Book Challenge Day 10: The first novel I remember reading

I was given a beautiful copy of this book for my 7th birthday, I still have it, and it was the first "big" book that I read without my Mom. It is a beautiful story. I read it over and over again and have revisited it every few years.

Book Challenge Day 9: A book I have read more than once

I struggled with this prompt. At first glance it seemed pretty inane, but Justin pointed out that I read books like other people watch movies, and that helped focus me. I read most books more than once. There are a variety of reasons I do this, rereading is a good habit, I teach the same books from year to year, or I know that as I age classic stories teach me different things. However, the books I read over and over again until I know them by heart are my friends. I know these books. They represent a moment or a memory. I love the characters, or the setting. These are the books I pick up when I am stressed out, tired, sad or anxious. They are embedded in the fabric of who I am. Here are the books I would consider to be my best friends:

Anne Shirley is a good friend of mine, and I love all of her books. This particular part of the series is my all time favorite, because she realizes all of her dreams and after a long "Jonah Night" she finally admits that Gilbert is her true love. When I have a "Jonah Night" day or week, this book makes it better. In the end Anne and I will both be fine.

I am a mystery buff, and the little Belgium has always been one of my favorites. When he is using his "little gray cells" to solve a murder that appears unsolvable, I am swept away. Whether reading, watching or listening to these classic mysteries, I am a happy camper.

Jamie, Claire, history, time travel and sweeping romance, what more could a girl ask for? I love this whole series. It just makes me happy.

Steinbeck traveled an America that is almost impossible find today. I love road trips. I choose driving over flying anytime. There is something very special about driving across this country and experiencing just how different we are. Steinbeck did it before there was a huge interstate highway system. There is no author whose voice appeals to me more than his. When I feel a bit of wanderlust and am unable to go anywhere, I am happy to climb into Rocinante and go with Steinbeck and Charley.

One of my favorite myths and my favorite author. It really doesn't get much better than this.

Justin is currently reading all the books to Harrison and I. Rowling created a world comparable to Narnia and I am happy to delve into it. It never gets old.

A modern Agatha Christieesque mystery series set between WWI and WWII. Maisie is a fascinating character who keeps me guessing. I love the time period that she lives in and how her experiences as a nurse in WWI effect her ability to connect to others.

Justin gave me this series for Christmas two years ago and I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. I love them. Longmire is a Wyoming Sheriff who has flashbacks from Vietnam. Johnson style is Steinbeckesque, I can truly see remote part of northern Wyoming that the series is set. I can't put these down.

There are so many more choices I could make. As I am writing this blog, more and more books are rushing to my mind. I may have to revisit this post again later.....

Book Challenge Day 8: A book that is unpopular

Today is supposed to be about a book that is unpopular and should be a best seller, but I am bending the rules a bit. This book was very popular with women of my generation. I love it. Meg is not perfect, and the situation she is placed in is strange, but the adventure she goes on is marvelous. This book made 11 year old me, more open to sci fi and fantasy.  Every year I suggest this book to a girl who is sitting in class and reading about vampires, or witches, or werewolves, and every year they go get it from the library and hate it. I don't know why. Maybe it it too 80's? I think it is wonderful and I am so sad that none of students have ever liked it.

Book Challenge Day 7: A book that is hard to read

Wiesel's autobiographical description of the inhuman treatment he and the Auschwitz's prisoners undergo is always difficult to read. I have read and taught this book several times, but it still has moments that horrify  me. This novel retains it's power, because it simplistically describes the realities of the  world's largest concentration camp and the genocidal depravity that was fostered and celebrated in the Nazi regime. Wiesel shows his readers the ugliest side of humanity. The side of us we pray goes away and doesn't return, Reading this books requires paying attention to the plight of others, no matter how uncomfortable that may make us.

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives are endangered, when human dignity is in jeopardy, national borders and sensitivities become irrelevant. Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.” 
― Elie Wiesel

Book Challenge Day 6: A book that makes you cry

Alcott's novel about life on the Civil War home front, is a moving piece of literature. Jo is one of my all time favorite characters, and they dynamic of her family is precious. This book makes my cry for two reasons 1. Beth, I won't ruin it, but man it gets me every time 2. Amy and Lori coming home. When I was younger, I was always angry at Alcott for not giving Jo the romantic ending that I longed for, but as I get older, I appreciate the end and the message it shares with young girls.

Book Challenge Day 5: A non-fiction book you actually enjoyed

I would like to say that I resent the prompt for today. There are so many nonfiction books that I have enjoyed that this may be the hardest day of all.

1. As a huge mystery buff and a history junkie, this book hit my ultimate sweet spot. Larson weaves the tale of  America's first documented serial killer with the background of the Chicago World's Fair. His narrative is so well written that it is difficult to remember that this is a nonfiction book.  I love it.

2. This book changed the way that Justin and I looked at food and the food industry. It was one of the books that you can't forget about. It led to a change in our diet and a healthier life. I think everyone should read it.

Book Challenge Day 2: A book that reminds you of home.

Thinking of a book that reminds you of home is difficult because I had to define what home meant. To me, home means safety, comfort, and love. This book brings that back to me every time I read it. When I was little, I would sit on my Grandpa's lap and he would read this book to me. For a girl who had no Dad, I was blessed to have one of the most loving, supportive, and outstanding Grandfathers that anyone could wish for.  For me, this book represents a legacy. This is a story that was read to me before my naps, and I would fall asleep dreaming of fawns, lions, and grand adventures. I have noticed that whenever I read it, I instantly feel calmer. In my mind, I can still hear my Grandpa's voice describing Lucy, Peter, Edmund, and Susan's adventures in Narnia.

This book reminds me of home, because it connects me to a man who represents the foundation for a lot of the good things in my life. I can't wait to for my son to be old enough for us to be able to read it together. It will be my opportunity to not only pass on a wonderful story, but to be able to share with him stories of the man who's name will be his middle name.  Narnia will always have a special place in our home.