A Real Page Turner..
“You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ~ Paul Sweeney
I love to read. Not just like to read. And I'm not just a "reader." I think I might take "avid reader" to a new level. You could probably find 3-5 books on my nightstand at any given moment. (Until I get a Nook or a Kindle anyway..) And I am probably reading some of them at the same time.
Reading isn't just an escape for me. It's something I am compelled to do. And I am blessed to have some really good friends who love to read as much as I do. We are always on the hunt for our next read. (Feel free to offer any book you are reading on the post. I always love suggestions!) It's one of the first things my friends and I talk about: "What are you reading?" or "Any good books?"
I know. But I warned you. I LOVE to read!
Here's the thing: I come from a family of readers. My grandparents both read all the time. Neither one graduated from high school or went to college, but they were both extrememly avid readers. I remember going to the library with my grandma ALL the time. In fact, if I close my eyes, I can put myself right back there. I can almost see her at the counter with Louis L'Amour books for grandpa.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving - Thanks to my friend Laura Reynolds, I read this one. And I fell in LOVE. Such a great book - and such a great story. I highly suggest you wading through Irving's looooonngggg descriptions and read it.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - Randi and I read this one last year and both LOVED it. I'm ready for more by this author because it was such a great story.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - Ok. This is just a fabulous book. I even got my 23-year-old son to read it! (And he did NOT get the reading gene. He'll tell you that he doesn't like to read. Must be more kin to his dad on this one...) I just love the way they make the circus life so real. I think I pictured scenes from HBO's Carnivale while reading it. Anyway- loved it! I really can't remember who told me to read it, but I'm so glad I did!
Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Bronte - Having an English degree, I was fortunate to dissect many of the older literature. This was one of those that I just loved. I've watched virtually every single movie version of it too. Ahhh...Heathcliff.....
Ok. That's enough for one blog, right?
If you use "Goodreads" to keep up with your books, look me up! :) And PS. Nook or Kindle??? I can't decide!!
I love to read. Not just like to read. And I'm not just a "reader." I think I might take "avid reader" to a new level. You could probably find 3-5 books on my nightstand at any given moment. (Until I get a Nook or a Kindle anyway..) And I am probably reading some of them at the same time.
Reading isn't just an escape for me. It's something I am compelled to do. And I am blessed to have some really good friends who love to read as much as I do. We are always on the hunt for our next read. (Feel free to offer any book you are reading on the post. I always love suggestions!) It's one of the first things my friends and I talk about: "What are you reading?" or "Any good books?"
I know. But I warned you. I LOVE to read!
Here's the thing: I come from a family of readers. My grandparents both read all the time. Neither one graduated from high school or went to college, but they were both extrememly avid readers. I remember going to the library with my grandma ALL the time. In fact, if I close my eyes, I can put myself right back there. I can almost see her at the counter with Louis L'Amour books for grandpa.
My aunt Theresa also reads a ton. I remember going to the library with HER too. She always had a book - and probably still does. Both of my parents like to read. (Mom isn't quite as devoted to it as some of us, but she definitely has one going most of the time.)
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| A good reader is always prepared... Sadie on a hike with her daddy. Stopping to read "Walter the Farting Dog" on a break! |
And I think I passed the "reading gene" onto Sadie. She always has a book on her nightstand too! (Love that!) Gracey loves a good book, but doesn't really like to read. She'd rather have someone read to her!
Kerry might argue that my kind of reading is a mental disease. Ha ha! He just can't understand how I can keep so many books going - and why on earth anyone would want to read so much. It's the one thing I could never give up. I read every night before I go to bed. If I don't have a book, I just feel lost!
So....I thought I'd share some of my favorite reads and how I came to read them. If you would like to share yours too, please do!
Mister God, This is Anna by Fynn - My middle school librarian Mrs. McGilvary is the one who pointed me in the direction of this book. I remember going to that little library at Stanton Junior High and browsing around. I loved the dark wood and the tall shelves. It was definitely a cozy library..
Beloved Benjamin is Waiting by Jean Karl - This was one of the hundreds of books I tore through in grade school, and for some reason stuck with me. I need to re-read it and see what exactly enthralled me back then. I just have always thought of it as one of my favorite books.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving - Thanks to my friend Laura Reynolds, I read this one. And I fell in LOVE. Such a great book - and such a great story. I highly suggest you wading through Irving's looooonngggg descriptions and read it.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield - Randi and I read this one last year and both LOVED it. I'm ready for more by this author because it was such a great story.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - Ok. This is just a fabulous book. I even got my 23-year-old son to read it! (And he did NOT get the reading gene. He'll tell you that he doesn't like to read. Must be more kin to his dad on this one...) I just love the way they make the circus life so real. I think I pictured scenes from HBO's Carnivale while reading it. Anyway- loved it! I really can't remember who told me to read it, but I'm so glad I did!
Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Bronte - Having an English degree, I was fortunate to dissect many of the older literature. This was one of those that I just loved. I've watched virtually every single movie version of it too. Ahhh...Heathcliff.....
Ok. That's enough for one blog, right?
If you use "Goodreads" to keep up with your books, look me up! :) And PS. Nook or Kindle??? I can't decide!!
I just lost my comment TWICE! I'm getting quite frustrated with my crazy big fingers. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI'm writing the first two down for my 12 year old daughter. She LOVES to read and I'm always looking for good books for her to read.
I LOVED the The Thirteenth Tale. What a twist! Ahh....
I have a confession: I have not read much in the past 18 months since getting my iPhone. Darn little thing is too distracting. I play games, check FB, email and Google all the time. I really should put it away and pick up one of the four books on my nightstand! I've started two but haven't finished them.
One of my all time favorite books that I've read THREE times is Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. Have you read it? If not, you must! You'll love it.
A Christian fiction series that I loved is by Nancy Moser. She has several series that are separate but you'll find some of the same characters carry over. It's cool!
There's another series, that I can't think of at the moment that I really enjoyed. I think the last name of the author is Kraus. I'll do some looking on my Shelfari page and get back to you.
I read a WIDE variety of things.