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")