Tagged Again

This one is about books. I grew up without a TV in the house. Reading was what we did for family time. Well that and argue, play marbles on the living room floor, play poker with Dad, listen to radio shows, create Star Wars diaromas, fight, play dress up and a few other things. I remember winning the prize for most books donated to our school’s book sale—and it was just my parents clearing a few books from our house.

1. A book that changed my life
This is tough. Honestly, my life has been changed more by relationships with people. Books are supplements and talismans of those relationships. Not to be corny, but really Jesus changed my life in a profound way. The Bible by itself not so much. But as a supplement to that relationship it’s changed and directed my life over and over.

Other life-changing relationships and the books that accompany them:
My Mom. The Whole Earth Catalog. We had a few of these around the house and I learned about composting, solar energy, sex and nutrition among other things.
Regency Romance Novels. Sorry. I know I should make myself sound smart or something. But my mom, sister and I have read enough regency novels to have earned honorary history degrees. We love Jo Beverly. When I become a torrid author with millions in royalties, then I can truly say those books changed my life! (you'll see, Dad, you'll see!)

My husband. In college I was a first-year student at the art school and Jrex was a senior at the preppy school down the road. I ended up being in his small group. He made us read Tozer’s Pursuit of God and Murray’s With Christ in the School of Prayer. The books by themselves were mind-blowing enough, but the whole small group was the life-changing factor. Jrex and I didn’t connect romantically until after college, but that small group helped equip me for surviving those years. It changed how I thought about God, about me and how to live.

2. A book read more than once
While living in upstate NY, where winter descends in a solid gray cloud blanket from October through mid-April, there was a book I read each March. I needed to remember that spring would come and no book better describes that creeping miracle than The Secret Garden.

3. Book for a desert island
I’m assuming this presumes a Survivor set-up. In which case, a thick book with really large pages: better for starting fires. I would also value a sketchbook or journal.

4. Book that makes me laugh
Politically Correct Bedtime Stories. Here’s a snippet from Red Riding Hood:

The wolf said, "You know, my dear, it isn't safe for a little girl to walk through these woods alone."

Red Riding Hood said, "I find your sexist remark offensive in the extreme, but I will ignore it because of your traditional status as an outcast from society, the stress of which has caused you to develop your own, entirely valid, worldview. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must be on my way."

5. Book that made me cry
The classic middle school weep fest: Bridge to Terabithia.
Currently making me cry: Shattered Dreams.

6. Book you wish you had written
Actually, I have written a book. My master’s project was published. I wish I’d had a different advisor, different co-authors and been able to take that book where I wanted it to go. As it was, we produced a mediocre book. I'd send you the link, but you'd be able to guess which name is mine, and I'm just not that proud of it. I would gladly link to theoretical book, that one would be worth the loss of anonymity.

7. Book you wish was never written
Mein Kampf

8. Book you’re currently reading
Just finished last night, Lisa Samson, The Living End. It was a bit thin in places, but enjoyable.

9. Book you’ve meant to read
Life of Pi. It sounds fascinating, but I’ve yet to think, “Hmm….I have a free Saturday, I want to spend it in a boat with a boy and a talking tiger.”

10. Tags
I actually want to tag people without blogs. Respond in the comments if you want to… OTRsis, OTR Dad, and OTR mama (my Mom’s best friend). Anyone else a reader? If so, let me know if you go for it.