"There was no possibility of taking a walk that day."
I am fond of walking. Particularly to work. It gives me time to pray, ponder, sing, and stretch some muscles. It's good for the body AND the soul.
However, waking up to overcast skies and an endless downpour of rain left me thinking of the first line in one of my favorite books and the realization that there really wasn't a remote possibility of walking today.
This turn of events had me thinking of Jane Eyre all day today. Recommending it to a friend, and summarizing the plot, certainly got me in the mood to read my favorite parts this cozy evening.
It also had me thinking of all the good reads I'd love to rec to you! So, here's a quaint list of some of my favorite books:
Jane Eyre: This story centers on a plain English orphan and the sequences of her life. There are ups, downs, losses, and love, but ultimately it's about finding your own identity and strength. An absolutely beautiful book told from one of the most relatable characters in literature.
The Rosie Project: It's been a while since I've laughed so freely while reading a book! This chick lit centers on Don Tillman - a geneticist who has conjured up the perfect questionnaire in order to find his future spouse in what he dubs The Wife Project. When freespirited Rosie enters his life, chaos and comedy ensue!
Pride & Prejudice: This book really needs no other explanation other than it's the book that all romantic films wish they were. Classic and crafted perfectly, this is my favorite Austen book.
Lord of the Rings: Created from a genius who built a stunning world and his very own language (with grammar syntax to boot!), this book (and all other books from Tolkien) truly inspired me to put pen to paper, or rather fingers to keyboard, and start writing. What more could you want other than a brilliant story of good vs evil as well as friendships forged on the greatest of adventures?
La Lluvia de Oro: Enchanting and magical, but certainly all too real and a hard reality for many, this book tells the tale of the author's account of his Mexican-American family saga and their journey from a war-torn Mexico to the United States. Heartbreaking at times and humorous at others, rich culture and the magic of love compel me to read this over and over.
The Martian: A recent read, the humor and pace kept me drawn in until I finished and wanted more. Weir is definitely unabashedly bold in not letting up with intelligent explanations about a culture I know little of: the space community. Despite that, the unique story and the way it's told is refreshing and most amusing! Plus, author Andy Weir has certainly been helpful to me; giving sage writing advice. Thank you, Andy!
Unwind: A first of a series, this book is harrowing, heartbreaking, and handles a very heavy subject: abortion. After a second civil war breaks out over abortion, compromise comes in the form of parents being allowed to sign over their teenagers to be "unwound". A procedure every bit as soulless as it sounds. Thought-provoking and terrifying, it certainly makes you appreciate life and liberty more.
The Road: I've only read this once and once was far too many times to read. However, it's on this list because the post-apocalyptic world created by McCarthy is one of realism and dread and I love it like that! There are no pretty little communities bouncing back from the horror of the end of the world. There are no zombies. There is only the grim truth: survive in an ash-filled world devoid of living animals and vegetation. The ending may rip your guts out, but just be careful of the cannibals.
The Outsiders: I've read this book more times than I can count. Perhaps one of my earlier favorites, time and time again I got caught up in the life of a greaser. I fell in love with each character, but found myself looking more and more to Ponyboy Curtis. Perhaps, it was the hidden writer in me finding him so lovably relatable (C. Thomas Howell rocks, okay?)! Nothing compares, though, to the adage "Stay gold". Oh Johnny, stay gold we will.
Well, these books, and many others, have made me laugh, cry, and grumble in anger. Oh what fun it is to get lost in books, eh? Have a few of your favorites? Share them with me!
Stay Gold,
~ Tiff
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