May 15, 2008
What are your favorite books?
Like most writers I know, I’m a passionate reader. I read to relax, to learn, and to be inspired. And I believe that every book I’ve ever read has in some way made me a better copywriter.
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite titles. I hope you’ll share yours as a comment (below).
“The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson”
edited by Thomas H. Johnson
This was my textbook from an Emily Dickinson seminar I took in college. Its pages are yellowed and riddled with notes, and the binding is broken from so much use. I take something different away from every reading, but what moves me most is Dickinson’s veneration for flowers, gardening, and all things botanical.
“Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation”
by Lynne Truss
My friend Jayne loaned me this book back when we were creating and editing Web site copy together. The entire time I was reading it, I remember thinking to myself, “So I’m not the only one who feels this way about commas.” It emboldened my love of grammar and inspired me to become a copywriter. And it made me laugh. A lot.
“A Prayer for Owen Meany”
by John Irving
I first read this novel in 1999, and I’ve read it pretty much every year since. It’s forever changed the way I interpret dreams (and act at baseball games when there’s a pop-up foul). Owen Meany is my all-time favorite literary character, and, in spite of myself, I have to give props to Irving for his ingenious use of the Caps Lock key.
“A Child’s Garden of Verses”
by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Tasha Tudor
My dad gave me this book when I was 7 years old. After reading it at bedtime, I’d fall asleep and dream of fairies and wildflowers. From the moment I saw it, I was mesmerized by its fanciful poems and exquisite illustrations—and I still am today.
What about you? What are your favorite books?
Filed by rebecca at 9:19 am under Copywriting, For the love of words
What? Nobody commented yet? Do I have firsties?
My favorite books (within recent memory).
Desert Solitaire, by Edward Abbey. You dont’ know whether he’s a brilliant environmentalist, or insane. Either way, it’s entertaining reading. I also liked his “Monkey Wrench Gang”.
“The Archer” Trilogy by Bernard Cornwell. Historical novel of England in the 1300’s. With swords, knights, and battles. I coudn’t put it down.
“The Footprints of God” by Greg Iles. One of the best science-fiction books I read in years. Science develops a computer that can map the human conciousness…and then the spiritual world starts to get involved. An excellent tale, you almost believe it could happen.
I really like Stephen King (especially his collection of non-horror). “Hearts of Atlantis” is one of his better recent ones.
“Klondike” by Pierre Berton. I always like stories of the Frontier days, especially about the Yukon Gold Rush of the late 1800’s. I must have read this one 3-4 times.
Uncle Johns’ Bathroom Reader. There are about 20 of these books. I love the format: short attention-span reading, in 1-2 pages. Covering everything from history to science to pop culture. It’s bubble gum reading, but after you’ve finished a few books, you’ll be suprised at how much knowledge youv’e gained.
Excellent! Thanks, Friar! Great list. I’m a fan of King, too. The others, well, I’ll let you know when I read them. Looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing -
LOVED the Kite Runner. Both timely and timeless. I’m looking forward to reading his next one (A Thousand Splendid Suns) too.
I agree with you on A Prayer for Owen Meany. By far one of the most life-changing books I’ve read.
Another great one - Eat, Pray, Love. Exceptional.
I’m not a Hemingway fan, but you can’t get much better than The Old Man and the Sea.
This one just rocks - The Liars’ Club by Mary Karr.
@Jamie - I completely agree with you: The Kite Runner is a beautiful story. I can’t wait to see the movie.
@Lori - Thanks so much for the recommendations! I’ve heard only good things about Eat.Pray.Love. It’s on my summer vacation reading list : )
So that’s what happened to my heirloom copy of “A Child’s Garden of Verses”, illustrated by Tasha Tudor. I’ve been looking everywhere for that book.
“A Prayer for Owen Meany”: This was pure pleasure to read. You introduced me to Owen - at a time when reading was one of the few pastimes I could enjoy - and he immediately became one of my favorite characters. Thank you.
(And don’t forget Gyo Fujikawa’s “Oh, What a Busy Day”.)
LY, Dad
My copy of “Oh, What a Busy Day” is right next to “A Child’s Garden of Verses” on my bookshelf. What great books, what great memories. And they’re not just for children! Love you, Dad.
You know what? I forgot some classics. Like:
Hop on Pop
Go, dog, go!
Green Eggs and Ham
…perhaps not as sophiticated as the other books, but equally influential on my life.
Hey, Friar - Great additions! Is there anything more comical than a dog in driving goggles?
Rebecca, I’ll be sending some link love to you on Monday. :))
I love link love!!!! Thanks so much, Lori : ]
Looking forward to your post -
I just finished Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortentson, and I highly recommend it. Very uplifting
Thanks for dropping by, Karen!
My mother-in-law also recommended that book. It’s on my list!