I thought it might be fun to expound a bit on the list of books that I wrote about in this post: Books That Stay With You, also known as ’sticky’ books.
You’ve probably all heard of The Hobbit, Les Miserables and A Tale of Two Cities. I rarely meet women who didn’t read Are You There God when they were almost teenagers and most everyone knows about The Chronicles of Narnia. Maybe you haven’t read Wind, Sand and Stars but you have read The Little Prince? I REALLY enjoyed Wind, Sand and Stars (if you know anyone who is a pilot or likes to fly, I recommend this.)
I quite recently read The … Oscar Wao book, Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Art of Racing in the Rain so these might fade with time – who knows. Flowers in the Attic scared me like nothing ever has! The Handmaid’s Tale scared me, too, and was one of those books I could NOT put down.
Mrs. Dalloway fascinated me due to its incredible style. I physically felt breathless after reading this; the pace was frantic. Funny, that I have yet to read any other Woolf, but I will. Someday.
The Soul of a New Machine was my introduction to Tracy Kidder who has become a favorite author. In fact, I’ve decided to collect his books – crazy, since I rarely keep books!
When I moved to Missouri, I bought David McCullough’s Truman as an introduction not only to a great president but to the mindset of what it might mean to live in this diverse and beautiful state. It did not disappoint. And I fell in love with another author. And please don’t ask me what else I’ve read of his – I am embarrassed to say they are all on my tbr and as of today, still unread.
Finally, the book you all may not have heard of!
The full title of this gem by Lawrence and Nancy Goldstone is Out of the Flames: The Remarkable Story of a Fearless Scholar, a Fatal Heresy, and One of the Rarest Books in the World.
from the blurb at goodreads.com where it has an average of 4.55 out of 66 ratings, “Out of the Flames is an extraordinary story providing testament to the power of ideas, the enduring legacy of books, and the triumph of individual courage.”
I found it captivating, enthralling and unforgettable. Before book blogging and any attempt to track my reading, I did often forget the title AND the authors, but I could never get the STORY out of my head and would tell everyone about it – WOW! It’s got church history, medical history, book history, drama drama drama and more drama. If that appeals to you, I recommend it. Click here for the Powell’s bit.
I haven’t read Out of the Flames, but now I want to! I haven’t read Truman either, though I guess it would be really interesting.
Oh goodie – I’m starting an extremely tiny revolution. ha! Thank you for your comment. Ya know, I consider you Blogging Royalty.
I haven’t, nor Wind, Sand and Stars, but it sounds like I should!
yea? the writing, the descriptions – breathtaking. I feel like I’m flying right now just thinking about it…
Wait! Who ARE you! We must chat! We love all the same books! Tracy Kidder is my absolute favorite — and I didn’t put him on my list! HOUSE is my favorite of his. And Their Eyes Were Wathching God? I read an excerpt at my wedding. I have not read Out of the Flames, but have just put it on my “to read” list. THANKS for stopping by my blog and commenting. This was great fun to read YOUR list.
hi!!!!! I must tell you that I was a bit intimidated when I realized you are an… wait, ‘a’ PUBLISHED AUTHOR! omg. wow. Now, I know that Lisa at Books on the Brain gets authors all the time at her blog but I … wow, they dont’ often stop by here. wow! I have tbr’d a few of your books, btw.
I LOVED Mrs Dalloway _ I know exactly what you meant _ I felt like I was holding my breath the whole time.
comments such as this make me so happy. WHY I BLOG: connections! Thank you.
Oo, goody, Out of the Flames sounds wonderful! I am adding it to my list. I haven’t read a good book about heresy in a while…
ha! is that a theme you seek out? sorry, just struck me funny how you worded it. No, really, it’s an amazing subject!
I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned. I read almost all of The Little Prince but couldn’t finish it. And considering how small the book is, it’s saying something.
lol, this memoir is an entirely different book altogether. I read it before I read The Little Prince.
I definitely know what you mean about breathless when reading Mrs. Dalloway, that is exactly how I felt reading that book.
That’s cool! I know this book has mixed reviews but I found it fascinating in more than just the story.
Oh! You should read Virginia Woolf’s diaries. Apart from Mrs Dalloway, they’re the only writings of hers I have read, but they’re fascinating.
Thanks Maree – I will consider this. I have thumbed through a few of her books but the mood wasn’t right so I didn’t purchase.