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what did you read in 2001?

what did you read in 2001?

The USA Today list of top 100 Books of 2001: Fluff Central.

While I am a fan of the Harry Potter books, there's something about seeing all of them listed in the top of the crop, along with the appendage books, like Quidditch Through the Ages that makes my skin crawl. Kinda like the Linkin Park thing. And where is American Gods? Instead we get John Grisham crap and moving cheese. Just so you don't think I am a book snob, I was quite pleased to see Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman listed.

What did you read in 2001 that you loved/loathed/hid under your mattress?

Posted by on January 6, 2002 08:33 AM |

Comments

Off Topic:

Life has been hectic and sad lately, and my mind is slow to respond to requests, but this is the post written by you that most touched me last year: http://www.asmallvictory.net/archives/00000163.html. Fortunately, I had made a note of it on my log and was able to find it again this morning. I know it's probably too late to matter, but I wanted you to know anyway.

Back on topic: (well sort of)

My son doesn't allow me to read, but I'm making a list for after he grows up and moves out.

Posted by: Lee | January 6, 2002 08:53 AM

I loved and loathed Winter's Tale by Mark Halprin, which was published some years ago. Too long, too much, ultimately trying too hard to be visionary, but wonderfully evocative all the same.

Posted by: francis s. | January 6, 2002 09:00 AM

It's not too late, Lee. Thank you,that was one of my favorites, too.

Try reading with your son, Lee. I highly reccomend Captain Underpants. Lots of goofy laughter.

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 09:12 AM

Hey, John Grisham rocks! A Painted House sucked, though. I'll give you that. But I love his usual stuff.

You ARE a book snob! Hahah. Unlike me, because I'll read anything I can get my hands on, up to and including Oprah's Book Club stuff. I like anything as long as it's somewhat interesting...

Kiss My Tiara was my favorite book this year. Next to Black House, obviously.

Posted by: Candi | January 6, 2002 11:08 AM

Kiss My Tiara was my favorite, too. Because it was a gift from you :)

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 11:12 AM

Sorry, but I cannot resist the urge to be a dick. I read this website called asmallvictor..........

Posted by: EdgartheBent | January 6, 2002 11:52 AM

I decided I best not. Led would revoke my blog privelages if I gave the site that links to his the most to much crap.

Posted by: EdgartheBent | January 6, 2002 11:54 AM

Edgar, it is duly noted, as it has been before, that you cannot resist the urge to be a dick.

And I could be as much of a dick as you and point out your obvious lack of spelling abilities.

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 12:10 PM

Try Ursula LeGuin's The Telling for something thought-provoking. Other 2001 reading included the first seven Albert Campion mysteries by Margery Allingham. Mystery Mile and The Gyrth Chalice Mystery were both quite fun. Very much Golden Age mysteries. Didn't bother hiding any of these under the mattress as the dust bunnies live there...

Posted by: Jill | January 6, 2002 01:35 PM

Ack! I'm sorry...I forgot to close my tag. Feel free to shoot me. So sorry.

Posted by: Nicole | January 6, 2002 02:20 PM

I'll hold off on shooting you, Nicole. I'm saving that for Edgar.

I think that, besides American Gods, my favorite thing I read this year was the His Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman.

Don't let the theme of magic or the classification as young adult books throw you off. They are dark and allegorical and very intriguing.

The worst book I didn't read this year was Chuck Palahniuk's Choke. About 20 pages into it, I realized that poor Chuck has run out of good ideas.

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 02:35 PM

oye, i will not hear a bad word about chuck...or i'll, i'll...well, anyway, go read Fast Eddie, King of the Bees - it's good!

Posted by: g | January 6, 2002 03:09 PM

When I finished the Gormenghast Trilogy, I wanted to pick it up and start it all over again. Mmhm, savor every word, sloooooowly.

Posted by: Jessica | January 6, 2002 03:35 PM

You don't read my site very much do you. I can't say that I blame you as it does rather suck. As far as my spelling and grammar. llew, m'I cixelsyd, woh elurc fo uoy ot kcip no em os. You know I was just messing with ya before. If I didn't like your site. I wouldn't come here as often as I do.

Posted by: EdgartheBent | January 6, 2002 04:50 PM

Take a chill pill, Ed. I was teasing you.

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 05:38 PM

NO! Please don't make me take the Lithium! You better watch it Michele. I'll put up several links to your site on mine. Then the trolls will slowly just bleed over. Actually, I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Wow! I have way to much time on my hands today.

Posted by: EdgartheBent | January 6, 2002 05:43 PM

Reads in 2001 were many and varied... I changed my reading diet from fantasy/sci-fi/horror to try things right out of the blue... loved: White Oleander, Icy Sparks, The Robber Bride, Dreaming in Color and more.

Loathed: The Bluest Eyes, A Map of the World.

Not sure: Hotel New Hampshire

Mind you those weren't all the books I read in 2001 LOL... I chew through them very quickly, but this is an idea runs off to start keeping track of what she reads in '02

Posted by: Mercy | January 6, 2002 07:50 PM

I hated Map of the World. Everyone else raved about it and I just couldn't get a good feeling about it.

Posted by: michele | January 6, 2002 08:10 PM

i loathe myself after falling under the guidance of one Ms. Oprah Winfrey... i read a few of her recommendations, and each one sucked in their own special ways. i can't believe i took reading advice from a talk show host.

what i loved this year was Steps and Exes by Laura Kalpakian. v.good.

Posted by: brandy | January 7, 2002 09:07 AM