A book that has spoken to you...

[jtb1951]

...and, of course, I don't mean literally; I'm not looking for schizophrenics here! :)

I expect that most of us readaholics have read a book or three that weren't just entertaining, but also struck a certain chord within that left a strong impression (positive or negative). I'm curious to hear, from our diverse group, some thoughts and feelings concerning one of those books that was special for you. I must admit that this is all self-serving on my part, because I'm always looking for a terrific read! So, let loose!!

At this point, I guess I must start the ball rolling!! One of my favorite contemporary writers is William Gibson. Not the most profligate of authors, but I don't think that he is capable of a mediocre story. His most recent book (at least for a few more months) is called Pattern Recognition. For someone like myself, who feels the ever increasing psychic pounding that we are exposed to in our commercial, product-oriented, brand-name saturated, media worshipping, unfulfilled, sturm und drang of a society (whew!), the plot of this contemporaneous novel struck direct and deep. The protagonist, Cayce Pollard, is a "coolhunter", in Gibson's words "google Cayce and you will find 'coolhunter', and if you look closely you may see it suggested that she is a 'sensitive' of some kind, a dowser in the world of global marketing. Though the truth...is closer to allergy, a morbid and sometimes violent reactivity to the semiotics of the marketplace." Start with Cayce's blessing/curse, and follow her path to the convergence of the worlds of marketing, globalization, and terror(ism?), and you're enveloped in a story seemingly all too real. 'Nuff said! It got to me, and it might interest you!

Thanks for listening!!

John.

[vicki]

Guns, Germs and Steel (http://books.google.com/books?id=b5Ob9SStce8C&dq=guns+germs+and+steel&pg=PP1&ots=l-Z5U-dbdD&sig=DhDNPLZk1tmZmPRLc9nBf15ON7o&prev=http://www.google.com/search%3Fsourceid%3Dnavclient%26ie%3DUTF-8%26rlz%3D1T4DMUS_enUS205US206%26q%3Dguns%2Bgerms% 2Band%2Bsteel&sa=X&oi=print&ct=title#PPA6,M1) by Jared Diamond, because it made me look at the world and our place in it anew.

Feed (http://www.teenreads.com/reviews/0763622591.asp) by M.T. Anderson. I didn't absolutely love reading it, but it has come to mind over and over again (usually in a very disturbing way) as I've encountered new leaps in technology and communications over the past three or four years. In some ways, it has been weirdly, hauntingly predictive.

Noughts and Crosses (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Noughts-Crosses-Malorie-Blackman/dp/0552546321) by Malorie Blackmon (published as Naughts and Crosses in the U.S.)- not a perfect book by a long shot, but it stands out for giving me one of those moments where I "got it"--I was really able to stand in the shoes of someone different than me and understand their viewpoint in a crystal-clear way.

It takes place in a photo-negative universe where caucasians are the oppressed group and black people fill the highest positions in society. School integration has just taken place, and a forward-thinking black girl goes to sit with some of the white kids at lunch and sees that one of them is wearing a brown band-aid. Without thinking, she asks why the girl doesn't get a lighter color, and the girl just laughs bitterly and says they don't make them. I suddenly recalled images of the black kids in my middle school walking around with pink bandaids shining on their dark skin. And the only way I can explain it is that, in one eye-widening flash, I got it--just a brief glimpse of what it must really be like to be in a position where so much is slanted against you and so much of life and society is built without your input or your welfare in mind. It was a humbling moment, to realize that the confidence I've always had in my empathy is somewhat misplaced--that I may need extraordinary help in being able to stand in another's shoes and see the world from their perspective. In other words, I really don't get it much of the time.

A World Lit Only by Fire (http://www.elise.com/books/el/archives/a_world_lit_only_by_fire_william_manchester.php) by William Manchester - in this, Manchester describes a number of individuals who helped usher in the Renaissance. His portraits, taken together, create a story of a culture that finally broke out of darkness and ignorance to explore and understand its world and to delight in learning and artistic creation. It made me want to stand up and cheer for humanity. Manchester is one of my favorite authors, but this one in particular "spoke" to me.

[jtb1951]

Thanks for the feedback, vicki!

Manchester describes a number of individuals who helped usher in the Renaissance. His portraits, taken together, create a story of a culture that finally broke out of darkness and ignorance to explore and understand its world and to delight in learning and artistic creation.

Sounds intriguing; I have always been very interested in the breakthroughs of the Renaissance, and your description appeals to me. I'll have to look for it. Thanks, again!

[AmyLizzie]

I think I mentioned this book in a previous thread but it is such an amazing read that I thought I'd mention it again here! It basically tells the King Arthur Story from the point of view of different people and from a different angle. As a historian it just made me think how much our world has changed and how much mystery there is about England's past, or indeed any country's past that remains hidden. Also the aspect of Paganism versus Christianity in the book was so profound and beautifully written that you could actually feel what these people went through as they were demanded to give up their pagan traditions. Strange, that in England today, there are still masny Pagan traditions that haven't faded, and remain celebrated. The book made me look at women differently, what they went through, what they go through, how religion affects how people view them and how in the Arthur myth theyare stereotyped and marginalised. Bradley's book gives the women a voice and a history. It's an awe inspiring book, that made a deep impression. Great idea for a thread by the way!! :-)

[jtb1951]

It's an awe inspiring book, that made a deep impression. Great idea for a thread by the way!! :-)

Thanks! MZB has been a favorite of mine for 30+ years, but the Mists of Avalon was a real break from her normal science fiction novels; I totally agree with you that her different perspective on the Arthur mythos, opening up and developing the important female characters, was groundbreaking and important. She helped pave a path for women fiction writers of all genres! Great post!

John.

[vicki]

I've heard a lot of great comments about TMoA over the years and have been meaning to read it. I did see the TV mini-series adaptation and enjoyed it, but many MZB fans I know bashed it pretty hard. That made me curious about what the differences were between it and the book. At the end of the mini-series, it drew attention to how some of the symbols and traditions of Christianity are actually borrowed from pre-Christian culture. I thought that was interesting and even comforting in a strange way, in the sense that there is more continiuty than we may suspect in our customs and traditions.

jtb, I'm not familiar with MZB's SF work. Where would be a good place to start among those books?

[jtb1951]

The major series of her science fiction work involves the world of Darkover. The first novel of hers that I read was called "Darkover Landfall", then read most of the rest of them. Here is a bibliography of the Darkover novels:

PLANET SAVERS, 1962 (reprinted 1995)
SWORD OF ALDONES, 1962
THE BLOODY SUN, 1964 (rewritten 1979)
STAR OF DANGER, 1965 (reprinted 1994)
WINDS OF DARKOVER, 1970 (reprinted 1995)
WORLD WRECKERS, 1971 (reprinted 1994)
DARKOVER LANDFALL, 1972
THE SPELL SWORD, 1974
HERITAGE OF HASTUR, 1975
SHATTERED CHAIN, 1976
FORBIDDEN TOWER, 1977
STORMQUEEN, 1978
BLOODY SUN (rewrite), 1979 (reprinted 1994)
TWO TO CONQUER, 1980
SHARRA'S EXILE, 1981
HAWKMISTRESS, 1982
THENDARA HOUSE, 1983
CITY OF SORCERY, 1984
HEIRS OF HAMMERFELL, 1989
REDISCOVERY, 1993 (with Mercedes Lackey)
EXILE'S SONG, 1996 (with Adrienne Martine-Barnes)
SHADOW MATRIX, 1998 (by Adrienne Martine-Barnes)
TRAITOR'S SUN, 1999 (by Adrienne Martine-Barnes)
CLINGFIRE TRILOGY (in progress at MZB's death)
FALL OF NESKAYA, 2001
ZANDRU'S FORGE, 2003
FLAME IN HALI, 2004
THE ALTON GIFT, June 2007
* RELUCTANT KING (in progress at MZB's death)
* THUNDERLORD (in progress at MZB's death)

They are easy reads, and an interesting series. All are either still in print, or easily found in a used bookstore. Enjoy!

John.

[jtb1951]

Elswyth Thane's - Williamsburg series. I'm still missing Dawn's Early Light, the first one and I friend just found Ever After for me. You can still get them... but I'm trying for as close as I can get to the 1940 versions. Even if they are bookclub or pb. Goes through all the Wars from the American Revolution to 2 books set in WWII.

Thanks for the comments; the williamsburg series sounds interesting, especially for us history buffs. You might check out www.abebooks.com; a quick search showed '40s vintage copies available of Dawn's Early Light and others from the series. Good luck!!

John.

[vicki]

jtb, thanks for the Darkover bibliography! I'll be on the lookout for Planet Savers (I'm a reading-series-in-order girl). I really need to read The Mists of Avalon, too. So many people I know are ga-ga over it.

Thanks for the new titles, farmwife! Like you, I remembered a book from childhood and spent years looking for it--but I couldn't even remember the title. I finally described the plot on a children's lit board and one of the members (the excellent Sharyn November, editor of Firebird Books and YA-book expert) remembered the title and author--Two Against the Tide by Bruce Clements. In fact, now that I'm reminded of it, I'm going to check abebooks to see if I can get a copy. I hope it's not dreadful, as I remember it as being very cool.

BTW--I've had great luck with all the booksellers I've dealt with through abebooks. It's so nice to buy from people who love books are much as I do.

I think Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Rilla of Ingelside" is interesting for anyone that wishes to read about WWI. The author lived through it, and yes, it's a story for YA, but, there's a lot of factual information and a realistic story of what truly happened at home, during that time to make it both interesting and informative for the reader.

Many of the books on my Beloved Bookshelf are YA or at least YA-friendly. There really are some spectacular books in the genre. Sometimes the line between adult and YA is very blurry, too. I'm glad that the Harry Potter books have helped many people get over their reluctance to try new books for young people, as I think they'd be missing some great reads if they didn't.

[alina]

Books that have spoken to me...

Well, a lot of speaking has been done in childhood; many of my favorite books are from Dr. Seuss and the like. I grew up on Little Women and The Chronicles of Narnia series.

As to my maturing, I found the Russell series to be my largest influence. Truly. No joke, romanticism. They brought me where I am today. But there are other books as well.

My Name Is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok is one of my favorite novels. I am not an artist in the strictest sense, but I do relate in the performing arts arena holding to a different set of moral standards. Which reminds me, I need to buy another copy of it...

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes forced me to re-evaluate a lot of subconscious prejudices and standards I had set up myself in my own life. I've never viewed the human experience (nor every individual human) the same way.

The Bible by...well...various authors guided by the same hand. Most of my philosophy on life (which is always in the works) can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. It's the whole "trying to live them out" thing that makes it so difficult to read sometimes...

[jtb1951]

Awesome selections, Alina! It's been about 40 years since I read Flowers for Algernon, and it's probably time for a re-read. As a teen, reading about Charlie's mental and emotional journey, and how he was perceived and treated by others, struck a very strong chord. It would be interesting to see what a difference 4 decades make!

As for the Bible, in my mind it's in a class by itself. I've come to view it not just as a book, but as a mini-library of inspired writings (and oral tradition) by many authors over the early centuries. It contains the important theology of my faith, and I don't know that I could fully unwrap it with even another lifetime of study. I have the privilege and challenge of introducing the Bible to classes of adults interested in learning about the Roman Catholic faith, and I think that I have gained much more insight into the lessons found in the Bible than I ever did working through it on my own.

Anyway, thanks for your comments, and happy reading to you!!! :)

John.

[AmyLizzie]

Another book that I absolutely love is Beloved by Toni Morrison. It's a painful book to read and I can't say I ever want to read it again but it certainly had an impact on me. Morrison's writing is so beautiful and the story itself is so poignant that after I read it I knew I would never be the same and I can't say that about many books. The subject of slavery is obviously a very emotionally charged one and Morrison deals with the subject so intelligently and makes you a part of these people's lives that by the end of the book you feel as if you've lived these horrific events with them nd can share their torment. It shows the era of slavery through the slave's eyes and it is turly a painful book to read, but one that wont let you easily forget it. Morrison is a truly amazing writer and I recommend you read them - not as light holiday reading though!!

[jtb1951]

Thanks for the great review and recommendation, AmyLizzie! Toni Morrison is a very gifted writer; the only book of hers that I have read was Song of Solomon, which I enjoyed immensely. Given the serious nature of Beloved, I'll have to wait until the right time to read it. It sounds very powerful! Thanks again!

John.

[spiston]

I agree with the comments on Beloved. Have you read Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God?" Another powerful read in the genre.

[jtb1951]

Have you read Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God?" Another powerful read in the genre.

I have not; thank you for the recommendation! You all are the best!!

John.

[Kerry]

Call me corny, or maybe I was just young, but "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" was hugely important to me in my early 20's; I should go back and re-read it. For pure poignancy, I always return to a book I mentioned (I think) in the "Beloved Bookshelf" thread: Guy Gavriel Kay's "The Lions of Al-Rassan." I do re-read the "Narnia" series pretty regularly, but find it more difficult now that I recognize the anti-Semitism/racism.

I was discussing books with a friend some time ago and realized that I was always drawn to the "escape to the other world" -type stories when I was a kid. Not surprising, given my family dynamics, and I'm glad now I had access to those stories. I think they really kept me grounded, in an odd sort of way.

[Ms. Kay]

The Crystal Singer books by Anne McCaffrey spoke, or sang (sorry) to me. First, I was a one/some time singer in another life and, second, they're good stories by a very good writer.:)


Ms. Kay

[jtb1951]

and realized that I was always drawn to the "escape to the other world" -type stories when I was a kid.

Thanks for sharing, Kerry! I'm constantly intrigued by the formative reading habits and interests of people who have retained a life-long passion for reading. My experience is that many folks of our type were enthralled by stories of "escape to the other world", whether it was fantasy, science-fiction, mystery, horror, etc. I think many adult fertile imaginations were originally fueled by adolescent journeys through alternate realities, and thank goodness for it!! Keep on reading and sharing!!

John.

[irish]

For me, it was Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It is easily the saddest book I have ever read, but at the same time, it was uplifting and it made me feel calm and settled. I know that I will read this book over and over again and will continue to feel the same way. My mom recommended it to me and as I read the book, I would call and talk to her about certain parts and at one point, I left a raving message on her answering machine about a plot twist that I was "indignant, absolutely indignant!" about. This is the only book that has prompted such strong emotion.

I think everyone should read it at least once! If you do, please let me know what you think!

Irish

[vicki]

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes forced me to re-evaluate a lot of subconscious prejudices and standards I had set up myself in my own life. I've never viewed the human experience (nor every individual human) the same way.


I haven't read FfA, but I intend to--not only because of the great comments I hear about it but also because I recently read and enjoyed a book that's been compared to it--The Speed of Dark by Elizabeth Moon, about an autistic man who's faced with a choice about whether to try a cure for his autism. As I have a child on the autism spectrum (the mild end, fortunately), I found this book particularly interesting.

AmyLizzie, thanks for bringing Beloved to mind. I enjoyed Song of Solomon and have been meaning to read something else of Morrison's. I'll be on the look out for that and the Hurston when I'm ready for some intense stuff.

I was always drawn to the "escape to the other world" -type stories when I was a kid. Not surprising, given my family dynamics, and I'm glad now I had access to those stories. I think they really kept me grounded, in an odd sort of way.

I always loved these kinds of books, too (and still do, really). Although my family dynamics were healthy, social life could be pretty miserable in the pre-teen/teen years, so being able to sit down with a book and escape to another world was a psyche-saver.

The Crystal Singer books by Anne McCaffrey spoke, or sang (sorry) to me. First, I was a one/some time singer in another life and, second, they're good stories by a very good writer.:)

These are different from McCaffrey's dragon books, right? I still need to read her stuff. It's a huge gap in my fantasy reading experience. What kind of music did you sing, Ms. Kay?

For me, it was Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It is easily the saddest book I have ever read, but at the same time, it was uplifting and it made me feel calm and settled. I know that I will read this book over and over again and will continue to feel the same way. My mom recommended it to me and as I read the book, I would call and talk to her about certain parts and at one point, I left a raving message on her answering machine about a plot twist that I was "indignant, absolutely indignant!" about. This is the only book that has prompted such strong emotion.


I noted that title from your post on the Beloved Bookshelf thread, irish. I don't think I've ever seen it before, so I'm intrigued--thanks for the heads-up! There are so many good books out there that we've never heard of and maybe won't ever hear of unless it's by word-of-mouth at reader gatherings, whether online or in RL.

[jtb1951]

For me, it was Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

Another book to put on my to-read list; I am really enjoying all of the terrific recommendations/reviews that you all are willing to share! Thanks again! :)

John.

[spiston]

It has taken me a while to respond to this topic but here goes:

Erich Fromm's 1941 work Escape From Freedom and 1976 work To Have or To Be are both books I have purchased several times, having given my copies away to others. I have spent some time reading the work of the Frankfurt School (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfurt_school) as a hobby and he is my favorite of the bunch.

The Sleepwalkers by Arthur Koestler also captivated me and launched me on another hobby of researching scientific discovery, past and present. The pre-Socratics are particularly interesting to me.

Paolo Coelho's The Alchemist and a couple of his other novels came to me as dreams as I devoured the pages. The words flowed through me as if I was not reading but absorbing.

All of these have in common the way I wish to understand the world around me, I guess that is why they spoke deep to my soul. They illuminated paths of discovery within me like a forest fire, razing the known ground to bake a seeding forest for a new landscape to emerge.

[jtb1951]

The Sleepwalkers by Arthur Koestler also captivated me and launched me on another hobby of researching scientific discovery, past and present. The pre-Socratics are particularly interesting to me.

Bravo, spiston! This book is a work of brilliance, and that's not a word to toss around lightly! As a scientist, and a lifelong amateur astronomy enthusiast (yes, I have been to Kitt Peak!), Koestler's treatment of the biggest personages in early astronomy is startlingly candid, terrifically insightful, and painstakingly researched. In the realm of science history, this is a rarity! Thanks for mentioning it!

John.

[2maple]

Tisha - True story of a teacher in the Alaskan wilderness - Robert Specht and Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes...two books I loved reading when I was growing up!!

I think the book that has had the most impact on me was 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann... OK, it appeals to the geeky-scientist side of me... It expanded my time horizons for human modifications in the new world (making me really wonder what status quo people are trying to acheive from an environmental standpoint (global warming or other perstectives) - when the "white man" arrived? There was really interesting discussion about how the environment had already been heavily selected for by the natives here for thousands of years before that so what is status quo anyway?), shown me the impacts of catashtrophe on societyand the coresponding loss of knowledge that now has to be rediscovered or invented (some of the discussion of lost farming knowlege in the rainforest resulting from disease decimating local populations only now being rediscovered today is facinating)...and the potential ramifications on events today like the emergance of avain flu...great places to get lost in thought on a long drive home... I still keep cycling back to thinking about it in different ways.

[jtb1951]

I think the book that has had the most impact on me was 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus by Charles C. Mann... OK, it appeals to the geeky-scientist side of me...

Thanks for the review, 2maple! This is not a book I have heard of before, and being a professional geek-scientist I'm always on the lookout for informative reads, particularly those with an historical perspective. Sounds interesting! Thanks, again!

John.

[alina]

I am absolutely overwhelmed by the huge number of books recommended here! My reading list has increased by an extra twenty or forty books! *mumbles about time constraint*

Thanks everyone for sharing all these great books!

[vicki]

Oh, my TBR stack is growing quite a bit, and it's already beyond huge! And the best thing is that a lot of these are books I've never even heard of, in spite of all the book-related reading and surfing I've done over the years. That's so cool. <Radiates book-people love>

I could really use a speed-reading course. Paging Evelyn Wood!

[jtb1951]

And the best thing is that a lot of these are books I've never even heard of, in spite of all the book-related reading and surfing I've done over the years. That's so cool. <Radiates book-people love>

I second that emotion, vicki!! :) One of the things that life has taught me is that no matter how extensive a reader one is, how talented an individual, how great a lover, how formidable a thinker, how successful a businessperson, how sensitive an artist, etc., there is always more out there for you. What a wonderful world!!! Thank you all for sharing; I won't tire of saying it! <radiates supernova-strength love>

John.

[Carlina]

There have been a few that have spoken to me and in some cases slapped me silly...they are all nonfiction and related to my field so...

Bones in the Basement...I was very impacted by this book. It looks at the remains found in the basement of the Georgia Medical College in Augusta. It took what we call a biohistorical approach combining skeletal and archaeological analyses with history research..which is what I do. The results indicated, according to fragmentary remains that most of the persons were African American. Using historical documentation, the anthropologists and historians were able to reconstruct the sordid history of the medical college in the 19th century with respect to cadaver acquisition. Long story short, African Americans, both freed and enslaved, tended to be the target of the resurrection men (grave robbers) who provided the medical school with its "materia medica." Some of these resurrection men were students and one was even a slave, Grandison Harris, of the medical school. The social dynamics were amazing. Although Grandison was a slave, he was knowledgable of anatomy and held in high regard by the medical students of the college. The profs. even let him teach anatomy at times. This was a double edged sword though because he was fear among his own brethern for the power he held and his ability to snatch relatives from their graves.

The book provided a very interesting look how African Americans (both freed and enslaved) were targeted by resurrection men. It also looked at health differences and the concepts of the body and dissection. There were many many themes. How did it impact me...well one theme is obvious of course...the treatment of slaves at the hands of the Euro-American medical elite in the 19th century...however, it also set me on the path in which my current research takes..so it was a bone inspiring book on many levels..

[jtb1951]

Bones in the Basement...I was very impacted by this book. It looks at the remains found in the basement of the Georgia Medical College in Augusta. It took what we call a biohistorical approach combining skeletal and archaeological analyses with history research..which is what I do.

Wow, Carlina, I love to hear the stories of folks who have come across books that have been as relevant to them as this book seems to be for you! Thanks for the review and the sharing, it sounds like a powerful book.

John.

[Christina]

I have loved hearing about everyone's important books. I am not sure this is the place to put this link, but.... I think it was John that said he was a science-geek... or was it someone else? Well, no matter, I found this link a while ago, it's the book review/reading list of scientist/businessman John Walker, founder of Autodesk, Inc.
http://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/reading_list/
It has cost me a lot of money since I found it ;-) and I apologize in advance to all of you for whom it is likely to be equally expensive. But sure to peruse the rest of the fourmilab.ch site. I found it really interesting. There's some sci fi books on the site too. Christina

[Carlina]

Wow, Carlina, I love to hear the stories of folks who have come across books that have been as relevant to them as this book seems to be for you! Thanks for the review and the sharing, it sounds like a powerful book.

John.

Thanks John. I am happy to share and yes it was a very powerful book for me in many ways. I forgot to post the link to the book. It's out of print now since the Smithsonian Press went defunct (because of lack of funding) but it can still be found.

http://www.amazon.com/BONES-BASEMENT-BLAKELY-R/dp/1560987502

[jtb1951]

Well, no matter, I found this link a while ago, it's the book review/reading list of scientist/businessman John Walker, founder of Autodesk, Inc.

Thanks, Christina, that's a very intriguing list of books, several of which I have read over the years. It may be costing me some money, too! Yes, I am a science/sci-fi geek but I have tried to keep an open mind to new reading material and not get into a pigeon-hole too much! :)

Carlina, thanks for the link, btw! I have really come to look forward to hearing what books mean a lot to our forum folks!!

John.

[Christina]

Glad you liked the link, John. (of the humongous book lists ;-) I find it amazing that a guy who must be so unbelievably busy takes the time to write such interesting and thorough reviews. Plus the range of genres is pretty amazing too, although as one might assume, it leans heavily towards science, science philosophy, business and politics... but there's some interesting sci fi, and other fiction books too, plus some old stuff that one might not encounter in a current bookstore.
Christina

[jtb1951]

I find it amazing that a guy who must be so unbelievably busy takes the time to write such interesting and thorough reviews.

I am equally impressed; as someone to whom cogent writing is a challenging task (that would be me!) I am just astounded that anyone would have the time and talent (and the willingness to share the above) to provide us with those reviews! Wow! Thanks again!

John.

[AmyLizzie]

This might sound a bit silly but I suppose the books that have had the most profound impact on my life are the Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. I think that to create a character like Holmes takes such amazing skill, he was such an original character and revolutionised crime fiction. At the same time, the stories are quintessentially English and say alot about Britain, and England in the late nineteenth century, they are so atmospheric and dark in many ways. The character of Dr. Watson is also a work of genius as humanity will always out and without Watson's humanity we would take no notice of Holmes' brilliance. I was recently watching Dr. Who on the BBC (I'm not sure that the third series of Dr. Who with David Tennant is in America yet) :confused: but when I was watching it, I was struck by how influenced by Sherlock Holmes the series is. The relationship between the doctor and his companion, between him and the master are all similar to Holmes. I know I sound like a proper geek but I love the Dr. Who series and Sherlock Holmes, is I think, one of the most striking and influential characters ever written.

[jtb1951]

The character of Dr. Watson is also a work of genius as humanity will always out and without Watson's humanity we would take no notice of Holmes' brilliance.

An excellent point; Watson as counterpoint to Holmes is indispensable in the Canon. Without doing an extensive survey, off the top of my head I would posit that many of the great fictional characters could only exist with the presence of a balancing character (or characters). Just a thought!

John.

[AmyLizzie]

Hi John,
Thanks for you thoughts! Your point is very true but Holmes and Watson started it all, so I think Arthur Conan Doyle deserves credit for that, if there had been no Holmes and Watson I wonder where we would all be now?

AmyLizzie

[seslavie]

I agree with the comments on Beloved. Have you read Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God?" Another powerful read in the genre.

Excellent book and amazing story. I also highly recommend it!

[seslavie]

One of my all time favorite books is The Eight by Katherine Neville. I think it would appeal to anyone who loves stories like The Beekeeper's Apprentice. I'm terrible at summarizing stories, so here's the blurb from Amazon.com:

Katherine Neville's debut novel is a postmodern thriller set in 1972 ... and 1790. In the 20th century, Catherine Velis is a computer expert with a flair for music, painting, and chess who, on her way to Algeria at the behest of the accounting firm where she is employed, is invited to take a mysterious moonlighting assignment: recover the pieces of an old chess set missing for centuries.

In the midst of the French Revolution, a young novice discovers that her abbey is the hiding place of a chess set, once owned by the great Charlemagne, which allows those who play it to tap into incredible powers beyond the imagination. She eventually comes into contact with the major historical figures of the day, from Robespierre to Napoleon, each of whom has an agenda.

The Eight is a non-stop ride that recalls the swashbuckling adventures of Indiana Jones as well as the historical puzzles of Umberto Eco which, since its first publication in 1988, has gone on to acquire a substantial cult following.

I just love stories with strong, intelligent women in them!

[jtb1951]

One of my all time favorite books is The Eight by Katherine Neville. I think it would appeal to anyone who loves stories like The Beekeeper's Apprentice

It sounds interesting; thanks for the referral! It's going to take me several lifetimes to try out all these books being put forth!!:) Keep 'em coming!

John.

[jtb1951]

The Eight is a non-stop ride that recalls the swashbuckling adventures of Indiana Jones as well as the historical puzzles of Umberto Eco which, since its first publication in 1988, has gone on to acquire a substantial cult following.

Talk of the historical puzzles of Umberto Eco brings me to mind of his historical mystery novel The Name Of The Rose; a very thoughtful and entertaining read. Eco is also noted for his work in the field of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, both individually and grouped into sign systems. It includes the study of how meaning is constructed and understood. A very complex fellow!

John.

[spiston]

Also by Umberto Eco, Foucault's Pendulum is a fantastic read. Kept me up at night while I was in high school...
:)

[jtb1951]

Anyone who has read the novel The Name Of The Rose might also enjoy the movie version starring Sean Connery as William of Baskerville, along with F. Murray Abraham, and a young Christian Slater! A movie very much in the mold of the Brother Cadfael films.

John.

[Strawberry Curls]

Anyone who has read the novel The Name Of The Rose might also enjoy the movie version starring Sean Connery as William of Baskerville, along with F. Murray Abraham, and a young Christian Slater! A movie very much in the mold of the Brother Cadfael films.John.

That is another PBS Mystery series that sent me to the books. I had never read any of the Cadfael series by Ellis Peters until I saw Derek Jacobi's portrayal of the Brother. I had to track down the books and read them. Wonderfully rich in detail of the period and great mysteries. I highly recommend them.

[The Solitary Cyclist]

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (to whom I am related) has really become an important book to my family; I think it helped to shape my standing for equality at a young age. It reveals a lot about humans, I think, and that is why I love it so much. Scout is the best narrator I have ever encountered. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck made me cry for a hour or so; I suppose you could say that it "spoke" to me. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux has affected me in too many ways to name. And, the entire Sherlock Holmes canon by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle has become a favorite; Holmes is a damaged character who does such good. A good deal of the world believes that he lived. Honestly, I doubt one fictional character has affected me more.

[ValentineWiggin]

The Phantom of the Opera is such a phenomenal novel for being such a deceptively easy read. I've also personally loved vonnegut, specifically Cat's Cradle and the short story "Harrison Burgeron" from Welcome to the Monkey House. That story is in the same vein as 1984 or Brave New World, but it is about the notion of enforced equality. It is a story that haunts you long after it has been put down.

[AmyLizzie]

Hi,
You are all far too intelligent and have read far too many books for me!! I'm feel so deprived...;) Just to reply to an earlier post regarding [I]The Name of The Rose [I]I Love that book!! I thought it was so amazing and so clever, it is an immense book. I actually brought it from a hospital book shop when my mom was in and I think it saved me from going mad! I love the characters and the descriptions are so beautiful, he is a very talented man. I haven't actually seen the film but I would love to see how such an amzing book can be translated onto film. Keep going with these conversations guys it's really interesting stuff!! *kisses and hugs to you all* xxxxx

[jtb1951]

You are all far too intelligent and have read far too many books for me!! I'm feel so deprived...

Don't ever feel overwhelmed by anyone out here, we're all here for each other!:) Hopefully, you have many decades of enjoyable reading and sharing ahead of you, and imagine how many lives you may be able to influence with all of that! Don't worry, be happy!!!;)

John.

[AmyLizzie]

Thanks for the lovely comments John, it's very much appreciated. I sincerely hope you're right! *Big Hugs*

AmyLizzie xx

[jtb1951]

You are most welcome, AmyLizzie! And keep those hugs coming! The whole world would be a much happier place if everyone had a good hug every day!:) Keep reading!

John.

[Kiyomi]

John is right! We were all once as you, but as you get older you read more books and before you know it you will have read more than all the rest of us.:D

A very good book I didn't read for a long time after I bought it due to scarey cover art is 'Stealing the Elfking's Roses' by Diane Duane. Disregard the cover art and enjoy a book that explores the meaning of justice in worlds where magic works. Somehow the author manages to make the characters more real than if she had set the story in our own world. Once it gets started you won't be able to stop reading untill the end.

[jtb1951]

A very good book I didn't read for a long time after I bought it due to scarey cover art is 'Stealing the Elfking's Roses' by Diane Duane.

Thanks for the recommendation, Kiyomi! I have read a variety of stories by Diane Duane before but hadn't heard of Stealing the Elfking's Roses. Another one to keep my eye out for, I guess. Thanks!

John.

[Kiyomi]

Thanks for the recommendation, Kiyomi! I have read a variety of stories by Diane Duane before but hadn't heard of Stealing the Elfking's Roses. Another one to keep my eye out for, I guess. Thanks!

John.
I highly suspect that is due to the scarey cover art, I think they still have it on Amazon if not your used bookstore. The characters on the cover bear very little resemblance to the characters as described. Sometimes I wonder what editors are thinking with some of their book covers. That's one thing I really like about LRK's books, the covers are appropriate and not frightening!

[AmyLizzie]

Just in case any of you are a fan of the cadfael books (I think someone mentioned it in an earlier post) I happen to work 15 mins away from the abbey in Shrewsbury where Cadfael is set...Interesting fact for you all there...:)

[jtb1951]

Just in case any of you are a fan of the cadfael books (I think someone mentioned it in an earlier post) I happen to work 15 mins away from the abbey in Shrewsbury where Cadfael is set...Interesting fact for you all there...

Pretty cool!! I've seen more of the Brother Cadfael movies than I have read the books, but they have all been most enjoyable. Is the abbey still in active use, AmyLizzie?

John.

[KarenB]

I remember walking around the abbey area and Shrewsbury with my DH a number of years ago, trying to figure out where things were and muttering about various plots under my breath. Lovely place!

[AmyLizzie]

Pretty cool!! I've seen more of the Brother Cadfael movies than I have read the books, but they have all been most enjoyable. Is the abbey still in active use, AmyLizzie?

John.

Hi John,

Yeah it is, people get married there and regular services take place. It is a lovely place but is surrounded by a car park now! Still pretty awe inspiring though.
:)

[jtb1951]

Yeah it is, people get married there and regular services take place. It is a lovely place but is surrounded by a car park now! Still pretty awe inspiring though.

Thanks for the info; sounds like a place to visit sometime! (whenever I make my first visit to England!):)

John.

[AmyLizzie]

You should definitly come to England! You would love it, if you don't mind a bit of rain that is...I haven't seen the sun in sooo long :( apart from that its great! :)

[jtb1951]

You should definitly come to England! You would love it, if you don't mind a bit of rain that is...I haven't seen the sun in sooo long apart from that its great!

It would be great to do a grand tour of the British Isles some day; I guess I'll have to put in my request for sunny weather well ahead of time, eh!:)

btw, I like your new avatar!

John.

[KarenB]

I don't know about the rain. When I was there, several years ago, there was a heatwave and I wore the one pair of shorts I threw in my suitcase almost every day. I vividly remember many brilliantly scarlet people lying in the grass at St. David's in Wales and thinking they would regret that sun tomorrow!

[AmyLizzie]

I don't know about the rain. When I was there, several years ago, there was a heatwave and I wore the one pair of shorts I threw in my suitcase almost every day. I vividly remember many brilliantly scarlet people lying in the grass at St. David's in Wales and thinking they would regret that sun tomorrow!

I think we get one heatwave every 10 years! For the past two months we've seen about 2 days of sun and massive floods, you were obviously lucky! Maybe you should come back, the weather might follow you! xx

[AmyLizzie]

It would be great to do a grand tour of the British Isles some day; I guess I'll have to put in my request for sunny weather well ahead of time, eh!:)

btw, I like your new avatar!

John.

Thanks John :) that would be me posing in my room - very vain I know! xx

[jtb1951]

Welcome again, to all of our newbies and lurkers!:) Please feel free to share with us a special book (or books) that have meant or said something special to you. We are reading junkies here, and we love to hear your stories! Jump in!

John.

[jtb1951]

Welcome again, to all of our newbies and lurkers! Please feel free to share with us a special book (or books) that have meant or said something special to you. We are reading junkies here, and we love to hear your stories! Jump in!

Even though everyone on the planet will be reading Harry Potter this weekend (or maybe it just seems that way!) we look forward to having you share with us that book that said or meant something special to you. Feel free to join us!:)

John.

[Meredith47]

Hi! since I'm managing to post about three different places today, perhaps it's clear I had three clients cancel and finished the paperwork, woo hoo! My nominee for Amazing book is related to previous posts: it's The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham, a book from/for childhood but also the universe. I especially recommend the version with illustrations by Arthur Rackham if you can find it. I positively worship his stuff for its evocative romancticism/fantasy etc. etc. At some point I decided I took to Holmes and Watson SO easily because they bore a greater than supeficial resemblance to the Rat and the Mole! Of course, Holmes is more brilliant and prickly than Rat but they are lovely fellows.

[jtb1951]

it's The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham, a book from/for childhood but also the universe. I especially recommend the version with illustrations by Arthur Rackham if you can find it.

Ah, what a gem! The Wind In The Willows is a true classic, an epic fantasy with all the elements of The Odyssey, written with characters that appeal to the full age gamut of readers. I have never seen the Rackham-illustrated edition, but I can imagine that it is stunning. I have a Rackham-illustrated Mother Goose that is beautiful!! Thanks for the post!!

John.