I visited the library where I used to hold a day job. I looked around at the hall of learning. Gratitude filled my being. Half of everything worth learning came to me from books, another part from great parents, the rest from failure, and experience. Because of writers, I learned philosophy, history, how to paint, to write, how to grow plants, how to be the best person I could be, etc. Reading is not wasting time. I dedicate March to reading. Visit your local library.
- The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings-J. R. R. Tolkien
The ultimate friendship, good vs. evil, underdog tale with horses, swords, and a dragon. Enough said.
- Calypso & anything David Sedaris
He makes me laugh out loud. Favorite story- Six to Eight Black Men in Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. You should hear David read this story. People who might observe me as I listen to this story on CD in the car, may wonder what I’m up to while driving.
- A Christmas Carol-Charles Dickens
I read this story every year at Christmas time. It’s the ultimate redemption story. There is hope for mankind hidden in each of us if we but take an honest look inside.
- The Harry Potter Series– J. K. Rowling
The books completely engrossed me in a different world. Hogwarts is real, right? Again, a tale where good triumphs over evil, but not without loss, personal growth, and the value of friendship noted.
- Hyperbole and a Half– Allie Brosh
I love to laugh, and this book has pictures! Is that a shark fin on her head or a ponytail? Parp? The Goddess of Cake? Hilarious!
Bonus
- Game of Thrones-George R. R. Martin (Clear a huge chunk of reading time.)
I loved the entire Fire and Ice Series (oh, the intrigue), but as I read Game of Thrones, I naively believed I was headed into a trilogy. I’m still waiting for the final book many, many years later. George, George, George…have you given up? The book series was made into a TV series. Watch that for closure.
I offer an alternate bonus.
- Treasure Island-Robert Louis Stevenson
Pirates, duh.
*My picks were based on the fact that I’ve read all these books multiple times. If a book made me come back, it was worthy of my list. (In the Fire and Ice series, the years between books necessitated the rereads.)
Yes, I know I cheated. Pick your favorite kid or family member. Books are like Thin Mints. You need an entire sleeve of Thin Mints to feel satisfied. Then all you think about is the remaining sleeve. Five favorite books, impossible. Now I’m hungry for Thin Mints.
Jackie Allison 