My first Meme (Warning! Long post)

I am doing this for 30in3005, who has been on my blogroll for sometime now. And since the topic is “books” I am pretty excited. I have already reviewed most of the books that have made a difference, and the recent books I have read, on book-o-holics.

1. What is the total number of books you've owned?
I am guessing around 300. I am not sure though. A lot of my books are at my mom’s.

2. What is the last book you bought?
I bought three books a few days ago.

A Million Little Pieces (James Frey) – A story about drug addiction and rehabilitation

Trading Up (Candace Bushnell) – Writer of “Sex and the City” – What do you expect? Cheesy, ostentatious, chicklit :-)

It’s a Mom (Shefali Tsabury) – For a change, this book is completely “mom-centric”. It tackles all mommy-related issues including everything a new mom feels/goes through during pregnancy and after birth.

3. What is the last book you've read?
Couplehood (Paul Reiser) – I love Paul Reiser and that is probably one of the reasons I liked the book. I thought the book was quirky and hilarious.

4. What are you currently reading?
A Million Little Pieces (James Frey)

It’s a Mom (Shefali Tsabury)

I am reading both these books simultaneously. I don’t usually do that. But since “A Million Little Pieces” is a difficult read, I take breaks in between to read “It’s a Mom”.

5. What are the 5 books that have meant a lot to you or that you particularly enjoyed?
There is no way I could really rate them. But here goes…

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson (Mitch Albom) – This most definitely has to be #1 on my list. I urge everyone to read this book, if you haven’t already.

The Red Tent (Anita Diamant) – This also competes with “Tuesdays with Morrie” but belongs to completely different genre. This book is for women. I doubt if everyone would like this book.

Namesake (Jhumpa Lahiri) – She didn’t win a Pulitzer for nothing!

Angels and Demons (Dan Brown) – I guess everyone has read this book.

In a Sunburned Country (Bill Bryson) – I didn’t actually “read” it – just heard it – book on tape. It made us get our Australian PR!

6) What book(s) would you wish to buy next?
The Kite Runner (Khaled Hosseini)

A Wedding in December (Anita Shreve)

Secret Life of Bees (Sue Monk Kidd)

Just Friends (Robyn Sisman)

The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century (Thomas L. Friedman)

Two Lives (Vikram Seth)

7. What book(s) caught your attention but you never had a chance to read?
You're Wearing That? : Understanding Mothers and Daughters in Conversation (Deborah Tannen)

Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats--A Year of Deliciously Different Dinners (Rachael Ray) – I love her…

Marley and Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (John Grogan)


8. What book(s) that you've owned for so long but never read?

In the past 2-3 months I must have bought at least 20-25 books. I am trying to savor each book.

The Lost Continent: Travels in a Small Town America (Bill Bryson) – I read the first page in the store and actually laughed out loud :-) He is an excellent travel author with a great sense of humor.

Life of Pi (Yann Martel) – My hubby read this book and has recommended that I read it too.

Transgressions (Sarah Dunant) – I loved her “Birth of Venus”. I think I’ll like this one too.

Four Blondes (Candace Bushnell) – Again, from the writer of “Sex and the City” – BTW, I am not obsessed with S & C. I have probably watched only 2-3 episodes but it was enough for me to get a gist of the stories. I bought this book because it was on sale. Believe me!

Mammaries of the Welfare State (Upamanyu Chatterjee) – Author of “English August” – so we thought it HAS to be good. But he finished reading it and he didn’t like it as much.

Pour Your Heart into It: How Starbucks Built a Company One Cup at a Time – (Howard Schultz) – My boss recommended this to me – so I just HAVE to read it if I want to get a promotion :-)

Freakonomics : A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything (Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner) – I read a few chapters online and thought they were excellent.

Blink (Malcolm Gladwell) – I want to read this because everyone I know has probably read it and discusses it.

A Fine Balance (Rohinton Mistry) – It was on “Oprah’s Bookclub”. And most of the books they review are very good. Also, he read it and he liked it.

The Hungry Tide (Amitav Ghosh) – I have heard so much about this book. AND, it has a beautiful cover! (Hardcover)

French Women Don’t Get Fat: The Secret of Eating For Pleasure (Mireille Guiliano) – As a nutritionist, I think it is my duty to read this book.

The Hungry Gene: The Inside Story of the Obesity Industry (Ellen Ruppel Shell) – Obesity, heart disease and diabetes have been a few of my favorite topics. I HAVE to read this book.

And so many more…

9. Who are you going to pass this stick to (3 persons) and why?

I am going to tag three bloggers who I think are just as (or even more) interested in reading. We may not share the same taste, but I am really curious about what adorns their bookshelves and night stands…

Mumbaigirl: Because it would be nice to know what “lawyers” read :-)

Geebaby: One of these days I am going to get my hands on pure literature. And when I do, I will need a guide to go by.

Cruel Virgin: Her writing is extremely open and intriguing, and, she could get away with murder! I am sure she has a good collection…


Happy reading!