Well … not to be mean or anything … but just to be honest: As we speak, my bags are packed full of bathing suits, shorts, t-shirts and sunscreen. The husband and I are off today for a seven day cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Cozumel. Wahooo!
All readers take a “reading bag” on any trip, right? What’s in mine?
For starters, I’ve got Julia Templeton’s (hot!) November release, THE BARGAIN. I’ve got a book my brother sent to me for my birthday, GUESTS OF THE AYATOLLAH, written and autographed by BLACKHAWK DOWN author, Mark Bowden. I’ve also got Deb Dixon’s GOAL, MOTIVATION AND CONFLICT, which I’ve read a couple of times, with a notebook for scribbling on my current project. I decided to leave Thomas Harding’s TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES because I’m trying to be realistic, and this bag (also full of Big Sexy Hair products – Hey, I’m from Texas remember) is getting to be a bit heavy …
But looking at my selections got me to thinking. I like all sorts of books. Non-fiction. Fiction. Popular fiction. I’m not really into self-help or how-to books, although I do have 2 or 3 writing books that I read and re-read because they tend to “trigger” revelations during the writing process.
Some of the best books I’ve read, have been recommendations from friends. So tell me, what are the three (or four or five) books that have a forever-place on your keeper shelf, and why?
Here’s a few of my all-time fiction favorites:
BELOVED, by Toni Morrison – a beautiful, heart-breaking and life-changing book. This book won a Pulitzer Prize.
THE SHADOW AND THE STAR, by Laura Kinsale. Only two romance books have ever brought me to tears, and this was one of them.
KILLING ME SOFTLY by Nicci French. Because it dragged me, kicking and screaming, toward a “THE END” I did not want to see, and for that, I loved it.
OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon. The second “romance” book that brought me to tears. Honestly, I haven’t been able to bring myself to read the following books in the series because I was so emotionally traumatized by this one. And yes, because of that it’s a favorite.
You have GOT to read the follow up books to Outlander (at least the 3 subsequent ones).
I couldn’t wait to have Claire and Jamie back together… I cryed too and an author has to be really GOOD to overwhelm my emotions like that.
Another book that made my cry (I mean to the point of sobing!) is Luanne Rice and Cloud Nine. Try it if you haven’t already.
Comment by Jaclyne Laurin — October 29, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
My house is way too small to even have a keeper shelf.
Comment by Estella — October 29, 2006 @ 5:47 pm
What fun, Jolie! A cruise with the hubby! Here’s to bee-u-tiful weather and a safe return!
I have a large keeper-shelf–my son built a gorgeous bookcase for me last Christmas. As far as keepers, ALL of Lynn Kurland’s books are on my keeper shelf, Karen Marie Moning’s Highlander series, and Erin Hart’s bog-body mysteries set in modern-day Ireland. Fantastic reads! Along with J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan and Wendy, and the newly-released, official sequel, Peter Pan in Scarlet.
I also have this fabulous Norse romance, you may have heard of it? THE SEA KING!
Have a great time on your cruise!
Comment by Cindy — October 30, 2006 @ 9:50 am
I’ve got all my Julie Garwoods, Janet Evanovich, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Harry Potters in one spot. Always within reach because they’re the only books I own that I reread. But on my keeper shelf, I have books I don’t plan to reread (suspense, mostly, because once I know whodunnit, I don’t see the reason to reread them). These are books by Alex Kava, Sharon Sala/Dinah McCall, Lisa Gardner’s earlier books etc. Then I have a shelf that holds only autographed copies. I LOVE autographed books and have a nice collection growing in my office. Even if I didn’t love love love that book, if it’s signed, I’m likely to hold on to it.
Comment by Heather — October 30, 2006 @ 12:04 pm
Have fun on your trip, Jolie!
Alyssa
Comment by Alyssa Brooks — October 30, 2006 @ 12:17 pm