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1000 Books to Read Before You Die

Is this looming list a bargain? – 1000 Books to Read Before You Die

December 4, 2022 /

How did I find 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List? I turned 40 this year.  Use this context as appropriate.  In 2008, I graduated with a degree in English Literature from a local university. I thought that I was well-read, and I was at the time. Then I stopped reading.  

What role does reading currently play in my life? I am in a career that only requires the ability to read and little further. Outside her many other favorable characteristics, my wife’s taste in books varies wildly from mine. The friends with whom I would chat on the topic now have families and responsibilities of their own.  My daughter?  In her third year, she enjoys a read, but we will stick with Dr. Suess for now. Reading in a collegiate setting was easy, but I had always relied on that guidance and support. With a severe lack of direction, I had to ask, “Where to start?”  I decided that trying anything would be a good start. 

That is where I found myself at the start of the last post.  Where did I get the inspiration to read The Uncommon Reader?  James Mustich.  Before the past two weeks, this name was unfamiliar. While experiencing this minor existential crisis, I dove down a Google rabbit hole.  Each search became increasingly desperate.  What books should everyone read? Are there pieces of great literature should everyone read?  What books should everyone read in this life?  What are 100 books to read before I die?  And there it was. 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List.

James has curated a list of 1000 books, each with its brief description and discussion.  He highlights other works by the authors or other works that readers might enjoy in tandem. In an interview with the author, he states that over 4000 books dot the pages of his book.  Although the list leans towards fiction, the suggestions come from many genres.  

For now, I am going to try this out.  The idea left me wondering what I would suggest to someone.  Most of my suggestions feel supremely obvious.  For that reason, I will leave the recommendations to the professionals, but I would enjoy hearing from you.  If you had to pick one book someone should read before they die, what is it?  Maybe I will find a couple of new ones in 1000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List.

Oh, and The Uncommon Reader? What a read! If you haven’t had the pleasure, take it. I just finished Twelfth Night as well.  I will be moving on to some Dickens for the holidays: A Christmas Carol. 

Who needs a new start? – The Uncommon Reader

November 29, 2022 /

I am trying to figure out where to start.  I have the feeling that these first entries are going to feel disjointed and unaligned, especially considering my prior content.  Time has passed since I uploaded a post. My life has changed immeasurably, and while that is material, this is not the time to discuss it. I am however sure that I want to restart this project. 

Why have I not written in over a year? Let’s approach this from a purely emotional or mental health perspective. Mired is the best descriptor I can use. Progress has been deliberate, but slow. My actions feel weighted. I  am getting by, but I can only focus on certain things: my wife, my daughter, and our family.

To say I had forgotten about this blog would be a lie.  I receive emails constantly reminding me that I have not uploaded or that a broken link needs fixing. Those messages have gone ignored.  I could also say that I could not find the time or that life was too busy.  This would also be difficult to justify with the amount of time I spent endlessly binging streaming services or scrolling TikToks. I have done very little that would be considered traditionally productive, other than the things necessary to maintain family and household. That needed to change. 

I started reading The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett last night. Did I purposefully and artfully choose this title due to its plot and relatability? Did I want to examine a satire on the monarchy? Had something suddenly spurred an interest in Bennett?  Nope. It was less than 100 pages, and I was feeling particularly unmotivated. I needed dessert, not dinner. 

After scarcely reading anything for the past year, the humor caught me by surprise.  I forgot how much I could enjoy the medium. I was pleased with the play between duty and pleasure while laughing aloud at the absurdity of the entire scenario. While I cannot relate to a monarch meaningfully, I found myself rooting for her.  But I also felt something more meaningful behind the playfulness.  What is this incessant urge to catch up? What are we catching up to?  More importantly, can we ever?  Maybe I am thinking too seriously, and I am not sure there are answers here, but she made me think. 

If you are wondering, I did not finish it in a single sitting, and that is on the agenda for tonight. And yes, I find that slightly embarrassing, but I wanted to take my time.  I wanted to enjoy The Uncommon Reader and not read it simply to finish. Maybe more answers are waiting.  

If you have not noticed, or never visited before, I am going with a new format as we move forward.  Reviewing the past posts, they were too formal. I was bored writing them, and what I really want is to have a conversation about books and life. Let’s do that.  

If you like what you see here, expect more of the same. Thanks for joining me.

A Review – The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck

May 2, 2021 /

A woman has died under strange circumstances, and Sergeant Jessica Niemi is investigating.  The victim’s husband is the best-selling author of The Witch Hunt series, which only complicates the situation. Battling her past and a mounting body count, Jessica struggles to keep control. 

Writing Style

Seeck’s style is clinical and plot-driven in the best possible way. I would be hard-pressed to find unnecessary prose in this novel.  I would also describe it as evocative. Through his style, I found a female Finnish police sergeant relatable.

Did I put The Witch Hunter down?

I only stopped reading this one when I needed to sleep.  The material stuck with me even when I was not reading.

Who should be reading this?

This book contains violence, language, torture, sexual content, and depictions of rape. The scenes were explicit but not superfluous.

Would I recommend The Witch Hunter?

Without spoiling anything, I am going to have difficulty describing the ride that is this novel.  I was genuinely excited to turn every page.  The book evoked a range of emotions in me, namely intrigue, excitement, and terror. I cannot often say that a book genuinely creeped me out, but Seeck’s imagery did just that.  

If I had one criticism, I would point to the final chapters.  The excitement that built leading to these events was palpable, but my investment in the story fell apart at this point.  This disappointment was purely due to opinion and expectation.  I would not classify this as a “whodunit,” but elements of this book reflect that genre. I often finish these books feeling deflated.

Don’t let that stop you from checking out Max Seeck’s The Witch Hunter here.

A Review – My Dad is Amazing by Sabrina and Eunice Moyle

April 25, 2021 /

How is amazing is dad?  You are going to need to read the book, but the Moyle sisters have answers. They take us on a journey to find out how amazing dad is.

Art Style

Eunice’s pictures are colorful, playful, and entertaining.

Did I put it down?

No, and I think the better question is whether I picked it back up.  In a week of having the book, I have read this to my daughter at least four or five times.

Content

This a book for the very young crowd.  I see a focus on introducing vocabulary and comparisons.

Would I recommend My Dad is Amazing?

Without a doubt, I would, and this is the second book by the Moyle’s that we have bought. Our first was My Mom is Magical, and in the spirit of not leaving dad out, we bought this book. 

The comparisons are delightful.  They haven’t put boundaries on what dad can be.  I appreciated that it was also different from the previous edition.

Check out the book here.

A Review – Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

April 11, 2021 /

In Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey tells us the story of his greenlights: his youthful misadventures, his globe-trekking, and his Hollywood experience.  With each exploit, he redefines what “livin’” is for the reader.

Writing Style

McConaughey wrote the book from his journals, but the presentation conveys a stream of consciousness.  I could hear his voice in my head.  Familiarity with his film work may cause this, but the style is natural and directed.

Did I put it down?

Yes, I read this book in small sections.  McConaughey packs a lot of material into a small package.  I did not want to miss anything.

Who should be reading this?

Anyone from the young adult range and older could pull something from this book.  Besides a bit of violence, language, and brief sexual content, the material is tame.

Would I recommend Greenlights?

I absolutely would and with more enthusiasm than I originally started the book.  I gained more insight from this book than I expected.  Even the small excerpts and poems that filled the margins of the book were entertaining and added value.  I felt personally challenged to reexamine my choice through a new lens.

Check out the book here.

A Review – Mighty Moms by Joan Holub

March 28, 2021 /

What can moms do? Just about anything.  Holub’s book illustrates different occupations and moms’ hard work in a fun, playful style. From firetrucks to mail trucks, Mighty Moms shows the little trucks learning how to grow up to be just like mom.

Art Style

Joyce Wan’s illustrations were entertaining.  While simple, the pictures drew the eye to them easily with bright colors.

Did I put it down?

Mighty Moms was a quick read. I often judge kids’ books by how much I enjoy reading them aloud.  My fifteen-month-old sat through the entire book.  I think that says more.

Content

The audience here is very young.  I enjoy seeing multiple things happening here.  Almost every page introduces a new color while using some fun rhymes.  The onomatopoetic nature of the text makes it fun to read aloud as well.

Would I recommend Mighty Moms?

Yes, I would.  This title reminded me of a Llama Llama collection that I bought for my daughter. The layout and style were very similar. The cardboard pages, although not indestructible, will stand up to some abuse, such as my daughter trying to teeth on them. 

Check out the book here.

A Review – Trinity Vol. 1: Better Together by Francis Manapul et al.

March 21, 2021 /

Diana and Bruce have come to break bread with Superman, but not the Superman they once knew. An unknown enemy derails these plans by laying a trap for the heroes. Each hero must confront their past.  Will this trio be able to work together enough to overcome the challenge?

Art Style

We see multiple styles through these issues, but I enjoyed the art. Manapul’s angular penciling and varied coloring create a welcome tone. Emanuela Lupacchino’s Wonder Woman is excellent, but the other characters feel cartoonish. 

Did I put it down?

Yes, the plot did not immediately grab me. I wanted something that picked up where the exciting story from Son of Superman ended.

Content

The novel is light on heavy content. We see comic violence.

Would I recommend Better Together?

I was excited about this one.  Some of my favorite stories have included team-ups.  These are DC’s feature characters, and I expected them to go all out. 

This novel did not live up to that hype.  That is not to say it is without merit. The writers develop and guide well-known characters through a clear narrative. I was confused initially as it progressed, but this resolved over time. 

Check out the title here. 

A Review – 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton

March 14, 2021 /

No story here.  Buxton is providing the layman a beginner’s guide to the world of whiskies. From Bourbon to Scotch, Buxton outlines accessible whiskies at multiple prices. For each whiskey, he delivers a brief history and description of the distillery.

Writing Style

The writing style says whiskey textbook.  Buxton is accurate and thorough.

Did I put it down?

For me, this book serves as a reference. Do I want to try something new this week?  I go here as a resource.

Who should be reading this?

Those who can enjoy a drink will be the target audience here.

Would I recommend 101 Whiskeys to Try Before You Die?

You should consider a couple of factors here.   Are you set in your ways?  Do you like whiskey? 

For the longest time, a bottle of Jack Daniels did the job. I wasn’t even much of a whiskey fan.  Beyond this, I knew nothing about whisky. Whiskey is a rabbit hole.  The stories, history, and process are rich.  I will credit this work with allowing me to be more adventurous.  I am currently sipping Tullamore Dew, which I may have never tried were it not for Buxton’s book. 

So without being too obtuse, yes, I enjoyed the utility of this book.  Keep in mind, Buxton does update his editions often. 

Check out the book here.

A Review – New Super-Man, Vol. 1: Made in China by Gene Luen Yang et al.

March 7, 2021 /

The Ministry of Self-Reliance has recruited Kong Kenan, a teenager from Shanghai. Imbued with the powers of a Kryptonian, he declares himself the New Super-Man.  Fighting alongside Bat-Man and Wonder-Woman, can he protect China from a rash of new “super villains”? 

Art Style

Overall, I enjoyed this aspect of the work. I loved the action and bright colors, although the art felt more muted as the story progressed.  Bogdanovic’s faces looked off to me in certain panels. A character can look completely different from one panel to the next.  I find myself distracted. 

This really competed with the artwork from Son of Superman.

Did I put it down?

Yes, and I almost did not pick it back up.  I could not find a reason.

Content

The main character bullies others throughout the story. Beyond this, we see comic violence.

Would I recommend Made in China?

No, I would not.  I wanted more ties to the Superman title. I suppose that is a personal preference, but the story did not know where it was going.  The arc was too short for what they tried to include.  Is this a political piece? Are we focusing on Kong Kenan’s family or his new allies?  Why is everything so derivative of the American Justice League?  Nothing felt developed enough. 

I am going to give the second volume a try. Even with everything I said above, this was an ambitious title, and I know that Gene Luen Yang is a talented storyteller.  I am looking forward to seeing what he can do with the title moving forward. 

Check out the title here. 

A Review- The Price of Time by Tim Tigner

February 28, 2021 /

A group of researchers has discovered the modern “Fountain of Youth.” The decisions they make could change both their lives and the landscape of the world.

Writing Style

The continuity felt a bit jumbled near the start of the book.  Beyond this, Tigner’s writing was tight and visual. His prose is not wasteful.

Did I put it down?

Tigner’s book felt like dessert.  I enjoyed it, but only in small portions.

Content

Tigner has some extremely violent scenes in this book, and descriptions of torture would top this list.  We also see some brief sexuality.

Would I recommend The Price of Time?

Yes, I would, but with a caveat.  Tigner’s book asks the question,” Would anyone know if someone discovered the Fountain of Youth?” The series of events that answer this question border on ludicrous in the most enjoyable way.  A suspension of disbelief is required. To say much more would ruin the plot. I cannot imagine a world where these events could happen, but I suppose a person who worked in Soviet Counterintelligence knows better than me anyway. 

Check the book out here.

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