Blogging through every book that I read during the year means that I can’t get behind or I have a huge backlog of titles to work through. In the interest of succinctness I will give a basic up or down on the last 5:
Why We Suck: A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid by Dr. Denis Leary
Leary can grow old quickly, especially as he tries to channel George Carlin. However, when he is on he is definitely on. The advantage of the audio book is that Leary narrates and you are able to experience a performance of the material rather than a recitation. It is worth a listen for the section on Oprah alone.
Captain Underpants and the Wrath of the Wicked Wedgie Woman by Dave Pilkey
This is just fun reading and there is nothing more enjoyable than reading this sophomoric scatological series with an irreverent six year old.
The Gingerbread Girl by Stephen King
This is a novel of a young woman who picks up running after the sudden death of her infant daughter. She ends up running from her life to an isolated stretch of beach. She runs straight into the path of a psychopath. This captures the heart of some of King’s classic psychological horror stories. I am not a fan of Mare Winningham’s narration but it is vintage King writing.
84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
This is a fun epistolary collection that chronicles Hanff’s exchange with a London bookseller over the course of two decades. It was made into a stage play and a film but the reading is not os such substantive weight that would make me think that either would be worth going out of the way to witness. It is a light and easy read but nothing overly memorable.
My Dead Girlfriend by Eric Wight
This graphic novel bills itself as being part 1. I anxiously await volume 2 but it seems to have been delayed. Nevertheless a highly enjoyable read. If you like graphic novels then pick this one up.
I Slept With Joey Ramone by Mickey Leigh
This is one of my favorite reads thus far this year. Mickey Leigh was the younger brother of Joey Ramone. He has written a memoir that traces his life in wake of the supernova that was the frontman for the greatest punk rock band of all time. I have read some criticism that Leigh figures too prominently in the story but this is not a story about the band. It is about Mickey and Joey and that is important to remember. What transpires is an intimate portrayal that holds no punches but at its core depicts the power of family and devotion. A must read for a fan.









