Just Another Writer

A few weeks ago, after learning that for some reason, readership drops on weekends, I instituted a plan:  ANY reader could make a suggestion for a weekend post.  You want to know something about me – or somebody else?  You want to ask my opinion on a particular topic?  You want to give me a fictional scenario to complete, no problem.  There were few rules to follow – and I try to remind my readers at least once a week that the “Weekend Reader’s Choice Blog” is continual.  Just leave a comment in the “Comments Section” (duh) and tell me that it’s a Reader’s Choice Blog suggestion.

Today’s “Reader’s Choice” blog belongs to VICTORIA, who presented a few GREAT suggestions.  The first amongst them was:  what are your 10 favorite books?  Now, Victoria has clearly never been in my house and seen the volume of FULL bookshelves.  I believe that if the Public Library needs an extra copy of something, they just call me…because I am a VORACIOUS reader.  Asking me my 10 favorite books must be like asking the grandparent of 30 to pick their favorite grandchild!

So I started to make my list, and as I got down to around 50, I was quite proud of myself.  Twenty-five, and I was already hurting some books’ feelings.  But, for Victoria, loyal reader (and NOT at this moment my FAVORITE!  lol J) I did it!  Was it painful?  Oh, dear Lord, yes!  Was I shortchanging some that should be there?  OF COURSE!  But, the limit was 10.  And before I start, I don’t want to hear about Shakespeare, Thoreau, non-fiction lovers, or anyone else!  And for those who wonder why The Bible isn’t there, be careful what you wish for, because later in the week is my second CONTEST devoted to the Bible.  The list contains two #1’s, which I put alphabetically, by author.  Both are brilliance on paper.

And away we go:

1.   To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
Yes, I’ve read all of the controversy, but this book WAS written by Harper Lee, who never published again.  Truman Capote did NOT write this book.  If you’ve ever read anything by Capote, you know that he’s NOT a great author, and his character development is lacking.  Further, this book was written by a woman, not a would-be woman (and yes, I can explain why in another blog.)  Though reading is a matter of taste, if you have read this book, and didn’t like it, AND you believe in hell, make sure that you have earmuffs ready on your deathbed, as you clearly have no soul.

1.  The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck.  Journalist-turned author Steinbeck used the English language like a musical instrument.  Though he wrote books both long and short, he NEVER wasted a word.  Every “Ahem” was necessary to either character or plot - or it didn’t exist on the page.  TGOW conveys a time in American History that plenty have written about. But it is also a story of family and community.  It is a story of hardship and the small joys of living.  If you have read this book and did NOT weep at the last 50 words, I question your cardiovascular system’s ability to keep you alive.  Male or female, you MUST have no heart.  (Don’t bother cheating – unless you’ve read the book, the last 50 words will make little sense to you.)

3.  The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thornton Wilder.  What is the connection between some seemingly-unknown (to each other) people who die when a bridge collapses?  Is this Fate?  Is this coincidence?  Or is this really a matter of Faith?  An elegant novella that will stay with you – and beg to be re-read.

4.  Being There, by Jerzy Kosinsky.  “Chauncey Gardiner,” a simple man, is way too complicated in his thinking for brilliant, wealthy American Society.  You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you will cheer this man on as he “learns” who he is, and how coincidence has put him into a situation which is truly untenable for both himself, and his adoring fans.  A true original.

5.  The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding.  Another timeless novel, this story is not just a study in contrasts, it is a living nightmare of fear, power, corruption and chaos.

6.  Needful Things, By Stephen King.  Oh, stop rolling your eyeballs…this is MY list.  I live with a man who LOVES to play harmless practical jokes, so when I read this it REALLY resonated.  If you could give up every pain or vice in your life by playing just one harmless practical joke, would you do it?  Don’t answer until you read Stephen King’s interpretation of what becomes of society when people make just such a decision.  The REAL “be careful what you wish for” book.

7.  Waiting for Godot, by Samuel Beckett.  An “odd” choice for the list, as it is a play, if you want me to tell you what this is about in the grand scheme of things, you’ll be waiting a LONG time.  Get used to it with WFG…

8.  Homage to Catalonia, by George Orwell.  Not Animal Farm, nor 1984.  If you want to read Orwell’s best – but most overlooked - book, read this one, which tells of his experiences while fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

9.  Presumed Innocent, by Scott Turow.  When lawyers stopped making enough money, and decided to write instead, I have no idea.  But this novel is a taut read, from beginning to end.  Who are the small characters?  Who are the big characters?  It doesn’t matter in this elegant novel, where EVERYTHING matters.  As a mystery lover, I believe that this is the first mystery I ever read where the answer to “whodunit” TRULY shocked me.  I still can’t believe it – but it works.

Victoria, thank you for making me do this (I think).  Perhaps you’d like to come over and go through the “Imelda shoe collection” in my closet next?  J