The Complete Idiots Guide to the Ultimate Reading List discussion

Goodness!I've only read one book off this list.
Water for Elephants which I enjoyed very much.I grew up on a carnival as a child.My mother was part of a "freak show"where she "took off her head" for the entertainment of the audience.My Dad worked with Lions putting his head in their mouths and such(I've seen the pictures)Anyway I found aspects of this book very authentic and I thought the author did a good job of describing that kind of lifestyle.

I have read 5 of those books. Fried Green Tomatoes was my favorite of the five.

Sherry wrote: "Goodness!I've only read one book off this list.
Water for Elephants which I enjoyed very much.I grew up on a carnival as a child.My mother was part of a "freak show"where she "took of..."

Ok, so that is officially the coolest thing I've ever heard

I know...right?! I think it would be a very fascinating life.

Of this list, I've read the following:

1. The Godfather By Mario Puzo: Really excellent
2. Hotel by Arthur Hailey: Okay; I barely remember it
3. Love Story by Erich Segal: Very sappy
4. The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler: HIGHLY recommended, probably my favorite Tyler
5. Chocolat by Joanne Harris: A delightful, subversive read
6. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg: Just loads of fun
7. The Jane Austin Book Club by Karen Joy Flower: Overrated, but amusing
8. The Kitchen God's Wife by Amy Tan: Good, but not my favorite Tan book
9. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith: Cute but very overrated
10. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd: Really good!!
11. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: Also enjoyed
12. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen: One of my favorite books of recent years.

Looks like you've done well, Gini. My progress overall is slow but sure.

southpaw285 wrote: "Looks like you've done well, Gini. My progress overall is slow but sure."

Overall, I've read 116 of the books. It's fun having the lists to check against! Thanks for making them.

You are welcome, Gini. Anytime I can get someone else to participate in my list madness, it makes me very happy indeed. I don't want to be the only "crazy list lady" afterall...lol

southpaw285 wrote: "You are welcome, Gini. Anytime I can get someone else to participate in my list madness, it makes me very happy indeed. I don't want to be the only "crazy list lady" afterall...lol"

You certainly are NOT the only crazy list lady! I have to exercise control over myself continually.

I've read:

1. Love Story by Erich Segal
2. Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
3. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
4. The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
5. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
6. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

BTW, I HIGHLY recommend The Secret Life of Bees to anyone who is looking for a good read off this list.