Readings of 2008
On environmental issues
- Plan B 2.0, by Lester R Brown (original English title)
January - early February | 375 pages | Grade : 18/20.
A great book by Lester R Brown, the founder of the Earth Policy Institute.
As I noted in my review, I consider it a must read as it brings not only solutions to most problems our Planet and Mankind are facing, but also hope for a better world. Indeed, the book provides concrete and realistic solutions to vital issues like soil erosion, water and energy shortages or overpopulation.
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For entertainment
- The Fifth Horseman, by James Patterson (original English title)
January | 470 pages | Grade : 15/20.
Quite a good book from James Patterson, part of the Women’s Murder Club. Worth reading.
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- Red Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson (original English title)
February - May | 800 pages | Grade : 19/20.
A fantastic book. I dedicated to it an enthusiastic review.
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- Casino Royale, by Ian Fleming (original English title)
April - June | 200 pages | Grade : 16/20.
The book that started the career of the most famous fictional secret agent, James Bond 007. A good book that is worth reading for the culture. Some scenes are breath-taking.
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- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by J K Rowling (original English title)
June | 600 pages | Grade : 19/20
The final book of Harry Potter’s adventures, this seventh book is just fantastic and it was a pleasure to go back to this universe full of wizards and witches. Absolutely breathtaking. The only thing : it finishes way too fast as I read it all in less than ten days.
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- The Thief of Time, by Terry Pratchett (original English title)
June | 400 pages | Grade : 15/20
A good funny book. Ideal for those long sunny afternoons in the countryside. The Discworld universe is still as humourous and this story of a master and its apprentice is worth reading. I particularly liked the part with the funny names of martial arts and the fith Horseman of the Apocalypse.
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- Green Mars, by Kim Stanley Robinson (original English title)
July-September | 820 pages | Grade : 19/20
The second part after Red Mars (see above) of the trilogy. Fantastic in all regards, this is a book I strongly recommend you if you like science fiction and/or sciences. Read my review.
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- Cover her face, by P D James (original English title)
October | 200 pages | Grade : 15/20
The first book of the famous UK thriller writer P D James. Very slow to start - nothing but description and putting on the scene during 50 pages - but once the murder has occurred, the book get better and better. Not excellent but I reckon the next ones are better. Many thanks to my dad for lending it to me !
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- A Scanner Darkly, by Philip K Dick (original English title)
October | 400 pages | Grade : 16/20
Hilarious at first by the descriptions of the junkies’ trips, the book gets more and more serious and even a real nightmare. A one-way ticket to the world of drugs, their addictions and their final consequences. Good read.
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- Trunk Music, by Michael Connelly
October - November | 425 pages | Grade : 16/20
Another excellent book my Michael Connelly, Trunk Music brings you to Las Vegas and follows a new investigation carried out at 200 mph by Harry Bosch. Not the kind of book I would recommend you to begin reading before going to bed as it is very hard to put it down.
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En Français
- Odeur du temps, par Jean d’Ormesson de l’Académie Française.
Sept. 2006 - Jan. 2007 | 450 pages | Grade 20/20.
Le livre qui donne vraiment envie de lire. Regroupant des dizaines d’articles parus pour la plupart dans Le Figaro, cet ouvrage fait connaitre des dizaines d’auteurs, tant contemporains qu’anciens et tant Français qu’étranger.
De Chateaubriand - dont Jean d’Ormesson est un aficionado - à Borges, en passant par des auteurs moins connus, vous aurez une bonne liste de livres à lire et vous aurez passez un excellent moment. Mon coup de coeur de ce début d’année.
Last updated on October 12th, 2008
