The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

First of all... Alex... I need to hear abou your Knights Templar reading list.

Secondly, The Joy Luck Club. This book is about 4 Chinese women and their 4 daughters. Written in vignettes, each woman gets to tell her story. Some are tragic, some are hopeful and all underline the cultural differences between mother and daughter. You learn about the experiences that shaped each woman's life and how that goes on to shape their daughters' lives.

This was a really easy book to just pick up, read awhile and put down... it doesn't pull you through a cohesive story because it's written in vignettes, but when you're actually reading a section, it's very engaging and interesting.

So, not a page turner - but enjoyable.

A Year in the Merde by Stephen Clarke

Stephen Clarke followed me around Paris for a year and then decided to write a book about it. No, I'm serious. They go to restaurants that I went to, bookshops that I shopped at - I swear that every observation he makes about the French people (from the way they run, to their attitude in September, to the very Parisian "shrug") all of it is something that I thought at one point in time or another.

If you want to see an absolutely PERFECT characterization of the French from an English (but it fits for Americans too) perspective. Read this book. And if you've spent ANY time in France, I feel like this will totally hit home. Merde.

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

I've read some serious books lately, so this was a refreshing and quick read. Any Jane Austen fan will appreciate the situation Courtney finds herself in: After a tough break up, she wakes up one morning to find that she has been transported into the life of Jane Mansfield, a woman living in early 19th century England. She somehow convinces everyone around her that she really is Jane and manages to live in this new life, learning as she goes. Of course it wouldn't be a Jane Austen knock off novel if there wasn't some sort of sticky relationship situation to figure out. The book is a no brainer, but it's fun and nicely narrated.

Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

I am usually not a fan of books set during modern wars, but this was an exception. As an American, WWII evokes images of Pearl Harbor for me. Very seldom have I stopped to think about European front, aside from the Holocaust. Therefore, it was eye opening to read this novel about the German invasion and occupation of France. The book is split into two parts (before the author, a Jew living in Paris, was killed she intended for Suite Francaise to be a five part novel); the first part follows several different groups of people on their exodus from Paris to the countryside as the Germans make their way into the city. The second part concentrates on a small, German-occupied village and follows two different households as they harbor conflicting feelings about the Germans who are living in their houses: Should they hate them simply because of their country of origin, or should they hold themselves to a highers standard and treat them as if they are just normal people? The most gripping facet of part two is the story of a woman who has burgeoning feelings for the German officer living in her household, but knows nothing can ever come of it. What is so striking about this book is the realness of it all. Seeing as how the auther herself ended up being a victim of this very war, it is written through knowing eyes. War is war, and there are no happy endings, but this is most certainly a worthy read.

Lolita by Vladmir Nabokov

Oh Lolita... this book is really fun. If you like highly controversial topics. Like pedophilia, and rape, and murder. Sounds great right? Its narrated by Humbert Humbert - the pedophile. He is basically telling his side of the story, about how he seduces little 12 year old Lolita. Its sick and twisted. And unbelievably intriguing. Which is why this book is on every Top 100 list that you can find. You are disgusted and repulsed by everything that Humbert says, but at the same time you are fascinated. Looking into the mind of a psychopath - but identifying and understanding him as well. It isn't a graphic book, even though you know exactly what's going on.

Not really a light read, but very interesting.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

After delving into the world of Cal Stephanides, you will have no doubt as to why this novel is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Easily the most well-narrated novel I have ever read, I couldn't help but feel as if the story was being told directly to me as if I was having a conversation with the main character. In the grand scheme of things, the main idea is about a hermaphrodite; the narrator was born Calliope Stephanides, only to become Cal at 16. But as a whole, this novel is so much more. From the sordid history of his family tree, to the riots in Detroit in the 1960s, no question is left unanswered. The stark honesty of Cal's words is what really makes this a page turner. If you have nothing to read at the moment, there is no other book I would recommend more highly than this one.

Freakonomics by Steven Levitt & Stephen Dubner

I may not agree with all of Steven Levitt's theories - but he certainly presents interesting (and rather persuasive) points of view on lots of varied topics. He talks about things that I think we are naturally curious about - crime and drugs... but he compares these topics with seemingly unrelated (and mundane) subjects (ie. teachers and real estate agents). And in the end, he comes to a conclusion that is very well thought out and reasonable (if not a little controversial) - he forces you to see things in a different light.

And even though it was written by an economist (which sounds totally boring), it is actually fascinating. I really enjoyed this book.

The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck

Much better than the last book.  I found this in the office and figured it would be worth reading.  Then I found out Pearl S. Buck had won a Pulitzer Prize for it.  

This was a beautifully written book, very easy to read and heartwarming as well.  I feel like most "classic" novels have to end dramatically or have some sort of tragedy.  If anything, this book had a calming affect on me.  Its about a Chinese family before the revolution and basically about how they go from poverty to riches.  

Excellent easy read.

The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco

If the outside of this book is any indication - this is a really boring book.  All I was looking for was a murder mystery.  Something light.  A quick easy read.  Ok, this sounds good.  Its about a bunch of monks getting killed in a monastery.  I was thinking Redwall meets The Da Vinci Code meets The Agony and the Ecstasy.  Wrong.

Easily one of the most boring books I've ever read.  Instead of reading drama and suspense, I was reading about 14th century Catholic doctrine.  Just to save you the pain of actually reading this book.  The library burns down in the end.  Done.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

For anyone familiar with True Blood on HBO, this book may sound familiar to you. The "Sookie Stackhouse Novels," as they are called, serve as the basis for the

show. Sookie is a telepathic waitress in Bon Temps, Louisiana who falls in love with Bill, a vampire. Chaos ensues as soon as this match is made. Watchers of the show will notice that the book follows the first few episodes of season one almost verbatim, with a few minor characters missing and a little less drama at the end. But whether or not you're a fan of the show, the book does provide solid entertainment and a fast read. If you find yourself wary about having anything to do with ANOTHER vampire series, I'd encourage you to take the risk. Did I mention there is lots of sex? This is no Twilight.

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Despite by VERY wordy, Victor Hugo is very wise.  

He knows all about men, Parisians, and so many other insightful musings about life, love, sadness, misery, pain, history, philosophy, society, science, academics, friendship, women, fashion, war, religion, convents, food, parents, furniture arranging and gardening.  In short, he is an expert on everything.  

How very French of him.

Hugo's characterization of the entire strata of French society in the 19th century is truly enlightening, and you catch yourself humming "One Day More" occasionally.  Being a little bit of a French history buff myself, I can say that I have a new appreciation for the French Revolution, Louis-Phillipe and Napoleon.

But after 1200 pages - I'm ready to just sit back and watch the musical. 

I would say this is a must read - but it is not light bedtime reading.  Expect it to take you a LONG TIME.  

Hiatus

It seems book-reading has been put on a slight hiatus. I am actually reading two books at once currently, so should I ever finish them amongst attempting to get a job, I will speedily post!

The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone

This semi-fictional narrative of the life of Michelangelo Buonarroti kept me on the edge of my...bed (as the only time I had to read it was at night). Irving Stone's depiction of the constant struggles and achievements of the great painter/sculptor/architect was nearly as aesthetically pleasing as Michelangelo's own works of art. Staying true to actual historical events of not only Rome and Florence but also those of Europe, Stone created a hero in Michelangelo that makes me desire to see every work of art he ever created. In that the novel enables the reader to glimpse into the inner mind of a masterful artisan, portraying the constant fluctuation between the agony and the ecstacy such a prominent artist might encounter throughout his life, this work has easily become one of my favorite books. The only downside is that I fear my next book may not be able to reach the bar now so highly set. I strongly recommend that anyone who hasn't read this one put it on your reading list.

Also, two of the three B's are present in this book...not so sure about the third.

The Ruins by Scott Smith

An intellectual read? No. But I had to mix it up with the other current posts on here. If you're looking for a fun, "horror" read, this would be a good choice. I purchased the book in Rome because I had absolutely nothing to do while waiting a day to fly back to the U.S., and it was a good time occupier. Some of you may have seen the movie (I have not), but the basic premise is that six college-aged kids stumble upon a freaky Myan hill covered in some very unique vines. Grisly deaths ensue. Stephen King called it the best horror novel of the new century, so that should count for something, right?

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot DIaz

The first time I read the summary on the back of this book, I remember thinking, "I seriously doubt I will really like this book, but it seems interesting, so I'll give it a try." You, upon googling this book or perhaps picking it up in the bookstore may have a similar reaction. Let me just tell you that I loved this book and think you would too! 

The story revolves around a Dominican family (now living in Jersey) and "fuku," a myth-curse that haunts the family through the generations. Everything about this story was intriguing and entertaining: the plot, the characters, and the wonderful footnotes/history about the Dominican Republic. The best thing of all was the prose; it was edgy, original, and although it was more vulgar than what I would normally care for, it served a purpose. Your heart will ache for the characters and you won't want to put it down. This is without a doubt a modern classic, and a very enjoyable read! 

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery

So, I was a little skeptical when Kassie claimed I "HAD TO" read this children's book (the original is Le Petit Prince). After reading it, I will have to echo that same sentiment to all perusing this site: you have to read this! I haven't read a book in a long time (if ever) that is so  simply and beautifully told. We often forgot how odd we "grown-ups" can be and the Little Prince's explorations and insights helped remind me that "what is essential is invisible to the eye." 

I love this!!! finally a place to have comunity with other readers...lol...and nobody will say some absurd thing about how the last book they read was in high school...fuckin idiots...lol

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

"Last night, I dreamt I went to Manderly again."

This is a classic, Gothic novel about a woman who marries a widower and moves into his incredible house in England.  But there's a big mystery surrounding his first wife, Rebecca: who she is, and how she died.  For a "classic," its definitely a page turner.  Girls will love this book, and I think guys would enjoy it too.  Plus Hitchcock made a movie about it in 1940 - so its gotta be pretty good.  Very mysterious, very eerie.  Oh, and the weather always forshadows what is about to happen.

So, since its raining outside - does that mean I'm going to meet the "baby ghost" of Prague?

Killing Yourself to Live: 85% of a True Story by Chuck Klosterman

Journalist Klosterman road trips in this (apparently 85%) true story to famous rock star's death sites for inspiration for his column in Spin Magazine. Along the way, this novel is also written, and reads on the above topic and many of his other cultural musings. While most of us don't have millions of adoring fans, reading this book (at the very least) will remove previous envy (perhaps momentarily) of rock stars when you realize you (most likely) aren't dying of a heroine overdose or small plane crash.

I thoroughly enjoyed Chuck's pop culture insights into music, Manhattan, and hipsters. Not to mention the fact that he's not feigning to be the next great American novelist (unlike the other Chuck, *cough* Palahniuk).He's just a witty guy with an incredible CD collection with some interesting thoughts to share. He's written two other novels, Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto and IV: A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas, which both also come recommended (word on the street).

*Sidenote: So, I was a little harsh on Mr. Palahnuik above (I once defended him). You should read one of his novels and the first one you read will undoubtedly be your favorite of his (I warn you--I would spend your time on only one--unless you enjoy broken records). Ladies: You will most definitely prefer Invisible Monsters. Gents: Fight Club, Survivor, or perhaps Choke (if you're the womanizing, manipulative sort). Unless you're a hermophodite alien... don't touch Haunted with a 10 foot pole.

FDB out.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith

Want to delve into a classic, while simultaneously fulfilling your need for zombie action? Then look no further, for this is your book. All the elements, in full, of the classic are there- the witty discourse, the frantic Mrs. Bennett, the mysterious Mr. Darcy, but with the added extra that England has been overcome witha curious plague that turns the afflicted into brain-eating zombies. The Bennett girls, however, are all trained zombie killers, sworn by the Crown to protect England from evil. Even if you didn't like the original, this vamped up version just might be your thing. The final ending remains the same, but how much cooler is it that Mr. Darcy and Lizzy Bennett get to fight zombies together side by side? That's my kind of romance.

Preface

Feel free to comment about the last B.

The First 3 B's are for private pondering only.

How this works

Here's a story:

Late one night in Prague, Alex, Leah and I were having margaritas in a cool Mexican restaurant down the street from our hotel (this is a separate story, please refrain from asking questions at the moment); anyway, we decided that we are all nerds who read too much.  I mean I have an excel spreadsheet of every book I've ever read.  We all like to talk about books - yet, since we all live in different places, sometimes its hard to get together and talk about our mutual obsessions.

So, after said margaritas, we went back to our hotel, and in a moment of perfect clarity (in the bathroom, naturally), the idea for the 3BBooks Blog was formed!

So - here's what you do:

1. Read a book - any book.  I don't care if its Twilight or War and Peace.

2. Post on the blog a little blurb of what its about, what you thought, etc.  No need to go into great detail.  And seriously, we're not literary critics - we're just sharing books, like you would share a pitcher of good beer.

3. Comments are welcome.  We don't expect everyone to have the same tastes in books, but it'll be fun to see what we mutually enjoy, hate or feel conflicted about.

So... read a book, enjoy the blog, and share the love :-D

Sincerely,

The Founders: Fried Dough Balls, Kassie & Alex (hahaha... Leah's "a savant of sorts")