verbena-19

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged to do this book meme by JJ at Unrepentant Old Hippie and Scout at Harper-Valley. So, here it goes:

A book that changed my life: "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", (I think the author was Richard Bach). It is about a seagull breaking free from the constraints of his flock, enabling him to soar above the clouds and find freedom. I don't remember the details now, but at the time, I found it uplifting and 'freeing'.

UPDATE: In the comments to this post, Bill Muskoka reminded me about the author of this memorable book. It was Richard Bach. How could I have forgotten? And as Bill added, this excellent writer also wrote "Illusions: The Adventures of A Reluctant Messiah"; "One"; "The Bridge Across Forever"; and others. (The one I recall reading among these was "The Bridge Across Forever", also a wonderful book.) Thanks, Bill!


A book I've read more than once: This is a difficult one, for I read many books more than once. I put them on my shelves and re-read them time and again. Hmmm... to find one, let's see... I guess perhaps the little book I pick up the most often would be "Earth Prayers, from Around the World [365 Prayers, Poems, and Invocations for Honouring the Earth]", edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon. It is a gem-filled little book that I read in my garden or while sipping tea or coffee at one of my favourite local outdoor spots. I also tend to carry it around with me to read while waiting in my doctor's or dentists office.

A book I'd want on a desert island: I guess that would have to be my John Steinbeck collection, including such paeans to the human spirit as "The Painted Pony", "The Winter of Our Discontent", "The Pearl", and others. Steinbeck is my favourite American writer. I'd also be tempted to take with me another tome, "Great Short Stories of the World", which include stories by some of the world's greatest writers: Gorky, Balzac, Dickens, Zola, Cervantes, Pushkin, Jokai, Kisfaludi, and others, representing all corners of the globe from the Americas to Europe, Persia, Iceland, the Balkans, and more. Yes, I'd likely take this book along as well. I never could travel light! :)

A book that made me laugh: "The World According to Garp", but I can't remember the author.

A book that made me cry: There were many, but perhaps the one that comes to my mind now is Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina".

**In these last two answers, I have to concur with JJ:

A book I wish had been written: "All Lies All The Time: The Truth About The Bush Administration" (Colin Powell)

A book I wish had never been written: the "Left Behind" series.

**Thanks, JJ!


Books I'm currently reading: "It's the Crude, Dude - War, Big Oil, and the Fight for the Planet", by Linda McQuaig. This is a fast-paced book and a real eye-opener. With her keen eye, grim wit, and down to earth style, Canadian journalist and best-selling author Linda McQuaig's perceptive inquiry into the world's energy systems strips away layers of deceit, racism, sordid manipulation violence and aggression. She tells about the ruthless rise of Big Oil and the wars being fought over control of the 'black gold' that made some obscenely rich and others desparately poor. To better understand today's global situation, this book is a must-read.

Books I've been meaning to read: "The End of Victory Culture", by Tom Engelhardt; "The End of Iraq", by Peter Galbraith; "All You Can Eat: Greed, Lust and the New Capitalism", by Linda McQuaig; "God Without Religion", by Sankara Saranam; and many more books that are on my list. (I am an eclectic reader, and interested in reading about a wide variety of topics.)


What turned me on to fiction: Folk tales and epic poetry I read as a little girl back in 'The Old Country'. I started reading at the age of 5 and never stopped. I will read anything, if there's nothing else available at the time. Like JJ, to me coffee break without reading=HELL. :) Thanks again, JJ!

Tag 5 others for this meme: Sorry guys, you know I'm only doing this because you strike me as interesting people!

1) Bill Muskoka Thoughts Shared

2) Q - North of Center

3) Austin - Wild Dog Road

4) Bazz - Oi! Thump!

5) The Gazetteer

posted by Annamarie at 3:37 PM