- Just After Sunset by Stephen King I may have finished this in December, but I don't think so. Either way, this book of short stories has stuck with me. I really loved all of them. The story that really got me was Harvey's Dream. Very interesting. I also really enjoyed Anyana. Actually, I liked all the stories.
- Another Faust: The First of Another Series by Daniel and Dina Nayeri This book, a young adult novel, was another great read. I can't wait to see what else they have in store. This is a brother and sister writing team, which is amazing in itself. I would kill my brothers before being able to write with them. Anyway, I chose this book because I heard an interview with the authors on NPR. It sounded so amazing, I went in and ordered it immediately. So, this book is a take on the Faust story. Basically it's about making a deal with the devil. But, if you have never heard the Faust story, it won't make a difference, you'll still "get" the book.
- The Gutbucket Quest by Piers Anthony and Ron Leming Well, this book was good. Very short and quick book. I always love a Piers Anthony book, and this didn't disappoint. I probably would not have picked up this book without Piers Anthony's name on it. I love everything I've ever read by the man. This book only felt like a touch of Piers in it. The story is about a blues guitar player that is transported some how (maybe through a lightning strike) to a parallel universe. I loved the musical concept of this book. I don't want to give too much away in these books, but in this one there is a guitar called the Gutbucket, and there is a quest concerning it.
- Your Heart Belongs to Me by Dean Koontz Dean Koontz is one of my all time favorite authors. I have been reading him since my dad left a book laying around and I picked it up and have tried to read all of his books ever since - about 5th grade. So, typical of Koontz's style, you are pulled in right away even though I felt I had little in common with the protagonist. This guy has everything. Then his heart messes up. As you follow him through the eventual heart transplant, many things come up. Of course why did this perfectly healthy, young guy get sick anyway? Well, you would think that a heart transplant was the end of the adventure and they all lived happily ever after, but no. Soon, he's feeling threatened and is the organ donor wanting her heart back? He is getting messages that "Your heart belongs to me." Definitely recommend this book.
- Rant by Chuck Palahniuk Yes, this is the guy who wrote Fight Club. Let me just say that I love that movie. Luckily, I saw the movie first. Rare case, but the movie was better than the book. Also, lucky for me, I read other books by him before reading Fight Club. I felt that he was an amazing writer from the other books I read. Fight Club was a good story, but not great. Rant is interesting, but I have heard many people saying they don't like the format. Basically, it's an interview/oral history and it's written from various view points. I liked it. It also amuses me that the main character Rant Casey, doesn't even get to tell his own story. Why? You can read it and find out! I can't give that away.
So, I think that's all I read in January. I'll check my nightstand, it's full of books. I'm of course reading a book now, so I will have to do a February installment in a couple of weeks.
