2008 Woodie Awards
Worthwhile books to make summer fly by
Nicole Perry
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After spring term lets out, the last thing most students want to think about is reading; but with this assembled collection of must-read books everyone can find something worthwhile.
1) Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, by JK Rowling. Due to be published July 16, 2005. Any kind of Harry fan will no doubt enjoy this book. Be excited for more plot twists, more romance for Harry and some exciting skill development at Hogwarts. Plus, who is the half blood prince? Harry? Neville? Someone new? 672 pages.
2) On Bullshit, by Harry G. Frankfurt. Published January 10, 2005. This book is intriguing for many reasons, perhaps first and foremost because of the title, and also because it is receiving a lot of hype. What could this philosopher have to say about the sneaky little brother of the lie? 80 pages.
3) Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. Published May 1, 2003. The fantastical tale of a boy who gets ship wrecked with a Bengal tiger and their voyage across the ocean. This book was given rave reviews when it came out, and its interesting story line and unlikely main characters make it a book for many interests. 336 pages.
4) We thought you would be prettier: True tales of the dorkiest girl alive, by Laurie Notaro. Published April 19, 2005. If you have yet to become acquainted with Laurie, run, don’t walk, to your nearest bookstore to pick up this or any of her other hilarious collections of true bloopers. Laurie may not have it all together, but at least she’s good for a laugh! 240 pages.
5) Eleven on Top, by Janet Evanovich. Due to be published June 21, 2005. Another misadventure for Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum as she throws in the bounty hunting towel and looks for a respectable job. No doubt hilarity will ensue as Stephanie tries to leave her past behind, and it keeps coming back to haunt her. 320 pages.
6) Typee, by Herman Melville. This is a South Seas adventure-romance, about the life of a man among the cannibals—the Typee. Melville has a lyrical prose that draws readers in, and the subject matter of this novel is sure to not disappoint. Part adventure, part autobiography, part romance, a little something for everyone. 384 pages.
7) Reading Lolita in Tehran: A memoir in books, by Azar Nafisi. Published December 30, 2003. This memoir is the story of a professor and the life lessons she learns through the books she teaches. Nafisi relates various classical literature she has taught along the way to the experiences she has had as a native of Iran. Good for anyone who wonders what the point of studying literature is.
8) Smashed: The story of a drunken girlhood, by Koren Zailckas. Published February 7, 2005. This book is the quintessential party girl story, and as that is the life many students lead, especially in the summer, this is a good book to pick up. Told by someone who has been there and done that, this may just be the wake up call binge drinkers need before they become full-blown alcoholics. 368 pages.
9) Up all night, by Martha Gies. Published March 1, 2004. This book is part observation by the author and part interview of the many, many jobs in Portland and around the country that have night workers. This book should appeal to anyone who has ever had to work graveyard, or prefers the night life. 184 pages.
10) Fast Food Nation: The dark side of the American meal, by Eric Schlosser. Published January 2002. This eye opening book should be on any college student or fast food junkie’s reading list. Not to change your mind necessarily, but just so you can be an informed consumer. 400 pages.
And finally a short list of books I have read in classes this year that were worthwhile:
1) Deaf Esprit: Inspiration, Humor and Wisdom from the deaf community. This book has tons of fascinating and touching stories from the deaf community, written by deaf people and the people in their lives.
2) Reading in the Dark, by Seamus Deanne. A novel told in vignette style that is magical and political, heartbreaking and inspiring.
3) Grace Notes, by Bernard McLaverty. A musical novel about family, faith and finding yourself.
4) The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one fascinating man. From his rise to the top (through hard work and determination) to his quest to rid himself of all vices, this is one historical figure that is definitely not a bore to read about!
5) The Sea Wolf, by Jack London. An enthralling look at human nature and what happens when you are out of your element. This novel is both an engrossing adventure story and an intriguing philosophical discussion.