Dreaming of December Reading

Posted November 24, 2015 by Alexandra Bernson

While free time and sleep are definitely high on my list of “Things I can’t wait to have once this semester is over,” the top of that list is “reading for pleasure.” I’ve been trying to sneak books in during slow weeks where presentations and projects and papers aren’t due, when there are only a few scholarly articles to read, but I can’t wait to dedicate some good time to my armchair, curled up with one of the many books I’ve put on hold at the BPL.

In honor of this upcoming pleasure reading, I’ve included some of my favorite books that I’ve read recently in hope that you will recommend some of your recent favorites to me! Feel free to comment or email me with any suggestions!

“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins

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I see the words “murder mystery” and I’m a goner. Sadly, sometimes these grisly tales are poorly written, super predictable, or completely impractical: but this novel is none of these things. Plus, as a frequent rider of the commuter rail and T, I’d like to think that I could be the next girl on the train. As Alfred Hitchcock famously said, “Everyone enjoys a nice murder, provided he is not the victim.”

“Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari

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More comedians should write sociology books in my opinion. Aziz and sociologist Eric Klinenberg studied (mostly heterosexual) relationships around the world for some interesting insight into how contemporary technology has shaped the way that we interact with each other both socially and romantically. If you have used online dating sites or apps, if you have worried about how quickly to text someone back, or if you’ve reminisced about how dating must have been back in your parents’ or grandparents’ day, you should read this book solely so you know that everyone does it and you definitely aren’t crazy.

“The Silkworm” by Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)

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The second of her Cormoran Strike novels, JK as Robert Galbraith writes a great detective story. I was not particularly enamored of her other post-Potter works (and maybe, as I said before, I’m just a sucker for murder mysteries), but Rowling’s ability to weave a complicated story make her a great mystery writer. Start with “The Cuckoo’s Calling” first but hurry up! The third novel in the series, “Career of Evil,” was released in October, and I’m currently the number #236 hold on the Boston Public Library’s current 40 eBook copies.

“Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain

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Unlike the other three recommendations, this book has been around awhile. Since its publication in 2000, Anthony Bourdain has become one of those famous chefs that everyone knows for everything but cooking. I fell in love with him through shows like “No Reservations” and “Parts Unknown” despite (or perhaps because of) his tendency toward the degenerate and totally weird.  This book, which acts as an autobiography of Bourdain’s rise to chefdom from his first job as a busboy in Provincetown, MA, also offers an interesting perspective on contemporary cuisine and restauranteering. I even bought my current knives based on one of Bourdain’s recommendations. In any event, I’ve asked for every other book he’s ever written for Christmas.

I hope I chose a diverse-enough group of books to intrigue most of you! As always, please let me know if you have read anything recently that you absolutely loved – I’m always looking to expand my “to read” list! And I’m not picky… especially if murder is involved. 🙂

Happy finals!