Monthly Archives: January 2011

BOOKISH BUTCH Faces the BOOK APOCALYPSE

(Ed. Note: For mysterious reasons unknown to you, citizens of the world are suddenly panicking because the time of the Apocalypse has indeed come. You have been offered a place in the official Bonjour, Cass! bunker, sponsored by the Bonjour, Cass! Book Apocalypse Protection Agency (BCBAPA™). In order to secure your spot, you are required to submit a form listing the ten books from your to-be-read list to bring with you. Today, ever-prepared Bookish Butch shares her Official Application.)

I have been giving this some thought. What would I bring to the bunker? Do I want comfort in what may be my last days, hours? No, I know those of us in the bunker will find a way to save the world. So I want challenges and stuff to keep the synapses firing.

This is what I have come up with:

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen: I love Jane Austen but I don’t do gothic. This is the only Austen I have never read. In the Bunker, I would have no choice which would, perhaps, help me get through it.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte: Again, same problem, brooding gothic, but with the end of the world looming…

The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky: I have attempted this mammoth sized novel three times. Twice in English and once in French because I was told the translation would be easier; no go. With nothing but time on my hands maybe I could learn to decipher Russian names.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville: One of the Great American novels. Some might even say THE Great American novel– as a lover of American Lit, I must.

Son Of The Circus by John Irving: Irving is one of my favourite contemporary authors. I have read everything he has written, all but Son Of The Circus. I have always been a little bit spooked by the circus–here is my chance to exorcize those demons.

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein: Who needs paragraphs and punctuation anyway?

Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham: I have read ten or twelve of Maugham’s works. Novels, short stories, essays and some travel pieces. I have not read this work, his most popular novel. Weird.

Dracula by Bram Stoker: As much as I dislike gothic, vampires are even worse. Still, I figure all the critics can’t be wrong.

Nightwood by Djuna Barnes: A feminist classic, a queer classic. Must read list for years.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison: Again many attempts. I admire Ellison the man, the least I can do is read his masterpiece.

Most of these have been on my TBR for years and always seem to be put off until next year. The Apocalypse means there might not be a next year but…I’m hopeful.

BONUS! Questions:

  • You’re given matches, playing cards, and gum drops. What will you create?

Um, very weird combo. How about, somebody sneaked in vodka and, we make flaming gum drop shots… while playing poker. Works for me!

  • You can have either a flashlight or a blanket, but not both. Mark your choice:

Flashlight, I would rather read than be warm, besides , I never travel without a plaid flannel shirt, Butch Oblige.

  • Which blogger would you like to bring with you?

I pick, Amy of Amy Reads, because she is young, smart and resilient and when we finish our books, she can tell me all about those great Nigerian books.

APPLICATION STATUS:

If you’d like to participate, write up your list and email it to me at bonjourcass @ gmail . com. You can check my post announcing the feature for further details. Be prepared for a follow-up email containing a few random (and odd) bonus questions regarding your stay in the bunker.

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Bloggiesta Wrap-Up

Many thanks to the amazing Natasha of Maw Books for hosting this great event!
Over the weekend I celebrated by eating:

  • chips and guacamole
  • a delicious steak fajita burrito from Chipotle
  • breakfast burritos a la Ethan (nom nom nom)

I am always so bad at keeping track of the time I spend on things, but I did spend a signifigant amount of time working on my Bloggiesta to-do list, such as:

  • Overhauling my tags and categories–This had the unfortunate result of posting all of my old reviews as new in feed readers. Many apologies to everyone for that bit of annoyance. I had no idea it would happen!
  • Rearranged my bookshelf, thus freeing up a lot of space–I have three entire shelves worth of queer books. Why did I avoid blogging about them for so long??
  • Responded to all of the older comments on posts
  • Updated my challenges page
  • Updated my Read In 2011 page
  • Formatted this week’s Book Apocalypse bunker application
  • Updated the Book Apocalypse announcement post
  • Started work on the first Queeries post, a new feature where I will answer questions about GLBTQ topics
  • Began my rewrite of my About Me page
  • Sent out over half of the BONUS questions for the Book Apocalypse feature

Granted, I didn’t get as much done as I wanted to, but it always takes me a long time to write reviews, so the goal of writing three reviews was a bit over-ambitious. I feel satisfied with what I got done.

Well, almost. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to finish and post my review of Reality Bites Back. I’m really excited to talk about the book, which I loved.

Best of all, though: I finally beat Amy at scrabble! ;)

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Bloggiesta: Starting Line

Bloggiesta is a biannual event hosted by Natasha of Maw Books, a weekend when bloggers set aside time to work on their blogs.

I have been looking forward to Bloggiesta weekend because I have a LOT of things to catch up on. Here’s my list of goals, which I’ll update as I finish and as I add more:

  • Rewrite about me
  • Edit review policy to better reflect reading tastes
  • Guide to Reviewing GLBTQ Books: Part II (“Discussing Queer Characters in Books”)
  • Queeries #1 (Answer questions from Formspring)
  • Email follow up questions for Book Apocalypse feature
  • Write three reviews
  • Overhaul of tags and categories
  • Describe “grading” strategy
  • Make new business card reflecting blog template
  • Figure out how to make templates; make one for reviews, library loot, and Queeries
  • Rearrange bookshelves in order to catalog what is owned and unread
  • Respond to comments on blog
  • Update ‘Challenges’ Page
  • Update ‘Read in 2011′ Page

There was a huge snowstorm in Boston today, and I am one of two people in the office. Hopefully I’ll be able to get home in a relatively timely fashion and get started with the festivities! (Also nachos. I want nachos.)

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Mini-Reviews: A Duo of YA Books

The DUFF
by Kody Keplinger
Published 2010 by Poppy
Recommended by Amy

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “Duffy,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

How much would I have enjoyed this book as a teenager? About 97%. I never really felt like the DUFF (designated ugly fat friend) but some of the character’s experiences mirror my own.

Why wasn’t this book around when I was 16? Because the author was only 10 when I was 16. I realize that 24 is not by any means old, but realizing this fact about the now 18-year-old author makes me feel as old as that lady from Titanic.

What happens when you Google “The DUFF?” You get a lot of hits for Hillary Duff. Because apparently that is what people call her.

Would Lizzie Maguire enjoy this book? Doubtful. There are a few scenes of sexy time and in my mind, Lizzie Maguire neither reads books with sexy time scenes nor does she read at all. Mostly she sings in front of her mirror with her hairbrush.

Can we discuss “man-slut?” No, but I do enjoy typing “man-slut.”

 

How I Made it to Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
by Tracy White
Published 2010 by Roaring Book Press
Purchased by Ethan and found later by me

How do you know if you’re on the verge of a nervous breakdown?  For seventeen-year-old Stacy Black, it all begins with the smashing of a window. After putting her fist through the glass, she checks into a mental hospital.  Stacy hates it there but despite herself slowly realizes she has to face the reasons for her depression to stop from self-destructing.  Based on the author’s experiences, How I Made it to Eighteen is a frank portrait of what it’s like to struggle with self-esteem, body image issues, drug addiction, and anxiety.

Do I like this blurb? Not really. It makes the book sound a lot more overwrought than it actually is; I found it more poignant and honest, in fact. Touching, even. The blurb makes it sound like it’s an “issue” book, which it IS, I suppose, but not in the usual sense, where you feel bashed over the head with ANSWERS and ISSUES and such.

How does a book about depression work in graphic form? Lovely, in fact. Each bit about Stacy’s experience in the hospital is separated by mini-interviews with each of her friends from outside the hospital, which was kind of an ingenious way to show how depression is both affected BY and personally EFFECTS friends and family.

How many bonus points for portraying a “mental hospital” without evil nurses or abuse? About 67. And three cans of Progresso soup*.

Best part of the book? How I Made it to Eighteen has a lot of real literary merit; however, my favorite part was that the author Tracy White named the character Stacy Black. I love it.

You should probably read this book, if you enjoy memoirs in graphic not-novel format. It’s really good.

 

 

*I may have the book apocalypse on my mind. Hush.

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Filed under 2011 Reviews, Mini Reviews, Print, Young Adult Fiction

BIRDBRAIN(ED) Faces the BOOK APOCALYPSE

(Ed. Note: For mysterious reasons unknown to you, citizens of the world are suddenly panicking because the time of the Apocalypse has indeed come. You have been offered a place in the official Bonjour, Cass! bunker, sponsored by the Bonjour, Cass! Book Apocalypse Protection Agency (BCBAPA). In order to secure your spot, you are required to submit a form listing the ten books from your to-be-read list to bring with you. Today, ever-prepared Anastasia of Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog shares her Official Application.)


Giant Book of Exploration edited by John Keay So I can remember what the outside world was like (admittedly about 100 years before I went into the bunker).

The Once and Future King by T.H. White So I can get my King Arthur fix and finally finish the series while I’m at it!

Captain Alatriste by Arthuro Perez-Reverte, because AP-R is one of my favorite authors and I want to have something of his in the bunker.

The Quincunx by Charles Palliser I tried reading the first page of this when I first got it (five years ago?) and didn’t understand most of it, so I figure being in a bunker for the rest of my life would give me plenty of time to work through it!

Rex Stout: Seven Complete Nero Wolfe Novels by Rex Stout I really love the Nero Wolfe television show, but I haven’t read any of the Nero Wolfe books except for one tiny one a few years ago. This omnibus would give me the chance to correct that, and to also think fondly back on the time when I had a working television.

The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas I’m planning on reading The Count of Monte Cristo this year, but The Three Musketeers will probably languish a bit longer on my shelf. Into the bunker it goes!

God Is an Englishman, To Serve Them All My Days, and Theirs Was the Kingdom by R. Delderfield These are seriously huge books, but they’re also big epic family history stories and I figure I will have AGES to read and digest them, right? In the bunker? So I might as well bring them there, because right now, outside of a bunker, I’m super intimidated by them (and so on the TBR shelf they stay).

The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke Since I can’t take Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell with me in the bunker, I might as well sneak in this short story collection! It’s got a JS&MN story in it, plus some other magical tales that might cheer me up in my bunker.

I sort of wish I had more “how to have fun when you’re all alone and it’s the apocalypse and there are probably zombies waiting to eat you outside of your bunker door” books, but then again I never thought I’d need them. Also, can I just say that I’m REALLY TERRIFIED now that this will happen for real? And that I’ll regret my choices and/or go insane– because isn’t the real question how rereadable these books are?

BONUS! Questions:

  • Which canned meat will you be bringing with you? If you refuse to eat meat, which kind of beetle do you think would look nicest on your dinner plate?

I think I’d bring Spam– not because I particularly enjoy Spam, but because it seems like the thing one SHOULD be bringing into a bunker. I’d also try to get in some cans of tuna and salmon (because I love fish) and oh! Corned beef! I’d bring LOTS of corned beef.

On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to be eating this stuff uncooked. Because that’s gross! Can I have a fireplace and wood and matches in my bunker, please? (Or some sort of everlasting propane tank and a grill?)

  • What’s your favorite book-inspired movie? We may have to play it at top volume in the wee hours of the morning to ensure you are still alive.

Cold Comfort Farm would definitely have to be with me in my bunker. It’s got action, romance, comedy, and humor– perfect stuff for when you’re stuck in a tiny room for who knows how many years.

Also the Granada Sherlock Holmes TV series, with Jeremy Brett as Holmes, would have to be there! I can’t live without that series, for real. It’s AMAZING! (While we’re at it, stick in the recent Sherlock series as well. And the Russian adaptation, because I haven’t gotten around to watching it yet. Actually, just put ALL the Sherlock Holmes adaptations in my bunker, please. I’ll need them!)

  • Which other book blogger would you want with you?

Aw, I can’t pick favorites! My preference would be to have all our bunkers linked by tunnel systems, or for us to have one giant bunker! Then we could share books and keep each other company and it’d be great!

I’m totally picturing my bunker looking like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle’s subway station home in the second movie (The Secret of the Ooze), by the way. Can I have a fancy old train station as my bunker? Please?

APPLICATION STATUS:

Official Application Comments: Cheating is discouraged! An omnibus?? Because this application was submitted before, uh, the more official rules were decided upon, it is considered ‘pending’ (instead of “denied”) until further notice. Perhaps until Anastasia eats some cold SPAM.

If you’d like to participate, write up your list and email it to me at bonjourcass @ gmail . com. You can check my post announcing the feature for further details. Be prepared for a follow-up email containing a few random bonus questions regarding your stay in the bunker (if you’ve already submitted your application but haven’t yet received these questions, they will be coming shortly).

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Library Loot 1/14

Library Loot is a weekly event co-hosted by Claire from The Captive Reader and Marg from The Adventures of an Intrepid Reader that encourages bloggers to share the books they’ve checked out from the library. If you’d like to participate, just write up your post-feel free to steal the button-and link it using the Mr. Linky any time during the week. And of course check out what other participants are getting from their libraries!

Amberville by Tim Davys: A mystery where the main character is a teddy bear–and the book has been vaguely compared to Jasper Fforde. Not being able to remember who inspired me to put this on hold convinced me to start a Google doc to keep track of all the books I add to my To Be Read list this year. I hate forgetting.

A Cast of Killers by Sidney Kirkpatrick: A non-fiction book about the investigation of the death of silent film actor William Desmond Taylor. This seems vaguely similar to the plot of The Age of Dreaming, a novel I read earlier this month. Hmm.

Clockers by Richard Price: I have absolutely no idea how or why this ended up at my house. Chances are it’s about Hollywood.

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger: One of Amy’s favorite YA books of 2010. The plot is vaguely similar to my life in high school so I’m kind of excited about it.

For the Win by Cory Doctorow: Best internet-inspired title ever. Maybe. (Unless there’s a WTF novel out there somewhere. Lauren Myracle maybe?)

The History of White People by Nell Irvin Painter: FINALLY! I have been waiting for this book since May 2010. I wonder if Eva is still up for a joint-read of this book. What say you, Ms. Eva?

In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr. by Mark Birkbeck: Yet another book that fits my Tinsel Town theme. According to Booklist (or maybe Library Journal) this is the DEFINITE biography of Sammy Davis, Jr. I think it may be also be the ONLY one, but that’s neither here nor there.

Mr. Confidential: The Man, His Magazine, and the Movieland Massacre That Changed Hollywood Forever by Samuel Bernstein: Confidential! Magazine was the TMZ of its time. I found this book in the library catalog after being inspired by The Bad and the Beautiful.

My Year of Meats by Ruth L. Ozeki: Bookish Butch read this a couple of months ago and its taken about that long for the book to show up.

Pickford: The Woman Who Made Hollywood by Eileen Whitfeld: A biography of actress Mary Pickford (who became Joan Crawford’s step-mother-in-law.)

Sinatraland by Sam Kashner: A novel by the author of The Bad and the Beautiful. It’s about a man who is a huge fan of Frank Sinatra.

Stork by Wendy Delsol: Another book Amy convinced me to read because it made her Top YA reads of 2010 list.

Have you read any of these books? Will I ever stop reading books about movie stars? Are you fascinated by how many library books I have out right now?

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Review: The Bad and the Beautiful by Sam Kashner and Jennifer MacNair

Over the next month or so, I will be reading and reviewing several books about early Hollywood. I'm calling them my "Tinsel Town Reviews."

 

The Bad and the Beautiful: Hollywood In the Fifties
by Sam Kashner and Jennifer MacNair
Published 2002 by W. W. Norton & Company
Borrowed from the library
380 pages

I absolutely adored Sam Kashner’s most recently published book, Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century (co-written with Nancy Schoenberger), which ignited in me a new interest in the movies of Taylor and Burton, as well as the pre-1980s era of a Hollywood. When I saw he had written The Bad and the Beautiful: Hollywood In the Fifties–which captures the era through chapters on significant events, relationships, and scandals–I thought it would be a great way to get an overview of the decade from an author I enjoyed. And while at times the The Bad and the Beautiful overreaches in an attempt to cover ten years of eventful movie-making, it proved overall to be an entertaining, if overly ambitious, read. The following are a few of the book’s notable moments.

Rock Hudson is mostly remembered today for being one of the first gay male celebrities to succumb to AIDS in the 1980s, but in the 1950s he was the image of virile masculinity. Of course, the 1950s in the US being what they were, Hudson went to great lengths to prevent the public from discovering the truth about his sexuality. Kashner and MacNair detail that when Hudson lived with a man, he would have two telephone lines, one of which his boyfriend was not allowed to answer to ensure no one would find out they were cohabiting. I found tidbits like this intriguing, but not necessarily illuminating. Certain details of Rock Hudson’s life could (and do) fill entire books, and ultimately, I found this brief chapter too insubstantial to be fully engaging.

Another chapter that followed this “intrigue with too few details” theme was about the relationship between Sammy Davis Jr., and actress Kim Novak. Black men dating white women, no matter how famous the black man may have been, was simply not accepted by society in 1950s America (and was illegal in 22 states). Kashner and MacNair contend that Novak was the love of Davis’ life, but warnings of career ruination from studio directors forced the two to end their not-so-secret relationship. The brief paragraphs explaining this situation only managed to whet my appetite for the social and cultural implications of the relationship, as well as more information on Sammy Davis Jr.’s life.

The Bad and the Beautiful is at its best when tackling minor subjects (as opposed to mega-watt stars like Rock Hudson and Sammy Davis Jr.), as I discovered in the chapter on Peyton Place: the novel, its author, and the film adaptation of the book. Published in 1956, Peyton Place was written by a poor housewife from New England named Grace Metalious. The book was a sensation, selling in outrageous numbers and stirring the movie industry to clamor for the movie rights. They promised her she could “write the script” (only not really) and brought her out to Hollywood, where she at least got to hang out with celebrities for a little while. It’s an interesting subject not only because of the phenomenon that Peyton Place the movie (and later the TV show) became, but also because it explores the effects that sexism and classism had on the author and her family. The chapter really succeeds because the scope of the subject fits the scope of the chapter.

In summary, I loved the topic and the writing in The Bad and the Beautiful: Hollywood In the Fifties, but the lack of detail was frustrating. A worthy read for an overview of the decade, but I’ll definitely need to read more on the specific people, movies, and books mentioned within it to feel truly satisfied with my knowledge of the era and its stars.
Grade: B

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Filed under 2011 Reviews, B, GLBTQ, Non-Fiction, Print

BOOK GAZING Faces the BOOK APOCALYPSE

(Ed. Note: For mysterious reasons unknown to you, citizens of the world are suddenly panicking because the time of the Apocalypse has indeed come. You have been offered a place in the official Bonjour, Cass! bunker, sponsored by the Bonjour, Cass! Book Apocalypse Protection Agency (BCBAPA). In order to secure your spot, you are required to submit a form listing the ten books from your to-be-read list to bring with you. Today, ever-prepared Jodie of Book Gazing shares her Official Application.)


Ever had that horrible dream where you have to save your most precious possessions because your house is on fire? Sudden dashes from the house to a place of safety are always a little heart wrenching and it was a bit gutting to have to leave behind my copy of Jane Eyre when the Apocalypse sirens suddenly started blaring. However, I’ll take life over Jane Eyre any time so I dashed round collecting unread books and this is what I came away with. One good side effect of about having so many unread books stock piled is that I was never going to be stuck for quality choices:

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ – J K Rowling: I was so tempted to fill all my bunker selections with books from the end of all the series I haven’t finished yet, but that meant I’d be carrying ‘Breaking Dawn’ into the post-apocalyptic world and I just couldn’t inflict it on society. Instead I’ll settle for finding out what happens to Harry. And yes, yes I realise it’s unnatural to put off reading a book for several years, when you bought it as soon as it was released, just because you think some characters you love might die. I’m gonna have to suck it up to survive Apocalypse time.

‘32 Candles’ – Ernessa T Carter: My reasons for bringing this book are kind of shallow. Its cover is so pretty and it looks like it might be a good laugh. ’32 Candles’ promises the story of an unattractive girl who changes her entire life after seeing the film Sixteen Candles and taking part in a prank that goes wrong. I imagine we will all need humour in the dark days.

‘The Electric Michelangelo’ – Sarah Hall: Since the ‘only books from your tbr list’ rule deprives me of ‘The Carhullan Army’, possibly the most useful book on how to be a woman in a dystopian world, I’ll substitute another book by the same author. Circuses and intricate tattoos await in this story about a young man who travels from Morecombe Bay to Coney Island looking for adventure.

‘The Falls’ – Joyce Carol Oates: The only unread JCO book on my shelves and there’s no way I’m going to the bunker without something by her. Her books were a huge influence on my taste in literary reading when I was a teenager. I’m also slightly obsessed with Niagara Falls (the Canadian side especially as that’s the one I’ve visited). Doomed brides and suicides in this one. Sigh, this list just keeps getting cheerier doesn’t it?

‘Pride & Prejudice and Zombies’ – Seth Grahame-Smith: The apocalypse is here, am I the only one just assuming there will be zombies? Elizabeth Bennet Mark 2 will be needed to instruct the bunker in zombie killing techniques.

‘The Unseen Academicals’ – Terry Pratchett: Again no way I’m going to the bunker without something by TP and this is the only unread book of his on my shelves. He’s a hilarious man and if anyone can make me care about football he can.

‘At Swim Two Boys’ – Jamie O’Neill: Two Irish boys coming together and realising there’s a strong attraction between them sounds just wonderful and the large size of this book makes me hope it’s one I could sink into, happily forgetting about the fiery Apocalypse outside the steel door.

‘Emma’ – Jane Austen: I almost feel like I’m foiling the rules by being a terrible classics reader (mwahahahahaha). Alright I can’t take ‘Jane Eyre’ or ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to the bunker, but I can take a Jane Austen book because I’m not even close to having read all of her novels. I read a non-fiction book about Emma Hamilton last year that claimed Austen disliked the celebrated mistress and worked her dislike into her novels, for example ‘Emma’. I adore what I’ve heard about Emma Hamilton and am sure I’ll like the heroine named after her (possibly), even while I’m shaking my head at her misguided attempts to bring the world into line.

‘A World Without Bees’ – Alison Benjamin, Brain McCallum: I imagine the bunker’s confinements will give us all plenty of time to reflect on what went wrong and how we might do things differently once the air is breathable again. Perhaps this book will hold the key to rebuilding civilisation!

‘Runemarks’ – Joanne Harris: I’m a huge fan of Joanne Harris, but it was difficult to decide which of the four Joanne Harris novels I haven’t read yet, deserved a place in the bunker. In the end I decided on Runemarks a YA fantasy novel set in a world full of Norse gods and goblins (don’t you love that she crosses genres and age ranges now?). I’d be gutted if ‘Lollipop Shoes’ turned out to be a lacklustre sequel, ‘Blue eyed Boy’ sounds too disturbing to read in a dark bunker and while I was tempted by ‘The Evil Seed’ in the end I put my foot down with myself and said ‘No Vampires’. We are going to be starting a new world order and as much as I like vampires I’m not going to be responsible for rebooting the trend obsessions of the publishing world. Runemarks it is then.

BONUS! Questions:

  • You will, I am proud to say, be allowed to EAT in the bunker. Your diet will consist of FRUIT SNACKS. Which kind would you like me to get for you?

Dried apricots please. You know chocolate would keep better right? (ed. to note: What I know and what I don’t know will be left out of your survival plans, thank you very much.)

  • You have to bring another book blogger with you–who is it?
This is the meanest question! Just one? I tried to do this tactically by guessing who might already be answering the bunker questions, as they’re already safe. In the end I pick Jeanne from Necromancy Never Pays because she would keep us from resorting to necromancy (which in a world full of zombies and dead people would be useful). I for some reason expect her to be really helpful in practical ways during an apocalypse.
  • You must also read a Dickens novel. You do get to choose (and it can be one you’ve already read). Mark your choice here:
I pick David Copperfield, because it’s one of the few I’ve read so I know I like it and it’s huge.
Application Status:
If you’d like to participate, write up your list and email it to me at bonjourcass @ gmail . com. You can check my post announcing the feature for further details. Be prepared for a follow-up email containing a few random bonus questions regarding your stay in the bunker.

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Filed under Blogger Events, Book Apocalypse

Top Reads Published & Read in 2010, with Exciting! Bonus Features

  • Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger: I knew zilch about either Taylor or Burton before I read Furious Love, and afterward I was completely smitten with both of them and may or may not have put all their films on my Netflix queue. It’s serious.
  • Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation edited by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman: A worthy follow-up to Bonstein’s original Gender Outlaw, this anthology managed to represent a wide range of gender variance and identity.
  • I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman: If there was such a thing as a “literary mystery,” this would be it.
  • Zombies vs Unicorns edited by Justine Larbalestier and Holly Black
  • Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan: Oh Tiny Cooper, please be my best friend.
  • Big Girls Don’t Cry by Rebecca Traister (audio narrated by Kristen Potter)
  • Missed Her by Ivan Coyote

Bonus! Gratuitous cat cuteness!

Henry and Idgie snuggle up.

Bonus! First purchased books of the year!

The good news–I sold about 10 books to a used bookstore! The better news–I used to credit to buy two new ones!

Reality Bites Back: The Troubling Truth about Guilty Pleasure TV by Jennifer Pozner: This comes with the highest of recommendations by Melissa Harris-Perry, professor at Princeton and MSNBC commentator, and since I basically listen to whatever she says, I couldn’t resist buying the book. It’s published by Seal Press, which published some of the best books on gender studies and feminism.

Boston Noir edited by Dennis Lehane: I have a bit of love for crime novels, and this is a collection of stories set in different neighborhoods in Boston, where I happen to live. I am very excited about it.

Bonus! Melissa Harris-Perry on removing the n-word from Huckleberry Finn!

This video will quickly help you realize why I can’t refuse her recommendations.

 

Bonus! This will be my last list post about books read in 2010!

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Filed under Lists, Year End

Favorite Non-Fiction Reads of 2010


Columbine by Dave Cullen (Audio narrated by Don Leslie): Journalism as its finest. Cullen spent 10 years working on this book, and his dedication to research and his tremendous talent is on full display here. Everything you know about the school shooting tragedy in Columbine, Colorado, is wrong–and here Cullen not only informs, but explains the real reasons why it happened. The audio is narrated by a man who sounds like he does voice overs for television, and it sounds like an excellent news report.

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race In the Age of Obama by Gwen Ifill (Audio narrated by the author): Another Simmons alum, another amazing book. Despite Obama’s name being in the title, the book is really about black politicians and how they have maneuvered their political careers. Thoroughly engaging, and highly recommended in audio: Ifill is a news anchor for PBS and her TV voice is in full command in the production.

The Shame of the Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America by Jonathan Kozol (Audio narrated by Robertson Dean): If you care about children, if you care about equality, if you care about justice, you need to read this book. Absolutely brilliant.

Finding George Orwell In Burma by Emma Larkin: An excellent combination of politics and literary nerdiness that grabbed me from the first page. I highly recommend watching the documentary Burma VJ before attempting the book–they’re great companions and will add to your understanding of Burma’s corrupt government.

Packing the Court: The Rise of Judicial Power and the Coming Crisis of the Supreme Court by James McGregor Burns (Audio narrated by Norman Dietz): I was oh so weary of this book, mainly because I had only ever heard the term “packing the court” in reference to President Franklin Roosevelt’s threat to add seats to the Supreme Court in order to pass more bills for the New Deal. I was nervous it would be a book completely anti-FDR; but in actuality, it is an invigorating history of the division of the highest US court and argues that Judicial Review is anti-Constitutional. Thoroughly thought-provoking.

The Celluloid Closet: Homosexuality in the Movies by Vito Russo: Cultural criticism of the portrayals of gay men and lesbians in film from the silent era to the 1970s. A must read if you are interested in gay and lesbian history and/or in film.

Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA by Tim Weiner (Audio narrated by Stefan Rudnicki): All of his sources are named, and he managed to get interviews with 11 of the 12 living former directors of the CIA. I wish every history was as in-depth and well researched as this one.

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Filed under Lists, Non-Fiction, Year End