yestermeme - books
Cminor tagged me for the "book" exercise many posts ago, but I did not answer. Now that we have been tapped again by the Ironiccatholic , I figure I need to clear past blogdebts. Ironic's answer will be posted at a later time.
At first I found the book exercise a little intimidating, not being as prolific a reader as C. But I have done my best to complete the task in the blogospherical spirit:
1. One book that changed your life:
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis ; the books are probably the straw that broke the camel's back in terms of going ahead and becoming Catholic. While the "Christ figure" bit has been done and overdone in literature and movies, C.S. Lewis' Aslan was a very strong portrayal of a God of fearful power who could still be approached.
2. One book that you've read more than once:
The Rolling Stones - Robert Heinlein
It was the first Heinlein -- and probably the first science fiction book that I ever read. When my kids got old enough, I insisted that we read it again. The technical mumbo jumbo does not get in the way of the story in any of Heinlein's works, and the theme of family is particularly appealing in this one. Certainly in this early work some of the references are dated (slide rules? what are they?), but the read is still pleasant.
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court -- Mark Twain
While truly not a practical tome, it is inspirational how our hero improvises and invents he way to a better quality of life, despite his primitive company and circumstances.
4. One book that made you laugh:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglass Adams
I find the late Mr. Adams to be perfect in his comic timing and in the rhythm of his prose. Just try saying "Eccentrica Galumbits, the triple-breasted whore of Eroticon five" or "Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster" or even "Ulan Kaluphid" and you will hear the almost Seussian music to his inventions. Adams' atheism doesn't really seep into his stories until later in the trilogy; so this one is just pure fun.
5. One book that made you cry:
The Jungle -- Upton Sinclair
I had to read this one for highschool, and while I expected gross (and wasn't disappointed), I didn't expect the compounding of misery that the main character had to somehow endure. I learned later that the book was Sinclairs attemept at socialist proselytizing.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
Rock Stardom for the Mildly Talented -- could be written by any number of people; take your pick
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
Brain Droppings - George Carlin
The former Mr. Conductor spoiled my respect for him gained through his brilliant use of the English language by being just
plain old mean-spirited and anti-child.
8. One book you're currently reading:
Mere Christianity -- C.S. Lewis
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
From Beirut to Jerusalem -- Thomas Friedman
I have read the first half of the book twice; haven't sat myself down to read the second.
At first I found the book exercise a little intimidating, not being as prolific a reader as C. But I have done my best to complete the task in the blogospherical spirit:
1. One book that changed your life:
The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis ; the books are probably the straw that broke the camel's back in terms of going ahead and becoming Catholic. While the "Christ figure" bit has been done and overdone in literature and movies, C.S. Lewis' Aslan was a very strong portrayal of a God of fearful power who could still be approached.
2. One book that you've read more than once:
The Rolling Stones - Robert Heinlein
It was the first Heinlein -- and probably the first science fiction book that I ever read. When my kids got old enough, I insisted that we read it again. The technical mumbo jumbo does not get in the way of the story in any of Heinlein's works, and the theme of family is particularly appealing in this one. Certainly in this early work some of the references are dated (slide rules? what are they?), but the read is still pleasant.
3. One book you'd want on a desert island:
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court -- Mark Twain
While truly not a practical tome, it is inspirational how our hero improvises and invents he way to a better quality of life, despite his primitive company and circumstances.
4. One book that made you laugh:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - Douglass Adams
I find the late Mr. Adams to be perfect in his comic timing and in the rhythm of his prose. Just try saying "Eccentrica Galumbits, the triple-breasted whore of Eroticon five" or "Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster" or even "Ulan Kaluphid" and you will hear the almost Seussian music to his inventions. Adams' atheism doesn't really seep into his stories until later in the trilogy; so this one is just pure fun.
5. One book that made you cry:
The Jungle -- Upton Sinclair
I had to read this one for highschool, and while I expected gross (and wasn't disappointed), I didn't expect the compounding of misery that the main character had to somehow endure. I learned later that the book was Sinclairs attemept at socialist proselytizing.
6. One book that you wish had been written:
Rock Stardom for the Mildly Talented -- could be written by any number of people; take your pick
7. One book that you wish had never been written:
Brain Droppings - George Carlin
The former Mr. Conductor spoiled my respect for him gained through his brilliant use of the English language by being just
plain old mean-spirited and anti-child.
8. One book you're currently reading:
Mere Christianity -- C.S. Lewis
9. One book you've been meaning to read:
From Beirut to Jerusalem -- Thomas Friedman
I have read the first half of the book twice; haven't sat myself down to read the second.
Labels: memes
posted by DMinor | 6:42 PM
2 Comments:
Hello there, ta for the comment!
I'm a Douglas Adams fan too. Wish his love of creation had involved recognition of the Creator... Requiescat in pace.
Ah - that was for CMinor really. I can't read... Salvete the Minors, anyhow...
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