YABTP - Yet Another Book Thingy Post

I've written about my passion for reading before so I won't go into that again, but I just read a really great post from Gregg over at Ton-Fifty-ONE that I thought I would share here.

It's a meme but since he didn't actually officially tag me for it by name, it's ok. I also figured that since I took the time to think about how I would answer the questions, I might as well turn it into a post - lord knows I can use all the help I can get to come up with topics.

I think you can tell a lot about a person by looking at the books they read or the music that they listen to. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn a bit about Gregg, I hope you find my responses interesting as well.

1. One book that changed your life: Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

I think this is one of the first books that made me realize just how powerful the written word can be, and that some things are classics for a reason. It opened the door to a whole new world of books that I may not have ever looked at. Plus, it just scared the hell out of me.

2. One book that you have read more than once: The Catcher In The Rye, J.D. Salinger

I'll echo Gregg's words here:

If you don't know Holden Caulfield, you really should. Seriously...go. Buy it, rent it, steal it. Get to know Holden.

I can't even begin to count how many times I have read this book, or how many copies of it I have owned over the years. It freaks me out that Mark David Chapman was found with a copy after shooting Lennon, but it hasn't ruined it.

3. One book you would want on a desert island: Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand

I have no problem with the philosophy, the concept of objectivism is fascinating really. I have no problem with reading something that is challenging to me, but I don't find this good literature - it's just a couple of hours of my life that I'll never get back. Having a copy on the island means keeping it out of the hands of someone else so they don't waste their time - and I figure at the very least I could burn it to keep warm.

4. Two books that made you laugh:

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, by Christopher Moore

I was in stitches, a brilliant telling of the early life of Jesus. On the surface it may seem like sacrilege to some but for me I found it really thought provoking when I pondered what was really being said. One of my favorite books.

The Lazlo Letters: The Amazing, Real-life, Actual Correspondence of Lazlo Toth, American!, by Don Novello

I stumbled across this in a used book store many years ago. Don Novello of Father Guido Sarducci fame presents a fascinating and hilarious collection of letters to public figures and their equally odd responses. As Lazlo Toth, American, Novello is spot on in his letters to Nixon, Ford, Mr. Bubble and more. A great read.

5. One book that made you cry: Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck

Don't remember for sure if I cried but I probably did, and probably would again. Probably the most startlingly moving book I've ever read.

6. One book you wish you'd written: Where the Sidewalk Ends, Shel Silverstein

Quite possibly the world's most perfect book.

If you are a dreamer, come in.
If you are a dreamer, a wisher, a liar,
A hope-er, a pray-er, a magic bean buyer . . .
If you're a pretender, come sit by my fire,
For we have some flax golden tales to spin.
Come in!
Come in!

7. One book you wish had never been written:

I really couldn't think of anything for this. I might not like everything that is written, but anything that is compelling enough for someone to take the time to read is worth it's own existence.

8. Two books you are currently reading:

In my backpack currently are A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole and On a Pale Horse, by Piers Anthony

9. One book you've been meaning to read: In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote

I am not sure why I haven't read this yet, it's almost a bit embarrassing to admit really.

So there you have it - feel free to do this on your own blog or share your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks Gregg

Cheers!
SB