There's been a thing going around on Facebook, asking people about the ten books that stayed with you, just off the top of your head, no worrying about if they're cool enough. It's led to some very cool discussions and made me draw up a few serious TBR lists. Since this is the time of year there may be extra time to read, I thought I'd share mine.
I've written about the five books that changed my life, the five mysteries, etc, but to share in the fun, here's what came off the top of my head quickest. In alphabetical order, with a brief statement of what they meant to me:
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
My first major multi-re-read. Run off to the big city to start writing and have adventures? 'Nuff said.
Operation Chaos (Poul Anderson)
Not a perfect book, but I think it was the use of magic and lycanthropy in a “modern” setting that I loved. Possibly also my first werewolf!
The Past Through Tomorrow (Robert A. Heinlein)
My introduction to golden age SF, courtesy of the guy I stalked in the Stephen King section.
The Bone People (Keri Hulme)
OMG. The language is exquisite, the storytelling is fearless and brutal; I slowed down to make it last.
The Mystery at Shadow Ranch (Carolyn Keene)
My introduction to mystery; I was hooked. These days, I want to call it “Mystery at Canyon Ranch,” which is just another kind of wish fulfillment.
The Stand (Stephen King)
My introduction to Uncle Stevie. And a sentimental favorite: Who knew you could meet your own true love discussing “Captain Trips”?
Forerunner Foray (Andre Norton)
I stumbled on this in junior high and it just haunted me forever. It had the idea of investigating the past and a loneliness I loved.
Busman's Honeymoon (Dorothy L Sayers)
Every time I read this, I'm struck by the nuanced observation of class differences. I'm also struck by a love story in which both characters are determined to not lose themselves in the relationship.
Complete Works (William Shakespeare)
I think I read either "Hamlet" or "MacBeth" first, and was so amazed: these were people I could understand! I could understand the story even with all the fancy words! Fancy words are cool!
The Lord of the Rings (J.R.R.Tolkien)
My first brush with epic fantasy. Got me addicted to sword and sorcery, fantasy, and D&D.
The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton)
The only time I've ever stayed in a laundromat after my laundry was done. Wharton just sends me as a cultural observer.
Yes, that's eleven books (thirteen if you count LotR as three books), but I am unashamed of having cheated! How many did you recognize as books that stayed with you? What's on your list?
I've read four on your list, Little Women, Complete works of William Shakespeare and The Age of Innocence. The last two were read because I was an English major in college, but even though they were assigned, I enjoyed them and the writing itself. Little Women was one of the first "big" books I read when I was about 12. I've re-read it many times, bringing more to it when I was older and older and older . . . The fourth is The Mystery at Shadow Ranch. I've read the whole Nancy Drew series more than once. Memories.
Posted by: Joan | December 20, 2013 at 11:02 PM
Well..we connect on the Age of Innocence, that's also on my top ten. But not so much the others.
My other nine..
Small Changes by Marge Piercy
Something Happened by Joseph Heller
Easter Parade by Richard Yates
The World According to Garp by John Irving
The Razor's Edge by Somerset Maugham
The Golden Bowl by Henry James
The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen
At Play in the Fields of the Lord by Peter Mathiessen
This is today's list anyway..sometimes a Prayer for Owen Meany replaces garp..
Posted by: rosemary | December 21, 2013 at 05:39 AM
Little Women is a match. It was The Haunted Bridge that got me hooked on Nancy Drew, but close enough.
Posted by: Lynn E. | December 21, 2013 at 05:08 PM
I have not read the Bone People. But since Ive read everything else on your list, and loved them, I'll have to seek it out and read it.
Posted by: Kelly Saderholm | December 22, 2013 at 12:08 PM
Same here.
Posted by: Charlaine Harris | December 22, 2013 at 01:48 PM
The Stand and Age of Innocence. With you, absolutely! What a great list...xo
Posted by: Hank Phillippi Ryan | December 23, 2013 at 08:46 PM
Joan and Lynn: Any Drew will do! Rosemary and Hank--I stood on the bench and said "WHAT?" at the end of AGE OF INNOCENCE. It had me floored. Kelly and Charlaine, I hope you enjoy THE BONE PEOPLE. It's not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is magnificent.
Posted by: Dana Cameron | December 27, 2013 at 08:10 AM