A number of people have these book challenges but I have never found one that I would have actually read. So I decided to make my own list for 2014. I consider this a starting point. Some of these books should have been read last year but I forgot that they were coming out. Some have been on my shelf for years.
Ian in our reading nook since I don’t have a more appropriate image.
Fiction
Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett
I have already ordered this book. I will read it as soon as it comes even if that leaves another book half done. Does any one else do that and have multiple books on the go? I have read all of the Discworld series, which now number 40.
Earth Afire by Orson Scott Card
This is a prequel to the Ender’s Game series and tells the story of first Formic War. This is the second book in what will be a trilogy.
The next three all came recommended by Howard Tayler at Schlock Mercenaries, a web comic that I like.
Bowl of Heaven By Gregory Benford & Larry Niven
How could I have missed a new Larry Niven book???
Existence by David Brin
From Howard’s description it looks to be up my alley but other than that I have no idea.
Consider Phlebas by Iain M Banks
He was actually recommending Hydrogen Sonata but this is the first book in the series. It is always good to start at the beginning.
The Goliath Stone by Larry Niven & Matthew Joseph Harrington
This one I came across while looking for the Bowl of Heaven. Two Larry Niven books that I didn’t know about??? I’m slipping.
Firefight by Brandon Sanderson
The is the upcoming second book in the Steelheart series. There was more of enough revelations in the end of the first book that I can’t wait to read the second one. Unfortunately it is not coming out until fall.
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
When I mentioned on the blog that I had finished reading Steelheart, Becca over at One Homeschool Journey mentioned that her oldest had just finished this one.
Non Fiction
I bought these first two years and years ago. I have read parts of them but I have never finished them. Have I already mentioned having multiple books on the go?
Elements of Fiction: Characters & Viewpoints by Orson Scott Card
The first is by Orson Scott Card who is one of my favorite authors. I saw it at a science fiction book store in Vancouver so I bought it and the one next to it.
Elements of Fiction: Beginnings, Middles and Ends by Nancy Kress
This is the book that was next to it so I bought it as well. In searching for the first two books I found a number more. I don’t get to buy any of them until I have read the first two.
Discipline that Lasts a Lifetime by Dr. Ray Guarendi
I bought this one at the Catholic Men Conference in Vancouver last year. He was the speaker and really made a good impression on me. The funny part is that he said he didn’t want us to buy them to only have them sit on shelves. One other cool item was that all of his kids were adopted and homeschooled.
Linking Up at:
Since I plan to keep coming back to this post to remind myself here is some more I just found from Meghan Carver’s blog post on the linkup. I know nothing about these but I want to look into them.
Stein on Writing, Sol Stein
The Moral Premise, Stanley Williams
Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne & Dave King
Revision & Self-Editing, James Scott Bell
I can’t remember if I mentioned Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz series before, but it’s written for kids and mine love it. Two of them are anxiously awaiting book 5 and the other is getting close. I was so surprised to see my name above; thanks for that little blessing today.
For some bizarre reason they don’t appear to be really available in Canada. I can get e-books but only in french. I found an audio CD of one in our library but that is it. I am going to keep an eye out for them in the used stores.
Wow! That is a varied group of books! I am reading an awesome book for a review I’ll be writing soon. It’s called “9,000 Miles of Fatherhood” by Kirk Millson. It’s a great read and worth adding to your list!
Ok, That one goes on the list. I just read the blurb on his website and it sounds interesting. I might get my son to read it as well.