One Book That Changed Your Life
I read The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck in my 9th grade English class. It was the first time I’d ever read any significant work of literature and just couldn’t get enough. I was spellbound by Steinbeck’s rich, thematic prose.
Much more recently, I'd have to say that Neal Peart's Ghost Rider gave me great comfort after Rachel's death. Peart's travel essay/memoir resonated with both me and Rod, helping us to understand the grieving process and reassuring us that we weren't going crazy.
One Book That You’ve Read More Than Once
Oh, so many to choose from! I can’t think of any that I’ve read more than twice, but there are several in that category. I'll say Losing Julia by Jonathan Hull (others include Crow Lake by Mary Lawson, A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving, and Fried Green Tomatoes by Fannie Flagg).
One Book You’d Want On A Desert Island
Moby Dick by Herman Melville. This is my husband’s all-time favorite book. He’s read it dozens of times and keeps insisting I should read it. I’ve managed to read the first few chapters, but got bogged down and figured I’d just have to take Rod’s word for it. However, if I were stuck on an desert island, the odds are pretty good that I’d finish the damned thing since there’d be no alternative.
One Book That Made You Laugh
Again, this is so hard to just pick one! I’ll go with Fifty Acres and a Poodle by Jeannie Laskas (others include Bachelor Brothers’ Bed and Breakfast by Bill Richardson and Straight Man by Richard Russo).
One Book That Made You Cry
Kent Haruf’s Eventide has a powerfully poignant scene that actually made me cry real tears. Usually I just get a lump in my throat, but Haruf really tugged at my heart strings. OK, I’ll keep cheating. Here are some others that come to mind: Beach Music by Pat Conroy, The Usual Rules by Joyce Maynard and Dear Zoe by Philip Beard.
One Book That You Wish Had Been Written
Pass. I can't think of anything!
The One Book That You Wish Had Never Been Written
Moby Dick (see above)
One Book You’re Currently Reading
I’m just about finished with Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. It’s been quite a compelling read.
One Book You’ve Been Meaning To Read
I’ve had Catch-22 in my stacks for years and plan to read it this fall. I vaguely remember reading parts of it years ago in high school, but for whatever reason, didn’t get very far. I’m going to start a Back To School Reading Challenge, beginning on September 1st, and Heller’s novel will be my first selection.
Now I need to tag five people. Hmmm, I think everyone who has a book blog has already participated (and this is a bit too long for a comment). If not, consider yourself tagged.
I tried to read The Grapes of Wrath once and couldn't get into it. I may have to try again!
ReplyDeleteI read half of Moby Dick about 4 years ago and had to stop after about 200 pages. I was just bored to tears.
I loved Fifty Acres and a Poodle. I hope I get to read the sequel sometime. I'll have to pick up In Cold Blood soon. Maybe I'll take it to the mountains this weekend.
Heather,
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I'd enjoy re-reading Grapes of Wrath. It's been about 30 years!
You can bet I won't have Moby Dick on my Back-to-School reading challenge list. ;)
If you loved Fifty Acres and a Poodle, you'll probably enjoy the sequel. It was very wonderful. I still need to get a copy of her new book (title escapes me - something about motherhood, I think).
Moby Dick has been the death of me every time I've attempted it so far, but I feel DETERMINED it will not defeat me! I fell asleep every time I tried reading it in college, and still somehow managed to write a short paper on it. Have lost the memory as to how I did that, but I seem to recall getting no lower than a B on said paper!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm glad I'm past the paper-writing stage of my life. If I ever read the damned book, I sure as hell won't write a paper on it! :)
Enjoyed reading your book meme. Never heard of Fifty Acres and a Poodle, but it sounds fun. I've read on several blogs about people liking Compote's In Cold Blood. Will have to add that my list, too.
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ReplyDeleteFifty Acres and a Poodle is hysterical, as it the sequel, Under the Same Moon. Anything about life with animals is bound to generate some laughs.
Finished In Cold Blood and will get my review up in the next few days. Quite good, I thought.
I've enjoyed your blog, although the past few times I've visited, I thought all your reviews were gone. Looks like they're down at the bottom of the page. Phew! Can't imagine what I'd do if I lost mine. I think I'll do a blog back-up.
I've been meaning to read Catch-22 for some time now. I feel it's a big gap in my knowledge of literature because you hear it referred to all the time!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to share a love of reading. Thanks for visiting my blog, and I'm looking forward to reading more of yours.
Lesley, thanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate the suggestion about "Atonement." I will add it to the TBR list. I haven't done this survey yet, but I'm thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteBellezza,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. I was just telling my husband last night how much I've enjoyed your blog. He asked if it was a book blog and I told him it was a little bit of everything, but written so nicely I couldn't stop reading (yep, I read all the archives). If it were a book, I would have stayed up late until I'd finished.
Framed,
Atonement & Saturday are both quite good. My least favorite of McEwan's is Amsterdam. Hmmm, wonder if he has another in the works. I may just have to give Atonement a second read. Thanks for stopping by.
les, you are so sweet. Thanks for the words of affirmation.
ReplyDeleteI stopped by looking for your Thursday Thirteen, and then wondered if you even participate in that...at any rate, I looked at your gardening blog and am quite amazed. That is NOT a skill of mine, but I like the pictures and information you've posted. However, if you want to have a two sided conversation with me, it's going to have to be about books.;)
Bellezza,
ReplyDeleteNope, I don't participate in Thursday Thirteen. At least not yet! It's a clever idea, though, and I've enjoyed reading through your lists. It's all I can do to get my book reviews posted and an occasional gardening photo/blurb up on my other blog. Thanks for the kind words about my garden blog. Gardening is definitely a joy and challenge, especially in the Midwest.
BTW, my parents are Canadian and American, too (thus, I have dual citizenship).
And I'd never heard of Arbonne (your mom's face cream) until last month when my daughter became a rep.
I read somewhere that Kiera Knightley is making a movie called "Atonement." Wonder if it is this book.
ReplyDeleteFramed,
ReplyDeleteI checked on IMDB and it looks like it is! Here's the link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783233/
Hope it's done well. Thanks for the heads-up.
Hi, Les!
ReplyDeleteNot sure how I missed this post, but I can only think it's because I was right in the middle of my vacation!
Mostly all the books you've listed are books I have been wanting to read forever, but just haven't got down to it. One book, however, that I want to get to real soon is "Ghost Rider".
And LOL@ your choice of book for a desert island. It makes perfect sense however, you'll be so bored, even Moby Dick will seem entertaining! :)
Lotus - I figured it was during your vacation. I loved Ghost Rider for so many reasons - I may have to do a blog entry for it. I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts if and when you get a chance to read it. Thanks for validating my views on Moby Dick. I'll be sure to share your thoughts with my hubby. :)
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