Sharon (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} buddiststrega) wrote,@ 2008-12-13 11:16:00 |
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Best Books of 2008
Whenever I'm experiencing LJ-related writers block, I post a list. And the end of the year is ideal time for a list. So here are my picks for the Best Books of 2008. That being said, few books on this list were actually published in 2008.
Heart-Shaped Box ~ Joe Hill
This book is simply a great ghost story, set in modern times and seen through the eyes of a Gen X guitar hero, and it still manages the atmospheric spookiness of old times ghost stories. I hope Joe graces us with more of his amazing writing. It would be hard to be as prolific as his father (Stephen King) but even if he manages half the library SK has given us, I'll be excited about it.
A Simple Plan ~ Scott Smith
This is one of those books that will haunt me for a long time. I found myself talking to the main character, whispering "Don't do it" even though I knew he would. It's a story of the destructiveness of greed, and in this story the destruction is devastating and concussive, like a high speed train wreck.
The Ruins ~ Scott Smith
It's really too bad that Scott Smith only wrote two books, because they are both so good. He seems to specialize in the horror that people will inflict on themselves and others when placed in extraordinary circumstances. This circumstance happens to be a sentient killer plant.
Candy Girl ~ Diablo Cody
I read this in a day, it's a fun and easy read about her time as a stripper. It doesn't get to heavy with judgments about the work, the humor of the book is the real winner here.
The Audacity of Hope ~ Barack Obama
I want to put this in a little perspective. I read this in February, before the economy really started going downhill. At the time, it was clear we were in for a slowdown, but no one was talking about just how bad it could get. At that time, I read it and thought that if Obama became president, we might be comparing him to FDR, more than JFK. It's because Obama spends so much time talking about the New Deal, and the reasons why that worked. With what is happening now, his talk about the New Deal seems even more prescient. Overall, it's an uplifting read that makes me excited about having someone in the White House that knows how to put a sentence together.
Duma Key ~ Stephen King
It's not his best, but not his worst either. What the story lacks in action or tension it makes up in character and setting. And it's Stephen King, so let's face it. I'm a little biased.
Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt ~ Anne Rice
I'm not exactly a Jesus freak, but I appreciated this story. It starts out following a seven year old Jesus on his return to Nazareth after exile in Egypt. It's not usually the story you get to hear, everyone hears about baby Jesus and adult Jesus. You rarely hear about kid Jesus. The different perspective is refreshing, as is the adherence to scripture. For those without the wherewithal to read the Bible (myself included), this is a good way to get to know the historical Jesus.
Midnight's Children ~ Salman Rushdie
This should really be an honorable mention, as I'm still reading the book. I'm loving the images the book evokes, India is shown as both opulent and squalid at the same time. I wish I could say more about it, but it feels like I've only just gotten into the story.
Ron Jeremy: The Hardest (Working) Man in Showbiz ~ Ron Jeremy
This is another fun one, from sex tips to an inside view to the workings of the porn industry.
Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations ~ Craig Nelson
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, arguing the case for American Independence from the British. He inspired Benjamin Franklin and went on to have a hand in the French Revolution as well. This is a fascinating book, and really got me interested in the ideals behind the Revolution.
Whenever I'm experiencing LJ-related writers block, I post a list. And the end of the year is ideal time for a list. So here are my picks for the Best Books of 2008. That being said, few books on this list were actually published in 2008.
Heart-Shaped Box ~ Joe Hill
This book is simply a great ghost story, set in modern times and seen through the eyes of a Gen X guitar hero, and it still manages the atmospheric spookiness of old times ghost stories. I hope Joe graces us with more of his amazing writing. It would be hard to be as prolific as his father (Stephen King) but even if he manages half the library SK has given us, I'll be excited about it.
A Simple Plan ~ Scott Smith
This is one of those books that will haunt me for a long time. I found myself talking to the main character, whispering "Don't do it" even though I knew he would. It's a story of the destructiveness of greed, and in this story the destruction is devastating and concussive, like a high speed train wreck.
The Ruins ~ Scott Smith
It's really too bad that Scott Smith only wrote two books, because they are both so good. He seems to specialize in the horror that people will inflict on themselves and others when placed in extraordinary circumstances. This circumstance happens to be a sentient killer plant.
Candy Girl ~ Diablo Cody
I read this in a day, it's a fun and easy read about her time as a stripper. It doesn't get to heavy with judgments about the work, the humor of the book is the real winner here.
The Audacity of Hope ~ Barack Obama
I want to put this in a little perspective. I read this in February, before the economy really started going downhill. At the time, it was clear we were in for a slowdown, but no one was talking about just how bad it could get. At that time, I read it and thought that if Obama became president, we might be comparing him to FDR, more than JFK. It's because Obama spends so much time talking about the New Deal, and the reasons why that worked. With what is happening now, his talk about the New Deal seems even more prescient. Overall, it's an uplifting read that makes me excited about having someone in the White House that knows how to put a sentence together.
Duma Key ~ Stephen King
It's not his best, but not his worst either. What the story lacks in action or tension it makes up in character and setting. And it's Stephen King, so let's face it. I'm a little biased.
Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt ~ Anne Rice
I'm not exactly a Jesus freak, but I appreciated this story. It starts out following a seven year old Jesus on his return to Nazareth after exile in Egypt. It's not usually the story you get to hear, everyone hears about baby Jesus and adult Jesus. You rarely hear about kid Jesus. The different perspective is refreshing, as is the adherence to scripture. For those without the wherewithal to read the Bible (myself included), this is a good way to get to know the historical Jesus.
Midnight's Children ~ Salman Rushdie
This should really be an honorable mention, as I'm still reading the book. I'm loving the images the book evokes, India is shown as both opulent and squalid at the same time. I wish I could say more about it, but it feels like I've only just gotten into the story.
Ron Jeremy: The Hardest (Working) Man in Showbiz ~ Ron Jeremy
This is another fun one, from sex tips to an inside view to the workings of the porn industry.
Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations ~ Craig Nelson
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense, arguing the case for American Independence from the British. He inspired Benjamin Franklin and went on to have a hand in the French Revolution as well. This is a fascinating book, and really got me interested in the ideals behind the Revolution.
