Let’s talk about something that makes me happy, shall we? Get me into a conversation about books, and I can almost guarantee that I will forget whatever woes I had been dwelling on, at least for awhile. Here are some questions that I found going around the interwebs a long time ago, and have been meaning to answer:
The book that’s been on your shelf the longest…
Most of my childhood books are still at my parents’ house (I’ll have to get those back at some point), but I do have one: Heidi by Johanna Spyri. It was given to me in 1991, when I was 9 years old.
A book that reminds you of a specific person, place, or time…
My copy of Practicing His Presence by Brother Lawrence and Frank Laubach was given to me in college by my friend Amanda. She’s not a sentimental type, so when she told me that this book had meant a lot to her I knew it must be special. I read it, and it blew me away. Undoubtedly, it changed the way I relate to God. Then a couple of years later, when I was dealing with the worst kind of breakup you can imagine, I read it again. It was exactly what I needed.
A book you treasure the most…
For Christmas of 1995, my grandmother gave me two books: Jane Austen The Complete Novels and Charlotte and Emily Brontë The Complete Novels. She wrote inside:
To Kathleen–
I hope you enjoy these novels as much as I did.
B-Ma
Even though we lived with her for several years when I was in elementary school, and spent a lot of time with her until she died my freshman year of college, I can’t say that I ever really got to know her. She was a doctor, very particular, and I never would have pictured her getting lost in the mystery of the Brontë sisters or the romance of Austen. They are gorgeous books, and some of my favorite stories. But the inscription is what I treasure.
The newest book you’ve added to your shelves…
It’s actually what I’m reading now, The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. I got it from paperbackswap.com to read for the Rory Gilmore Book Club. I’ve been pretty good lately about not buying new books, and I’ve been getting all my book club books from the library.
Your current read, the last book you read, and what you’ll read next…
I just mentioned what I’m currently reading, and the last book I read was Labor Day by Joyce Maynard for book club. I’ll be reviewing it soon. As for what I read next, I’ve decided that I want YOUR input. Vote below and I promise it will be my next book to read other than those for book club, which have to be finished by a deadline.
From Her:
I loved The Heretic’s Daughter. It was haunting and horrifying, and I can barely stand to think that those things happened just a few miles away from where I am right this second. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks.
From kapachino:
The author of The Heretic’s Daughter, Kathleen Kent, is the sister of a good friend of mine from church. So glad you liked it!
From Scott:
Wind-Up Bird Chronicle! I know I’ve mentioned this before, but it was one of the few books I finished and was tempted to start reading it again immediately.
From kapachino:
I knew you liked it, but I don’t remember you saying that! Quite a recommendation. Since it’s your copy that I have, I should probably read it sooner rather than later…
From Scott:
No rush, as long as you get to it eventually and I have someone to discuss the book with I’ll be happy!
From Lauren:
There are a few books from high school I hated that I want to read over again. I did that with Great Expectations (it was a college assignment) and I LOVED it. But Moby Dick is a book I don’t want to TOUCH again. Much hate for it.
From Stephany:
I’m really intrigued to read Practicing His Presence since it touched you so much. Definitely adding it to my “to-read” books.
I chose Emma, just because I’m reading through all of Jane Austen’s books right now and thought it was appropriate. :)
From Bill:
I read The Heretic’s Daughter because it was written by Kim’s sister. It is fantastic and knowing you it will be a book you’ll recommend to all your readers. Try it.
From Erin:
Ohhh, I love this. I just adore hearing about books that other people love!
From Nora:
I’m still working on the Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. It is good, but it takes time to get into/get through. I’d recommend it. Confession: I’ve never read Emma. Or any other Jane Austen novel for that matter.