another book meme
Pam at Digging challenged me to this meme. Cowtown Patty published her choices recently too. Either of their lists is more interesting than mine.
One book that changed your life?
The Encylopedia Britanica. I read constantly as an adolescent. I had many favorite novels but I can’t say that any one of them in particular changed my life. I had an insatiable desire for knowledge and I’ll bet there was not a day that went by when I didn’t look up something in the encyclopedia set that formed the basis of our home library.
One book that you have read more than once?
There have been lots of books that I’ve reread. The first that comes to mind is Goodbye to a River by John Graves because I just now finished it again. The first time through I thought of it as an adventure story. This time it seemed like a history book. I have just moved to the area described in the book, so it is especially interesting to pass the place names every day.
One book you would want on a desert island?
Probably, How to Build a Sailboat. I would concentrate on escaping instead of amusing myself while I was there.
One book that made you laugh?
I just finished A Man Without a Country by Kurt Vonnegut. I was practically rolling on the floor.
One book that made you cry?
You know, the Vonnegut book fits in this category too.
One book you wish had been written?
How Mankind Learned to Live in Peace and Harmony.
One book you wish had never been written?
Every thing I think of for this category sounds pretty trite. I am sure you know what they are, so I am not going to actually say the names.
One book you are currently reading?
Both Ends of the Night. I have a weakness for detective stories and mysteries. The Sharon McCone series is more intelligent than most.
One book you have been meaning to read.
A Place of My Own. I love everything Michael Pollan writes. This one is about a building.
Okay, those are my choices. What’s yours?
August 21st, 2006 @ 9:24 pm
I’ll add the Vonnegut book to my list.
August 22nd, 2006 @ 4:27 am
I like Michael Pollan, too. I did this meme earlier but I had trouble deciding on one book for anything. I don’t even read one book at a time. You can see my rather incoherent answer via the link.
August 22nd, 2006 @ 8:51 am
M: Your list is better than mine too. I think my reading suffers from too much internet-surfing.
August 25th, 2006 @ 7:43 pm
I loved Goodbye to a River and Hard Scrabble. I don’t suppose Graves is writing any longer. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Pollan.
September 2nd, 2006 @ 8:51 pm
I’m glad you were tagged, Bill, and gave us some more books to think about. The Vonegut will go on my list, too.
September 3rd, 2006 @ 11:50 pm
OH, yes, Graves. I will never look at a daschund the same way again. They will forever more be “passengers”.