Friday, June 15, 2007

Friday Five: Books, books, books!

Revgalblogpal Sally writes:
I've just returned from a meeting in Cambridge so I'm posting this late here in the UK (it is 3:45pm).. because I took the opportunity of a free afternoon in Cambridge's wonderful book shops... I only bought a few- and they were on sale- very restrained for me!!!


So with my head full of books I've seen and a long wish list in my mind, I bring you a Friday Five on books!!!


1. Fiction what kind, detective novels, historical stuff, thrillers, romance????

Very favorite - sci fi and fantasy! Dragons, wizards, knights with magical swords and/or futuristic (space travel, humans living on other planets, life here on Terra in the very distant future, etc.) Harry Potter, of course. Anything by Mercedes Lackey, Anne McAffery, Terry Pratchett, Elizabeth Moon. The Narnia Chronicles. I once owned everything every written by Robert Heinlein and Isaac Asimov. It never ceases to amaze me how many clergy and theologians write sci fi and how often the underlying themes are commentary on our society. :-)


I also enjoy getting lost in detective novels, with special favorites taking place on the Navajo Reservation. There are now several authors following where Tony Hillerman led, like Aimee and David Thurlo.

And historical novels, especially Irish and other Celtic histories. When a mystery is included, as in Sister Fidelma, I'm really happy. :-)


2. When you get a really good book do you read it all in one chunk or savour it slowly?

Slowly?? What is that?

I'm a reading addict - I have to do it all at once. This does sometimes get in the way of things I should be doing, but I tell myself that relaxing with a good book is "self care." Besides, so many are social commentary that, theoretically, my relaxing reading can double as "work related"

3. Is there a book you keep returning to and why?

That's hard. I have a whole bookcase filled with my favorite "read over and over again" books.

Why? For the reasons above - I actually got part of a wedding sermon from a Mercedes Lackey novel!


4. Apart from the Bible which non-fiction book has influenced you the most?

"Close to the Bone: Life Threatening Illness and the Search for Meaning" by Jean Shinoda Bolen, MD.

When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer a professor recommended this book and I truly believe that it saved my life, or at least, my sanity. Dr. Shinoda Bolen seemed to know exactly what I was feeling and fearing and dreaming. I was blessed a few years ago with the opportunity to meet and thank her. I recommend this book to everyone who is diagnosed with a life threatening illness, especially cancer.

My #2 choice is pretty much anything written by Parker Palmer.


5. Describe a perfect place to read. ( could be anywhere!!!)

Anywhere is indeed a perfect place to read. :-)

My favorite place is curled up in the corner of the love seat in my living room. The coffee table is placed at the perfect spot for putting my feet on, and the pillows have taken on my body shape.

10 comments:

Sr. Heather said...

Wonderful play! Have you read Sparrow and Children of God by Mary Doria Russell? They are spine-tinglingly good SF.

Have a lovely weekend!
Hedwyg
(who also thinks that anywhere is a good place for reading)

Sally said...

great play- love your reading spot...

some good choices there too- the trouble is my wish list is growing!!!

kwpershey said...

I love Parker Palmer, too. I was actually reading The Active Life when we were on our Valyermo retreat!

Take care.

Backwoods Rev said...

ooooh! A wedding sermon from Mercedes Lackey! I love it! (and I love her) which book?

Cheers!

Maria Tafoya said...

I don't remember which book, but two Hawkbrothers were getting married in one of them and the words to wedding service were just amazing. Maybe it was in one of the later books of the series - I think maybe the groom was a Hawkbrother and the bride was a gryphon's companion.

Anonymous said...

I envy you your Asimov and Heinlein collection!

Maria Tafoya said...

Don't have them anymore. I lost them in a divorce settlement. :-(

Hot Cup Lutheran said...

there nothing better in life than a spot which is home - in which to read, to put one's feet up and to count our blessings... glad you have your spot!

Ruby said...

Love Terry Pratchett! Thanks for the books selections.

Rev SS said...

Great play! Another book I think you would love (maybe you've read it already) is: Kitchen Table Wisdom, by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. (She is a longtime survivor of chronic illness, a physician, professor of medicine, therapist, and cofounder and medical director of Commonweal Cancel Help Program, which was featured on Bill Moyers's PBS special "Healing and the Mind."