Here are the books I read in 2011. Nine books is less than I would have liked, but I am hoping this act of sharing can act as an assertion/resolution to read more this year.
2011 was when I decidedly became more aware of my reading inadequacies. I found Roger Ebert’s view on being “well-read” very affecting (http://tinyurl.com/3dabhws): Just to read for yourself for pleasure is the point. Dickens will come later, Henry James perhaps never. So I will focus less on all I need to read, and instead just read for the pleasure of it.
I enjoy browsing in book stores (especially used books) to discover something of interest. This act of finding a bookstore and browsing is rather delightful to me, so along with the books, I am also listing where I bought them.
City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi, William Dalrymple (bookstore: Connaught Place, Delhi) - I spent 5 weeks in Delhi this year. Instead of a travel guide, I decided to get William Dalrymple’s travelogue, and I am glad I did. Dalrymple is a great historian/storyteller and the metamorphosis of Delhi through history is engagingly narrated. The book left me with a deeper appreciation for the city. I also got my book signed, as the author was present at an event in Delhi.
Kieslowski on Kieslowski, Edited by Danusia Stok (bookstore: Amazon.com) - A delightful read for Kieslowski fans or otherwise. Kieslowski talks about his life and films and reading the book leaves you with the same feelings of profoundness you get from watching his films.
Yoga for people who can’t be bothered to do it, Geoff Dyer (bookstore: Better World Books, South Bend, IN) - Geoff Dyer’s book of travel essays was an enjoyable read. The wide-ranging associations that Dyer is known for are on display here, and the travel leads to engaging meditations on other things. His account of a trip to Detroit was my favorite.
The picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde (bookstore: Bargain Books, Mishawaka, IN) – Resolving to read more classics, I picked up Oscar Wilde’s only novel. The many witty statements make it an interesting read.
My guru and his disciple, Christopher Isherwood(bookstore: Casperson Books, Niles, MI) – For my birthday, I was at home in Hyderabad and we went to the Ramakrishna Math. I’ve always found the place very calming. So when I saw Christopher Isherwood’s book about his experience at the Ramakrishna mission, I grabbed it. It is a very funny account, and reading his observations on religion, helps you form your own. That his guru smokes and has no objections with Isherwood being gay, left me with an appreciation for the liberal attitude of Hinduism, at least as practiced by the mission.
The consolations of Philosophy, Alain de Botton (bookstore: Hyderabad Book fair) - I am a fan of Alain de Botton, and had to pick up this book when I saw it. I greatly enjoyed his “How Proust can change your life”, where he offered life advice from Proust, and in this book, he provides advice for life’s problems (Unpopularity, Not having enough money, Frustration, Inadequacy, A Broken Heart, Difficulties) from philosophy. This is great self-help you won’t be embarrassed to read.
Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott (bookstore: Feldman’s Books, Menlo Park, CA) - Very funny and generous advice about writing and life. Anne Lamott is very honest about the trials of the writing process, and it is very comforting to hear from her that bad first drafts and self-doubt are the norm in the creative process.
The search for signs of intelligent life in the universe, Jane Wagner (bookstore: Paws and Read, Sawyer, MI) - I had heard about Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner’s play, so it was a nice surprise to find this book. The play is very funny, and while it has a feminist bent from the period it was written in, it is very relatable.
Reading like a writer, Francine Prose (bookstore: Casperson Books, Niles, MI) - Very engaging dissections of writing. Francine Prose’s wide selection of texts left me insecure about how much I have read, but her masterful dissections left me with greater appreciation for the writers’ craft.
Here’s hoping I read more in 2012. I am looking to read fiction/classics and design-related books.
I find a good Kundera always keeps the winter fire burning strong.
Thanks for the recommendation!