30 Books Update

Reading total: 4 books
Books to go: 26
Months before 30: 15
Library Fines: undetermined (probably around $10); however, they have not increased since my self-induced ban from the library is prohibiting me from checking any books out for a while

I figure its time to give an update on the 30 books challenge.  Since we last checked in, I've finished another book and am about a quarter of the way through the next.  Over the long NYE weekend I started and finished The Road by Cormac McCarthy.  Everyone should read this book.  It is highly disturbing yet very thought provoking.  Without giving too much away, the setting of the story is in post-apocalyptic US and is about a father and son's journey in this changed world.  The things they encounter and have to overcome are horrendous and sickening at times.  Yet the themes of hope and love are present throughout the book despite the setting.  This was one of those books where you didn't want to continue reading, but couldn't put it down.  I often had to take a step away from the book, only to find myself coming back five minutes later.  I'm impressed by any book that can cause you to feel such strong emotion. 

Mr. Cob had read The Road a few months before me, so we talked about the book as I was reading it and again once I finished.  It was interesting talking to him about the book because there were things that he put together that I didn't at all and other things that I noticed that he didn't pick up on.  However, he did point out what might've been the most horrifying part of the book and part of me wishes he hadn't.  Let's just say I probably wouldn't last too long in a world where you have to do whatever is necessary to stay alive.  And here's to hoping I never have to.  But I do enjoy talking about books with Mr. Cob.  It helps to offer another perspective.  Maybe my girlfriends' book club idea will actually have forward momentum sometime this year.

I'm currently reading The Count of Monte Cristo.  It's wonderful.  More on that later, but I will say that books are ALWAYS so much better than the movie.