Reading list 2019

When I look back on my reading list from the year before, I can visualize where I was when I was reading, which is pretty cool. I was in Mexico reading some of these books, in my bedroom, just about to head to a bachelor party, visiting with relatives, going to the casino, and more.

Here's my 2019 reading list : )

For more references, here are the lists from 2010, 2011 , 2012 , 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

Books I read

Moby Dick, by Herman Melville

It's long, and there's a lengthy, very detailed section about the intricasies of  whaling, but boy the last 50 pages are really aweseome!

The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde 

Glad I read this! I knew I wanted to read it, but when I discovered it was by Oscar Wilde, it was all the more thrilling. Though it's hardly a comedy, it's still pretty fabulous. 

Gremlins 2, the New Batch, by David Bischoff

Novelizations of your favourite movie is like watching the movie, but ... it takes a lot longer. It cleared up some dialogue I wasn't clear on, which is pretty neat.

The Lovecraft Compendium, by H. P. Lovecraft

Lives up to the hype! This was like four novellas, and they were awesome!

Sully: My Search for What Really Matters, by Chelsey B. Sullenberger, Jeffrey Zaslow

The piloting / career stuff was great! The family part ... meh. Not for me.

The Hot Blooded Dinosaurs, by Adrian J. Desmond

Though a bit outdated, the arguments for hot-bloodedness are all very succinctly captured, way back in the 50s. The book holds up after all these years!

A Writer’s Life, by Scott Young

This was strongly recommended to me, and ... it wasn't awesome. Looking back on it, though, it definitely had lots of interesting parts. Maybe it's worth a read, just ... don't expect it to be James Joyce.

Origin, by Dan Brown

This one's predictable, almost from the start. And Langdon hardly deciphers symbols anymore. Seriously, the curious symbol that he "deciphers" was for an uber driver... I'm not joking. 

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and the Undead, by Mark Twain and Don Borchert

Zombies didn't make this book better. And I probably shouldn't have let this be my first impression of Mark Twain, either. Mark Twain mystifies me like Catcher in the Rye does. I don't understand why they're such cherished classics. I don't deny it, I just don't understand it. 

Fundamentals of Marketing, 5^th Canadian Edition, Sommers, Barnes, Stanton and Futrell

Research and preperation. 

Hannibal Rising, Thomas Harris

I was jonsing for Hannibal, so I rewatched all the movies and reread all the books. If I were to rank the novels, this may be the least favourite. It's still interesting. The movie had its moments, though Silence of the Lambs is untouchable!

Knock ‘em Dead: Social Networking for Job Search and Professional Success, by Martin Yate

This was kind of a lesson on how to make your entire social media presence a LinkedIN account. 

Red Dragon, by Thomas Harris

To rank the Hannibal books, this ... this one is second on the list. Really, really great. After rereading these, I was able to truly appreciate how much content the producers of Hannibal (the tv series) were able to put to good use directly from the texts. They were great because they were able to be so much more faithful to the novels. 

Silence of the Lambs, Thomas Harris

Such a great novel. And super movie. I've got them on VHS, so to put them on, I've got dig through the back of the TV and get the VCR running again. Not easy. But still so great. 

Smart Marketing on a Small Budget, by S. J. Ross

This was great, lots of lists and work sheets. Plus plenty of quick strategies. 

Hannibal, by Thomas Harris

This was always my favourite edition in the Hannibal series, but after the re-read, it's dropped. I don't know why. Perhaps it was just too much Hannibal in a row? It still holds up - so many indelible moments. 

Strategic Communications for Nonprofits: A step by step guide to working with the media by Kathy Bonk, Emily Tynes, Henry Griggs and Phil Sparks  

Lots more stuff I've been eager to figure out. 

Plot: Elements of Fiction Writing, by Ansen Dibell

I put a lot of work into preparing for Nanowrimo this year. I didn't get too far, but I did definitely put a lot of research into the stories I wanted to tell. A lot of research into the mechanics of writing a story, etc. 

The Secret of the Great Pyramid: How One Man’s Obsession Led to the Solution of Ancient Egypt’s Greatest Mystery, by Bob Brier and Jean-Pierre Houdin
 

Another book that I was reading as research for a story. It didn't really offer what I was looking for. Nor was it really the most exciting secret about the pyramdis one might hope to learn, either. 

The Life of Jesus, by Marcello Craveri 

I read this for research, and it was outstanding! Highly recommend. The back cover calls this an "unbiased" report, which it isn't. But it IS well rounded, undeniably well researched, and thorough. Really good!

Raptors: 2019 NBA Champions, by Maclean’s, a special commemorative issue

My keepsake from the championship run. I'm not a giant fan, but I recognize a really special moment when I see one. The articles and photography have everything you need to capture the special memories and impact the championship had on Toronto and Canada. 

Conflict, Action and Suspense, by William Noble

Another book helping me learn more of the mechanics of a good story. 

Saints: Who they are and how they help you, by Elizabeth Hallam

I got this out looking more for symbolism. I was hoping for more from it, like what was provided in the Life of Jesus, I mentioned earlier. That wasn't what this book was. It does list the saints, though. 

Eat the Dinosaur, by Chuck Klosterman

I reread this one, and it was finely nostalgic. It covers some very interesting pop-culture subjects from the 90s, and was fun once again. It's a collection of essays - and inspiring in a way. Why not publish a book of essays with interesting perspectives and opinions? Do people do this? Makes me want to write a variety of essays on Jurassic Park (the novel) and then publish it. I'd read it!

The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World, by Steve Brusatte 

First off, this book was awesome! Second, it's a complete game-changer, providing a holistic and modern perspective on dinosaurs in a fell swoop. It takes the time to impress the impact eons and millenia have on shaping the earth, extinctions and evolution. Plus, makes dinosaurs, discovering dinosaurs, and learning about dinosaurs sound so romantic!

How to Rig an Election, by Allen Raymond with Ian Speigelman

I was planning on rigging an election, and this how-to guide was my manual. Rather, it was research for a book I wanted to write. Plus, political corruption feels like something worth taking the time to become familiar with. 

Because of kids

1.       The Giant Book of Dinosaurs, by Dr. Michael Benton

2.       Inside Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Creatures, by Ted Dewan

3.       The Ultimate Dinosaur Book, by David Lambert

4.       Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl

5.    Time Machine: Last of the Dinosaurs, by Peter Lerangis

6.    Monkey Trouble, by Ellen Leroe

7.    Charlotte's Web, by E. B. White

8.    Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator

Any recommendations? I can't promise I'll get to them, but if I come across them in my journies, I'll be sure to snag them.