reading through montgomery

yesterday my friend kristin had the brilliant idea of chatting about her summer reading list.  inspired by her picks (and passion for lit), and having spent the last week driving across the country and then back again, i couldn't wait to make a list of my own.  especially for the next month that i will be spending in montgomery, alabama.  here are my choices for the next few weeks (and beyond if i get swept away by all the museums i have to explore here):

1. Please Look After Mom, by Kyung-Sook Shin.  I mentioned this book a few weeks ago, and have been excited to read it since I first spotted it in the New York Times Book Review email that I get every week.  Love that it is written by both a South Korean and a female.

2. One Last Good Time, by Michael Kardos.  I am reviewing this collection of short stories for the Santa Fe Writers Project, and am about half done.  So far such interesting prose, and creative style.  Kind of reminds me of Karen Russell, with some of its surreality.

3. No one belongs here more than you. Stories by Miranda July.  I picked this up in St. Marks a few months ago, and think I kind of fell in love with it, before I even opened the cover.

4. Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë.  In my first semester of grad school in NY I kind of fell in love with the Brontë sisters. Again.  And while I read this long ago, I feel like it needs another fresh read.  Because um, why not re-read one of the greatest novels of all time?

5. Inside of a Dog, by Alexandra Horowitz.  After many debates as to what our dogs can understand (I swear my dogs know exactly what I am saying and purposely do the opposite when they are feeling fiesty) and can't understand, I am hoping this book gives some great insight (and fuel for my side of the argument).

6. Thirteen Departures From the Moon, poetry by Deema K. Shehabi.  I mentioned this book a few months ago also, and now that I have a bit of time, am really gonna dig into it.  It looks amazing.

7. more New York Stories, edited by Constance Rosenblum.  Picked this up last time I was in the city.  Thought reading about NYC while I am not there would help make me miss it less?  From the "Best of the City"section of the New York Times, this collection is witty and fun.  And memorable.

8.  The Girl in The Flammable Skirt, by Aimee Bender.  Short stories by Aimee Bender.  What could be better?  Truly?

Check out Kristin's list here!

And for more great suggestions check out NPR's Indie Bookseller Reading List.

What are you excited about reading this summer?

kimchi makes the heart grow fonder

so, what else is great about may besides the ribbons tied to the may pole?  and memorial day?   definitely honoring those who are of asian or pacific heritage.  my two favorites: my husband and sister-in-law.  check out her bilingual bookstore here: bubu books.  she carries chinese, vietnamese, japanese and korean children's books in her catalog.

all my bias of the heart aside, also check out this new novel from korean author kyung-sook shin, please look after mom. i just ordered it from amazon. beyond excited to read it. also, check out one of my new favorite magazines, KoreaAm.

who influences you this month?

to learn more about asian-pacific heritage month, or to get to some amazing events, visit: http://asianpacificheritage.gov/.

half a minute of grace

so, i have been out of touch for a minute or two.  but i have intended to mention this film for the last month.  now that poetry month has come and gone, don't dismiss the words kick boarding around in your brain, that you long to write down on that napkin next to you during lunch (but kinda feel silly with everyone watching).  write 'em down. and then if you need a little inspiration, ever, watch this move trailer: "Poetry".

i was so thrilled to see that this was a south korean film, and even more moved by the grace the trailer exudes. it took my breath away.