It’s Sunday, it’s beautiful, let’s have a contest!
May 25th, 2008
JUNE 1 UPDATE: AND THE WINNER IS. . .ANN! HER COMMENT IS #12. ANN, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL. . .AND THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR SHARING YOUR FAVORITE BOOKS!
It’s a misty, overcast day here in Minnesota — the trees and grasses are blooming, the birds are singing, squirrels abound — and it’s a perfect day to sit outside with a great book waiting for the rain to fall.
It’s a perfect day for an almost no-rules contest, especially one that’s really easy, and where the winner will be chosen at random.
Name one (or five! — remember, there are almost no rules) book(s) that you’ve read that was memorable to you in some way, good or bad, and what about it (or them) made an impact.
The winner, whose name will be randomly picked out of a hat by my impartial blogger friend Linda Woods, will receive a $25 Amazon.com gift certificate via their email address. Buy a new favorite book, a whole lot of fishing lures, or find something to donate to your favorite charity.
My favorite books as a child were James & the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl, and A Girl Called Al by Constance Greene.
James and the Giant Peach had the word “damn” in it, and apparently my third grade teacher didn’t catch this before she asked us to take turns reading it aloud. I got to read the “damn” part, and watch her have a conniption. Even when she finally understood that it was part of the book, she threatened to send me to the closet for reading it out loud. That was a fun day, and Dahl and Mrs. Gail Herron were firmly etched in my mind.
A Girl Called Al was the first book I read, also in my 3rd grade year, where the characters seemed real, and not like perfect cookie-cutter girls.
As a grown-up, there are hundreds of books that have touched me in some way, but many because they are aggravating. Almost all the fiction in Oprah’s book club was annoying to me, because no matter how true many of the stories rang from the beginning, they inevitably all had these neatly wrapped-up, picture perfect, happily-ever-after endings. Real life doesn’t work that way, and fiction that seeks to portray real life shouldn’t have to end happily-ever-after in order to be “inspirational.”
The winner will be announced next Sunday. You can comment as often as you want, but each individual name will be thrown into the hat only once.
My regular Sunday post (or two) will be up later today.
19 Responses to “It’s Sunday, it’s beautiful, let’s have a contest!”
Marcie May 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am #
Books, ahhh, my downfall.
“A Dog for Davie’s Hill” was the first BOOK I ever finished. In 4th grade. For some reason, Mrs Nelson, my teacher, gave me a brand new copy of the book on the final day of school. I still have it.
I love the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and still re-read them at 56 almost 57. I read “Doctor Zhivago” at 16, didn’t understand most of it but I read every page. And I love the Chronicles of Narnia books. Just good storys.
I enjoy the late Madeleine L’Engle books, my favorite is “Walking on Water”. It made me examine my faith and grow in ways this Bible Belt baby didn’t know faith could go.
Right now I’m hooked on Diane Galbadone’s “Outlander” series. I dive into a book and I’m back in the 1700’s. It’s been wonderful learning how life was for the “little person” back then. My husband is amazed at how submerged I get. I litterally know nothing of what’s going on around me. Our house could be burning and I’m not sure I would know.
I absolutely, totally enjoyed “Angry Housewives Eating Bon-Bons”. One of the few that the moment I finished the last page, I turned back to the first page and read it again. Great book about women and friendship. Another great book on women and Friendship is Sandra Dallas’ “Persian Pickle Club”. Women’s friendship during the depression in farm country. Her “New Mercies” is a close second for me on the favorite list but all her books are good. — And I know her!
I also totally enjoyed Dan Brown’s “DaVinci Code” (another finish and turn to the 1st page book) - again giving me new things to think about and that book led me to Katherine Neville’s series of books (can’t think of any titles at the moment except “8″ and “the Circle”) again, new ways to view commonly held beliefs about many things.
I’m passionate about women’s history and needlework and have far too big a library on sampler’s, quilts, and the women who made them. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s books gave me new information about commonly held beliefs about women and education.
Then there’s history.
Love Cokie Roberts and her research and well written books on women and the beginning of this country. I’m now 600 pages into “The Rise of Fall of the Third Reich” It’s 1500 pages long and frighteningly similar to today’s American just going along with the flow of the politicians. And Doris Kearns Goodwin - took me forever (it seemed) to read the book on Lincoln but then I arrogantly thought I knew far more than I do. Enjoy all her books.
I’ve also been reading (have to take a break from the 3rd Reich every so often) about women in China. Some lovely fiction about the silk industry and the hidden “women’s writting”. Again, can’t remember the names of the books or authors right now, they’re out on loan.
I could go on and on but then so can every one who enjoys reading. My tastes have changed over the years. But I think I’ve learned something from every book I’ve ever read for “fun”. Even the old ’50’s and ’60’s Harlequin Romances informed me about the poet Saadi and classical music.
Mrs. Sanders, thank you for teaching me to read in 1st grade. And Mike and Eddie, thank you for reading comic books to little sister. You gave me a love of story.
MVM May 25th, 2008 at 12:14 pm #
Speaking of books and sharing the love of reading, have you been to Good Reads? You can catalog the books you’ve read and keep track of those that you plan to read in the future. It’s easy to share recommendations with friends. http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/146425?shelf=read
Lyric May 25th, 2008 at 12:34 pm #
Clarissa Pinkola Estes’, Women Who Run with the Wolves. An amazing - and personally transforming - book. This book opened me up to my inner world and launched a journey of discovery and exploration that that continues today, nearly ten years after the first read… Without condemnation or judgement the life of the soul is explored through stories and myths and they were so powerful that I return to them still. There are no words to describe the impact this book has on my life but the insight and courage live on…
Jan.M.M. May 25th, 2008 at 1:21 pm #
1. The Dialectic of Sex; The Case for Feminist Revolution by Shulamith Firestone. 1970.
2. Women & Madness by Phyllis Chesler. 1972.
3. The American Way of Death by Jessica Mitford. 1963.
My reasons: I am a mad morbid feminist.
Many tragic deaths in my family. Insane family dynamics.
My strength even as a child was perceived as an insult to the red-neck primitive midwestern rural community of men & women- who were my teachers of what not to be. Of course, there were endearing exceptions- like Clara, who wore her high-heels to slop the hogs- because there would be no place of fun- to wear them.
freida May 25th, 2008 at 3:10 pm #
“Don Quixote”
“The Velveteen Rabbit”
“Old Yeller”
“Big Red”
“Black Beauty”
“The Yearling”
“A Tale of Two Cities”
“Boys & Girls Together” (I kept this one hid, LOL)
“Little Women”
“Hamlet”
“The Old Testament”
“The Prince and The Pauper”
“Future Shock”
“Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain”
“The Total Money Makeover” (LOL)
“Great Expectations”
Do ‘Technical Manuals” count?
Donna May 25th, 2008 at 4:49 pm #
Always a rabid reader I”ll start with my favorite childhood books that still make me smile, and giddy!
Pippi Longstocking: Pippi was so brave, free, crazy, adventerous, and had a monkey and horse for pets!
Daddy Longlegs: First semi teen book read, first book to really enrapture me.
Diving Bell and The Butterfly: A beautiful humorous book about life’s fragility.
Jimmy Buffett: A pirate looks at 50, always a Buffett fan, Jimmy takes you a wonderful and tropical journey of humor and goodwill.
A Beautiful Boy: A book on a fathers journey of dealing with a son who is an addict. Heartbreaking, honest, and if you’ve ever been afflicted by someone who has an addiction, a true understanding of how addiction not only affects the addict, but the loved ones too.
I love reading, and I love this question. To read what others have loved, is great. Give me more books, and more books, and then give me time to read them all! Enjoy
LBJ May 25th, 2008 at 9:41 pm #
As a teen, it was “Lisa and David” by an author named Rubin. That book is the reason I was so drawn to working with kids and teens, which is what I still do all these years later!
Recently, it was “The Color of Water” by James McBride. I know it’s an older book, but I just read it and thought it was awesome and honest.
I read more non-fiction than fiction, and really enjoy biographies, ancient history, and self-improvement books. My favorite book investment was Wil & Ariel Durant’s History of the World series. To me, reading about the ancient civilizations beats almost any novel.
Tammy May 25th, 2008 at 11:05 pm #
As far as childhood books go, only two really stand out in my mind:
James and the Giant Peach - my definite childhood fave. Why? Kids in wierd, fantastical, stories always got to me. I haven’t read it in a long time, but I seem to remember there being something sinister about it, I like sinister.
A book called Follow My Leader about a kid named Jimmy Carter who goes blind when a firecracker blows up in his face. I was obsessed with that book, just as I was with all things Helen Keller. Sick, hurt, or otherwise damaged kids always got to me, too.
No coincidences, right?
Laurie May 26th, 2008 at 6:17 am #
Dandelion Wine, by Ray Bradbury.
And currently, The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. If you seen the you tube video, the book expands on it. A healthy mix of good advice, reality checks, and one man’s story.
kris_D May 26th, 2008 at 2:28 pm #
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
was the gift of love
A Wrinkle in Time - Madeleine L’Engle
was the gift of imagination and science fiction
The Cat Ate My Gymsuit - Paula Danziger
was the gift of belonging in my own skin
The Teachings of Don Juan - Carlos Casteneda
was the gift of seeing beyond my immediate line of sight.
Gift from the Sea - Anne Morrow Lindberg
was just that…and more
Swan Song - Robert McCammon
is my guilty pleasure as it’s just science fiction tripe but the characters are so fantastic and the heroine so pure….i love this book.
honorable mention is just about anything by Stephen King or Fannie Flagg because they conjure characters i seem have met along the road and can always keep my attention. (which says something)
Anne May 26th, 2008 at 8:49 pm #
Great question!
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
by Dave Eggers
Siblings raise each other after both parents die. Appreciated the way Eggers writes about flawed people– seen for who they are and loved anyway. He’s a show off with words (in a good way), the humor’s more on the dark side but uplifting. It uplifted me.
Running With Scissors
Augusten Burroughs
The title alone is genius. Shows the thin line between tragedy and comedy. Learned creativity can be a real survival skill. Perceptive and real, no pity parties despite some disturbing events. Interesting, true story.
The Carrot Seed
by Ruth Krauss
One of my favorite children’s books. All about faith, the underdog wins, no unnecessary words.
Siddartha
Herman Hesse
All about the journey. Passion, loss, peace, and finding home. Enjoyed the nature imagery. I read it in college and it made a big impact on me.
The Color of Water
James McBride
The story about a son’s love for his mother. Interracial single family, I liked how the author noticed the people around him and paid attention to his mother’s struggle as well as his own. As a single mom, it hit home.
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first book I fell in love with…it rings true, he writes beautifully and he loves all the characters, even the bad ones. I did, too. Plus he’s a hometown guy.
Ann May 26th, 2008 at 11:32 pm #
OK, sort of silly…Marjorie Morningstar. I read it for the first time when I was 11 or 12. I read and reread it until the pages started falling out. I remember thinking her life seemed so interesting. My life had a lot of problems, but I could escape with Majorie. My sisters found a copy of the book and gave it to me on my birthday as an adult. I tried to read it and couldn’t get through the first chapter. I find that odd.
4 years ago I started keeping a journal of the books I’ve read. (sometimes I really can’t remember). I keep a list of books I want to read. I love looking back and seeing what I’ve read. I go in streaks..like reading every book by a particular author. I do that with food; currently I eat a lot of Cheerios; I do that with music. I listen to the same CD over and over and over. It drives my family crazy. I’m currently listening to the soundtrack to a play called “Spring Awakening”. I’ve never seen the play but I read it is coming to Mpls this fall. I will be first in line.
Thanks for asking!
Heidi May 27th, 2008 at 11:54 am #
I am also a fan of James and the Giant Peach. I felt like a rock when I introduced it to my 5th grade teacher, who then read it aloud to the class.
Books that impacted me as a kid/teen:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Gone With the Wind
Rebecca
Jane Eyre
The most recent book that I really enjoyed is one that people seem to love or hate: Eat Pray Love.
Lisa May 27th, 2008 at 7:31 pm #
First-time poster, long-time lurker!
Separate Peace - John Knowles
I just loved this book when I was younger. I don’t even remember the details, just the feeling I had after I finished it.
Lion, Witch , and the Wardrobe - CS Lewis
I loved almost all in the series and it transported me to places I have never imagined. I think I spent that whole summer going into everyone’s closet to find Narnia!
Now that I have kids, I find myself reading young adult novels since my 3rd grader is an avid reader. I actually like them better than the tragic heroine who rises from the ashes. I just ordered a few of the suggestions on this link! So, thank you!
To give back, here are a couple of young adult novels I that would have LOVED if I could pass for one again.
The Uglies - Scott Westerfeld
I wasn’t wild about the other two in the trilogy.
Kingdom Keepers, The: Disney After Dark -Ridley Pearson
This was my daughter’s favorite!
Donna L. Faber May 27th, 2008 at 8:48 pm #
For me its Pippi Longstocking … she just blew me away. And the copy of “Our Bodies Ourselves” that my aunt gave me. I couldn’t keep my eyes off that one! I still have it on the book shelf, too. Hm. What a hoot.
dolores May 28th, 2008 at 11:30 am #
Ahhhhhhhhh books, my joy my love…..former co-owner of a book store…..
I read constantly….currently reading Anne Rice’s “Christ the Lord - out of Egypt” - great book. I don’t have a childhood favorite - did not have books growing up…but I loved reading “good night moon” to my son. I now have a collection of children’s books and love the Eric Carle (especially the cricket) and Jan Brett books…..Brett illustrations and tops.
Laura May 28th, 2008 at 10:06 pm #
I have to admit I haven’t read much since my daughter was born except online, but the last book I really enjoyed was The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. I read all of her work after that, but Joy Luck was my favorite because even though she had many characters, they were each unique and interesting. And even though it’s a novel about people who are Chinese, I think Amy Tan really writes universal mother-daughter stories.
Now I’ll have to buy some more books!
Mary May 29th, 2008 at 12:12 pm #
Many of my favorites from adolescence to mid-life have similarities…parentless children, sea captains, coal scuttles, crinolines, tea & cakes, inequity and possibly justice for all. I’m a huge fan of Jane Austen, Dave Eggers, Bill Bryson, Charlotte Bronte, Amy Tan, L.M. Montgomery, Robert Louis Stevenson, May Sarton, J.D. Salinger, A.A. Milne, Chris Van Allsburg, Peter Mayle…too many to list and too creepy of me to list more, though I could. Special mention goes to Emmy Keeps a Promise, by Madye Chastain, now out of print, and Summers with Juliet, by Bill Roorbach, a lovely and funny memoir.
Jeanne May 29th, 2008 at 12:30 pm #
“James and The Giant Peach” was an all-time favorite. Also “And, Rain Makes Applesauce” because it is all about being a child and the fantasies we create when we are young. And, anything by E.B. White