SOL 28/31: By the Book

Inspired by Elisabeth's post today, I share my answers to some of the questions posed by The New York Times "By the Book" column:

Describe your ideal reading experience.

Outside, under a shade tree, in a mosquito free environment, with temps in the 70s. If I can’t have the mosquito free environment (hard to find in NC), I’ll take a wintertime read in my recliner, wrapped in a cozy blanket, with a cup of Ghiradelli hot chocolate beside me.

What books are on your night stand?

James by Percival Everett (my book club read for April); The Power of Stillness by Hess, Skarda, Anderson, and Mansfield; A Field Guide to the Heart by Georgia Heard & Rebecca Kai Dotlich; Unlocking the Heart: Writing for Mindfulness, Courage, and Self Compassion by James Crew and A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal edited by Sarah Bessey.

What’s the most terrifying book you’ve ever read?

The first book club I belonged to (which I started in 1987) read Orson Scott Card’s Lost Boys in 1994. This book still sends shivers down my spine. I don’t normally read supernatural thrillers or horror. 

What’s your favorite book no one else has heard of?

The Liberation of Gabriel King by K. L. Going was my favorite read aloud to share with my 6^th graders. It’s about the friendship between Gabriel King and Frita Wilson who faced their fears and discovered what courage was all about during the summer of 1976. It has some great scenes for reading aloud and meaty topics for discussion.

What’s the best book you’ve ever received as a gift?

The Random House College Dictionary (1972) gifted to me by my best friend’s parents, Patsy and Byron Rodden as a high school graduation gift. It’s made all the moves and holds precious memories from the days when I used a dictionary much more frequently than I do today.

What’s the last great book you read?

It’s a tie between The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

How have your reading tastes changed over time?

I went from reading Snip, Snap, Snurr picture books to the Bobbsey Twins to Nancy Drew to Trixie Belden to Cherry Ames, Student Nurse to books by Victoria Holt and Catherine Cookson. Today my favorite genres to read are historical fiction, literary fiction, memoir, and middle grade novels.

You’re organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite?

Dinner parties are way too much trouble. How about a sit and chat evening around the fireplace with everyone’s favorite takeout dishes? I’ll make dessert!

I would invite Lois Lowry (Gossamer and Number the Stars), Kate DiCamillo (Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Desperaux) and Aubrey Hartman (The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor and The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest). I listed two favorites for each author. I told you I loved middle grade novels!