The Thirteen

Happy Friday!

A reader emailed me yesterday and asked me about the thirteen books taking up space in my living room. So, I thought I’d post today about those thirteen books.

Getting to know me, getting to know more about me…(play the tune in your head for effect)…

Letting you peek at my book stack is sort of like sharing my art (or opening my underwear drawer??). It seems like a private window into my soul. I’d never consider a book ‘clutter,’ by the way. Some I keep for long periods of time, most I donate to my local library. Many of my books actually originate from the library—I love the library, there’s no clutter question. PLUS, there’s a time limit, I get the job done, and then this magical thing happens: I must take it back. ‘Nuff said.

I am loving my journey through all thirteen books thus far, so I’ve posted the book name, the author and a little appetizer about each one. I hope you’ll consider taking time to imbibe in at least a few of them. Or maybe you’ve already read a few? Probably so.

If yes, let me know what you think!

I won’t link any of them to avoid cluttering your reading space, but they are all available either though Amazon or your local bookstore.

Here it goes! (In no particular order)

1. Tell It Slant—Writing and Shaping Creative Nonfiction, by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola
I loved this book! I actually already finished it, but I enjoy re-reading sections. This book made me realize that there is such a genre. Creative nonfiction in the writing world is like movies that are, “based on a true story.” The book I have written in my head fits this genre.

2. The Twelve, by William Gladstone
I found this gem reading Lisis’ review at Quest for Balance; I’m about a quarter-way through and it is a great ride thus far.

3. Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall
I recognize the author having been a former subscriber to Outside magazine. McDougall tells a true story about a group of super-hero runner people, called the Tarahumara, who live in Copper Canyon, Mexico, a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon in AZ. This has been a wild ride thus far and quite inspiring. McDougall met one of the fastest humans on this earth. Awesome! I’m about 1/3 to the finish line.

4. The Writer’s Idea Book, by Jack Heffron
I write a lot just for fun, and this book has a ton of writer promts, which are all quite good. I’ve read through it a few times, but I like to keep it around when the writing bug bites.

5. The Complete Artist’s Way, by Julia Cameron
Julia Cameron is the Mother Theresa of the artist. Her spiritual writing inspires and has healed my soul on many occasions. If you have a hankering to write, act, paint, or be creative in any aspect, but would like a cheerleader on your side, get this book!

6. Interpreter of Maladies, by Jhumpa Lahiri
A gift from my step-daughter, I devoured other books by Lahiri. I love her style and ability to make me forget I’m reading. I’m about 1/4 way through, but I’ll let you know my impressions of this one when I’m finished.

7. Interview with the Vampire, by Anne Rice
Everyone’s heard of this one, but I haven’t taken the time to read it yet. So, I’m on my way. It’s been fun thus far…(1/2 way).

8. On Being Ill, by Virginia Woolf
A surprisingly short read, I’ve finished it and need to take it to the library soon. Woolf explores how being ill can make for great writing. I thoroughly agree.

9. Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl
I keep this one close to me and have read it several times. I refer to it often. A dear friend gave me this gem and, I dare say, it saved my life. Buy it. I command you to buy it. In short, Frankl shows you that your life really isn’t that bad. Or, please read this review by Josh at World’s Strongest Librarian.

10. Living with the Himalayan Masters, by Swami Rama
A bit of a slow read, but interesting, nonetheless. I’m about 7/8 through. I’m enjoying learning about his journey and what he really learned along the way.

11. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
Yeah, yeah, I know. I have never read this masterpiece and am glad I finally got my hands on it. I didn’t want to get to the pearly gates and be sent back because I didn’t read this book, you know? I’m about 1/2 way through.

12. Reading Like a Writer—A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them, by Francine Prose
I have finished this book, but I keep it around to re-read sections. Francine’s beautifully written Prose (that’s no joke, by the way, her name) inspires me. Plus, I learned a ton from this book.
[Are you getting the feeling that I want to write a book?
Yeah, me too.
But it takes more than just reading about it. I need to get to it, don't 'cha think???]

13. Alive in Necropolis, by Doug Dorst
My brain-candy book, Dorst is a San Francisco native and lived in the area in which I currently take up space— surrounded by graveyards. I mostly love the book for the locale recognition. I’m not much into murder mysteries, but this holds my attention because of the local flair. And, he tells a great story!

Well, that’s it.

Let me know if you have questions of if you’d like me to write in more detail about any of these tasty treats in future posts.

Enjoy your weekend and I hope you’ll grab a few of these books to feed your mind and spirit.

(P.S. I just started a new one: The Evolution of God, by Robert Wright. I am fascinated by how the idea of “god” made it into our species’ culture and continues to evolve. The story starts back in the cave-drawing days, and continues through modern day. It is a tome, but I am really excited about this one!)

[Photo by Yours Truly]