One of the great things about being an avid reader at Christmas is – your friends and family love to give you books as gifts. One of the bad things about being an avid reader at Christmas is – your friends and family love to give you books as gifts. My “to read pile” has not gotten any smaller over the last few years. It’s grown at a pace only slightly less than that of my two children. It’s a great problem to have, but I’m beginning to think that I will never again see the top of the dresser beside my bed.
I’m going to do my best to make a dent in the pile this year. Still – I have no doubt that for every book I manage to remove from the pile; two more will take its place. Some books have been in the pile for far too long; shuffled to the bottom by something a little more interesting or more current. It’s really not fair to them. Each book on the pile was chosen for a reason, and each represents the promise of a few undiscovered moments of escape. It’s seems wrong to just leave them all languishing there, unheralded and unread, so I have decided to share a good portion of my “to read” pile with you.
There’s a little bit of everything there. Some are new gifts this year, some came last year; some have been with me since the last time the Republicans had a majority in the House. I fully intend to get to them all eventually – and I fully expect that I will fall short of that goal. Still – I would love to know what you think of the list. Anything you would love to see me read and review? Anything you think I should just give up on and donate to the library? Speak up folks; I value your opinion – at least as far as you know…
Impact
Some of Preston’s books with Lincoln Child have been hit or miss with me. I’ve enjoyed Preston’s solo efforts more consistently. I just picked this one up in hardback from the bargain bin. Looking forward to diving in.
Saving Freedom
One of the Christmas gifts I got this year. I missed this one the first time around, but have a signed copy now from Premiere Collectables. I like DeMint and what he is trying to accomplish in the Senate.
The Ark
This looks to be one of those fun books to read – a search for Noah’s Ark and the threat of an ancient disease unleashed on mankind. Perfect for a long plane trip or a weekend day cut short by rain and cold weather.
Black Sun
I’m saving this book for the summer reading season. It’s exactly the kind of paperback I like to take on vacation. I need to get through as many of these 2012 disaster novels I can in the next year and a half.
The Repairman Jack Series
I can’t believe that it took me this long to discover F. Paul Wilson and his Repairman Jack novels. They are the perfect books for me – lots of action, a dash of the supernatural, and a continuing story that weaves through the entire series. I’m through the first four books – only eleven more to go. I’m torn between reading them quickly and taking time to savor them.
The Twelfth Imam
I loved Rosenberg’s “The Last Jihad” series. I’m anxious to dive into his latest book dealing with geopolitical issues with a healthy dose of Christian themes. He hasn’t disappointed me yet.
Death Troopers
How could I not love this book? It combines two of my favorite things in the world – zombies and Star Wars. I gradually stopped reading Star Wars fiction a few years ago, but I need to jump back in with this book.
Liberal Fascism
Even though I am over 2 years late to the party, this is a book I still need to read. Fascism under the guise of liberalism or progressivism is one of the biggest dangers we face in the country today. Plus – Goldberg is a funny guy. I like laughing at liberals when I can.
Under Heaven
After rediscovering Gavriel Kay again last year with “Ysabel”, I am looking forward to reading his most recent offering. I’ve never read a sprawling epic set in land modeled after ancient China. I’m sure that Gavriel Kay will pull it off with style and grace.
Fool
I’m a big fan of Christopher Moore, but I was left very flat by his last book – “Bite Me”. I think that’s the reason I’ve let “Fool” lay unread on the shelf for so long. It’s not fair to “Fool” – I should dust it off this year.
Salt
I’ve had this book on my shelf for years. It follows the history of salt throughout world history. I have never been able to sink my teeth into it – but I still think it is a story that I would enjoy.
Watch You Bleed
I’ve read Slash’s autobiography, and enjoyed it. Davis’ history of Gun’s N Roses has gotten good reviews. I am always interested in a good walk back down memory lane and the fun that was rock music in the late ‘80s.
Transfer of Power
I’ve always heard good things about Flynn, but never got around to reading any of his books. This is the book that introduces his signature character, Mitch Rapp. I figure if I’m going to jump in somewhere, it might as well be back at the beginning.
A Patriot’s History of the United States
This is one of those books that I know I should read, but haven’t been able to get started. It reads somewhat like a textbook – I haven’t been able to find the right time for it. Much like “Atlas Shrugged”, I think the right time will come for me and this book, I’m just not sure when that is.
So there you have just a sample of the “to read” pile. There’s quite a bit more, but I think theses are the ones I have the best chance of getting to this year. Maybe you’ll see some of them pop up on these pages as a new review this year. Maybe you won’t see them until the recap of my “to read” pile next year. Only time will tell…
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