Historical February–March 2016 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
“What’s your favorite book?” That’s the question I posed to a hunk of neighbors and friends, and the answers were fascinating.
I received lots and lots of responses – more, even, than when I asked people to submit the dumbest idea of President George W. Bush.
In fact, there were so many responses that both this and my next column will be devoted to them.
There were lots of surprises.
First, most folks chose fiction books, and that’s not a forest in which I often venture. Second, most of these titles were new to me and quite a few were older books (older than me, even!).
I used to think that I was well-read. Oh well. Third, lots of folks had difficulty picking just one book. Grab your glass of wine or cup of hot chocolate, library card, and find a comfy chair, ‘cause here’s part one of the loquacious linguistic litany.
To Kill A Mocking Bird is picked by three people. David explains: “It is a story that is so poignant that takes place in the 30’s but yet is able to stand the test of time” Jim says, “Atticus Finch has always been a personal hero of mine.” Kristi agrees, noting “There are few weeks I don’t stop and think about lessons learned from that book. Atticus continually reminds me it is always the right time to do right.” (No one selected the sequel, Go Set A Watchman.
I wonder why.) A Prayer for Owen Meany by Irving is Andy’s choice, whereas Peter cites Stegner’s Angle of Repose, “both for the writing and the imagery evoked by the title!” Bahram chooses The Trial by Kafka.
He says “it depicts the pressures of the modern world on man. Man can be blamed or put on trial unjustly and for no reason, and no one listens without prejudice.
The sad thing is that ‘innocence’ is put on trial.” Candace’s choice is Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
She explains: “Elizabeth Bennet is the perfect heroine: lovely, kind, smart, quick-witted— but also self-possessed and even peppery. Elizabeth has to deal with relatives who are constantly embarrassing her – and don’t we all identify with that?” Hmmm, Candace must know my family!
The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Doyle, was chosen twice. Clark says, “Doyle’s prose is elegant.
It is difficult to read any page and identify an unnecessary word.” Bob notes, “Whenever I’m sick in bed, this book helps me get well.” That’s high praise, although I’d argue for drinking lots of OJ so you don’t get sick in the first place.
Another classic, Bronte’s Jane Eyre is selected by Cindy.
She explains, “I love it because of the beautiful way it is written and the fact that Jane is a strong and independent woman during a time when it would have been most difficult to be so.” Not a classic but not new, Jon selects Specimen Days written in 1882 by Whitman. “He talks about his life, what he’s thought about and encountered,” Jon says, “including volunteering to help injured soldiers in civil war hospitals and observing Abraham Lincoln in the streets.” A current best-seller, Doerr’s All The Light We Cannot See, is chosen by both Carla and Jesse.
He says, “Following the distinct lives of two children on the backdrop of WWII- one from France and the other from Germany.
The story is compelling, as is the narrative structure that weaves their lives together metaphorically and, for a brief time, literally. And the prose is magical.” Cardina also identifies a current book, Gladwell’s The Outliers. Dennis picks The Pillars of the Earth by Follett, saying, “I love the overarching story of the birth of Gothic Architecture in England and the Church’s role, overlaid with human stories of love, power, ambition, betrayal. Also, it’s trashy in a good way…” (Is there a bad way???) Susie selects Red Sails to Capri by Weil, a children’s historical novel that tells the story of the rediscovery of Capri’s Blue Grotto in 1826. Stephanie chooses Hinton’s The Outsiders, a book on teenage in-groups and outgroups.
Another Jim chooses The Art of Possibility.
It “combines Benjamin Zander’s experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and his talent as a teacher and communicator with psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander’s genius for designing innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment.” No, I definitely hadn’t heard of this one.
In fact, just reading these comments stretches my brain so I’m going to take a nap now. More next month!
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, February–March 2016.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2016_02.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
