As a famously wordy writer (famous in my own mind, anyway), I thought I would try creating a few lists of just 5 things. I can only talk about 5 things and hopefully you will contribute too. I love sharing my opinions but I love reading yours too.
So remember those things called books? I’m not a Kindle user and I don’t covet the nook. I still like to feel a book in my hands. Same goes for magazines. I mean, if you have a Kindle, how can you flip to the end to see what’s going to happen? Or how can you tell how many pages until the next chapter? Or do you really feel a sense of accomplishment when you’re finished?
For today, I’m giving you a list of 5 books to read right now.
These are books that I have read and loved. Or books that I just bought. Or books that are sitting on my nightstand collecting dust in hopes that I will read them.
1. The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
I read it before Oprah thought it was cool. My aunt-in-law, who I love to death, told me this was one book she could not put down. And it was the one book that got her non-reader daughter-in-law to become a reader. The premise? A fictional story set in the Middle Ages about building a cathedral.
Um, okay. Yeah. Sounds fascinating. Trust me. IT IS. I could not put it down and missed it when I was finished reading. Don’t worry, though, there is a sequel that is just as good.
2. The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss
I just read the first few pages of this one but have heard good things. I mean, what’s not to like about that premise? Plus I recently started exploring his blog and just think he’s a cool cat.
3. Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer, of Into Thin Air fame, is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. What is so compelling about this book is that it weave true crime drama with a history lesson about the evolution of the Mormon faith. And if you are totally fascinated by the FLDS, you will really dig a look at this book.
4. No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs
I don’t know what started my fascination with mountaineering and arctic exploration but I’m fascinated by any story involving snow, ice, and danger. This autobiography fits the bill.
Ed was the first person to climb all 14 mountains that exceeded 8000m. But what I love about this book is the real life story of how man meets his ego. My favorite quote from the book “Reaching the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory.” He is truly a hero.
5. Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris
Okay, I cheated on this one. I didn’t actually read the book. I downloaded the audiobook from Audible.com. But I highly recommend doing the same. Hearing the totally hilarious personal essays read by the author himself really help you get his deadpan humor. “This is for my home…well…one of my homes.”
If you are offended easily, this isn’t for you. If you live in a PC world, this isn’t for you. If you like this book, then we’re going to get along just fine.
So what’s on your nightstand these days? Share your 5 books to read right now!
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8 comments
Here are a few of my favorite books. Anam Cara – A book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue. I just like the message of the book. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I think the military programed me to like this book! 1984 by George Orwell. I can go on and on about that one. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.
Here are a few of my favorite books. Anam Cara – A book of Celtic Wisdom by John O’Donohue. I just like the message of the book. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I think the military programed me to like this book! 1984 by George Orwell. I can go on and on about that one. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.
Tough request. Reading is one of my favorite activities. It got me through a very awkward adolescence (with a name like Fadra life is destined to be somewhat complicated but never dull).
My top 5 as winter 2010 comes to a blustery close:
1. Geek Love-Katherine Dunn (Fiction)
2. Daughters of Copper Woman-Anne Cameron
3. The User Illusion-Tor Norretranders (non fiction)
4. Wise Woman Herbal for the Child Bearing Year-Susun S. Weed
5. A People’s History of the United States-Howard Zinn
For pure pleasure reads I have never been disappointed in Barbara Kingsolver or Louise Erdrich. David Sedaris is an inspirational comic as is his wonderful sister Amy. My list fluctuates to include a huge list of greats but will do for today.
Tough request. Reading is one of my favorite activities. It got me through a very awkward adolescence (with a name like Fadra life is destined to be somewhat complicated but never dull).
My top 5 as winter 2010 comes to a blustery close:
1. Geek Love-Katherine Dunn (Fiction)
2. Daughters of Copper Woman-Anne Cameron
3. The User Illusion-Tor Norretranders (non fiction)
4. Wise Woman Herbal for the Child Bearing Year-Susun S. Weed
5. A People’s History of the United States-Howard Zinn
For pure pleasure reads I have never been disappointed in Barbara Kingsolver or Louise Erdrich. David Sedaris is an inspirational comic as is his wonderful sister Amy. My list fluctuates to include a huge list of greats but will do for today.
Hi Fadra:
I agree about the Kindle. . .I have one and never use it. I too like to flip to the end and see how many pages I have left!
I am reading Spiritual Liberation by Michael Bernard Beckwith – Love it.
I just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – ending was GREAT.
Pillars of the Earth – took me 2 years to read, but loved it.
The Lovely Bones – read a million years ago and LOVED
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons – loved that
Running with Scissors – LOVED LOVED
There are too many to name, but that’s a few. . .
Hi Fadra:
I agree about the Kindle. . .I have one and never use it. I too like to flip to the end and see how many pages I have left!
I am reading Spiritual Liberation by Michael Bernard Beckwith – Love it.
I just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan – ending was GREAT.
Pillars of the Earth – took me 2 years to read, but loved it.
The Lovely Bones – read a million years ago and LOVED
Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons – loved that
Running with Scissors – LOVED LOVED
There are too many to name, but that’s a few. . .
Hmmm – forgive me while I can’t quite figure out threaded comments.
Sean – it’s nice to see you read something other than motorcycle magazines 😉
Fadra – I expected some unusual titles from you. You didn’t disappoint (especially with an oddball name like Fadra). I read one Barbara Kingsolver book and it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Ro – I know you are a big reader. I will check out the site you sent me. Glad to hear someone loved The Lovely Bones. I’ve been wanting to read it but heard it was too depressing.
Hmmm – forgive me while I can’t quite figure out threaded comments.
Sean – it’s nice to see you read something other than motorcycle magazines 😉
Fadra – I expected some unusual titles from you. You didn’t disappoint (especially with an oddball name like Fadra). I read one Barbara Kingsolver book and it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Ro – I know you are a big reader. I will check out the site you sent me. Glad to hear someone loved The Lovely Bones. I’ve been wanting to read it but heard it was too depressing.