15 Books . . . and blurbs

So the Facebook Meme reads like this:

"RULES: Don't take too long to think about it. List 15 books you've read that will always stick with you. They should be the first 15 you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Tag 15 friends, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what books my friends choose."

I posted mine, and then decided it would be a good blog post if I expanded and told ya a bit about each book and why I picked it. Notice the instructions say books that "will always stick with you" not the coolest books, or most literary books, or even favourite books. But books that for whatever reason, are part of who you are. The number 15 is a little artbitrary, I'll admit, but it does keep things nice and neat. Here we go . . .

1. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith. This also happens to be my all-time favourite book. Why? Because I identify so much with it. Because, really, I grew up dirt poor in Brooklyn with one brother, a hard-working momma and an adorable alcoholic father. Well, you know it's a good book if you indentify with it even though your own life is nothing like that. I guess what I really appreciate about it is how it's an everygirl's childhood story. It really appeals to my nostalgic side (which is a really big side of me), detailing beautifully what it's like to wish, imagine, love, hurt, want, grow up . . . all that stuff. And I cry every time I read it. "Momma is somebody!" Oh, my heart hurts.

2. Boys Life - Robert McCammon (not to be confused with "This Boy's Life"--that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio--totally different). Actually I like this book for a lot of the same reasons I like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Completely different setting and plot, and yet--the nostalgia! The coming of age! Think "Stand By Me"but more developed and whimsical. The magic realism elements are fantastic. It's not what I would call literary, not quite beautiful writing, perhaps a little over-sentimental at times, but a real gem nonetheless.

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J.K. Rowling. Yes, of course I mean the whole series, as you can't have one without the rest, but that would be breaking the rules so I picked the last one. Say what you will about Harry, I love him and I can't help it. It's one of the few bandwagons I joined right on time, before it was huge, before the movies were made, and I loved every single minute of it. Some of you may be wondering why Harry made the list while other, better written fantasy greats like Narnia and the Lord of the Rings did not. Well, I read those and enjoyed those too, but I would be a phoney if I put them here. I read LOTR after seeing the movies. I know, I'm awful. And I only read a few of the Narnia books as a kid and didn't finish the rest until a few months ago. Enough excuses. Harry is the bomb. Word2yourmother.

4. East of Eden - John Steinbeck. A classic for a reason. I love stories with lots of connected characters and family tensions. I love stories that make you ask moral/philosophical questions without it feeling forced or preachy. Timshel. Pure genius. Read it in grade 12 for school and then again a couple years ago. Just as good the second time.

5. Fall on Your Knees - Ann M. Macdonald. I wouldn't say it's one of my favourites, but it's certainly unforgettable. Tons of stuff happens in this book. Probably too much stuff. But it's compelling somehow, and leaves you with a bit of an ache when it's over. Only read it once, maybe I should read it again.

6. Life of Pi - Yann Martel. My favourite English professor of all time said this book bored her to tears, and yet, here it is on my list. Actually, I couldn't put it down. Go figure. The narrator is just so likable. The story is incredible and yet, it moves at a nice easy pace, which allows for reflection. I love the way Martel highlights the awe and holiness of each religion. Plus, I have a signed copy! It reads: "May turtles always float around your lifeboat. --Yann Martel."


Aaaand I've run out of steam. But rather than hold onto this post any longer, I shall release it and publish a second installment later. Hopefully sometime next week? No, really! And in the meantime, post some of your favourite books in the comments if you feel so inclined.

I have a new post coming

I know, you don't care. But I really do. It's in my drafts right now waiting to be finished and it's gonna be good. Happy Sunday!