I am a voracious reader and I love books. Of course, I'll read anything - signs, the back of cereal boxes, as well as my computer screen and Kindle, but books are my favorite.When I was a child, books were my constant companion. Other than Girl Scouts for a year here and there, I did not belong to any teams or clubs. My free time was spent with my nose in a book.
I could write all day about the different books I have read, but today, I'm limiting it to some of my favorites that made a big impression on me throughout my life. These are the books I've read over and over.
- To Kill a Mockingbird - There have been tons written about this book, but for me, the greatest thing about it was the portrayal of Southern life and culture. It just felt like home to me. (I'm not going to read Harper Lee's other novel because I don't want my memories of TKAM ruined.)
- Karen by Marie Killilea - I read and re-read my paperback copy of this story of a family who learned to deal with cerebral palsy. Again, I loved it not so much for the subject but for the portrayal of family life. I wanted to be a Killilea!
- The Father Tim series by Jan Karon. Love love love the description of life in Mitford. I also can identify with Father Tm in so many ways.
- Sophie's Heart by Lori Wick - I loved this book because Sophie wanted to please the Lord above even what she herself might want. Plus it's one of the few love stories that I don't find sickening. LOL.
- The Left Behind series - Love the characters in this series. Rayford, Buck and Chloe, and Tsion Ben-Judah (love that name) all feel like people I'd want to know. I also love all the scripture in these books, although I know for some it's a dislike.
- Deadline by Randy Alcorn - for me, it was a different look at heaven and hell.
- Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson - Oh my! The things that happened in May's life was so surprising. I was on the edge of my seat reading this book. Lisa Samson's characters are always a little quirky but definitely May is unforgettable.
I hope there will always be books. As much as I love my computer, I would never want to give up holding a book in my hand or being able to tell which book was well loved just by the condition of its cover!
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I am linking up this post at The Loft. This Week’s Topic: Books: What Are You Reading? (share what book or books you are reading or have read that really lit your fire and why. are there books that have made a difference in your life? if you have a ‘library’ in your home, share some of the books that you have.) If you would like to read more, or link up a post of your own, visit Leah Adams at Point to Jesus.
I can't believe you mentioned Karen in your post!!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVED that book when I was a teen, and, like you, I read and re-read it countless times.
Also a big fan of Jan Karon -- Father Tim is one of my favorite fictional pastors. Have you read Gilead by Marilynne Robinson? Her Rev. John Ames is another of my favorite book pastors with such a dear way of expressing his theology within the narrative arc.
Love your list!
I love books, too, the kind you can hold. I'm not as voracious a reader as you but there are books I'll read over again. Lord of the Rings, the Narnia books, and of course the Bible...
ReplyDeleteawesome list
ReplyDeleteGosh, what a great list. I've only read a couple of the ones you listed. I have read the Left Behind series and the Randy Alcorn book. Otherwise, you have given me some wonderful additions to my 'must read' list. Thanks for linking up at The Loft today!!!
ReplyDeleteI was happy to see "Karen" on your list, too! I loved that book, of course I read it the first time because until then, I'd never seen a book with my name in the title:) I read it several times, and re-read again it just a few years ago.
ReplyDeleteI just read an article that said that the sale of e-books is slipping and people are buying more print books again. That's good news!
I know exactly what you mean about holding a book. I just love books! To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my husband's favourite reads. It sits on my bookshelf and I am ashamed to say I have never read it, but I will be sure to read it soon! Thanks for linking up at The Loft! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat listing of books here!! I think the summer between my 8th and 9th grade, I read To Kill a Mockingbird 20 times. Loved it and love it to this day. I also read Karen; enjoyed that book. I read it when I was probably in 7th grade; made an impact on me. One of my other favorites was "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith. Again it was a book I checked out of the library often.
ReplyDeletebetty
I love books too! Dittoa about the Father Tim series and To Kill a MOckingbird. And for the same reason you listed, I refuse to read the new one. But the LEft Behind series were UGH....i enjoyed the first 2 but after that....omgosh i just couldn't get into them. One of my very faves is Les Miserables. I also love Little Women. And The Secret Life of Bees. And A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. And Pride and Prejudice!! And The Great Gatsby. Ok I will stop now :) LOL...i'm a bookworm too :)
ReplyDeleteJeri... I love books too! The real kind you can feel and smell! My mother took us to the Library when I was a girl. The library was in an old, historic house with so much character and creaky floors and books everywhere! I loved the whole experience of picking out books every two weeks or so. Thanks for sharing your words!
ReplyDeleteI love and need the hard copy books. The feel, the smell, I still can't bring myself to even get an e-reader. I've always loved being around lots and lots of books. One book I've read over and over is Ribbon of Years by Robin Lee Hatcher and the O'Malley series by Dee Hederson. I get something more out of them everytime I read them.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What would be in the new sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird that would ruin it for you? I notice both you and Faith said the same thing.
Oh and I totally have read Karen at least half a dozen times since I was a young teen! Loved that book! And I forgot to mention the Erma Bombeck books. Loved those and read all of them several times.
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