2008 Gastoni Award WinnersBy Dave Gaston4-5 StarsChina Road / Rob GiffordDual, The / John LukacsEvolution / Jean-Baptiste De PanafieuLong Walk, The / Slavomir RawiczMan Who Loved China / S.WinchesterOnly Yesterday / Fred AllenPeace Like A River / Leif Enger5 Star Audio BooksBeatles, The / Bob SpitzKill A Mockingbird, To / Harper LeeOutliners / Malcom GladwellReaching For Glory / Michael Beshloss Taking Charge / Michael Beshloss3+ Stars21; Burning Down House / B MezrichBook Thief, The / Markus ZusakBeautiful Mind, A / Sylvia NascarConsider The Lobster / David WallaceLiving Great Lakes / Jerry DennisLooking for Alaska / P JenkensNew World Coming / Nathan MillerThree Cups of Tea / Greg MortensonWhen Engulfed Flames / D. SedarisYour Inner Fish / Neil ShubinWhat does it take to win a Gastoni? Well, for starters, you better write a book on a topic I love. Next, your writing style has to be exquisite (to the point of awe and envy). Finally, your story telling has to be transporting. To sum it up, I quote Somerset:“When I read a book I seem to read it with my eyes only, but now and then I come across a passage, perhaps only a phrase, which has a meaning for me, and it becomes part of me.”On a more personal note, the time I spent reading and listening to books this year was pure escapism. It felt like I spent most of it in a hospital waiting room (which is not true). When I’d start obsessing about my girl Gracie’s cancer I’d crack a book and ride it hard to block the worst of my fears. At night, when I needed to find a path to sleep, I’d take the easy road and escape down a story line. A good book is a gift.Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. For starters, Carrie and I have our girl back! She now has about an inch of fine blond hair sticking straight out of her 5 year old head. At school they call her Q-tip. Her teachers call her Q-T-tip. I’ll post a couple holiday pictures of the family up on her website: caringbridge.org/visit/gracegastonYour friendship is counted among my many blessings. Merry Christmas to you and your family, My best for the New Year, Dave
Tiz the Season. I imagine, like me, you give books. My holiday list keeps getting longer and my holiday budget keeps getting smaller. What's a guy to do? Answer: Ask his stellar and sturdy Shelfarians where they place their orders. I order the majority of my books (for my own consumption) via Amazon Used... but I'm not going to gift a used book (tacky, tacky). So, have you found a place that would offer a deep discount for a volume buy? I'd appreciate you passing on the tip. Thanks, Merry Merry, Dave
Did you like Rome 1960? Thinking about picking it up. Thanks, Dave
Hi Is Harry revised a book worth reading, u think??theswede
Hi there! Welcome to the BEA Lit Insiders group. This should be fun. Got any good book recommendations?
