Axis Mundi X discussion

The Times has published a list of "100 Notable Books of 2008 --"

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/07/boo...

Read any of these? Recommend any? Which look interesting? Which look like garbage?

I see Roth has a new book out. Great. I think I'll go cut myself, while wearing leather gloves.

I couldn't find anything in the fiction list that interested me, but a few of the non-fiction ones looke good:

American Lion - about Andrew Jackson
Condoleeza Rice - either about the Sec. of State or a new type of cereal
An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination - since my wife and I have been through a similar experience

I will stay away from the Thomas Friedman book. I think I can only get through one of his in a lifetime, any my quota is filled.

I'm excited to read the new Annie Proulx, FINE JUST THE WAY IT IS: Wyoming Stories 3. I loved her first collection of Wyoming Stories. It sounds like these might prove to be just as compelling.

I read 'The Other' by David Guterson. Absolutely loved it. It really captured the mood of the Hoh River Valley and I found the story of this unusual friendship very moving. Definitely recommend it.

Is it a list of the 100 Most Notable American books?

i would think so, debbie.

OK...thanks.

Apparently, when the NYT says "notable", it means that most people haven't heard of more than a handful of them.

Thanks again. Do you know if anyone has been brave enough to publish a list of 100 notables worldwide?

Debbie, here is a list for Young Adult and Childrens literature:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/a...

I think the Nobel Prize is the closest thing you're going to get for International Books. I haven't been able to dig up anything else. Maybe one of our delightful librarian ladies can help.

I think the list is for English-language books published in the US; so this can include books by non-American authors and translations into English.

Thanks for that Charissa....more fodder for my classroom!

Debbie - The NY Times Book Reviews include books from all over the world, translated into English and distributed in the US.

Yes I'm a dork - I subscribe.

Hi grouplings! Brand new to the group and just wanted to say hello and happy holidays, to those who subscribes (general well wishes all around). I think I would take ANY of the books on the list over THE GLASS CASTLE, which is what I am reading right now (or was 5 minutes ago) for my book club meeting tomorrow night! AAAAARRRGGH! Give me strength!

Greetings, Michelle! I am curious about The Glass Castle, and what about it is making you say "Aaaaarrggh!"

Must be about pirates, matey. Argh.

Hi Michelle! Welcome to Axis. Thanks for the warning!

What, no "Twilight"? *Dodges many thrown shoes, flees the building.....*