Books = happiness

I posted this over on my facebook but as (one of the things) this blog is about things that make me happy, I figured it was worth reposting here. It sort of feels like cheating on a blog post a bit… but oh well. It’s worth it for some book appreciation!

This can be a quick one. Don’t take too long to think about it. Fifteen books you’ve read that will always stick with you. First fifteen you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Tag 15 friends, including me because I’m interested in seeing what books my friends choose. Only 15, please.

1. White Oleander – by Janet Fitch
This book resonated deeply with me – Astrid’s strength inspired me through some dark times.

2. Dangerous Angels – by Francesca Lia Block
Slightly cheating because this is 5 books in 1. Witch Baby was always my favourite – and most related to – character, although in recent years, I’ve taken on more of a Weetzie perspective of the world.

3. Wasted – Marya Hornbacher
Marya’s writing is incredible. Another book that got me through some dark times.

4. Echo – by Francesca Lia Block
Probably my most favourite FLB book, it is exquisitely written ?

5. Mists of Avalon – by Marion Zimmer Bradley
“She is little and ugly like the fairies” – oh Morgaine, you, too, have given me so much strength.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – by JK Rowling
The long-awaited final book did not disappoint.

7. Wuthering Heights – by Emily Bronte
It’s been years & years since I’ve read this, but I love it still. Who could not love Heathcliff?

8. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle – by Barbara Kingsolver
I love the idea of local eating, even if I don’t know if I could put it into practice.

9. The Northern Lights – by Philip Pullman
This trilogy took me to a whole other world, and I loved every minute of it.

10. Piece by Piece – by Tori Amos and Ann Powers
I loved the insights into Tori’s mind, her way of life and what guides her music & performance. This book is like a good conversation.

11. The Virgin Suicides – by Jeffrey Eugenides
This book reminds me of afternoons sitting in the sun in Queensland, reading in the backyard & feeling ethereal.

12. Stupid White Men – by Michael Moore
This was the book that first got me really interested in American politics.

13. The Little House on the Prairie series – by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Childhood favourites! I’ve reread these books so many times over the years.

14. A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton – by Carl Bernstein
Cheating a bit because I’m still reading this one, but, although I don’t agree with Hillary on everything, I have a lot of admiration for her strength & determination.

15. More, Now, Again – by Elizabeth Wurtzel
I think I like this one a lot more than “Prozac Nation”.

Feel free to repost this on your blogs – I’d love to read other people’s lists!

@Technorati: books