Ive been tagged by Gary D Paddock and asked to name ten books that have made an impact on my life. Just 10? Is he kidding? 1) Bible--The most re-readable book ever written. Theres a reason its a best seller. If you havent read it--youre missing out on some truly great stuff. Nuff said. 2) Absolutely everything written by Ray Bradbury. Because Bradbury wrote things like- She was that woman who always seemed to be passing by on days when the shade was green under the tunnels of oaks and elms in the old town, her face shifting with the bright shadows as she walked, until it was all things to all people. (From A Story of Love). 3) Hitchhkers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. This is one part incredible talent and one part, because I read the entire series out loud to Gary while we were dating, while on road trips, while sprawled at opposite ends of the couch, legs entangled with one another--laughing. It is such a part of our history that a friend gave us a leather bound copy of it for a wedding present. 4) A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. Because the book said things like-- Owen Meany believed that “coincidence” was a stupid, shallow refuge sought by stupid, shallow people who were unable to accept the fact that their lives were shaped by a terrifying and awesome design – more powerful and unstoppable than the Yankee Flyer. (What he said) 5) Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I read it in high school and it was the first time that I was presented with the idea that mercy is not always gentle, nor is it passive. 6) Believe it or not--the entire Harry Potter Series. I read a lot of books to my kids while they were growing up. This is the only series that I go back and reread on my own. You might say that Harry Potter and my boys grew up together. This makes Harry pretty darned important. 7) E. E. Cummings A Selection of Poems (Its been nearly 30 years and Ive still got that copy Jes Smith) Ive been a fan of Cummings work since high school. From Cummings I learned that you have to understand the rules before you can break them. And if youre going to break them--do it right. 8) How to be your dogs best friend by the Monks of New Skete. This book had a profound effect on how I thought about my dogs. Their methods might be outdated now, but their message remains true--it was about paying attention to and listening for what your dog needs. “Learning the value of silence is learning to listen to, instead of screaming at, reality” 9) William Eversons (aka Brother Antoninus) The Residual Years Ted Berryman recommended his work to me some years ago and I will always be grateful for the suggestion. 10) The Shining by Stephen King--the first time a book truly terrified me--and I liked it. It made such an impact on me that I went back and re-read it a few years ago because I wanted to know exactly how he did it. And dozens and dozens more (its not fair, theres not enough numbers between 1 and 10). Theres Stacey Roberts Trailer Trash with a Girls Name and Sarah Wilsons dog books (all of them), and Dennis Bryants Theodosia books, and Christopher Moores Lamb, , and, and, and, . . Okay. Im supposed to tag some friends. If Im not mistaken most of the people I would usually ask have already been tagged--one of them is Gary. So I guess Ill leave this open ended. If youre a reader and youre on my friends list--tag youre it. What literary works have made a lasting impact on your life?
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 03:44:07 +0000
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