Bookworm

     So, this week my British lit professor is requiring us to read Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. Out of all the wide world of British literature, even keeping to the latter time frame (this is BritLitII), she chooses that?! I'm convinced that it's because she is simply ignorant of the better choices out there.

     Luckily, I was raised to think that books were one of the basic necessities of life, along with clothes, a house, and some mac and cheese every now and then. Here is a short list of my favorites. I know better that to say top five or whatever, because there's no way I can condense my list that much. Both my giant bookcases are filled with my 'favorites' so five isn't happening. Five rows maybe... :)

• The Time Traveler's Wife, by Audrey Niffeneger: If you've seen the movie, well, the book is a bazillion million times better. Yes, that much. I don't get sappy at movies or books, but I teared up a few times through this one. It's just one of those timeless romances, waaay better than Twilight ever thought about being.

• In the Sanctuary of Outcasts, by Neil White: Actually, I read this for school. Granted it was extra credit, but it was still one of the most phenomenal bios I've ever read. White is actually from Oxford, MS. He got caught embezzling and was sent to prison at Carville, LA, which was also the national leprosarium then. He writes about being in prison with the people with leprosy, about first hating and fearing them, then how he gets to know and understand them. It's such an amazing story about someone overcoming their prejudices. Definitely a must read.

• Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge: Thank you so much Ashley McGee for giving this book such a good review and making me want to read it! It's a great book for any female, any age, because we all need to know we're lovely and loved sometimes. They also wrote a book for guys, Wild at Heart. I gave it to my cousin Nick for Christmas, and he said it was amazing as well.

• How Starbucks Saved My Life, by Michael Gates Gill: A spoiled, rich, white guy has to learn how to work, and he does it working at Starbucks. This book gives you a new respect for working, no matter the job. And it definitely allowed Starbucks as a company to earn a lot of respect it was lacking as just a 'preppy, overpriced coffee shop'.

• Thirteen Moons, by Charles Frazier: Anyone who loves American historical fiction and the South, this is for you. Frazier also wrote Cold Mountain, but Thirteen Moons outshines it by far. It's definitely a book you read slowly so you can enjoy it. Anyone with Cherokee (or any Native American) backgrounds would definitely be interested. It's based around the time of the Cherokee Removal, but from their perspective rather than the history books.

• Jan Karon's Mitford series: If you are a Southern fiction reader, and have any religious sentiments at all, these books are fantastic. I think there are around ten altogether. My grandmother read these, and I picked them up from her. It follows the life of a town in the North Carolina mountains through the eyes of an Episcopal priest. Again, books to read slowly and savor. She throws some very thought provoking points out there regarding theology, and about people in general.

• Mysteries: I'm a sucker for mysteries, especially on audiobook when I'm driving. Sometimes I sit in my driveway for five extra minutes just because I don't want to leave the story hanging. I like Deanna Raybourn's Lady Julia mysteries, Nevada Barr, and Preston and Child. Quite a mix of subject matter there, but I like to jump around.



• Through Painted Deserts, by Dan Miller: Religion and life from the viewpoint of a college guy road trippping across half the US. I love some of the things he thinks out to himself. It's another thought provoker (Can you tell I don't like to be bored by my readings?).

• Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: I gave this to my piano teacher at my senior concert after 10 years of lessons. Albom is a great writer, and his story of reconnecting with an old teacher/friend/mentor is so touching.

• Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follet: Amazing historical fiction, amazing religious fiction. But don't read unless you're willing to commit and have a LOT of time on your hands. Like a 26 hour flight to Indonesia or something.


• More historical fiction, The Grail Series by Bernard Cornwell. Lots of action, medieval history, a little romance. They are a bit easier to read than Follet; at least, they don't take quite so long!

     If anyone has any books they just adore, and can't wait for someone else to read so they can share the love, please pass the names on to me! I am always hungry for new reading material - unless it's a series with thirteen humongously long books (I'm still slogging through Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books...Daddy...). Amazon.com knows my address by heart haha!