Books I read in 2009

An intelligent interpretation of the postmodern superhero in a world of inherent moral ambiguity.

Read in April 2009.

I happened to read this poem on the Watchmen boards not soon after reading the graphic novel and watching the film. I immediately appreciated it.

"Look upon my works, ye Mighty and Despair"

Read in April 2009.

I was 13 when I read Mystic River, I wasn't interested in Literature and this, in addition to Fight Club, was one of the very first intelligent, adult-themed novels I read that enabled my appreciation for Literature. It isn't a perfect novel, and it doesn't compare to the raw power of Clint Eastwood's adaptation. However, it is partially responsible for my interest in Literature.

Read in January - May 2009.

I read this book in English at school. It was a decent novel, better than the majority of books that cater to my demographic. It has more humanity and intelligence than the generic science fiction and fantasy novel that I always look at in contempt as a child. Insipid youth and science-fiction/fantasy novels are fundamentally responsible for repelling from Literature until I was 13.

Read in May 2009.

Another insipid youth novel. *sigh*

Read in May 2009.

After reading Mystic River, one of my friends told me about George Orwell and his contributions to Literature. He told me about this allegorical satire of Totalitarianism which immediately caught my interest. I would later read Nineteen Eighty-Four which would emotionally satisfy me more so than this novel. However, Animal Farm demonstrated the possibilities of allegorical novels and symbolism to which I was ignorant prior to reading this.

Read in July 2009.

After watching the amazing film, I decided to read the novel on which it was based, only to realise that the novel was even better than the film. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest manages to be more emotionally involving than the film.

Read in July 2009.

I forgot about this book's existence before I came across it in a book store today. That summarises the quality of the book.

Read in August 2009.

Indisputably the greatest novel I have read thus far. What a profoundly involving piece of Literature with such vision and clarity that I could not put it down, with such audacity and richly defined characters, with such a pessimistic perception of humanity to which I had never been exposed until I read this. Such ideas, such commentary. This is the book that is fundamentally responsible for my appreciation of this art form. This is by far, the greatest piece of Literature that I have read.

Read in July - August 2009.

To Kill a Mockingbird is commended by all but myself. It's certainly well-meaning. However, it seems to ignore the reality of prejudice and focus on expressing its message. I will admit that I did find the coming-of-age story engaging and the book is well-written. However, the novel is misguided and naive.

Read in August 2009.

After watching the amazing film, I was curious to read the novel on which the film was based. This novel is a tedious, banal bore which is more of an ordeal than a novel. I suggest you watch the film and avoid this overwritten, unengaging and dry literary work. I read that Mario Puzo wrote this merely for the money, this makes sense because it was written with neither passion nor interest. However, if it were not written, we would be without one of the greatest films of all time.

Read in September - November 2009.

Shutter Island is intense and well written, albeit forgettable. An enjoyable commercial read.

Read in November 2009.

Very dry and not very engaging. I didn't enjoy the film either (except for the intense quid-pro-quo scenes with Clarice and Hannibal). Hannibal and Clarice are interesting characters. However, this novel (and the film) refuses to focus on the characters and focuses on the murders, much to my dismay.

Read in November - December 2009.