The top of the "To Read" pile

Kasey Cox

Some people laugh when we say that you can never have too many books, just not enough shelves. The real bibliophiles laugh ruefully and uproariously, because they recognize how this is not really a joke. These bibliophiles have an entire shelf dedicated just to the books they’ve purchased, or borrowed, or been given, that they haven’t even had a chance to read yet. I, too, have such a shelf – more often than not, these yet-to-be-read treasures aren’t even on a shelf, but on my nightstand, the dresser, and the floor next to my bed. As we forge into 2009, here are some of the books I hope to be reading soon!

Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell: Why I want to read it (hereafter abbreviated, in keeping with our texting, acronym-loving generation, as “WIW2R”): A local book club chose this about a year ago. Over the next few months, several members insisted I had to read it, but that they couldn’t tell me much about it, because they didn’t want to ruin it for me. Next, a friend of one of the members asked me if I could get her a used copy. I tried calling and emailing people from the book club, to ask members to trade in, but no one would give up her copy!! Now, that’s a heck of a recommendation.

What I Saw and How I Lied, by Judy Blundell: WIW2R -- Winner of this year’s National Book Award for Young Adult Lit. Reviewers said the front cover reflects the storyline well: very film noir, 1940’s-looking young woman, red lipstick, think young Audrey Hepburn. Romance, suspense, family drama, set in America during and after WWII. This has everything I love in a book!

The Tenderness of Wolves, by Stef Penney : WIW2R – This was recommended in the “BookSense/IndieBound” newsletter, a monthly publication of the American Booksellers Association, which unites independent booksellers across the U.S., allowing them to share with the public the books that are currently knocking their socks off. Recently, a well-read friend told me how much she loved it, while she was ordering two more copies as gifts. I have no idea what it’s about, but the thumbs-up from these folks is enough for me. Plus, what a clever, evocative title! Being an often-frustrated writer myself, I understand that creating a meaningful title is much harder than it might seem. This bodes well for the novel itself.

The Stepsister Scheme, by Jim Hines: WIW2R – Last year, Kevin read Jim Hines’ Goblin trilogy, at once a fantasy-quest adventure and a clever parody of the genre. I enjoy dabbling in this genre, especially when the author also has a sense of humor. Now, Hines brings us the stories of Cinderella, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty, after their supposedly happily-ever-after. United like Charlie’s Angels as secret agents for the Queen, in a world where Little Red Riding Hood is now one of the best assassins around, this sounds like an funny romp for the girls, as well as one for Gregory Maguire fans.

Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America , edited by Mitchell Gold: WIW2R -- Because, no matter what you believe about the morality of homosexuality, Matthew Shepherd should never have been beaten and left to die. Because I have friends who are queer, and I love them. Because I’d like to draw attention to, and better understanding of, Hamilton-Gibson’s choice of “Our Town” and “The Laramie Project” to play in conjunction this fall.

Just After Sunset, Stephen King’s newest collection of short stories, just released this November ’08: WIW2R -- Think what you like of me for boldly declaring it, but I really enjoy Stephen King. Although his novels sometimes suffer from what he himself calls “elephantitis of the pen”, his short stories are superb, with a tighter plot, but the same depth of characterization. Stephen King knows how people think, and he conveys characters’ thoughts and motivations better than many more renowned, “literary” authors.

This is where I’ll take my cue, before my column grows too verbose. In writing this, I’ve decided to forget about New Year’s Resolutions, and just concentrate on the stacks of books before me. Though some would see it as a twist on the curse of the Danaide, where my shelves continually fill with books as her water jug continually emptied of water, the real book nerds know the truth.

Pop lit or alt hist? Hobo wants to know what’s on your to-be-read shelf. Drop him a line to make your recommendations at www.wellsborobookstore.com. Remember, cats love to be on bookshelves. Hobo wants to inhabit yours – check out his book, “Hobo Finds A Home” from Edgecliff Kids.