I’ve been watching Great Books Week from the sidelines, and with today’s challenge I decided to jump into the fray.
If you were stranded alone on a deserted island, what five books would you want?
I immediately began thinking of the books that I name as my favorites when asked. But this question goes deeper that listing which books made a great impression on me. If I only had five books to read and re-read for the rest of my life, what would I choose?
The Poisonwood Bible
I’ve re-read this one many times, and I’m due for another soon. I love everything about this book, from the setting and the characters to Barbara Kingsolver’s delicious prose.
The Sun Also Rises
Perhaps it would be better to choose a longer Hemingway work, but this remains my absolute favorite from him. I savor the ending in particular; many times, I have picked up the book just to read the last page.
The English Patient
This book is relatively new to me; I only read it last year. And I immediately wondered why it took so long. I loved the story, and I became very emotionally involved with the characters.
The Complete Collection of William Shakespeare
I had to include a collection! Maybe then I would finally read every play by Shakespeare, one of my literary goals. At the very least, the gilded pages might be used to signal a rescue plane.
Watchmen
This was the first graphic novel I read, and it may remain the greatest. It contains a rich and complex story that only ripens upon re-reads. I recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.
All of this makes me realize that I am due for several re-reads! Did someone say “reading challenge”?
Melody Likes Words 