By Heidi Simmons
Amazing how quickly a year goes by!
Considering the last 12 months, I realize how strange the notion of “time” really is. If I dwell on its meaning -– if indeed time has meaning — it can weird me out. Thoughts cross my mind: “Did I make the best use of my time,” “What could I have done to better utilize my time,” “Am I wasting time,” etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. It’s nuts to take time to contemplate time.
That’s why I like to read.
Being involved in a good book is a way to stop or travel through time. A compelling narrative can take you from where you sit to an alternate universe. Fiction or nonfiction, good books provide a space that is just outside our reality releasing the reader from the constraints of the moment.
Within the pages, we meet people we love and loathe. Real or imagined characters in this literary otherworld give us a glimpse into our own lives and the people who fill it.
This year I read fiction twice as much as I read nonfiction. However, the majority of my favorite books were nonfiction. It is difficult to rank books because each has so many wonderful qualities. Mostly I seek new ideas and philosophical insights on the page and in the story.
Here are my top favorites and highlights from my 2015 CVW Book Review Column:
Favorite Nonfiction
“Fastest Things on Wings” by Terry Masear is about her relationship and view of the world as she rehabilitates hummingbirds in West Hollywood. You don’t have to love the tiny bird to appreciate Masear nurturing spirit and insights on compassion.
“Population Wars” by Greg Graffin who shares his personal experiences along with his scientific acumen (he has a Ph.D in zoology) to show that Darwin’s “survival of the fittest” is not relevant or scientific. He insists that empathy must become the new norm if the human species is to survive. “The Next Species” by Michael Tennesen is also a good read and makes a nice companion piece to Graffin’s book.
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert is an inspiration for those who long to be creative and productive. Gilbert encourages everyone to put aside his or her fear and do the artistic thing no matter what your “real” job is.
Favorite Memoir
“Ghost Boy” by Martin Pistorius is an incredible story of how Martin was comatose at a young age and thought of only as a vegetable, when actually, he was aware of everything around him! This is an amazing story of love, endurance and overcoming the impossible.
Favorite Fiction
“Life #6” by Diana Wagman is a story about a woman with a serious illness who looks back at all the close calls that nearly ended her life including a sailing trip with a madman. This book is often poetic and there is wisdom on nearly every page.
“Girl Waits With Gun” by Amy Stewart is a fun historical novel about a family of three women who take care of themselves in a society that is dominated by men. At the height of the industrial revolution, they find themselves involved in a dangerous mystery.
“Bull Mountain” by Brian Panowich tells the generational story of a family that has made its living making and selling illegal substances from alcohol to heroine in the back hills of Georgia. When an FBI agent wants to bring the family to justice, he enlists the Sheriff who is also the brother of the notorious clan. With lots of twists and turns, all hell breaks loose before life is changes for ever.
Favorite Short Story Collection
“Gutshot” by Amelia Gray is crazy wonderful and “Honeydew” by Edith Perlman is intensely honest.
Favorite Biography
“Elon Musk” by Ashlee Vance. Elon is the future! Vance does an amazing job exposing the creative genius and Elon’s efforts to save the human species and the planet.
“The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough is also an exciting read about innovative and creative thinkers who made an incredible difference and helped shape the world as we know it. Both these biographies capture an inspiring American spirit.
Nearly Hated Fiction
“The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi was super hyped when it was released capitalizing on California’s record breaking draught. Set in a near dystopian future, where water in the southwest is controlled by “water lords.” Unfortunately, the characters lost their way and failed to enlighten the reader on how water is controlled and distributed.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins took advantage of the popularity of Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl.” The women in this story were ugly and terrible people and not in a fun way. It baffles me how a book like this has remained on the bestseller list so long.
Most Talked About
“Go Set A Watchman” by Harper Lee was held back from reviewers, yet pre-sold 20 million copies. I enjoyed the read. Although the publisher insists “Watchman” was a first draft, I say it reads better as a sequel.
Authors Who Passed in 2015
Jackie Collins, Oliver Sacks, Ruth Rendell. How nice to still have their books.
Reading is a great way to spend time. Looking over 52 weeks of book reviews, I realize how much reading sustains me and keeps me grounded, productive and engaged. Every week I leave this world and enter another. It is a great use of time and what a pleasure!
I hope you can find time to make reading a part of your New Year.
