One Book

Sometimes it’s fun, maybe a little frustrating, to have to narrow your choices down to one book, especially if you’re a bibliophile. I was tagged to do the following book meme by another contributor to the blogosphere, and decided to share it here instead of my regularly scheduled blog because of its literary bent.

1. One book that changed your life:
This sort of goes without saying, but, the Bible, hello? But the Bible is composed of several books. Out of the many, I’d say the one which has changed my life the most is the Psalms. They’re so honest and heartfelt. They show the ups and downs of striving to live for the Lord, both in the midst of doubt and in the midst of assurance and joy. They let me know that it’s okay to question God and that there is nothing more cathartic than wholeheartedly pouring yourself out to Him. They’re beautiful. My favorite is Psalm 139: “Wither shall I go from thy spirit? Or wither shall I flee from thy presence?” Another quotation I’ve held dear from that Psalm: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

2. One book that you’ve read more than once:
Of Nightingales That Weep by Katherine Paterson (of Bridge to Terabithia fame). I was in junior high, going through my historical fiction phase. It’s an enchanting tale about a samurai’s daughter in feudal Japan.

3. One book you’d want on a desert island:
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. I’d amuse myself by memorizing sonnets and speeches and then performing them for the birds.

4. One book that made you laugh:
The Ways of White Folks by Langston Hughes. The title made me a little uncomfortable reading it in public, but I laughed out loud during so much of that book. I mean, gut-busting laughter. Tears flowing from my eyes laughter. It’s a short story compilation that captures the soul of the Harlem Renaissance.

5. One book that made you cry:
Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club.

6. One book that you wish had been written:
An Explanation of Why People Drive Slowly in the Fast Lane.

7. One book that you wish had never been written:
Mein Kampf.

8. One book you’re currently reading:
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read:
Anna Karenina. It scares me every time I look at it.

10. Now tag five people:
Nah, I’ll just leave that to whomever wants to comment.

Oh, and a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!