Thursday's Thirteen 05/24/07

It's a rainy day here in Nuda, Oklahoma, a perfect day to curl up in a big leather recliner with a book. As you can see from my photo on the right there, I am often accused of having my nose in a book anyway, rainy day or no. So here are 13 of my favorite books:

1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
As a teenager, I read this book at least 20 times. I'm not kidding. My mother thought something was wrong with me. But I couldn't help it. Scarlett fascinated me with her high spirited ways.

2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
To me, this is one of the greatest pieces of American literature ever written.

3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
More of a novelette, but a powerful story nonetheless. "Tell me about the rabbits, George..."

4. As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
This book is morbid, but wow, what a challenge! If you love to read literature and try to puzzle the pieces together, this one is a winner.

5. True Grit by Charles Portis
Who could ever forget the indomitable Mattie Ross and her colorful hero, Rooster Cogburn?

6. Any Short Story Collection by O. Henry
I still laugh every time I read "Ransom of Red Chief" and cry every time I read "The Gift of the Magii"

7. The Green Mile by Stephen King
This book is so powerful, I couldn't put it down. Stephen King doesn't get enough credit for his literary works.

8. Delores Claiborne by Stephen King
Again, Stephen King gets not enough credit for being literary. This was one of the most masterfully crafted first person works I've ever read. I was captivated from the very first sentence and have read it several times.

9. Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
It is very rare that someone can tell a tragic story and have you laughing just as often as you are crying. But Frank McCourt managed it.

10. The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus and Emma McLaughlin
I think the reason I like this book so much is because it is such a true reflection on one segment of our culture. Like The Great Gatsby, it takes a closer look at class system divisions that still exist, whether we want to admit it or not.

11. A Painted House by John Grisham
With this book, Grisham departed from his usual fare of legal thrillers and produced what I consider to be a very literary work. Also as the child of a man who left the discouraging world of farming behind, I can identify with the book's main character.

12. Shannah by Kathleen Woodwiss
Okay, I admit it! Occasionally (and that is VERY occasionally) I will pick up a romance book. This is an oldie but goodie which I liked because of the strong and deeply flawed main character Shannah. There was a lot more to this story than romance and I pick a copy up every once in a while and read it again, just because I feel like it!

13. Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
I generally am not wild about English literature (although my daughter, Her Royal Highness loves it, as does my sister Mz. Opera) but this book is absolutely captivating.

There are many other books I love, but these are just some of my absolute favorites, all of which I have read several times. As you can see, I have very eclectic tastes. Feel free to share any of your own favorites in the comments.