reading
list |
| Last updated Aug 27th, 2003 |
| These are the books that I've been reading since September, 2002. Some because I really wanted to read them, some because they were here in the bookshelf. I've left a little comment on most of them, for you bookworms. Little red stars denote my extra special recommendation. I am constantly looking for something to read. I beg you to mail me (link at the bottom of this page) and tell me what book you've read that you really enjoyed. Please! |
| A Japanese soldier going mad in the jungle during the second World War. | |
| This is an interesting look at the history of language and the relationships between languages. You don't need to study linguistics to appreciate this book. | |
Tanizaki
Junichiro-Some Prefer Nettles |
Perhaps difficult for anyone unaccustomed to the Japanese novel style. I enjoyed the play of east/west, traditional/modern. |
Douglas
Robinson-Becoming a Translator |
Well, it appears that I'm not. Has some interesting notes about learning in general, though. |
| I had this book recommended to me several times and finally had a chance to read it. It was certainly good, but I think I built up unrealistic expectations. | |
Mori Oogai-Vita
Sexualis |
The story of a man's sexuality. Follows him from stolen glances at erotic ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints) to his first sexual encounter and so on. |
Jane Weller-Crystal
Clear |
Pulp. |
| Wow! John Irving is back! Thank you Krista for introducing me to the joys of Irving. | |
Tony Buzan-Use
your Memory |
I can now memorize a list of 52 things in numerical order. A party trick, perhaps? Or too much free time on my hands? |
| A fun trip to Venice and some emergency restoration during the great floods. | |
| There were some groaners, but they were outweighed by the good, hard laughs I had. My mother was in hysterics while reading it.Yay! | |
Anais Nin-Under
a Glass Bell |
I hate to confess that it didn't really resound with me, although some Paris scenese were enjoyable. |
Mory Sofer-The
Translator's Handbook |
Lots of good resources mentioned, if you are truely translator-inclined. |
| Just a selection of the Arabian Nights stories, and it leaves you wanting more! Exotic! Erotic! Fun! | |
Leil Lowndes-How
to Talk to Anyone |
It is true that my ability to communicate is abandoning me. I'm not sure if this helped, but it had a few good pointers.. |
Dave Walker
and Richard Ehrlich-Hello my Big Big Honey |
Letters from men overseas to the Thai prostitutes they've fallen in love with. Feel amazed and feel pity. |
Richard
Seltzer-Web Business Boot Camp |
I learned how to make a homepage! Did I need this book to do so? |
Mark Long-Financing
the New Venture |
If I ever need to go find some very rich folk to finance a start-up corporation, I will know exactly what to do. |
| A stunner. Images printed forever on my mind. This woman knows how to weave a story. | |
Dean Koontz-The
Key to Midnight |
Yes, I did read it. No, I wouldn't recomend it, even though the story begins in Japan. |
| I realize I should have read this long ago, but I think I'm the better for it. I doubt I would have appreciated it if it were on my high school reading list. Truly a classic. I loved it. | |
Dean Koontz-One
Door Away from Heaven |
Try to guess the plot around these elements: serial killer, mutant kid, woman who can't seperate her past from movies, aliens, dreaming dogs |
| Very imaginative and engrossing. Reminds me of some other works coming out of South America, but the name has slipped my mind. | |
John Honey-Language
is Power |
I agree with his central thesis of the importance of standard English, but the real value of this book lies in seeing the back-biting, political nature of linguists. Had no idea the profession was that combatitive. |
Nietsche-Thus
Spoke Zarathustra |
If you've ever heard Nietsche mis-quoted (which is probable), you'd do well to read this book. |
| I recommend this book under certain conditions. You really should know something about feminism or risk having an unbalanced view. If you've never read Ms., never read Wolf and never heard Steinem speak, you should take care of those fundamentals, first. Then you're in a better position to hear the opposing opinions presented agaisnt the feminist movement. It's impossible to agree with everything LaFramboise says, and difficult to justify her reasons for saying some of the things she does, but I respect many of her views. Let's fight dogma! Thanks Becca! | |
| I'm no CEO, but I recognize genius. This man is amazing. Will read everything he writes regardless of my disinterest in business. | |
Peter Drucker-The
New Realities |
Nevermind. The same themes, sometimes using the same points, are being played out. Read one Drucker book. Don't bother with two. Oh-but he's still a genius! |
| A native of Thailand's Esarn region, Sudham lived overseas before returning and taking another look at his home. Sudham lays bare the hopes, pains and joys of a people struggling with poverty and modernization. | |
Seicho Matsumoto-Points
and Lines |
A murder-mystery Japanese style. Not just an entertaining read, but a cultural eye-opener. |
| If you read French and have even a passing interest in Japan, give this one a read. In the spirit of absurdisme, you will start out laughing hysterically and gradually discover the tragedy of humour. Kelly you rock! | |
ML Manich
Jumsai-Thai Folktales |
Though I was less than impressed with the writing style, the stories themselves are great. These classic folktales are full of romance, sexuality and lust. Surprising, considering the government campaign to 'educate' young women that good girls don't, and the television censorship of all things sexual. Though I suppose this kind of double thinking isn't surprising, considering the illegal/in your face sex industry... |
Sandhusen-Marketing |
If you feel an inclination to read a marketing textbook (ha ha), give this one a miss. It's a bit old school, assuming that marketing is always goods related and overlooking the service industry. Oh yeah, and it's completely American focused. Which I suppose is useful for Americans... |
| Woooo! Japanophiles, history-buffs, militarists and anyone freaked out by war will find common ground in this amazing biography. | |
Collins Reference-Weddings |
Considering I know not the slightest thing about weddings, this little reference guide has been great for giving me a false sense of confidence. |
| Very interesting. Based on the true story of a samurai being sent to Mexico and then to Europe during the Japanese period of isolation. I've read so many books of foreigners spouting off their impressions of Japan, and it's an eye-opener to look at things in the other direction. | |
Martin Lindstrom-Clicks, Bricks and Brands |
The future of consumerism? Not an outstanding book. |
Richard L Sandhusen-Barron's Marketing |
If you find yourself with as much reading time as I have, you might be into reading textbooks. Otherwise give this one a miss. |
Richard Stutely-The Definitive Business
Plan |
If you are in fact planning a business than this book is fantastic. Motivating, too! Perhaps I'll start a pad thai street stall.... |
| Wow. Since Rodney introduced me to the joys of Carl Sagan, I've been eager to give Stephen Hawking a try. Incredible. My brain hurts from trying to contemplate the universe. | |
| Besides being the first ever novel, this book has much to recomend it. A very readable translation and stories that will draw you into 11th century Japanese court life. This is the enormous, unabridged version, but it's nicely cut into digestable stories. | |
| A well written story of three women united by Virginia Woolf. Read this book, breathe and feel alive! | |
| Think that the story of the making of the Oxford Dictionary sounds dull? What if you knew that one of the greatest contributors was locked up for being 'insane'? | |
| Shiba Ryotaro is postively worshipped in Japan, and now I know why. This has been the best book I've read in a while and I can't wait to get my hands on some more of his work. This, by the way, is the true story of the last ever shogun warlord ruler of Japan. | |
David Guterson-Snow Falling on Cedars |
I swear I picked up this book not knowing there was a Japanese theme! A different perspective at least-Americans of Japanese descent living in America during and after the Pacific war. I enjoyed it. |
Gao Xingjian-Soul Mountain |
Worth reading for it's unique structure, but there is more than the craft of the storytelling involved. An interesting tale of a man travelling through China. |
| A former prime minister of Thailand and an excellent story teller. This is a loveable story of a woman living through four reigns of Thai kings. | |
| This translation by GH McWilliam is fantastic. More than 500 years old and still captivating-ten stories told during each of ten days to cheer people during the plague. Scandelous fun! | |
Banana Yoshimoto-Amrita |
This is an interesting enough story of a girl who loses her memory. |
| The amazing epic of a rogue samurai who learns the way of the sword. This is a fantastic book! Thanks for the recommendation, Glenn. | |
| A nobel prize winner and no surprise. Intelligent and well-researched. A must read for history buffs or japanophiles. | |
Ben Okri-The Famished Road |
I felt rather dizzied reading this book. Illusions and fantasies and a boy's life in Nigeria. |
Mishima Yukio-Le Pavillon d'Or |
The story of the young monk who went crazy and burned down the gold temple. This is the French version. It starts a little slow but worth getting into for the psychological portrait. |
*David Kidd-All
the Emperor's Horses |
I really like the attitude of this author. He is marrying into an aristocratic Chinese family just as communism is sweeping in. And he deals with it in a beautiful, tender way. This one is out of print and hard to find but I'll loan you my copy if you can come and pick it up :) |
Connie Willis-To Say Nothing of the Dog |
I wouldn't not recomend this book, but it pales compared to the next book on this list. If you read it, make sure you read it before Doomsday Book. |
| Go ahead and put this one on your list. Fantastic. | |
Douglas Coupland-Souvenir of Canada |
This is a nice book if you are a homesick Canadian, but "How to be a Canadian" takes first prize if you ask me. |
| As if I need to say anything more-you saw the author's name. Welcome to Atwood's apocalyptic nightmare. | |
Lafcadio Hearn-Exotics and Retrospectives |
Hearn has written many great books about his experience in Japan in the 1800's, but this is not one of his best. |