I am a book nut. A complete addict. A total book freak. When I'm reading a good book, nothing else around me seems to exist. If it's a bad book (poorly written), I get as mad as if I'd just found a fly in my soup. Either way, books aren't just a passive pastime for me; they're like food and water. A bit melodramatic? Maybe. But there are worse obsessions, right?
Some books suck me in to the setting - time, place, customs, accents. I am usually relieved to finish these books because it takes me a few days before I can bring myself back to 21st century Washington. (i.e. The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough)
Some books I have to read over and over, because I love the story or characters so much that I start to miss them. (i.e. Magnificent Obsession by Lloyd C. Douglas)
Some books I throw on the ground after reading and swear, "What was that stupid author thinking!? I would never have written it that way!" It makes me really mad when I devote my time to reading a book, then the author goes and ruins it at the end. (i.e. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer)
But some books leave my mind spinning. It feels as if the author wrote it specifically for me. I can't bear for the book to end; I want the pages to go on and on. Certain quotes from the book stick in my mind like a catchy song. I replay scenes over and over in my mind, sometimes perplexed at the message, sometimes inspired at how it applies to my life. These books are rare. They are the ones that I have to buy - not because I want to reread them, but because just looking at the cover brings back a whole flood of thoughts and emotion. I am literally changed from reading these books. I can almost mark my development as a person by tracing these few certain books. (i.e. Flowers for Algernon, Les Miserable, Siddhartha . . .)
Again - melodramatic? Sure. But there you have it. I told you I was a book freak.
Anyways, I just finished such a book. It's nothing earth-shaking; as far as I know it hasn't won any great awards or recognition. I'm sure plenty of people have read it and moved on with life, barely remembering the experience. But not me. I found it electrifying; gripping; a beautiful combination of simple & profound.
8 comments:
Thanks for adding to my book club's list! :)
I know exactly how you feel. I read this book years ago, and I still--probably 7 years later--have vivid images from it. Wonderful, wonderful book.
Visiting from Semicolon's Review,
SmallWorld
How can you hate vampires and warewolves? Come on...I can't wait for the next one. I don't know if I'd prefer the vampire or the warewolf. I hate to be cold, but then again...I hate dogs and dog smell. It is tough.
I never said I hate vampires and werewolves. I actually enjoyed the series - up until the 3rd book when Meyer ruined it (in my opinion) with the stupid love triangle thing. Blech! I wanted to smack Bella upside the head and tell her to get a clue. Ugh!
I too very much LOVE books! I enjoy hearing your suggestions. I also loved These is my Words. If you are interested, the 2nd book to that is called Sarah's Quilt. I really liked that as well. And I agree with you about ruining the Twilight series with the love triangle thing-I Hated that. I am still looking forward to the next one and the one written from Edward's perspective...Read on!
I am trying to read more books. Hopfully I will finish them.
WOW! I love books too! I have too many books for tiny room, and apartment they are spilling out of my tiny room, hall closet, and storage. I still feel the need to go to Borders this weekend to buy another book (that I can't afford). I prefer hardback to paperback (maybe that's why my shelves are getting full). Did you know that if you turn the word WOW upside down it spells mom?! just thought you would like to know.
Hi Brooke -
I'm in the middle of reading "These is my words" for our book club. It is a great book!! It came highly recommended, and I haven't been disappointed.
Sloan
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