What I’ve Read: 2009

Years ago I began a new year’s resolution to read two books per week. I’ve almost always stuck to this resolution.  My mom always encouraged me to keep a book list of books I’ve read (this is now becoming a problem as on more than one occasion I’ve purchased books I’ve already read/purchased before).  I’m (finally) taking her advice, and starting my list.

I’m starting this list in late may and trying to re-create what I read back to the beginning of the year, so I’ll be filling in gaps in the next few weeks.

I’ll post the books here with links to buy them in print format or audio when available. Also, I’m rating my reads on a one to five star basis the breakdown is as follows:

***** = must have
****   = good read
***     = library
**       = don’t bother
*         = I want my time back!

 –Jessica
PS: For you audiobook readers, here’s a coupon for two freebies to get you started.

Two FREE Audiobooks RISK-FREE from Audible

January

February

March

  • One Year to a Writing Life: Twelve Lessons to Deepen Every Writer’s Art and Craft, by Susan M. Tiberghien ****
    This is a great writing book that helps a writer to focus.  I tend to be a triage reader, and this is a much better “slow and steady” kind of book, so rather than using the library’s copy, I’m going to go buy this one, and go through it one chapter at a time over the course of a year I think.One Year to a Writing Life: Twelve Lessons to Deepen Every Writer’s Art and Craft
  • The Duggars, 20 And Counting! Raising One of America’s Largest Families, by Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar  ****
    Laugh if you want, but I picked up this book for the financial advice! These guys turned me on to the Dave Ramsey program, and also to the idea of living without debt.  I use their laundry-detergent recipe and make my own (at the cost of about $3 a year). I don’t like their recipies (I’m not a big fan of canned meat or velveta “cheese product”). The Duggars: 20 and Counting!: Raising One of America’s Largest Families–How they Do It
  • Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids, by Christina Katz *****
    I read this book no less than three times in the month of March and have read it again several times since. I also pick it up to re-read individual chapters when I need writing/parenting inspiration. Love it, and recommend it to all my “writer mama” friends be they beginners or old hat. Writer Mama: How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids

April

  • The Total Money Makeover, by Dave Ramsey. *****
    Totally, completely brilliant, fun and easy to read (well, OK, this was my first purchase with Audible.com, so it read itself to me). After this I found Dave’s weekday podcast on itunes and download it faithfully at 2:30 every day. Looking forward to calling him up in November or December of this year to scream “Debt Free.” The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness Download from Audible.com
  • The Secret, Rhonda Byrne * 
    I hated this book, and have never wanted my money back so badly in my life.  I listened to it as an audiobook and was perpetually irritated by the narrator’s sense of urgency (though I think this would have come out also in the print version). The principle is that the secret to a successful life is simply willing it to be so.  I disagree. ‘Nuff said. The Secret
    Download audiobook from Audible.com
  • Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan, by Suze Orman ***
    This is a special “what to do in the recession release” and I’ve seen it EVERYWHERE and finally decided to buy.  I wasn’t disappointed, but wasn’t thrilled either. Suze’s philosophy doesn’t always sit right with me, and I don’t buy into the “debt as a tool” believe (sure, it’s a tool to live well beyond your means).   Of the several books by Ms. Orman that I’ve read, this was my least-favorite because I feel like she painted far too much of a recession doom-and-gloom picture.   Hey Suze, don’t rain on my recession, I’m kind of enjoying it.Suze Orman’s 2009 Action Plan Download the audiobook from Audible.com
  • Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell *****
    Love, love, love his books!  The previous ones I’ve read “The Tipping Point” and “Blink” were both brilliant. This  one is too. It’s short essays, so very easy to read. Outliers: The Story of Success Download the audiobook from Audible.com
  • The 3 AM Epiphany, by Brian Kiteley ****
    This is a fascinating book of writing prompts. It’s geared towards fiction, but I especially enjoy nonfiction storytelling, so I’m trying to adapt it a little for that.  The book is well put together and very informative on things like tenses, narrators, etc. 3 AM Epiphany

May

June

  • No More Mondays  Download the Audiobook from Audible ***** Well written and energizing book about doing what you’re meant to do. Not just what pays the bills.
  •  Banker to the Poor  Download the Audiobook from Audible  ***** A wonderful story of how microfinance is eliminating poverty in India, Bangladesh and more. Inspiring and well-told!
  • Scared *****  Quite possibly the best book I’ve ever read. I read this cover to cover over two nights with kleenex in hand. This is a novel set in Africa as told through the eyes of an AIDS orphan and an American Photojournalist alternatively. This is a must-read, without exception.

July

August

  • Problogger
  • The Complete Tightwad Gazette
  • Depression Era Stories and Recipes

September

October

November

December