"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."
-- Unknown
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Monday, November 17, 2008

"Never break a pinkie promise" and other recommendations

Over the weekend, I got tagged for a really interesting meme. (THANKS DIANE!!)

Like you, I was stoked to get a chance to blog about books. At first. Then, I realized that describing four of my favorites in 30 words or less would be dang near impossible.

But I promised to give it my best, and I try to never go back on a promise. (Especially a pinkie-promise. Did anyone else do those as a kid? They were supposed to be unbreakable! If you went back on a pinkie-promise, you were pretty much cursed for life. At least that’s what I grew up believing.)

Anyway, let’s get started:

Fiction – This was probably the hardest of all the categories. I tend to stick to fiction, so there’s an infinite number of great books to choose from. After much (MUCH) deliberation, I decided on this one:

Blood Memory by Greg Iles – Mystery, suspense and heart-pounding action all wrapped into one amazing book. I literally did NOT sleep until I finished all 767 pages. Greg Iles is my hero.

Non-fiction – I don’t read a ton of non-fiction, but this one won my heart. You guys already know I’m a sucker for the four-legged, shedding, slobbery type.

Marley and Me by John Grogan –This book made me laugh, cry and laugh some more (before I cried again.) The mischievous Marley will make you cherish your dog even more.

Autobiography – This one is a toss up, both by the same amazing man. I’m going to go with the most recently published.

Cash by Johnny Cash I opted for this one over Man In Black just because I feel like it’s more complete. Even if you don’t care for his music, his story will touch your heart. He tells it with exceptional grit and honesty.

Any genre – I cheated here and picked another fiction book. Don't act surprised.

Diary by Chuck PalahniukPalahniuk’s book are inventive, shocking and slightly disturbing. He has a unique way of digging deep into the inner-workings of his characters to reveal some greater truth. This book manages to be hysterical, heart-wrenching and horrifying all at the same time.

If you haven't read these books, stop what you're doing and go buy them NOW. You won't regret it. In fact, I bet you'll thank me for the wonderful recommendations!

I also got another Superior Scribbler award this weekend, this time courtesy of the wonderful Mel. If you need a good laugh, check out her blog. She has a wonderful way of making me smile, and I know she'll have the same affect on you.

I'll be back later to pass the award along to some deserving bloggers.

As for the book meme? Anyone who wants to give it a shot, be my guest! I'd love to hear about all of your favorites!

6 comments:

Diane said...

Good job! Never heard of your Iles guy, but I love mystery/suspense, so I'll look. I've only read one Chuck Palahniuk book (Haunted)... not my favorite but I'd give him another try, as I've heard he's done some great stuff (and not just from you ;). Have you seen the previews for Marley and Me? It looks adorable! Ryan and I both want to see it.

Heather said...

Diane- Palahniuk isn't for everyone. He can be very vulgar and grotesque, but for some reason, his books are interesting to me. Fight Club is good - better than the movie. Check out Iles, he's got some great books out there. His dad was also my dad and grandad's doctor years ago. (Didn't find out until after I had become a huge fan of his writing.)
And yes- the movie looks cute! I just hope it does the book justice!

Jenners said...

I love Greg Iles...discovered him awhile back and pretty much read anything he writes. I adore books and just started a blog about reading and books -- http://findyournextbookhere.blogspot.com/. If you want to stop by and check it out, I'd love for you to recommend books, write a review or share more about the books you like. I'd love to do the meme too. : )

Melanie Gillispie said...

I'm definitely going to try some of these. I tend to get stuck in rut waiting for new books by my favorite authors or rereading older stuff, so I'm up for some brand new! (Thanks for the mention, btw!)

justsomethoughts... said...

see. this is an example of cruel and unusual punishment. i wont have any part of it. i cant choose my favorite 100 books much less 4 (?!). ok. maybe i could do a top 100 list. but 4?! no way. i wont hurt my brain unnecesarily. i dont know why the unbearable lightness of being has been popping into my head for the past few days... i'll have to look up Iles.

Jessica said...

Go check out my last post. I'm so excited to be able to share it with you that I can hardly contain myself. I "pinkie promise" that I didn't hand pick you myself!!