Have you read Bronte?

After discovering two of my blogging friends are participating in Melissa’s Bronte-Along, I stood up straight and paid closer attention. I was an English major in college, and I have wondered ever since then why we never read any Bronte or Austen books!

bronte-along! by yummygoods.

I have a couple Bronte books on my bookshelves, so what better time to dive in with the first read-along – Jane Eyre!

The members of the Bronte-along are going to read more after this one, including Wuthering Heights and The Tenent of Wildfell Hall.

We’re supposed to blog about how we’re going to participate in this read-along. For now, I’m going to read this book, and probably try to watch the movie. Some people are doing things like paintings, crocheting a shawl, and embroidering a line from the book. I would to make something crafty, but I don’t know enough about the book, the characters, or the author to figure out a creative project to contribute. I’m off to read and look for some inspiration in my dreams.


Books I Read in 2009

I am always inspired by Anina’s list of books she read over the year. Every year, I wish I made more time to read, but I’m happy with my list. I read four of those books twice; does that mean I can count them twice? I also like keeping track of the books I read from year to year.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman (almost done)
Thirst by Christopher Pike
Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (I can’t wait for the fourth book to come out this April!)
Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
Dracula by Bram Stoker
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson (a fantastic suspenseful, horrific, historical love story!)
Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (I read this one twice!)
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (I read this one twice!)
New Moon Stephanie Meyer (I read this one twice!)
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (I read this one twice!)
Three Weeks With My Brother by Nicholas Sparks (very good non-fiction memoir about the author’s life)
Oracle Bones by Peter Hessler (interesting non-fiction book about China)
The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant (very interesting story)
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Amsterdam by Ian McEwan

I do have to confess (publicly) that the Twilight books were my favorites, but I also loved the Wicked Lovely series, and The Gargoyle!

I received a few books for Christmas (among other things), but I’m always on the hunt for more tips to good reads, so I would be interested in hearing any recommendations you have.