My list of things to read in 2008

I can't believe that this is my second attempt at typing this - I don't know what I hit but managed to kill my first attempt . . .

 As I was saying, my list of books I would like to read in 2008 is a bit of a mixed lot but I have great hopes for them all.  Some have been on my TBR for a while and some are recommendations from fellow bloggers (thanks, ladies!) and friends.  Let me know what you think so that I can move things up or down or off the list.

1.  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.  I am almost a third of the way through this book.  I read an abridged version of this as a child and the complete book is soooo much better.  Jane is a wonderful, surprisingly feisty heroine and Rochester is very definitely an alpha male - taciturn, tortured, strong, sexy in a totally masculine way although not handsome, a softy beneath it all, and he loves Jane so much (sigh).

2.  Lucy Gets Her Life Back by Stef Ann Holm.  I originally picked this book up because I liked the title.  Since then, I keep thinking "I need to read this next" but have never quite made it back to it.

3.  Gilgamesh translated by Stephen Mitchell.  Those of you who study literary criticism know that Harold Bloom is a critical god and many think Stephen Mitchell sits at his right hand.  I read the introduction to this book (very interesting, not something that can often be said of critical introductions) but was sidetracked before I read the actual translation.  Plus, how cool is it to be reading the world's first written work in any form?

4. The Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove by Christopher Moore.  I have a friend who claims Moore as her favorite author.  She says he is funny, satiric, sarcastic, and just plain weird.  My kind of fun!

 5.  A Long Fatal Love Chase by Louisa May Alcott.  I have had this on my shelf for years and have not read it yet.  If you are expecting Little Women, think again!

6.  The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor.  One of my favorite Southern authors.  She is in turns biting, compassionate, inscrutable, and always, always interesting.

7.  Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich.  It ain't high literature but it is great fun.  I can't believe I let this one slip over to a TBR!

8.  The Bondwoman's Narrative by Hannah Crafts.  This is considered to possibly be the first novel by a slave, and indeed by an African-American female.  My sister recommended it.

9.  Anything by Carl Hiaassen.  First, I hope I spelled his name correctly.  Secondly, I keep reading how great he is in other people's blogs so I just have to try him out.  Any reading recommendations to start?

10.  Black Elk Speaks, transcribed by John G. Neilhardt.  I never turn away the chance to benefit from other's wisdom - no matter what my older siblings say. 

Cynthia