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Just in case I've misinterpreted, though, if it's a 'book you're buying your friend's kid for his birthday' thread, Where the Wild Things Are. If it's a 'book your grandmother made you balance on your head and walk around the house' thread, Now We Are Six. If it's a 'book your SO was astonished to discover that you both own, which discovery cemented the relationship early and firmly' thread, then Answer Me.
The Lottery, by Shirley Jackson. The collection of stories, that is - not that particular story at the moment. Although what a story it is - I will never forget reading "The Lottery" for the first time in 8th grade. I think I read "An Occurence at Owl Creek Bridge" by Ambrose Bierce right around the same time. Oh, the scary dreams that resulted from those two gems...
Generally, this is a very good book to have. Regardless of what the Publisher's Weekly review says, ("The odd layout is pointless and annoying, and the relationship between the running essay and the other slight pieces is tangential at best.") the layout emphasizes the relationship between text and subtext. Obviously they missed the point about Cambodia and it's overreaching effect that was explained in the forward. *duh*. :) Still, read it. It's good.
Star of the Sea, by Joseph O'Connor. Historical fiction written in a style that manages to be flowery without laying it on too thick. It's a pretty enjoyable read.
Though I think the last book I read that had a major impact on me was Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.
I was feeling crappy and nervous today, and gleefully started devouring the book of Ray Bradbury's short stories that 'Pode got me. Re-reading the ones I read when I was a young teenager is neat, because my perspective on them makes it a whole new experience. There are also a few in the collection that are brand new to me, which is also cool. I [heart] Ray. And Gaspode. And all the bunnies, really.
L. Ron Hubbard, Messiah or Madman? Bent Corydon The Moon is a Harsh Mistress Heinlein Fors Clavigera Volume I John Ruskin (been picking away at this for awhile) Three Cheers for Me Donald Jack
And just about to start Alraune by Hanns Heinz Ewers
I'm reading Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. It's taking me forever (one and a half months) because I only ever have time to read on the bus, and I've been biking to work most days because it's nice out.
"Cemetery Walk" by Minda Powers-Douglas. Non-fiction book on the history of cemeteries, very well written.
"Deja Dead", by Kathy Reich. Hope I'm spelling her last name right, as her book is next to my bed.
"The Care and Feeding of Books Old and New". I collect antique books, and this is great for restoration tips and general up keep.
photo by splunge
photo by TheophileEscargot
photo by Kronos_to_Earth
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