Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend
The above quote came from the late great Groucho Marx.
As we mentioned on Friday, this week is National Banned Book Week. Sandra’s been gracious enough to let me blog, as a reader, not only about banned books but books in general (and in case you’re wondering who I am, I’m the nice lady who answers our phone when you call). You see, being a reader is almost a pre-requisite to work for Sandra–okay I’m totally kidding but it’s always great to have someone to chat about books with! And I’ve been reading for as long as I can remember. As a kid it was Trixie Belden (and yes, Nancy Drew but I prefered Trixie!), the Little House books, and even biographies. You will never know how badly I wanted to be Annie Oakley when I grew up. As an adult, books are one of my few big luxuries, not to mention one of my favorite ways to spend my free time, and as a parent, I’ve never been able to say “No,” when asked to buy a book–just ask my kids. :D
Amazingly enough, one of my favorite childhood authors, Judy Blume, has five books on the list of 100 most challenged books between 1990 – 1999. Judy Blume? Besides the titles mentioned by Sandra on Friday, other notables include, JK Rowling (HARRY POTTER), SE Hinton (The Outsides), Walter Dean Meyer (who is the only author one of my children will read!), Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, James Joyce, Joseph Heller … well the list goes on and on. You can even find a list of challenged classics here.
But this blog post isn’t just about banned books. We’re all here because we love to read, because we couldn’t imagine a life without books to enrich it. Chances are someone made you the reader you are–so who was it?
I totally blame my mom! Who, by the way, never said I couldn’t read a book (though she did insist on reading “Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret” first. I still don’t get that, but anyway….)
Tell me, who influenced you the most as a reader? At what age do you recall becoming a die-hard reader? And what’s the one book you’ve read this year that you consider a “must read”. Comment below and 2 lucky people will be selected at random to receive an autographed Sandra Brown book of their choice. Because…its all about the books!
“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ~Paul Sweeney
Sandra White
September 29th, 2009 at
12:41 pm
I didn’t really have a person that influenced me as a child, but found as I grew older reading helped me relax. It’s hard to worry when you are focused and engrossed in a good book.
The one book besides, Smash Cut that I have read this year and would consider a “must read” would be The House at Riverton, by Kate Morton. I first read her current book, The Forgotten Garden, which is also excellent.
Cathy M
September 29th, 2009 at
1:41 pm
I have early memories of sitting on my grandmother’s lap while she read to me. Both my mom and dad were big reader’s so I quickly went from being read to, to reading out loud to them every night before bed. I turned into a voracious romance reader in my early teens, and never went anywhere without a book close at hand. That still goes for me as an adult, but now I’ve added an electronic reader that I can take with me that holds over 100 books, definitely a reader’s dream.
Lots of great books have ended up on my favorite’s shelf this year. I am a big paranormal romance fan, and two titles that come to mind are Daywalker by Jocelynn Drake and A Vampire’s Claim by Joey W Hill.
Liz B.
September 29th, 2009 at
4:21 pm
I remember my oldest sister getting me started on the Betsy-Tacy books by Maude Hart Lovelace when I was about 7 or 8. As an adult, I re-read them all and had a great time catching up with my old friends! My Sandra Brown book recommendations are Ricochet and The Crush, and a recent read by a different author has me recommending The Vendetta Defense by Lisa Scottoline.
Stephanie P.
September 29th, 2009 at
4:25 pm
I’ve always been an avid reader, from reading Dr. Seuss in 1st grade, to the Babysitters Club books in 3rd grade, on to Harlequin romance novels by 7th/8th grade. I come by my love of books from both sides of the family.
I’m never without a book. I read on average at least an hour a day. This year I’ve read some wonderful books, including The Thirteenth Tale and Water for Elephants, but my “must read” was Escape by Carolyn Jessop.
Sue Brandes
September 29th, 2009 at
4:28 pm
I kind of got a late start. My MIL got me into reading again. I swear she had over 300 books & growing. LOL. I started to read some of the authors she liked and grew to love it. We would share books & stories. Started out with Supense & now I kind of read all kind of books. If it sounds good I will read it.
Virginia C
September 29th, 2009 at
6:49 pm
My grandmother was very intelligent, and talked to me about all kinds of things throughout my childhood. She was well-read and well-spoken. Even though she has been gone for over thirty years, she is a daily presence in my life.
Tina Green
September 29th, 2009 at
8:07 pm
I totally agree with the quote. My grandmother was an avid reader and so was my dad. I get my love of reading from both of them. My youngest daughter is a reader and I think my granddaughter will be the same also. She loves to be read to and loves to “read” to me even though she can’t actually read she looks at the pictures and makes up her own story. I just finished reading Pig Candy: Taking My Father South Taking My Father Home A Memoir by Lise Funderburg, it was a great read.
Barb R
September 30th, 2009 at
12:59 am
When I was growing up, my mom was an avid reader. Most generally, that is how she used her time to unwind at the end of a day. As a child, I read some, but it was years later as an adult that I really got into reading. I found that by reading, I would concentrate on the stories instead of dwelling on some of the negative things that were going on around me. I fill a lot of my free time up now with reading. Of the books I have read in the past year, two stand out as must reads. First, The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. Second, Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Two totally different kinds of stories, but yet both were incredible.
Genie B
September 30th, 2009 at
8:56 am
I somehow taught myself to read at age 3 and have been a most rabid bibliophile ever since. As a little girl, I would hide in the top of my closet at night reading by the closet light so I wouldn’t get in trouble for not going to sleep at bedtime. I just could NOT sleep with so many books to read! This ‘habit’ not only continued, but blossomed into a lifelong love affair with the written word. I’m also a very predictiable gift-giver. Everyone always expects books from me and I never disappoint. The must-read for me this year was Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help”. Absolutely one of the most compelling books I’ve ever read. Stockett is truly gifted. I would say that even if I didn’t grow up in her hometown!
Heather C
September 30th, 2009 at
10:06 am
Hmm, no one in my family ever read. I remember becoming an active reader in college. My best friend was reading a book and I asked her, “what’s that about?” She started telling me the story and I said, “wow that would be really interesting.” That evening I went out and bought the book and read it front to back in 1 day. After that I joined a book club and book store and have been addicted ever since.
Amie
September 30th, 2009 at
2:46 pm
Cathy–I remember visiting my grandmother in upstate NY and finding Gail Garder boooks–student nurse? Candy Striper? I can’t recall but I loved those old books. Loved my grandmother too
Amie
September 30th, 2009 at
2:47 pm
Liz…discovered Scottoline about two years ago and have really enjoyed the books of hers that I’ve picked up!
Amie
September 30th, 2009 at
2:57 pm
Genie…I was the kid in class who hid her book under her desk and read! LOL And I agree, THE HELP was magnificent!
Janice
September 30th, 2009 at
4:34 pm
I have been an avid reader every since I was very little, my mom would always read to me and then when I started reading in 1st grade I had already read the entire list for the school year by Christmas. I was hooked on going to another place and time by picking up a book. I discovered the best author ever when I was about 15 years old, the public librarian told me about Sandra Brown’s book “Where there’s smoke” and I was permantly hooked on her books. I have made it a point to buy every single book she has ever written, even after I lost everything when my ex husband left and I had to move from Dallas Texas to Soldotna Alaska and had to leave my books behind, I did replace them and have been anxiously waiting for every new book and buy it as soon as it is on sale in Alaska. I Love Sandra Brown.
Debra
September 30th, 2009 at
5:51 pm
As a small child living in England, on Sunday mornings, my Dad would take me to the BX and he would buy magazine and I always got a book. I have the whole Noddie series and most of Paddington Bear. Now I collect autographed books. I read everywhere and never leave home without a book. Never know when I will be able to read. Of course,”Smash Cut” – would also recommend Nora Roberts “Vision in White”.
Sammie F
October 1st, 2009 at
1:46 am
I was about 8 when I was introduced to Enid Blyton books. At first I wasn’t interested in reading as I had enough trouble separating the two languages I spoke and my reading skills were atrocious in both languages. My neighbour however persevered with teaching me the wonder of reading and savoring the stories in those books. I turned into a sponge. Any Enid Blyton, Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, Joyce Lankester Brisley and so many more that came into my sights was devoured. Come high school, our librarian recommended Barbara Cartland.
When I got married at 21 (I’m now 43) a friend of mine suggested 3 authors that I had never heard of. Johanna Lindsey, Judith McNaught and Sandra Brown. I started by borrowing my friend’s books and then we found a lady in the US that sold books. (Our availability to these authors’ books was limited in Australia and this was before the internet so this was not an easy task.) We did manage to find their complete back lists over the years and I’m proud to say I have a lot of first editions of Sandra’s earlier works. Yes I have double and tripled many of her books as I had to collect in hard cover as well.
A must read for the year? Well I’m huge on rereads and so picking one book that I’ve read this year and I would recommend would be an oldie for me at that would be Sandra Brown’s 22 Indigo Place or Kathleen E Woodiwiss’s A Rose In Winter. Yes I know they are 2 very different genres but they are both so wonderful.
tomcarrell
October 2nd, 2009 at
10:50 am
I agree with Groucho. Books are my hobby. I have hundreds of them here at home and I even take them to work with me. I would rather read than watch tv any day. Books are like alternate realities for me. I hate when I have to leave them! A good book will bring hours of enjoyment, and most people I know won't do that!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
12:29 pm
Sandra,
I'll have to check out THE HOUSE AT RIVERTON!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:17 pm
Cathy I love my e-reader. Especially for traveling. I can be anywhere in the US and as long as I have my Kindle, I have access to a book!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:18 pm
I love Lisa! She's a great writer and a great person.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:18 pm
Stephanie,
Water For Elephants was actually edited by my former S &S editor, Chuck Adams!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:19 pm
Sue,
Thank your mother in law for me!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:23 pm
Virginia I feel much the same way about my mother.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:23 pm
Tina,
I'll have to look up PIG CANDY. It sounds interesting.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:24 pm
Genie,
All four of my sisters just raved about THE HELP! I've got to pick it up.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:25 pm
Barb,
I'm so glad that you, and many other people I know, find so much comfort in a good book.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:25 pm
Heather! Thank that college friend for me.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:45 pm
Sammie,
Thanks for your dedication. And I love hearing reader's “discovery” stories from all over.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:46 pm
Debra,
I'll be blogging later today about one of my all-time favorite books–autographed and at one time, banned!
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:47 pm
Hello Janice in Alaska!
I'm so sorry you've had to replace your book collection but thank you so much for your dedication!
carmenparsons
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:47 pm
The earliest memory I have of reading….. I was seven years old sitting and reading my library books to my Grandfather. He would encourage me to use my imagination along with the words and become part of the story. A few years ago I started collecting hardcovers of Sandra Brown and other favorite authors. Now I have a room I turned into a library.
Everyone has different taste in books, so it's hard to recommend a certain book unless you know what one likes to read. Right now I have recommend “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova to my book club members. I'm reading it for the second time. If one is interested in history, it is great reading.
carmenparsons
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:47 pm
The earliest memory I have of reading….. I was seven years old sitting and reading my library books to my Grandfather. He would encourage me to use my imagination along with the words and become part of the story. A few years ago I started collecting hardcovers of Sandra Brown and other favorite authors. Now I have a room I turned into a library.
Everyone has different taste in books, so it's hard to recommend a certain book unless you know what one likes to read. Right now I have recommend “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova to my book club members. I'm reading it for the second time. If one is interested in history, it is great reading.
sbrown
October 2nd, 2009 at
1:50 pm
Tom,
All readers know you don't leave home without a book!
donnastuart
October 4th, 2009 at
3:54 pm
I have always read a little bit, but in the last 8 years I have become a constant reader. My family laughs because I never go anywhere, and I do mean anywhere, without a book. I even buy my purses with an eye to may sure a book, especially hardbacks, will fit in it. I read everything, except I have to say I do not read much non-fiction.
I have just starter travel nursing, so books are a constant companion. I exchange books with two of my adult daughters and one of my son-in-laws. They always know I want them back when they are done. While I was living in Cave Creek, AZ and working at Scottsdale Healthcare Hospital I had an exchange going with 6 others nurses and co-workers.
My adult son now reads but only non-fiction. He loves history and anything that is right wing conservative. To him liberal is a dirty word so, we never discuss politics. Recently I vistied my youngest adult daughter and she was proud to tell me she has actually read a complete book. It made me very happy.
My Dad always read but, my mother had a hard time reading the newspaper. She lived with me for few years as she aged and when she passed away suddenly books became my passion. The current book I'm reading will follow my thoughts even at night when I dream. My son thinks I should donate them but I love having them around me. I have to keep my books by author in a day timer so I do not buy the same book twice sometimes. I love BOMC2 because all the hardbacks are so reasonably priced with no shipping and handling.
I just recently lost a 16 year old grandson to pharmacutical drugs. It was such a senseless waste of a young life. During the 36 hours I spent in the ICU at his bedside Nora Robert's Black Hills help me.
I read everything that Sandra Brown has written, a few old ones I have not found yet. I bought Smash Cut at Borders as soon as it came out and immediately read it, after I had finished my current book. I also read everything by Vince Flynn and David Baldacci as soon as they come out. Ther are many other writers I read but only a few I follow closely on the internet. I am looking forward to Rainwater.
Deanie Stewart
October 6th, 2009 at
2:31 pm
I learned to love to read from my whole family! I was the youngest of seven children, and when my older siblings brought home books from the school library, they would usually have to take them from me, because I would always snitch them and read.
I can remember my mom sitting with us all by the fire and reading at night until she became hoarse. Savage Sam and Ole Yeller were favorites. When I was in fourth grade, we were allowed to go to the Jr High library, and my teacher would always let me go first, because she could see how much I loved reading. I don't read as much as I used to, but I cannot imagine a life without reading.