The Magic of Books
Because I’m officially under deadline and suffering for reasons I’d rather not whine about here….I’m shamelessly stealing this from Stephen Parrish.
What I want to know from fellow Blogtopians is what books (particularly novels) you love so much you’ll say to me, “Just read it, dammit.”
What book(s) would you FORCE into someone’s hand and insist they had to read it before they died. I’m not talking about what you read last week. I’m talking about what you consider the greatest book(s) of all time (any genre, fiction or non-fiction).
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (I read this my freshman year of HS and I still remember being blown away. I think it’s time for a re-read.
2. Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody. I actually thought this was called Growing up Black in Mississippi but I guess I was wrong. I read this in college for a history class and wish I’d kept the book. Granted it’s been 20 years but they didn’t/don’t teach the Civil Rights Movement in Texas. I’m not sure about anywhere else.
3. The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks–because it was the first fantasy book I ever read and really opened my mind to the possibility of ANYTHING.
I’m sure I left off some other good ones, so now it’s your turn.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:21 am
[…] at NAS I’m blogging about books you’d stake a friendship on–blatantly stolen from Stephen Parrish. Consider it a quick […]
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou and “Hamlet” by Shakespeare.
April 22nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hmm, that’s a hard one to answer. I don’t get most older fiction. I’m impatient. So, The Awakening by Kate Chopin, and The Death of a Salesman.
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Mel it doesn’t have to be “old”
Jane I forgot about IKWTCBS! I love that book!
April 22nd, 2008 at 2:44 pm
LOL. Oh dear. I don’t remember half of the non-fiction I read. (I know I shouldn’t admit that!) Okay..here’s one. I have it on my shelf. Idiot’s Guide to American History (great for research and the reminder!)
But in regards to fiction… Seriously? Spying in High Heels and Pushing Forty are my ‘pleasure reads’ I shove into everyone’s hands.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Good, because I’ve yet to see the point of Pride and Prejudice.
So, Little Ray of Sunshine is a lovely, funny, thought provoking novel by Lani Diane Rich.
The Other Woman by Eric Jerome Dickey is also a must read. We can’t be friends until you’ve read that book(just kidding, uh, no really.) If you can get the book on cd or tape.
Um, lastly, Bet Me, because if you ever believed in fairy tales then this book is for you. Oh, it’s by Jennifer Crusie.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Mel I’ve never read Jane Austen–I know it’s like high treason.
I have to add Lolly Winston’s Good Grief because damnit it’s just a freaking good book (about death and bunny slippers).
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I know this is new, but “The Last Lecture”. This is a terrific message and makes people remember to live in the moment.
Also, “Gone With The Wind” and James Michener’s “Hawaii”. I love them.
April 27th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
The Bronze Horseman
The Bridge Over Holy Cross
The Summer Garden
- Paullina Simons
Gone With the Wind
- Margaret Mitchell