I'm Taking Recommendations...

I love to read. A lot.

But sometimes I get so busy that I don't really give myself time to read; not until I'm about to collapse in bed at night.

Some nights I'm sleepy enough that I can only read a few pages before comprehension slips out my brain...

I started reading Life of Pi by Yann Martel back in the beginning of October.

I finished reading it on something like December 28 or 29.

Clearly, it wasn't thrilling unto me; it moved rather slowly, but it was well-written, and I kept at it because I wanted to see how Pi's sorry predicament was resolved.

One evening I was talking to my good friend Keri about Pi, which she had read before. I told her of my concerns about the slow pace of the book, etc., and she said, "Just wait till you read the ending."

I finally found some time to plow through the last 75 pages or so while sitting by the fire at my parents' home over the holidays.

I finished it...and it kind of took a minute to sink in. I already know that I'm going to have to read it again; having finished the book and knowing what I now know, I have no choice but to read it again.

But I don't think I can make myself read it again for a while.

Since I finished, I treated myself to one of my all-time favorites: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

It's so amazing. Remember what I thought of it the first time I read it? It's a tear-jerker. And you want to know something? I cried even harder this second time around. Because I knew what was going to happen, and it hurt a little bit more. Because I really love the characters: Leisel, Rudy, Hans and Rosa (aka Papa and Mama). Max. (I cannot forget Max!)

Anyhoo...I've just begun Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut.

I know. It's about the Holocaust. Auschwitz, even, I believe. It's bound to be sad, but I'm okay with that. (My momma loves books about the Holocaust; maybe it's genetic?)

I've got a few more books perched on the shelf, waiting to be read. Still, if you've got any suggestions, I'm open.

Thank you, and good night...

P.S. My thoughts on the New Year (and possible resolutions?) are forthcoming...

Update (Jan. 6, 2011, 6:15pm)

I do NOT have the patience for Slaughterhouse Five. It's weird and kind of dirty and I can't make myself read any more, even if that means I'm sacrificing an amazing story that'll change my world if only I were to "give it time."

NO THANK YOU.

And do you know what's strange? I think I've read this book before; bits and pieces of it seem awfully familiar. The thing is, I don't know if I finished it last time...

So I'm writing it down now: Hey, Gina! DON'T READ SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE! Just skip it.