriptions as they make me want to read these books. Two of my favorite books are ‘The Red Tent’ by Anita Diamant (tells the story about Dinah, the daughter of Leah and Jacob, from the Bible in her words) and ‘Little Miss Strange’ by Joanna Rose, which is told from the point of view of Sarajean Henry, a child growing up in ’60′s & ’70′s Denver, who is being raised by her Vietnam Veteran foster father Jimmy Henry and their life with their group of hippie/veteran friends.
Liz,
Of course, I read THE RED TENT…but I should read it again…
LIittle Miss Strange sounds Excellent. I love Hippies! Xx
I love Hippies too! : )
Thanks for your list, Kim. I haven’t read much of what’s on there, so I have my work cut out for me! Finding time for pleasure reading has been tough lately, but I’m about two-thirds through a writing guide and a memoir. Why must I read two books at once???!
Debbie recently posted..A Squirrel’s Journey
~~Debbie,
I used to read 2 books at once….sometimes 3! But I cannot do anymore <3
Except if one of the books is poetry.
Xxx
Oh I need a good reading list this summer.
I got sucked into the Hunger Games. Gah…I swore I wouldn’t but my Aussie neighbor tricked me into it with her accent. Damn.
Kimberly recently posted..Just Drive
Everybody is either reading the HUNGER GAMES or 50 SHADES OF GREY!
:::SIGH:::
I am too, unfortunately! Haaa
Love to you, Dear Kim. xx
Wow Kim, thank you for sharing all of these here.
I just read your interview with Lisa Genova, and so enjoyed it.
I am off to pick up that book right now!
Thank you again, and happy Monday to you!
xo.
Lisa,
I loooooved STILL ALICE. Please give me your review after you read it. Xxx
Although I am an avid reader I quickly forget most books after I read them. For me a book is a book is a book with very few exceptions. I often will buy a used book only to realize about halfway through that I already read it….I hate that!!!
Sandy Webb recently posted..The Triggers That Lead To Pain
Sandy,
I’ve done that, too!! Haaa.
How are you?
I’m gonna have to pick up that Elizabeth Berg book.
I wanna read a few biographies of authors. I’m nosy that way, I guess.
totsymae recently posted..Cooking It Up Sudanese Style
All of Berg’s books are mostly “Feel Good” women’s narratives.
I escape in them. Drown in them.
How the heck is the world in the Middle East, Tots? xxx
A few of these are already on my reading list and I’m adding a couple more now. Love this.
(FL) Girl with a New Life recently posted..Fourth of July Blueberry Sweet Tea Recipe
FL,
hope you enjoy and give me a review of some of your picks. Xx
I read “A Thousand Splendid Suns” … great book. Finished it in two sittings …
lafemmeroar recently posted..What men really mean
Looooved A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS!
How are you, L? I’ve not seen you for a LONG time. Xxx Missed you.
Love your reading list…especially the last shout-out at the end…!
Clearly you like novels. I love the stories that Lisa See writes. Her novels are all set in China back in the day….I lived in Hong Kong for years so I really enjoy the setting. And her themes are always on women. A topic I never tire of reading and learning about.
This summer I am reading feminist-women empowered books in order to prep myself for my next book project. I have the class Running with the Wolves started and I just finished a book about what the author calls Ugliphobia. And I am excited that at my recent book scrounging excursion at the local thrift store I scored a copy of Cunt…a book that uses this shocking word to relay the word’s powerful history while addressing the subjugation of women.
Pam Hogeweide recently posted..Comment on I Am Not a Good Christian Woman. Neither Was Jesus. by Pam Hogeweide
Pam,
You are Abundantly interesting.
I love love love that you are reading “”"feminist-women empowered books”"”
You Rock so damn bad.
That word “CUNT” bothers me though. I’ve known men that have called their wives this. The word hurts me.
Tell me more, Pam.
Xxx Love.
Kim- what a fabulous list. I have read several of them and most came as recommendations from you.
THE ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY OF A PART-TIME
INDIAN – is one of my favorite books, thanks to you.
xox
elizabeth
Dear e,
Love that book, too! I shall probably read it again.
Xxx Luv U.
Kim ~ thanks so much for sharing your list ~ I especially love supporting local authors!
Here are a couple I have found especially helpful ~
“The Art of Comforting” by Val Walker ~
With clarify, compassion and wisdom, she teaches the art and the craft of comforting others and ourselves as well. (Reading this book, I felt as though someone was with me when I needed comfort)
Excellent examples for all situations..
Dr. Alan Wolfelt
He has written 2 books about comforting those grieving by employing a new model he calls, “Companioning Philosophy”. I have not read either of the books – but love his philosophy, which is “I believe in ‘companioning’ the bereaved instead of ‘treating’ them”.
I would like to share his 11 tennets of his philosophy ~
Companioning is about honoring the spirit,
It is not about
oops
) … Here is his list ~
Comapnioning is about honoring the spirit,
It is not about focusing on the intellect.
Companioning is about curiousity;
It is not about expertise.
Companioning is about learning from others:
It is not about teaching them.
Companioning is about walking alongside;
It is not about leading or being led.
Companioning is about being still;
It is not about frantic movement forward.
Companioning is about discovering the gifts of sacred silence;
It is not about filling every painful moment with talk.
Companioning is about listening with the heart;
It is not about analyzing with the head.
Companioning is about bearing witness to the struggle of others;
It is not about judging or directing those struggles.
Companioning is aobut being present to another person’s pain;
It is not about taking away or alleviating the pain.
Companioning is about respecting disorder or confusion;
It is not about imposing order and logic.
Companioning is about going to the wilderness of the soul with another human being;
It is not about thinking you are responsible for finding the way out.
Wishing you Sunshine and Happiness, Kim ~ Thank you for letting me share with you, too <3<3
***Companioning is about learning from others:
It is not about teaching them.*** –My Fave.
Ooo, Marcella, this book sounds Fabulous.
Thank you so much for sharing w/ my readers.
WOW. Xxx
Great list, I haven’t heard about some of them before, but I bet they are genial, too. I am a huge fan of Elisabeth Berg as well, that’s why I feel now curious about the other ones, I think I’m going to choose my next read from your list!
Manuela recently posted..Gibt es eine Alternative für chemische Sonnenschutz?
Manuela,
My fave. of Bergs are “Pull of the Moon” & “Talk Before Sleep.”
Xx
I want to write something great enough to be on a list someday.
Blond Duck recently posted..Magical Monday: Merfairy
Ooo, Ducky,
You shall be on a list one day!!! <3
Love you, hate you – some of these I’ve already read, some are on my TBR list, which is growing insanely.
Sylvia Plath was AMAZING. Read Hamilton’s A Map of the World – she is GOOD.
I recently read Deborah Lawrenson’s The Lantern – I have never read a book that was so sensual in its descriptions of scents before, truly amazing. Kind of Rebecca retold but in France, same creepy feeling, haunting and romantic, and oh so evocative.
Then I read some crap which I will not mention here by name to spare the sensitivity of the newbie authors, but I will say, sometimes there is a very good reason no publisher wants your book.
Beverly Diehl recently posted..Baby Steps, Babycakes, with Your FaceBook Fan Page
I love love love your honesty, Bevery.
“”The Lantern”" You had me on the Title, Babe.
How are you? Writing? What? Xxx
I read the Bell Jar as a child and loved it. I think I have A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Book of Ruth on my bookshelf. I buy too many books, and never read them but one day..
Liz,
you read THE BELL JAR as a child?!
OMggggoodness, you are my kind of chick. Xxx
did you understand it?
Kim, like shoes, you’ve got awesome taste in books!!
xxx
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..5 Minute Self Saucing Banana Butterscotch Pudding
Lorraine,
And I shall devour your book when it comes out. Is it out? What is happening?
Xxx
Several of those are on my favorites list. Anne Lamott is one of my heroes. I’m not Christian, and I regularly suggest my non Christian friends, even the ones who aren’t writers, read her. She is so awesome.
Jester Queen recently posted..Hanging on the telephone
Annie is my kind of Christian. She makes Jesus COOL!
Xxx
Awesome list. All the books deserve to be read and loved. Ha ha! Thanks for sharing!
Brendalyn recently posted..review of the Nikon D60
Well, then you must read them, B. X
DRY! YES! Augusten is amazing.
These are so fabulous because our book club has been on complete hiatus. We can’t come up with anything lately and I totally trust your suggestion over any Oprah book club list. Not that I’m dissing Oprah! I just know you know what is good, lady. THANK YOU! I can read again.
Wild Child Mama recently posted..Weekly Give Away #2! And an excerpt from my memoir
Ooomygoshhhh,
you will take my suggestion over Oprah? i can now retire!
Xxx kisses.
Let me know what your book club decides to read…they are all sooo good, i can’t suggest one..
What a great list. Lots of stuff I haven’t read here – so thanks for all the tips.
Growing up in England means that Silvia Plath is read by us all!
I’ve just started Murakami’s 1Q84 trilogy – it’s really good!
Lady Fi recently posted..Let it rain
Lady Fi,
Why would Plath be read by all of the Brits? Because she lived in Devon? How interesting.
Xxx How is Oscar?
Embarrassed to say I am not reading anything at the moment. Well your pretty blog
Think #13 is my cuppa tea. Must queue it in my library list.
Stasha recently posted..Monday listicles
Stasha,
#13 will KICK YOUR ASS!
you must read. Xx
I will be adding a couple of those. Of course I have read everything by Plath. Surprised?! xoxo
Adriana recently posted..About July…
~~Yes,
i am surprised!
now i even love you more. Xx
Kim, dearest, I wish I had this list before this trip! Some of these books seem like the perfect choice to bring along to the beach. (Along with a mojito and a wide brimmed hat) hee hee! Beryl’s book has totally caught my attention. I’m intrigued, to say the least, and what a treat that you were able to meet her! You lucky lady! Roxy and I have been relaxing as we lounge and the terrace and wait for our WiFi to connect. It’s a pain but the fresh breeze and the Spanish wine help! ha! Big hugs to you from Roxy and me!
Bella,
you’d like Beryl’s book…Her goal was to become a Saint…but she fell in love with the beautiful priest & STILL is a Saint!
I want photos of your trip! Is Roxy having fun?
Love Love Love. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Two. I’ve only read two of these! Ugh…I suck at life.
Bridget recently posted..Potty Training For Grown Ups
~~~~HaaHaa,
You so don’t suck @ Life.
You must just be reading more intellectual books than I, Bridget! ! <3 xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Thank you so much for this incredible list my friend – I do not read often enough and have bookmarked this post
I have always wanted to read the Bell Jar…
Cheers
CCU
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..CCU Undercover + A Wannabe Gozleme
Check out the Bell Jar, Choc,
you will like it. <3
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Have a great 4th!
Blond Duck recently posted..If I was a Koala….
You too, Ducky <3 x
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
I’ve read The Bell Jar and The Book of Ruth and Traveling Mercies and The House of Sand and Fog, and have read some of Elizabeth Berg, but not this one, I don’t think.
Oh, but I’m intrigued now by The Scent of God and will make my way to Amazon.com as soon as I catch up on the books I’ve already ordered.
Thank you, thank you so much for these shares!
Debra recently posted..Inch by Inch
Debra,
WOW, we’ve read LOTS of the same books!
You will like Beryl’s book. She is FabULOUS & her story is inspiring. Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
These are a lot of books for me.. Some are really interesting but some have already been read.. Anyway, thank you for this and I hope it can help us a lot..
Lizzie recently posted..GoPro HD HERO Camera
Lolita indeed kicks ass. One of my all-time faves. (Got here via Debra Elramey’s tweet) Traveling Mercies, always a good go-to. Read Talk Before Sleep years ago … all I remember is I cried. Husband liked Dry. Other great choices here, too. I happen to love The Poisonwood Bible. The first several paragraphs are, to my, lyrical … as are the last. Still like A Tale of Two Cites — Dickens’s wit … the odd place where he steps out, as narrator, and speaks directly to the reader. The Book Thief was a good recent read because of the narrator, Death. Think I’ll check out #2 and #3 from your list. Thanks!
Just stopped over to visit your blog…
talk about KICK ASS <3 x
Brava Terri, indeed! So happy for her.
I LOVED Little Bee. Great list here. I need to read all the ones I haven’t gotten to yet because I very much agree with you on the ones I have read.
Hugs.
Unknown Mami recently posted..Saying No
COOL, Mami. We must have excellent taste <3
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Okay, you have gone up a few more notches on my radar! Berg and LaMott? Yes, for sure, but I like your taste on many of the others, too!
I have neglected my reading since I started blogging. I am using the excuse that we have a new library under construction. Then…we just have to sneak books away from the volunteers who grab the good ones first!
Amy@souldipper recently posted..Occupy Blogosphere, Thursday, July 5, 2012
Amy,
I’ve been terrible @ my reading lately…but these are a few of my Faves. I have Sooo many more. I also loved THE HELP.
How about you? Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..15 Absolutely Totally Incredibly Kick Ass Books
Thanks for sharing these amazing titles….some I’ve read, others I’ll put on the to-read list. My favorites are Jane Eyre, Beloved, and Their Eyes Were Watching God…
mamawolfe recently posted..Education News: June 2012
Mama,
I must Google Beloved. Is the author Toni Morrison? XX
Oh, love this post!!! Great to see your book chat and it makes me realize that I have not read at least half of the ones on your list. Thrilled to have your suggestions! Thanks Kim.
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles recently posted..Medi-Mexi Salsa Verde
Kelly,
Let me know what you decide to read …. and then, I want a review! Xxx
At your suggestion I got Book of Ruth and Disgrace last week. LOVE.
Kim @The G is Silent recently posted..Overcoming Me
Let me know what you think, Kim Xx