my passion...

I read. I read alot.
I, however, do not own alot of books.
Instead, I go to the library or when I do buy books I pass them on to people. Sometimes I leave them in random places for others to enjoy.
For me, books are like fire to the firespinners...
without the whole third degree burn, singed hair smell
and they aren't as sexy.
(I can wear leather pants while reading, but I choose not too. They chafe)

I read alot. And I read fast.
Which means I take in quite a bit of crap.
But every so often I find a true gem
Something that makes my heart sing
and my fantasies take off.

So I thought I would put down into words the my top 10 books
(all of which I advocate strongly for)

1) To Kill a Mockingbird- Harper Lee
If I could write, this is the book that I would write.
Scout, Atticus and Boo Radley are three of the greatest literary characters, in my opinion.
Mockingbird was Lee's only book and I can see why
Favorite part: The showdown between Atticus Finch and the rabid dog.


2) Murder on the Nile- Agatha ChristieIf I could write several books, this would be one of them.
I love Agatha Christie, between her and Nancy Drew I developed this deep love for the mystery. Truly the greates genre of books. Ever
I have traveled with Hercule Poirot (greatest detective EVER!) around the world, but no where more exciting or treacherous as this boat tour down the great river.
Favorite moment: The solving of the crime. So freaking complex.

3)Devil in the White City-Erik Larsen
Recent non-fiction. I reccomend this to everyone. The story of the building the worlds fair turn of the century Chicago is filled with intrigue, fun facts, horrid murder and the best history lesson about the rise of the Windy City. You know a book is fabulous when you wish the chapters on the first serial killer would be shorter so you can read more about the architect in charge of such a huge project.
Favorite tidbit: First use of widespread electricity.


4)War and Peace-Tolstoy
So russian. So long. Every other character is named some form of Nicholas. War and Peace is why I love huge books entrenched in history, filled with hundreds of characters. I have read it twice-once to say I have read it, the second time because it was so good.
Favorite part: The taking of Moscow


5)Lovely Bones- Alice Sebold
Please read this book. It will affect you deeply.
What happens to us and loved ones when we die. Heaven never seemed so good and bittersweet.
Favorite piece: The opening line




6)Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austin
The greatest love story. Funny too. No wonder people keep making movies about it.Even a bollywood version
Favorite Characters: Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, duh





7) Harry Potter 4&5-JK Rowling

I read this within three days so they seem like one book to me. These volumes reflect a darker more intriguing Harry. The action is more fun, the new characters are more interesting and Voldemort- he scares the crap out of me.How will the series end? Can Harry be expected to live. JK Rowling, I am your bitch!
Favorite Character: I really do like Harry.

8)Watership Downs-Richard Adams
It's a book about bunnies! How can one go wrong.
Oh, I don't know- maybe the fact this book is scary as hell. This is no Peter Rabbit. It's bloody, violent and an interesting look into society. Yes, with bunnies. FIVER!
Favorite Moment: The scary, cult of fat bunnies and the barbed wire.

9)Sophies Choice-William Styron
Of the american writers from this time period, William Styron is my favorite.
Often overlooked in the story of the holocaust are the thousands of Poles who were sent to concentration camps. A country continually invaded, my people used as pawns of one madman or another. Modern Day america and how the past haunts you.
What is Sophies Choice? Let us just say it will break your heart, make you hate her, make you pity her, make you wonder if you could make the same?
Favorite Anything: Meryl Streep is Sophie

10)The Westing Game-Ellen Raskin
This book makes so many adult mysteries look childish. Found in the YA section of your bookstore this story has so many twists and turns you will need to read it twice!

Favorite Character: Turtle




So there you have it
My official list.
Let me know what your fave book is.... I might not have read it!

out