The Bioarchaeology of Tuberculosis

Title: The Bioarchaeology of Tuberculosis: A Global View on a Reemerging Disease
Authors: Charlotte Roberts and Jane Buikstra
Rating: 5

A thoroughly researched account of the evidence of tuberculosis found in human remains from eons gone by. Very much an academic oriented book, but incredibly interesting.

Salt: A World History

Title: Salt: A World History
Author: Mark Kurlansky
Rating: 4

An incredibly interesting look at something most of us use everyday and take for granted. Those interested in the history of food should definitely read.

And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Our Vinyl

Title: And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Our Vinyl: The Jewish Past as Told by the Records We Have Loved and Lost
Author: Roger Bennett and Josh Kun
Rating: 4

Part history of Jews and 20th century music, part coffee table book full of album covers, this was an enjoyable read.

The Walking Dead, Volume 9

Title: The Walking Dead, Volume 9 : Here We Remain
Author: Robert Kirkman
Rating: 4

This has been a quite interesting and thought provoking series. On the face it appears to be "just another zombie series" but the story delves into much deeper territory. You should give it a try.

How the Beatles Destroyed Rock 'N' Roll

Title: How the Beatles Destroyed Rock 'N' Roll: An Alternative History of American Popular Music
Author: Elijah Wald
Rating: 3

While I had high hopes for new revelations in rock history with this book, that was not the case. Widely researched and containing interesting side notes, but for someone with my background in music it provided little in the way of things I didn't already know. I did appreciate the anecdote regarding Leonard Bernstein comparing The Beatles to Schumann and Ned Rorem comparing them to Chopin, Monteverdi, and Poulenc.
A final quote from the book:
"Between downloading, burning, and file sharing, there is no way to form even a rough estimate of how many people are acquiring any particular recording these days, and what gets played on the radio is no indicator in a world where most young people are listening to their own digital playlists."

Take that radio stations that continue to play bad music and lose listeners to satellite radio!

In the Bin

Title: In the Bin: Reckless and Rude Stories from the Penalty Boxes of the NHL
Author: Lloyd Freeberg
Rating: 4

A fun look into the life as an Off-Ice Official in the NHL. What I wouldn't give to spend a game or two in the penalty box!

Stitches

Title: Stitches
Author: David Small
Rating: 4

What an ingenious way to tell a quite tragic family tale. The artwork is beautiful.

Y: The Last Man, Vol. 4 Safeword

Title: Y: The Last Man Volume 4 Safeword
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

The ongoing tale of the last surviving man (cause still unknown), his pet (male) monkey, their bodyguard, and a doctor.

American Psycho

Title: American Psycho
Author: Bret Easton Ellis
Rating: 5

I really liked this book; I couldn't put it down. Set in the Wall Street era of "Greed is Good," it is a tale of the downward psychotic spiral of a young executive. As time goes on the writing even becomes more disjointed to match the character's descent.

Warning for my more sensitive readers: This book is quite graphic in it's description of sex and violence.

Ex Machina Volumes 3 & 4

Title: Ex Machina Volume 3: Fact V. Fiction
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

Title: Ex Machina Volume 4: March to War
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

Things are getting interesting.....we have a villain?

Chew #5

Title: Chew Issue 5
Author: John Layman
Rating: 5

A truly unique concept with a brilliant story arc. Sick, twisted, and just plain wrong, but I absolutely love it.
Quick overview: Detective that is a cibopath (he gets psychic impressions from what he eats) and is now working for the FDA in a world that has caused chicken to be on the black market due to bird flu.

Sisters of Salome

Title: Sisters of Salome
Author: Toni Bently
Rating: 3.5

A book about four women who dared to dance the dance of the seven veils in the late 19th and early 20th century. While it appears to be written as someone's thesis, it did have some interesting bits.

Invincible Volume 5: The Facts of Life

Title: Invincible Volume 5: The Facts of Life
Author: Brian Kirkman
Rating: 4

The continuing saga of Invincible and life as a young adult superhero. We get a little more back story on other characters in this one.

Civil War

Title: Civil War
Author: Mark Millar
Rating: 5

Some uneasy alliances formed here.
Are you for or against superhero registration?

Gotham City Sirens Issue 3

Title: Gotham City Sirens Issue 3: Riddle Me This
Author: Scott Lobdell
Rating: 4

Things are mixed up in Gotham...

Grendel: Devil Child

Title: Grendel: Devil Child
Author: Diana Schutz
Rating: 4

Huh...Interesting and disturbing.

Runaways Volume 3

Title: Runaways Volume 3: The Good Die Young
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 5

Holy crap. I didn't have that one pegged as the traitor!
What's not to love about a series that has a character with a pet telepathic velociraptor.

Disclosure

To ensure I'm up to snuff with the new FTC Guides, here's my disclosure:

I have not received any compensation from the publisher or author of any of the books I have read and reviewed on this list.
I did receive one comic free (Batman and Robin) when my punch card was drawn in the weekly drawing at Maximum Comics.

Bad Girls

Title: Bad Girls
Author: Steve Vance
Rating: 3.5

Not bad.....a bit silly and juvenile, but an enjoyable afternoon read.

Y: The Last Man Volumes 2 & 3

Title: Y: The Last Man Volume 2: Cycles
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

Title: Y: The Last Man Volume 3: One Small Step
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

Interesting things are happening. It's amazing how interesting things in the middle of nowhere can be when trying to guard the last human male on earth.

Invincible Volume 4: Head of the Class

Title: Invincible Volume 4: Head of the Class
Author: Robert Kirkman
Rating: 4

Wow....a lot of action in this one. Parallel worlds too!

Batman: The Killing Joke

Title: Batman: The Killing Joke
Author: Alan Moore
Rating: 4

From what I've read and been told, this is where much of the inspiration of The Joker in The Dark Knight (which I still haven't seen - tried to watch it, but the Blue-Ray from Netflix was scratched).

Every Patient Tells a Story

Title: Every Patient Tells a Story: Medical Mysteries and the Art of Diagnosis
Author: Lisa Sanders, MD
Rating: 4

An interesting, easy read.

The Spook Who Sat by the Door

Title: The Spook Who Sat by the Door
Author: Sam Greenlee
Rating: 4

I can't imagine reading this book when it was first published. In today's world much of the language seems dated and very much politically incorrect.

Wolverine Old Man Logan Giant Size #1

Title: Wolverine Old Man Logan: Giant Size
Author: Mark Millar
Rating: 4

I like this story arc.

Blackest Night Issue #3

Title: Blackest Night Issue 3
Author: Geoff Johns
Rating: 4

Confession time: I've always been more of a Marvel fan than DC. This series is paving the way towards a reversal of that feeling.

Invincible Volumes 2 and 3

Title: Invincible Volume 2: Eight is Enough
Author: Robert Kirkman
Rating: 4

I didn't see that coming!


Title: Invincible Volume 3: Perfect Strangers
Author: Robert Kirkman
Rating: 4

I have to admit, I wasn't sold on this series at first. I think I have changed my mind. I am quite interested in how the current battle will end.

Gotham City Sirens Issue 2

Title: Gotham City Sirens 2: Girl Talk
Author: Paul Dini
Rating: 4

Interesting happenings....

How the States Got Their Shapes

Title: How the States Got Their Shapes
Author: Mark Stein
Rating: 4

A nice, easy to read fact book. My only complaint is that instead of alphabetical order, I would have liked the states presented in the order they entered the union.

Unfinished Books

I have not finished every book I started. I tried to give each book a chance by reading at least the first few chapters.

Here lay those books that for one reason or another I did not manage to finish reading.

1. The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman - This book started out strong, but delved more into the saga and story telling world than hard facts.

2. The Italian Boy: A Tale of Murder and Body Snatching in 1830's London - I wanted to like it, but it often got sidetracked on seemingly unnecessary details of the periphery.

3. The Food of a Younger Land - Honestly, I just lost interest.

4. Arc d'X - Lost interest

5. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell - I really wanted to like this one; I kept plodding along and finally gave up on page 258.

6. Why There's Antifreeze in Your Toothpaste - Just lost interest.

7. How We Die - The writing wasn't as interesting as the premise behind it.

8. American Passage: The History of Ellis Island - The book was due, couldn't be renewed. I stopped on page 238 and plan on finishing it at some point.

9. You Are Here: Why We Can Find Our Way to the Moon, but Get Lost in the Mall - As someone who takes pride in my ability to not get lost, I was curious about those that are perennially lost. Another one that had a better premise than writing.

10. Wind, Sand and Stars - Again, I just lost interest.

11. The Man Eaters of Tsavo - Not as interesting as I had hoped.

Ex Machina Volume 2

Title: Ex Machina Volume 2: Tag
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

This series is growing on me. Still a very politically oriented graphic novel and testing some boundaries, but I think it's a good thing.

Batman Cacophony

Title: Batman Cacophony
Author: Kevin Smith
Rating: 4

Yes, this is written by that Kevin Smith. I think we all knew the Joker needed help, but wow.

Jack of Fables Vol. 1

Title: Jack of Fables Volume 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape
Author: Bill Willingham
Rating: 3

I'm a big fan of the "Fables" graphic novel series. This series is a spin-off centered around Jack.

Runaways Volume 2: Teenage Wasteland

Title: Runaways Volume 2: Teenage Wasteland
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

I am growing quite fond of this series. Teen angst combined with superpowers, aliens, and mutants....what's not to like?

Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1 - Unmanned

Title: Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1 - Unmanned
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4


Something happened and only one man (and his male monkey) have survived.

Invincible Volume 1: Family Matters

Title: Invincible Volume 1: Family Matters
Author: Roberts Kirkman
Rating: 3.5

Offspring of a superhero comes into his powers.
I like where I think this series is going. I'll have to read a few more to be sure.

Blackest Night Issues #1 and #2

Title: Blackest Night #1
Author: Geoff Johns
Rating: 4


Title: Blackest Night #2
Author: Geoff Johns
Rating: 4


Bad things are happening in the DC Universe.

Gotham City Sirens Issue 1

Title: Gotham City Sirens Issue 1
Author: Paul Dini
Rating: 4

GIRL POWER!
What happens when Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn join forces? Awesome things, of course!

Batman and Robin Issue 1

Title: Batman and Robin (Batman: Reborn)
Author: Grant Morrison
Rating: 4

SPOILER ALERT!


This is not the Batman from the 1940's. Bruce Wayne is dead, but there is a new Batman and a new Robin. Nice premise. I'm not the biggest superhero fan out there, but I am willing to give the series a further go.

Dry Storeroom No. 1

Title: Dry Storeroom No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum
Author: Richard Fortey
Rating: 4

If you're not a museum lover, this book probably isn't for you. That being said, if you're a museum junkie like me and have always wondered about the privileged few that get to work behind the scenes, you'll enjoy this.

The Snakehead

Title: The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream
Author: Patrick Radden Keefe
Rating: 4

A thorough look into an elaborate human smuggling ring.

Ex Machina Volume 1

Title: Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 4

Interesting....the most politically based graphic novel I've ever read.

Runaways Volume 1

Title: Runaways: Pride and Joy
Author: Brian K. Vaughan
Rating: 5

Kids find out their parents are super-villains. Kids find out they have powers (including telepathy with a velociraptor). Kids run away to save the world. What's not to like?

Chew #3 & #4

Title: Chew #3
Author: John Layman
Rating: 5

Title: Chew #4
Author: John Layman
Rating: 5

Two more brilliant issues in an outstanding series!

Born to Run

Title: Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
Author: Christopher McDougall
Rating: 5

A fascinating look into running. The information about our shoes being all wrong for running is interesting and worth further research.

The Boys Vols. 3 & 4

Title: The Boys Volume 3: Good for the Soul
Author: Garth Ennis
Rating: 3.5


Title: The Boys Volume 4: We Gotta Go Now
Author: Garth Ennis
Rating: 4


Sigh....now I have to wait for volume 5 to come out. Have I mentioned this is not your father's superhero comic?

The Boys Vol. 2

Title: The Boys Volume 2: Get Some
Author: Garth Ennis
Rating: 4

A very good follow-up effort! Very much intended for "mature" audiences. I'm hooked!

Dark Avengers: Assemble

Title: Dark Avengers: Assemble (Volume 1)
Author: Brian Michael Bendis
Rating: 4

Here's one for all the superhero fans out there. Quite full of action!

By the way...we spent more money at the comic book store this weekend than we did on groceries. Is that wrong?

Fables Volumes 10, 11, and 12

Title: Fables: The Good Prince
Author: Bill Willingham
Rating: 4

Title: Fables: War and Pieces
Author: Bill Willingham
Rating: 4

Title: Fables: The Dark Ages
Author: Bill Willingham
Rating: 4

This is a series I've been reading for a while. These three were great! Now I have to wait until February for the next volume.

Time and Again

Title: Time and Again
Author: Jack Finney
Rating: 4

A nice surprise. I don't remember how I found it. Similar (though it came first) to "Somewhere in Time," but with less emphasis on the girly love stuff.

A Fever in Salem

Title: A Fever in Salem: A New Interpretation of the New England Witch Trials
Author: Laurie Winn Carlson
Rating: 4

A seemingly well researched look at part of our country's past. While I can't comment on how the theory holds up, it doesn't seem as far fetched as some.

The Photographer

Title: The Photographer: Into War-torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders
Author: Emmanuel Guibert
Rating: 4

An amazing look into Afghanistan during the mid 1980's. A very unique presentation, actual photographs mixed into a graphic novel format.

The Boys Vol. 1

Title: The Boys Vol. 1: The Name of the Game
Author: Garth Ennis
Rating: 5

One word.....dark. This is not your father's superhero comic!

Irredeemable

Title: Irredeemable
Author: Mark Waid
Rating: 5

Another graphic novel we picked up at the comic book store today. Recommended by the very knowledgeable salesperson.
Very much not your typical superhero story!

Chew #1 & #2

Title: Chew #1
Author: John Layman
Rating: 5

Title: Chew #2
Author: John Layman
Rating: 5

I love a good comic book/graphic novel and when one I've never heard of gets blogged about on NPR, it peaks my interest.
These two were great! Sick, sick, sick and demented, but amazing! Hunt them down at your local comic shop today. Las Vegans should try Maximum Comics on Fort Apache.

Wicked Plants

Title: Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities
Author: Amy Stewart
Rating: 3.5

A compendium of plants that will do nasty things to you. A page or two (or three) on each plant...nice to read a few at a time.

Saints in Babylon

Title: Saints in Babylon: Mormons and Las Vegas
Author: Kenric Ward
Rating: 4

And now for something completely different...

I found this as I was wandering through the stacks at the Sahara West Library. It was interesting. I have found it difficult to find books on the history of Las Vegas in the pre-gaming era, but this had a nice amount of information. I guess "their" meticulous record keeping pays off!

Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women

Title: Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women
Author: Alexa Albert
Rating: 4

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. You had to figure I'd get to a brothel book at some point on my reading quest. I feel like this book has given me an inside peek into that world. I couldn't put it down!

The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet

Title: The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet
Author: Reif Larsen
Rating: 5

Cool! This book would not be complete without the accompanying maps and diagrams. A brilliant debut novel.

In the Land of Invented Languages

Title: In the Land of Invented Languages: Esperanto Rock Stars, Klingon Poets, Loglan Lovers, and the Mad Dreamers Who Tried to Build a Perfect Language
Author: Arika Okrent
Rating: 4

A really interesting read. I had no idea there were so many "man-made" languages.

The Book Thief

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Rating: 5

Wow! What a powerful and engrossing tale. I couldn't put it down, yet I didn't want it to end.

Is There No Place on Earth for Me?

Title: Is There No Place on Earth for Me?
Author: Susan Sheehan
Rating: 5

An incredible book about a schizophrenic young woman and her experiences with institutionalization.

The Three Incestuous Sisters

Title: The Three Incestuous Sisters
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Rating: 4

I liked this. I have to admit that part of my brain is still processing the words in this story.

Coraline

Title: Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Rating: 4

A nice, dark, original story.

Soldier's Heart

Title: Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point
Author: Elizabeth D. Samet
Rating: 4

An insightful work. Naturally full of references to and quotes from books on war, but not as "war heavy" as I was prepared for. An interesting look into life at West Point, too.

Codebreaker

Title: Codebreaker: The History of Codes and Ciphers, fron the Ancient Pharaohs to Quantum Cryptography
Author: Stephen Pincock
Rating: 4

Very interesting, especially the section on quantum cryptography.

The Amber Spyglass

Title: The Amber Spyglass
Author: Philip Pullman
Rating: 3

Better than book 2 (The Subtle Knife), but not as good as The Golden Compass.

Preacher: Gone to Texas

Title: Preacher: Gone to Texas
Author: Garth Ennis
Rating: 4

A very interesting, very adult oriented graphic novel.

Zeroville

Title: Zeroville
Author: Steve Erickson
Rating: 5

This was a great book. Surreal, but great!

The Zombie Survival Guide

Title: The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
Author: Max Brooks
Rating: 3

Not always the most exciting read, but a very important book because the dead do outnumber the living! I suggest keeping it handy to read in brief sessions.

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

Title: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
Author: Anne Fadiman
Rating: 4

A very worthwhile read for those who work with the public, not just in health care related fields.

The Unlikely Disciple

Title: The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University
Author: Kevin Roose
Rating: 5

Wow. What an interesting read! I don't know how Mr. Roose survived some of the lectures, but it makes for a good book.

The Walking Dead

Title: The Walking Dead Compendium One
Author: Robert Kirkman
Rating: 4

Not a graphic novel for children or the faint of heart. This series is about survivors trying to cope with living in an "undead" world.

A Safe Place for Dying

Title: A Safe Place for Dying
Author: Jack Fredrickson
Rating: 3

I couldn't resist the title, and then, the prologue gives me this line: "And so long as nobody got hurt, I was rooting for another gas leak." I was hooked. Somewhat predictable, but a nice, easy to read detective story.


On a side note, yes, I do read more than one book at a time.

The Subtle Knife

Title: The Subtle Knife
Author: Philip Pullman
Rating: 3.5

Not as good as The Golden Compass, but still interesting enough to keep me reading. On to book 3.

The Golden Compass

Title: The Golden Compass
Author: Philip Pullman
Rating: 4

A nice, thought provoking young adult book. I'll be reading the other two in the series.

I Capture the Castle

Title: I Capture the Castle
Author: Dodie Smith
Rating: 4

A wonderful novel in the tradition of the great female, British writers. Cassandra drew me into her world and made me want to stay. I saw another review for this book where someone tagged it "intelligent chick-lit." While I generally abhor the "chick-lit" genre, "intelligent chick-lit" does fit and I'd be willing to give another a try.

"Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression."

The Lonely Soldier

Title: The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq
Author: Helen Benedict
Rating: 4

A very informative book and probably eye-opening to many that don't have a vested interest in the military (Hi to Mom in Iraq and Brother in Japan). I am still confounded by the question posed by the author (and subjects), "Why should they have to be worried about being harmed by their fellow soldiers?"

The Dangerous World of Butterflies

Title: The Dangerous World of Butterflies: The Startling Subculture of Criminals, Collectors, and Conservationists
Author: Peter Laufer
Rating: 4

A fascinating look at a subject that I assumed (incorrectly) would be difficult to infuse with excitement.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies

Title: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Author: Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Rating: 5


Loved it! From the opening line, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains," to the end, I didn't want to put this book down.

Tamara Drewe

Title: Tamara Drewe
Author: Posy Simmonds
Rating: 3

I bit too soap opera-ish for my taste, but I love the layout of the pages.

Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall

Title: Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall
Author: Bill Willingham
Rating: 3

A prequel of sorts to the Fables series (which I find a guilty pleasure). This gives the back story of some of the characters with Snow standing in for Scheherazade.

The Maltese Falcon

Title: The Maltese Falcon
Author: Dashiell Hammett
Rating: 4

A wonderful little detective story that was a lovely way to pass the time on my flights home.

The Indifferent Stars Above

Title: The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride
Author: Daniel James Brown
Rating: 4

Not exactly light vacation reading, but a riveting look at a much speculated part of the settlement of the west. Very well researched and highly recommended for the history buffs among us.

Schrödinger's Ball: A Novel

Title: Schrödinger's Ball: A Novel
Author: Adam Felber
Rating: 4

One review for this book states: "If Einstein and John Cleese had written a novel together, this would be it."

I concur. This book is funny, unique, and possibly profound(?). I did not find it difficult to follow. Basic knowledge of quantum physics is not necessary to enjoy this book, but it couldn't hurt.

On a side note, I am aware that my 'o's are missing umlauts. I do not know the keyboard shortcut for them, but will correct this egregious error in due time.

The Secret History

Title: The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Rating: 4

Very interesting.....a winding, dark tale that is just far-fetched enough to make you wonder.

The Kite Runner

Title: The Kite Runner
Author: Khaled Hosseini
Rating: 5


Not exactly reading by the pool fare; better suited to a rainy day spent with a box of tissues at your side. A very moving and well written book.

Unholy Business

Title: Unholy Business: A True Tale of Faith, Greed & Forgery in the Holy Land
Author: Nina Burleigh
Rating: 2

While I found the subject matter fascinating, this was a tough read for me. Some passages of the book came across as solely being used for name dropping.

The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

Title: The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
Author: John Le Carré
Rating: 4

Brings back the mystique of the cold war and ends like a spy novel should.

Gemma Bovery

Title: Gemma Bovery
Author: Posy Simmonds
Rating: 3

A creative twist on the whole "remake of the original" school. I wasn't sure about this at first, but about halfway through I began to not be able to put it down. Good for light reading by the pool on a hot spring day (97 degrees here today).

When Germs Travel

Title: When Germs Travel
Author: Howard Markel
Rating: 3.5

As a student of public health, this book contained very little that was new to me. The book is well researched and in light of the ongoing H1N1 outbreak I would recommend it for those that are interested.

Fargo Rock City

Title: Fargo Rock City: A Heavy Metal Odyssey in Rural North Dakota
Author: Chuck Klosterman
Rating: 4

A very fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed reliving many memories attached to the songs and bands discussed.

Promethea Books 4 & 5

Book: Promethea Book Four
Author: Alan Moore, JH Williams III, et al
Rating: 2

Book: Promethea Book Five
Author: Alan Moore, JH Williams III, et al
Rating: 2


I enjoyed books one through three, but these two were just weird.

Rating System

1 - Don't waste your time
2 - Only if you insist
3 - It was okay
4 - More like this please
5 - A treasure

Read 100 Books

StumbleUpon is a great add-on for your browser. I stumbled an interesting website listing book "challenges." I tracked down the 100 Book Challenge at J. Kaye's Book Blog. I've never kept track of the number of books read during a year. Time for a change. I will post upon completion of each book and develop some sort of rating system to let you know what I think.

My rules:
All types of books count: fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, short story collections, e-books, etc.
Newspapers and magazines do not count.
All books must be ones I have not read before.
Starting date: May 2, 2009

EDIT: To comply with the new (October 6, 2009) FTC Guide, click here to read my disclosure statement.

Here is what I have read so far in 2009 along with links to their individual posts:
(If you're interested in books that I didn't finish, click here.)

1. Promethea Book 4
2. Promethea Book 5
3. Fargo Rock City
4. When Germs Travel
5. Gemma Bovery
6. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold
7. Unholy Business: A True Tale of Faith, Greed & Forgery in the Holy Land
8. The Kite Runner
9. The Secret History
10. Schrödinger's Ball
11. The Indifferent Stars Above
12. The Maltese Falcon
13. Fables: 1001 Nights of Snowfall
14. Tamara Drewe
15. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
16. The Dangerous World of Butterflies: The Startling Subculture of Criminals, Collectors, and Conservationists
17. The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq
18. I Capture the Castle
19. The Golden Compass
20. The Subtle Knife
21. A Safe Place for Dying
22. The Walking Dead: Compendium One
23. The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University
24. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down
25. The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
26. Zeroville
27. Preacher: Gone to Texas
28. The Amber Spyglass
29. Codebreaker: The History of Codes and Ciphers, from the Ancient Pharaohs to Quantum Cryptography
30. Soldier's Heart: Reading Literature Through Peace and War at West Point
31. Coraline
32. The Three Incestuous Sisters
33. Is There No Place on Earth for Me?
34. The Book Thief
35. In the Land of Invented Languages: Esperanto Rock Stars, Klingon Poets, Loglan Lovers, and the Mad Dreamers Who Tried to Build a Perfect Language
36. The Selected Works of T. S. Spivet
37. Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women
38. Saints in Babylon: Mormons and Las Vegas
39. Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities
40. Chew #1
41. Chew #2
42. Irredeemable
43. The Boys Vol. 1
44. The Photographer: Into War-torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders
45. A Fever in Salem: A New Interpretation of the New England Witch Trials
46. Time and Again
47. Fables: The Good Prince
48. Fables: Ware and Pieces
49. Fables: The Dark Ages
50. Dark Avengers: Assemble
51. The Boys Vol. 2
52. The Boys Vol. 3
53. The Boys Vol. 4
54. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
55. Chew #3
56. Chew #4
57. Runaways Vol. 1
58. Ex Machina Vol. 1
59. The Snakehead: An Epic Tale of the Chinatown Underworld and the American Dream
60. Dry Storeroom No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum
61. Batman and Robin Issue 1 (Batman: Reborn)
62. Gotham City Sirens Issue 1
63. Blackest Night #1
64. Blackest Night #2
65. Invincible Volume 1: Family Matters
66. Y: The Last Man, Vol. 1 - Unmanned
67. Runaways Volume 2: Teenage Wasteland
68. Jack of Fables Vol. 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape
69. Batman Cacophony
70. Ex Machina Vol. 2
71. How the States Got Their Shapes
72. Gotham City Sires Issue 2
73. Invincible Volume 2
74. Invincible Volume 3
75. Blackest Night Issue 3
76. Wolverine Old Man Logan: Giant Size
77. The Spook Who Sat by the Door
78. Every Patient Tells a Story
79. Batman: The Killing Joke
80. Invincible Volume 4
81. Y: The Last Man Volume 2
82. Y: The Last Man Volume 3
83. Bad Girls
84. Runaways Volume 3
85. Grendel: Devil Child
86. Gotham City Sirens Issue 3
87. Civil War
88. Invincible Volume 5
89. Sisters of Salome
90. Chew #5
91. Ex Machina Volme 3
92. Ex Machina Volume 4
93. American Psycho
94. Y: The Last Man Volume 4
95. Stitches
96. In the Bin
97. How the Beatles Destroyed Rock 'N' Roll
98. The Walking Dead Volume 9
99. And You Shall Know Us by the Trail of Our Vinyl
100. Salt: A World History
101. The Bioarchaeology of Tuberculosis