You ask: “Isnβt it difficult to name your favorite books?” Yes, and I live in terror of that question! (Like this interview question is a big issue in my life – lol!)
Though I spend much of my time with my nose buried in a book, I find that I live the experience deeply while I am in it, yet don’t have the filing/evaluating system in place that some people seem to use to rank their favorites. Also, I read so widely and age-inappropriately as a child, and books sort of washed over me, affecting me, while I didn’t quite have perspective on what was occurring. And some I loved dearly, yet barely remember titles and authors. (I will have to re-read Romain Rolland just to see if I really do love his books as much as I seem to remember loving them as a child.)
And how does one judge? I recently very casually picked up a non-fiction book in a barter library in a friend’s building. It was so powerful that it haunted me for days. In fact, I still push it away whenever it crosses my mind, that’s how painful it was. Would I recommend it? I’m not so sure.
Anyway, enough about me! Thank you, Susan, for your beautiful share of the books you love, many of which I haven’t read (I now gravitate towards non-fiction). I’ll bookmark it and seek out your recommendations!
I understand entirely, Reba! I’m like that too–I read so much, and become so engrossed in books, that many become my very favorite one while I’m reading. Then it’s tough to list them! I did this off the top of my head, and of course, in the last few days have thought of dozens more I didn’t include. Lol. Another list at another time!
I remember so many of these books from my teenage years when I had to do book reviews to earn extra pocket money, Susan. My parents gifted me a love for books in the long run although at that time all I could think of was how many I had to read and review to get the latest BeeGees album. π
I can never name my favorite books. There are just too many and every time I go to my bookshelves to make a recommendation, I find myself picking up something new to read. Now that would not be a bad thing except that it takes my attention away from whatever book I am currently reading.
What an amazing list of great reads, Susan, many of these are considered classics in the literary world. Although I am not a fiction reader, I gravitate to non-fiction, I loved “To Kill a Mockingbird”, what it stands for and its message. As a lover of pop culture, I do remember seeing many of these in their movie form. I do know that reading the book is a very different experience than seeing the film, however, the film lover in me often prefers to ‘see’ the story on a screen. Thanks for sharing your passion and love of reading!
What a good time to pick up fiction again, Beverley! Yep, we experience books and films differently. And almost always, the book is better than the film π Not always (I can think of a couple off the top of my head where the movie was actually better. Sometimes lots better!). But give some of these a try!
Oooooohhhhhh, good list! I read almost half of these in my youth as part of school curricula but remember few details. Hemingway is one of my favs too! I haven’t read any fiction for about four years since I’ve been focused on non fiction works related to business. I miss my days of summer vacation at the beach with a good novel in hand!
Awesome list Susan! I have read some for them for sure but there are others that I don’t think I’ve even heard of? Just reading your descriptions made me want to search Amazon!!!! Thank you for taking the time and sharing your list with all of us. ~Kathy
I just read a good one: “Five Quarters of the Orange,” by Joanne Harris (author of “Chocolat”). Really good! I’m making note of some of yours I haven’t read yet. Thanks, will share.
A comprehensive list. Honestly I am surprised at how many I have not read myself. Heart of Darkness is on my list for this year though.. and I did love the Kite Runner
Susan you were reading my mind! I am ready for a new book. I have read several of these, but looking forward to making a choice. Given you are an award winning author, I trust you completely!
We have some of the same favorite books. Some others of my favorites are The Red and the Black and A Prayer for Owen Meany. Totally different! But I love them both!
I am not a fiction or novel person. However, I think that is interesting that you have tried to pick and share your favorites with us. You must have been reading for many years now because that is what I have noticed with novel story readers, they have captured the interest earlier in their life.
What a wonder selection, Susan. Some I read years and years ago and there’s guilt as you bring them back to life. You also made me realize how much time I spend reading non-fiction. Time to get out my library card.
What I love most about your list are the passages you quote and the brief explanations why you are recommending them. Despite having an online business I read no nonfiction or business related but am a prolific novel reader. Mostly novels about women & life’s struggles. I do think it has given me a foundation of wisdom, empathy, compassion. I also read detective stories & mysteries because the info might come in handy.
I am a speed reader & I prefer reading from cover to cover in a sitting (usually do this) & I know I could not do that with many on your list that is unfamiliar. Some of my best friends are poets, English prof, readers & I will share this list with them.
Roz, I can tell you read fiction so prolifically–it comes out in your wisdom, empathy, and compassion. That’s one of those gifts fiction gives us!
And thank you for the share! Would love to know what your friends think π
A wonderful list with some excellent reads. A few I haven’t had the chance to read yet.
Hope you enjoy, Cathy!
You ask: “Isnβt it difficult to name your favorite books?” Yes, and I live in terror of that question! (Like this interview question is a big issue in my life – lol!)
Though I spend much of my time with my nose buried in a book, I find that I live the experience deeply while I am in it, yet don’t have the filing/evaluating system in place that some people seem to use to rank their favorites. Also, I read so widely and age-inappropriately as a child, and books sort of washed over me, affecting me, while I didn’t quite have perspective on what was occurring. And some I loved dearly, yet barely remember titles and authors. (I will have to re-read Romain Rolland just to see if I really do love his books as much as I seem to remember loving them as a child.)
And how does one judge? I recently very casually picked up a non-fiction book in a barter library in a friend’s building. It was so powerful that it haunted me for days. In fact, I still push it away whenever it crosses my mind, that’s how painful it was. Would I recommend it? I’m not so sure.
Anyway, enough about me! Thank you, Susan, for your beautiful share of the books you love, many of which I haven’t read (I now gravitate towards non-fiction). I’ll bookmark it and seek out your recommendations!
I understand entirely, Reba! I’m like that too–I read so much, and become so engrossed in books, that many become my very favorite one while I’m reading. Then it’s tough to list them! I did this off the top of my head, and of course, in the last few days have thought of dozens more I didn’t include. Lol. Another list at another time!
I remember so many of these books from my teenage years when I had to do book reviews to earn extra pocket money, Susan. My parents gifted me a love for books in the long run although at that time all I could think of was how many I had to read and review to get the latest BeeGees album. π
I’m so glad The Color Purple made your list.
Oh, I love that, Vatsala! What a fabulous parent thing to do π
And don’t you just love The Color Purple. One of my all-time favs.
Very cool list. Many on your list, I very much enjoy. Some I have not heard of and look forward to reading. Thanks! xoxo
Enjoy, Natasha! Some great books there!
I can never name my favorite books. There are just too many and every time I go to my bookshelves to make a recommendation, I find myself picking up something new to read. Now that would not be a bad thing except that it takes my attention away from whatever book I am currently reading.
It’s really tough for me too, Rachel. There are SO many books I love! And of course, I can think of 50 more now . . .
What an amazing list of great reads, Susan, many of these are considered classics in the literary world. Although I am not a fiction reader, I gravitate to non-fiction, I loved “To Kill a Mockingbird”, what it stands for and its message. As a lover of pop culture, I do remember seeing many of these in their movie form. I do know that reading the book is a very different experience than seeing the film, however, the film lover in me often prefers to ‘see’ the story on a screen. Thanks for sharing your passion and love of reading!
What a good time to pick up fiction again, Beverley! Yep, we experience books and films differently. And almost always, the book is better than the film π Not always (I can think of a couple off the top of my head where the movie was actually better. Sometimes lots better!). But give some of these a try!
Oooooohhhhhh, good list! I read almost half of these in my youth as part of school curricula but remember few details. Hemingway is one of my favs too! I haven’t read any fiction for about four years since I’ve been focused on non fiction works related to business. I miss my days of summer vacation at the beach with a good novel in hand!
Treat yourself to a novel, Meghan! The benefits are legion π
Awesome list Susan! I have read some for them for sure but there are others that I don’t think I’ve even heard of? Just reading your descriptions made me want to search Amazon!!!! Thank you for taking the time and sharing your list with all of us. ~Kathy
I always love bringing obscure fiction to folks, Kathy! Try some of these–they’re great books1
I just read a good one: “Five Quarters of the Orange,” by Joanne Harris (author of “Chocolat”). Really good! I’m making note of some of yours I haven’t read yet. Thanks, will share.
I SO loved Chocolat, Sue! Will have to try this one. Thank you!
A comprehensive list. Honestly I am surprised at how many I have not read myself. Heart of Darkness is on my list for this year though.. and I did love the Kite Runner
Wasn’t The Kite Runner just beautiful, Alene. Hope Heart of Darkness moves you!
I have read a few of these, but there are quite a few I haven’t thanks for the great list!
Enjoy, Kimberly!
Thank you for this list! I’m always looking for good books to read. Now you’ve gone and done the work for me π
Enjoy, Anne!
Thanks
Enjoy!
Susan you were reading my mind! I am ready for a new book. I have read several of these, but looking forward to making a choice. Given you are an award winning author, I trust you completely!
There are some great books here, Candess! Enjoy!
We have some of the same favorite books. Some others of my favorites are The Red and the Black and A Prayer for Owen Meany. Totally different! But I love them both!
Love Owen Meany, Jennifer! Will try The Red and the Black. Thank you!
I am not a fiction or novel person. However, I think that is interesting that you have tried to pick and share your favorites with us. You must have been reading for many years now because that is what I have noticed with novel story readers, they have captured the interest earlier in their life.
Since childhood, Lorii π Give some of these a try!
What a wonder selection, Susan. Some I read years and years ago and there’s guilt as you bring them back to life. You also made me realize how much time I spend reading non-fiction. Time to get out my library card.
It is time, Joyce! Give some of these a try.
What I love most about your list are the passages you quote and the brief explanations why you are recommending them. Despite having an online business I read no nonfiction or business related but am a prolific novel reader. Mostly novels about women & life’s struggles. I do think it has given me a foundation of wisdom, empathy, compassion. I also read detective stories & mysteries because the info might come in handy.
I am a speed reader & I prefer reading from cover to cover in a sitting (usually do this) & I know I could not do that with many on your list that is unfamiliar. Some of my best friends are poets, English prof, readers & I will share this list with them.
Roz, I can tell you read fiction so prolifically–it comes out in your wisdom, empathy, and compassion. That’s one of those gifts fiction gives us!
And thank you for the share! Would love to know what your friends think π