50 Book Challenge: Books 1-6

Do you want to read 50 books in 2008? Join my friend Rick's group at  read50books.gather.com and tell everyone about the books you're reading!

These are the first six books I've read this year!

1. In Broad Daylight by Harry McLean
A true crime novel about murder in the small town of Skidmore Missouri. The town bully got away with horrific crimes for years, until someone gunned him down in the middle of day in the center of town. Somehow, there were no witnesses - the town stuck together and refused to indentify the person who had put an end to the bully's reign of terror.

Good true crime novel - I enjoyed it, and it wasn't too gruesome. It was amazing what the guy got away with before they killed him.

2. An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore
This book presents the evidence on global warming in a a visulally appealing manner, along with statistics that make sense. Science for the everyday person that gives you the basics of what you need to know about the environment crisis, and some ideas on how to stop it.

I liked the book as much as I liked the movie- it presented what we need to know in a clear and engaging format. I can't believe there are still folks out there who don't believe we are heading for global disaster.

3. Fluke by Christopher Moore
Subtitled 'I know why the winged whale sings', this is a quirky novel about a group of whale researchers in Hawaii who discover that there's much more to whale songs than anyone could imagine. The book begins with a perfectly normal situation, and quickly leads into the realms of science fiction.

I was surprised at the twist in this book - but it was a very engaging story, with interesting characters. The writing is fun and playful, and it's an enjoyable quick read.


4. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
The true story of Frank McCourt and his family, first in America and then in Ireland during the Great Depression and WWII. A first person narrative that ranges from heartbreakingly sad, to very amusing, sometimes both at the same time.

I really enjoyed this - I'd like to read the rest of Mr. McCourt's memoirs when I get a chance to.




5. The Pink Triangle: Homosexuality in Nazi Germany by Richard Plant
A historical account of the persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany.

A lot of historical information that I didn't know about before reading it - this is one of the two books I'm currently reading.  A bit dry, and horrifying in places - but educational.

6. The Green Mile by Stephen King
A story about convict with supernatural powers on death row during the Great Depression, as narrated by one of the prison guards.

I saw the movie first, and liked it so much I had to read the book. A lot of Stephen King books scare me, but this one isn't too scary and is actually a really touching story. One of the two books I'm currently reading.