Wednesday, September 23, 2009

What's on Your Bedside Table?

Here's a snapshot of what I'm currently reading. Notice where The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is....way at the bottom. And notice the bookmark--in the middle somewhere. I've been trying to get through this one for the better part of a month. Someone enlighten me here, please! I've already given this book way too much of my valuable time, but a friend me some words of encouragement. "Once you hit the middle, it really takes off." Wow. I have to wait more than 250 pages for the book to take off. You know this irks me because I'm pretty sure the agents I'm querying wouldn't be as patient with me, waiting for MY story to "take off" at page 250. And yes, that is Kathy Griffin's memoir, Official Book Club Selection. I can't help it. I love KG and I'm speeding through this fun read. No waiting around for 200+ pages for her story to take flight. It takes off like a shot, but I'm a fan and I need a light read every now and then. I picked up Time of My Life thanks to another blogger's suggestion. I'm only 20 pages in, but liking it so far. I have to say though, I've already seen this movie twice--once as The Family Man, with Nicholas Cage, and the other, 13 Going on 30, just reversed. I haven't started Home yet, but look forward to reading it as Marilynne Robinson is a wonderful writer. And this isn't unusual, me having three or four books piled high on my nightstand. What about you? Only one book at a time, or several? And what's on your bedside table?

15 comments:

Anita said...

Do you follow Paul Michael Murphy's blog at all? Everyone once in awhile, he takes a funny dig at E. Sawtelle, so I've vowed to myself never to read the book. My advice to you is to find some other use for it...to hold a door open, hit a thief over the head, etc.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Love it! I'm always interested in a peep at others' reading lists.

I may do this on my blog, too, and share what's on my table.

Joanne said...

I'm usually one book at a time. Just started Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge, so far so good.

Amy said...

Anita~ great advice! I don't follow Paul Michael Murhpy, but I'll definitely check him out now!

Janna~ I look forward to seeing what's stacked on your table!

Joanne~ Olive K is a great book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. That was one I picked up b/c I was sick and tired of Edgar Sawtelle!!

Daniel Bell said...

Story, by Robert McKee; Journal of a Novel, John Steinbeck's notes on East of Eden; To Kill a Mockingbird. Have to confess I never read it. My reading history is extensive, but all over the map.

Diane Vogel Ferri said...

I think if you don't like Edgar - just shelve it - there are too many other good books out there. We can't all like everything!!!

Diane Vogel Ferri said...

I'm kind of surprised you like KG - if the book is yours can I borrow it?

Amy said...

Of course you can borrow the book!

Paul Michael Murphy said...

Never finished EDGAR. Stopped half-way through and it was a feat making it that far. If I never see another "mow" or "whelping" in a book, it will be too soon.

Kathryn Magendie said...

WHAT??@$*#&$&$??!?! *laughing* someone actually said once you hit the middle of the book or 250 pages it really takes off? good lawd! I'm stunned.....huhn...

Anyway - I'm reading Water for Elephants. I've had this book for a while and never picked it up - wasn't sure I was even going to like it- but! I am loving it! :) The first chapter or two I was going, well, yeah this is good, but now i'm at the point where I'm enjoying it - turning the pages quickly - yes!

Amy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Amy said...

PMM~ I HEAR you!! I'm amazed the editor allowed the repetition and length, but what do I know??

And Kathryn~ I loved Water for Elephants--enjoy the read!

Lisa said...

Hi. I have books that I'm reading everywhere around the house. I'm having problem keeping my focus. I have to tell you that my latest post is Books at Home. Please visit when you get the chance.

I can't help but noticed your beautiful, perfect garden. Wow.

babYpose said...

On my bedside table are "the secrets" and "yoga ashtanga vinyasa book" and my note-book to list out what to arrange things at home mainly for the cleaner and a pen. Nice post.

Kelly@TearingUpHouses said...

Here's mine: http://tearinguphouses.blogspot.com/2009/10/before-progress-pictures-video-little.html

They're books I read eons ago (Edgar Allen Poe) but keep by my side sort of as a warm blanket. I'll pick them up and read a random paragraph, then put them down. The last book I read was The Kite Runner about a month ago.

Kelly