12/3/08

Literary Meme


I was tagged for this by my blog buddy Rob in Canada. This has really taken some thought, I wanted to wait until I had all my books in my new bookcases and could make an informed decision. So after alot of deliberation, here are my choices:

What would you advise people to read? Name your favourite:

(a) Fiction book
(b) Autobiography
(c) Non-fiction book
(d) A fourth book of your choice from any genre.

Explain why the books are essential reads in no more than 30 words per book.

Fiction Book - 'Pride & Prejudice' by Jane Austen. How can you not love a book which starts with one of the most memorable passages in literary history. "It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife".

Autobiography - 'It's not about the Bike' by Lance Armstrong. This book is not only moving but exceptionally human. Lance pulls no punches and doesn't sugar-coat either his disease or character. It should be compulsory reading for all patients of any disease.

Non-fiction book - 'Shout' by Philip Norman - his biography of The Beatles, from the early Hamburg days to the split and beyond. It captures the spirit of hope and excitement of the sixties, whilst recounting a historic achievement by four lads from Liverpool.

Fourth book of my choice any genre - 'Charlotte Gray' by Sebastian Faulkes. Set in occupied France in 1942, this is the story of a young Scottish woman working for British Special Operations. This book is a 'tour de force' about WW2, I cried buckets.

Unsurprisingly I didn't quite manage the 30 word limit! I am going to tag the following for this meme: Lynne, Sherri, Pam and Mary.

If you'd like checkout what I have in my library, just click the picture for a close-up.

10 comments:

Mary (Bookfan) said...

I don't usually do Memes but this was hard to resist! Check out my suggestions! And thanks for yours.

Tess Kincaid said...

I've see the film Charlotte Gray with Cate Blanchett and must read the book! Your new bookcases look amazing!!!

Expat mum said...

I love your book display!

Unknown said...

Mary - will do.

Willow - I was sooo disappointed in that movie, it's not a patch on the book.

Thanks for the compliments.

Anonymous said...

Interesting choices Sarah. Will add Lance's book to my list of must reads. Not a huge Beatles fan, but Pride & Prejucice and Charlotte Gray are great choices.

That book case is way too neat!

Leslie: said...

You have Philippa Gregory books! I LOVE those books and have read quite a few of them...do you watch The Tudors? The second series finale is next week here - I NEVER miss those shows. And I've always been fascinated by that era since I was a teenager.

Also, I notice you have Maeve Binchy...I enjoy her books, too.

But! You've chosen "Charlotte Grey" which is one of my all time favourite books. I do NOT loan that one out - EVER! I'm going to reread it while I recover from my back surgery. Did you see the film? Do you think they did a decent job of it?

By the way, how would you like to come and organize my bookcase? Yours look fab!

Anonymous said...

I'll try to do this one in a day or so. Have to look through my books first.

Your bookcases look great!

Daryl said...

Your bookcases are artistic, Sarah, I love how you have arranged the books .. and it dust free... my are a dusty, cluttered and lacking organization .. I must see to that soon ..

:-Daryl

Pam said...

I realize I haven't done this one yet, but give me time -- life has been hectic lately!!! BTW, i adore those bookshelves. Did the hubster make them or where did you get them??/

Anonymous said...

I like this meme a lot. I also love Pride & Prejudice. What a wit she was. I would like to read the last book. It looks really good.~~Dee