My Top 10 Books
I'll be the first to admit I have a bit of a book problem. We have boxes and boxes of books still in storage, and despite the effort and expense of lugging them around I still love every one. My devotion to them has become a bit of a sore spot, as we've made an conscious attempt to minimize our clutter since moving from California. I've promised to stop buying books and use the library more, but there's still the question of what to do when birthdays and holidays roll around again..
While our collection clearly demonstrates I like new reads, I also find myself returning to the same books over and over again. Obsessively. Maybe it's a desire to recapture the feeling of when that great book changed your life: it only happens so often, and it's certainly an addicting feeling. I've often wished I could forget a book and re-experience some of those amazing scenes "for the first time" again: I guess it's also a sign of powerful writing that makes you think the outcome might change every time you read it.
Here are some of those books I just can't put down: I'm probably forgetting a bunch. I'd be curious to hear what yours are, if you'd like to post a comment!
The Lord of the Rings
Let's just get this out of the way first, since most of you probably don't need to be reminded of my fanaticism: I have my mom's leather-bound edition of The Hobbit, re-read the trilogy every year or so, and carry a copy of The Silmarillion around in my car in case I get stuck somewhere (like a tire shop) without a book. I was a member of the fan-club back in the '80s before they shut down, carry my Tolkien Society membership card in my wallet and have both 'Gandalf For President' and 'Frodo Lives' bumper stickers (not on the cars though, they'd get ruined!) Thankfully my wife supports my nerdliness by helping me celebrate The Birthdays every year, and read the trilogy herself before our wedding (not on my demand, however!) She also replaced my wedding band with a ring from Jens Hansen (the jeweler who made them for the films) in Nelson, New Zealand.
Dune
I'm constantly amazed at how relevant this book still seems, especially in the context of all the news from the Middle East: every time I see General Petraeus mentioned I inevitably think of Duke Atreides. From genetics to religious subterfuge to bans on thinking machines, calling the book "prophetic" just doesn't cover it. It's on my nightstand right now, in fact - time for a re-read!
Sandman
Neil Gaiman's Sandman series of graphic novels is easily the most spell-binding graphic novel I've ever read, and as a literary achievement (in my view, at least) belongs on any list of great books. It has a bit of a slow start and doesn't quite grab you until the fourth book, but the rewards of sticking it out are mind-boggling. Right Matt?
The Dark Knight Returns
On the subject of fantastic graphic novels, Frank Miller's Dark Knight is also at the top of my list. Chapter after chapter it's full of some of the most iconic, influential scenes anywhere. The scope of what occurs in the book and the development of a character you thought had all but played out, along with the emotional range and trajectory of it all, is amazing.
Foundation
The most subtle science fiction out going, what's amazing is what doesn't happen in the book. In hindsight you feel like you experienced it all directly, but it's mostly told after-the-fact. An embodiment of ideas that's rarely matched, I definitely need a re-read. I had a MERP character inspired by The Mule, I think that pretty much says it all.
The Gunslinger
I liked the Dark Tower sequels less than the original in this series, and the final books even less: the additional characters just clouded the story for me. I did enjoy Wizard and Glass, but it's not making my top ten. My favorite moments: Roland's fight with Cort, and his meeting with The Man in Black. Fear in a handful of dust!
Into Thin Air
I remember reading this book over a weekend, lending it to a friend on Monday and within two weeks it had been passed around and read by five others. It's truly one of the most gripping non-fiction stories I've ever read, and one of my favorite books to lend. Following a reading with a viewing of Touching The Void is a nice one-two high altitude punch.
Travels
I love pretty much anything by Crichton, but this is definitely my favorite. An inspirational autobiographical read with a lot of depth, this guy has done a lot with his life.
My Side of the Mountain
I have a lot of favorite children's books, and most of them are series (The Great Brain, Encyclopedia Brown, Hardy Boys), but this solo one is at the top of the list. I think at some point every kid wishes they could run off and live in a tree (at least how it's portrayed here, I'm sure the reality would be much more grisly).
The Silmarillion
Like I said I'm sure there are bunch I'm forgetting (as our boxes in storage will readily agree), but to finish where we started let's talk about The Silmarillion. Epic battles with multiple Balrogs and dragons? Fuggedaboutit.
#11 Some favorites I forgot to mention: the Little Britches series, the Little House series (as an adult and parent I found these to be pretty terrifying, not just the exciting adventures I enjoyed as a kid), the Vampire Chronicles (at least the first two), Trumpet of the Swan (this inspired me to pick the trumpet in sixth grade band), the Winnie the Pooh series, the Shannara series (the Reaper and Changeling scared the crap outta me as a kid), and that's all I can think of for now.
My top two are also The trilogy and Dune. My third could be a toss up between Kerouac; On The Road and Casteneda; A Separate Reality as far as life changing. I am an old hippie.
I can't think of 10 but here are a couple that have impacted me for various reasons.
Stephen King and Peter Straubs The Talisman. I think this is the first book I remember making me cry. The character development was so emotional and I really felt like one of the characters was a companion to me. I should re-read it. Unlike my husband, I am not much for multiple reads.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. As a child I always loved spring and the smell of dirt and things growing. I also loved escaping from whatever was going on in my life via books. This was like my dream come true. I lost the sense of spring while living in CA but now that I am back in the draggings on of winter, I ache for spring. It's been such a pleasure to see my girls enjoying the warm sun outside after being cooped up because of cold weather.