One Book

I got tagged by Allison, so here goes. The standard disclaimer (other than the Bible) applies.

One book that changed your life:
Journals of Jim Elliot edited by Elisabeth Elliot
Jim Elliot was one of a team of 5 missionaries killed in the jungles of Ecuador in 1956. His story is an amazing one, and his journals are a good reminder that the spiritual “giants” we esteem so highly are just like the rest of us. Does that discount their spiritual greatness? I don’t think so; it’s good to know that human beings can be human and still be mightily used in the hands of God.

One book that you’ve read more than once:
Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
This was the only one of Jules Verne’s books that I ever wanted to read. I think I read it for a book report in the 5th or 6th grade, and I liked it so much that I checked it out at least 5 times that year.

One book you’d want on a desert island:
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
They’ve got it all. Mystery, intrigue, evil, and a kickin’ plot that Lewis masterfully weaves throughout all 7 books, though each story can stand on its own.

One book that made you laugh:
The Reivers by William Faulkner
I’ve never really been able to enjoy any of Faulkner’s novels very much; I really didn’t have the patience to understand the story line, what with his stream of consciousness style of writing. The Reivers is the first Faulkner novel I’ve been able to read and enjoy. It’s a good reminder that southern culture can be pretty ridiculous sometimes!

One book that made you cry:
Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
I’m not generally a crier when it comes to books and movies, but when Rhett speaks to Scarlett at the end, telling her how much he has loved her all those many years.... I am saddened by the fact that she missed it.

One book that you wish had been written:
Those Crazy Vols: A Day in the Life of a Volunteer Coordinator
We take volunteer teams in Brazil, and could we tell some stories! This one might just get written one day....

One book you wish had never been written:
The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos
I swear, I f I had to read about one more tryst in the New York City music scene, I was going to puke. Yes, it did win the Pulitzer Prize. That just goes to show that taste is VERY subjective.

One book you’re currently reading:
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
I don’t usually enjoy Victorian literature, but this one is pretty good. I think it would be really funny as an “updated” version, relevant to today’s culture.

One book you’ve been meaning to read:
All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren
A novel about a fictional character loosely based on Huey Long (governor of Louisiana in the late 30’s and early 40’s, I think). He was the reason that LSU has dorms in their stadium. The trustees wanted dorms and he wanted a stadium. An alternate title might be How to Manipulate the System So That Everyone Wins, But I Get the Better Deal.

I have only one left to tag....
Susanna