10 Books That Have Stayed With Me
Today, while I was creeping on Classic Penguin’s Tumblr, I saw a new internet trend that I felt I had to participate in. So here is my list of 10 Books That Have Stayed With Me (in no particular order).
1. Everything is Illuminated by Jonthan Safran Foer
I read this book while I was enrolled my last Soviet history course at the University of Alberta. It inspired me to write a paper on the divergent memories of the Ukrainian Holocaust. Foer’s writing in this novel is extremely witty and charming. I absolutely love the narrator, Alex, and his family. I used to read this book while laying in the sun and have vivid and colourful imaginations of the characters and the setting.
2. We by Yevgeny Zamyatin and translated by Natasha Randall
While I was in university, I began to read fiction that was written during the time period I was studying. I think part of the reason I love Russian history so much, is because Russian literature is so different and eye-opening from anything I had read up to that point. In my last year, I wrote a paper comparing Russian science fiction novels in relation to the socio-economic conditions from two different eras. That paper was the highlight of my university career and took some serious deep thinking. We was written in 1921and beat George Orwell’s 1984 to the punch by 20 years.
3. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling
This was the book where the Harry Potter series took a turn towards the dark and kicked the whole series up about 10 notches. My favourite part is the underwater challenge – it’s so exciting every time! I loved it as a child and I love it now. ‘Nuff said.
4. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Another book from university – a required reading of English 101. This was my first time reading Toni Morrison and I was blow away by her prose. This book also gave me context about African American U.S history. I also thought the book was great because it was told through a male perspective and I think Toni Morrison did a fantastic job. The whole breastfeeding bit really took me by surprise back then and I think I have to re-read it to see if my understanding has changed over the past six years.
5. Resistance by Agnes Humbert and translated by Barbara Mellor
I think this book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in World War II history, especially from a woman’s perspective. It powerfully describes how one can survive in times of terror while maintaining dignity and courage. It’s beautifully written – insightful, emotional, and real. I have read this book three times and each time it has motivated me to pull myself up when I’m struggling. It has been with me on three different continents and will continue to be packed in my suitcase.
6. Generation A by Douglas Coupland
This novel is about how stories have the power of change and the importance of respecting mother nature. The story starts off explaining that the world no longer has any bees and the massive repercussions their extinction has brought. Coupland is an author, artist, designer, photographer, and FUTURIST. Some of the small details in this book are so spot-on, I still can’t believe it. For example, one of the first scenes is a young women who is stung by a bumblebee and whips out her phone to take a photo and post it online. The government comes in by helicopter to scoop her up in a matter of an hour to quarantine her on an island off the coast of British Columbia. This book was written in 2009.
7. Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts
An epic novel about a man who had a bit of a rough go, escapes prison, and disappears into slum life in Bombay, India. The journey and discoveries of this man are mind-blowing. His adventures include establishing a health care clinic in the slum, laundering money and passports, joining the mafia, acting in a Bollywood movie, and heading off to war in Afghanistan. His writing inspires elaborate imagery; spirituality and history is woven in nicely throughout 900+ pages. I really would love to travel to India and see if this book prepared me at all for the hustle and bustle of a city and culture unknown to me.
8. How to Make Love Like a Porn Star by Jenna Jameson with Neil Strauss
This book was suggested to me by a dear friend a few years ago. After I finished, I immediately suggested it to a few more friends. I went into this book skeptical because it’s Jenna Jameson, but the fact that Neil Strauss was involved redeemed it. Her life reads like the most scandalous tabloid paper – so, of course, I finished it in 4 days. This memoir will get you thinking about gender stereotypes, sexual violence, drug abuse, and of course, the porn industry. There is also some sex tips sprinkled in there. ;)
Spoiler Alert: Beware, her story is actually fairly tragic. Near the end of the book, I could see she was repeating her dangerous romantic patterns and I finished the book knowing what she didn’t – she’s headed for another failed relationship. After a quick google, I found out I was right.
It would make me this happy if you shared some of your titles!
9. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
I’ve never looked at supermarket meat the same way after reading this book and I didn’t eat chicken for a month. I think this book is really valuable for anyone who is interested in the food industry and wants to be aware of the issues regarding food production, labour, and nutrition. I haven’t stopped eating meat, but after reading this, I think twice about where it’s coming from.
10. Artisan Breads Every Day by Peter Reinhart
This man has taught me SO MUCH about baking bread! If you want to make your own bread at home that’s as yummy European bakery bread, try this book. His recipes require a little bit of pre-planning but it’s worth it. 5 stars.
What are your ten books?
11 responses to “10 Books That Have Stayed With Me”
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Awesome! Thanks, I added a few more books to my gotta read list…must hit up the Wee Book Inn SOON!
Thanks Whitney! Let me know which ones you like :) Wee Book Inn is wonderful – but more often than not, I find myself in Chapters on Whyte. I have to remedy this soon. Book date?
Wonderfully said Meredith! I’m disappointed to say that many of those books remain on my ever-growing must read list. I’m even more disappointed to say that I don’t even have ten books to list for you. My reading for pleasure fell by the wayside when I started university and I’m yet to indulge again. However, here is my modest list of books that made a lasting impression.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
I still find myself thinking about this book today and I read it a good seven years ago when it came out. One of many recommended to me by Mother dearest, its about two young women living in Afghanistan just after the Taliban take over rule from Russia. There stories remain separate until they wind up married to the same man after violence separates them from their families. I felt this story so deeply as a woman and I commend Hosseini on his magnificent ability to write from not one, but two female perspectives.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
I know this book became so popular that it seems like last weeks paper now but I didn’t happen upon it until after I devoured A Thousand Splendid Suns. I had heard of it but never got around to opening it or watching the movie… Still haven’t done that actually. I know I should but if the acting is anything close to Hosseini’s writing, I’m not sure I could stand the heartbreak again. This author is truly a modern treasure and his latest book And The Mountains Echoed is top of my ‘To Read’ list. Khaled was born in Afghanistan and lived there until he was 11. When I read his books it feels as if he is recalling a memory rather than telling a story.
Ten Thousand Sorrows by Elizabeth Kim
Another heart wrenching tale. I must sound all doom and gloom. I guess they are the stories that burrow into the mind though. This one is a memoir and recounts from childhood the experiences (mostly injustices) of Korean woman Elizabeth Kim. The story begins with her earliest memory; her uncle and Grandfather murdering her mother in what she calls an honour killing. What follows is her life story from that moment. To say she had it rough is an intolerable understatement but her story, while devastating, is a testament to unwavering human spirit.
Merchants of Doubt by Naomi Oreskes and Erik M Conway
This one is non-fiction, a genre I took a turn towards after University. Put simply, this book aims to highlight why we are still debating the existence of climate change and not what to do about it. Oreskes and Conway explain that doubt is the product of skeptics and it is all they need to stifle progress in the area of climate research. A good part of the beginning of the book is dedicated to outlining the parallels between these climate skeptics and those that insisted for decades that tobacco smoke did not cause lung cancer. Their formula is identical.
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana De Rosnay
What a story, what an author. De Rosnay tackles the duel tale in this book by telling the story of a ten year old girl in1942 Paris who’s family is arrested, in the Val d’Hiv roundup while simultaneously recounting the experiences of an American journalist living in Paris who is writing a story for the 60th anniversary of the roundup. Slowly the woman uncovers information about the girl who went missing 60 years earlier. This was adapted flawlessly into a film in 2010. If you never get around to the book definitely watch the film.
You asked for ten… I present to you 50% of your request. I’m getting back on the literature horse. How I miss it! Thanks for prompting me to do so.
Wow Amy! Your comments are very thoughtful and I can certainly see your journalistic training ;) Thank you for sharing your five books – I’ve never read Hosseini but I definitely will be in 2014 – then we need to chat about it! This whole list sounds right up my alley. A women I met in Kenya also recommended Sarah’s Key and I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Cheers!
This was a challenge! But a fun one :)
Pride and Prejudice – One of the only books I can read over and over. It’s the hopeless romantic in me.
To kill a mockingbird – We read it in high school for an assignment and I’m hoping to re-read it again soon. I remember it had such an impact on me, while being beautifully written.
The Bible – I’m not through it yet, but close. I’ve felt a strong calling to read the Bible for my own benefit and for others as well. It’s the oldest book and still the most widely produced in the world, yet the Christian faith has become so passive in North America that I can’t help but feel that a lot of copies go unread. If I call myself a Christian, I want to be armed with knowledge and understanding in the faith. Reading it has only solidified my faith more, and I feel I’m becoming more equipped to answer others questions concerning Jesus and Christianity.
Lord of the Rings – I count this as one book because that’s how I read it back in Junior High. I can be a huge fantasy buff. This book introduced me to JRR Tolkien and led me not only The Hobbit, but The Silmarillion, and The Unfinished Tales. I swear I could’ve learnt Elvish – but that might have been taking things too far…
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – This was a very different book, but I loved it. It stayed with me long after I was done reading and I found myself learning about the author and the possibility for a sequel because he leaves it wide open for one.
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption – A truly incredible story. This guy was an Olympic runner, met Hitler, then shoved into World War II, shot down in the Pacific, survives on a life raft for months, fighting off sharks and the elements only to be tortured in Japan. You almost can’t believe it’s true, but it is, and Angelina Jolie is directing a movie about it.
Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews – One of my favourite people in the world. I used to watch Mary Poppins twice a day growing up. I can’t even begin to explain how much I love that movie and The Sound of Music. Her memoir takes you through her rough childhood, and her strained relationships with her mother and step-father as they forced her into show business. She was the original Eliza Doolittle in the broadway production of My Fair Lady, and the book finishes just as she’s learnt of her role in Mary Poppins. I just think she’s as classy as it gets.
A bag of bones – stephen king – My first Stephen King novel, and although it might not be my favourite of his, it has stayed with me. I think I read it when I was about 14. DO NOT LET A 14 YEAR OLD READ THIS BOOK. It was very graphic, but introduced me to a whole new genre of literature.
The Way The Crow Flies by Ann Marie Macdonald – I read this in high school. An incredible book that I can’t recommend enough. Complex story line, but easy enough to follow, and it will tug on your heart until the end.
The Narnia books – I’ve thought about giving the set to Jon’s nieces and nephew but I don’t think I’ll be able to part with them. I’ll still go back and read these.
Awesome list Trena! I really appreciate all the thought that you put into it. I just found out that the Narnia series also has an undercurrent of Christianity throughout. Is that easy for you to notice because of your knowledge of the Christian faith?
On another note, I laughed out loud when I read “DO NOT LET A 14 YEAR OLD READ THIS BOOK” – I have never read any Steven King because I’m a chicken. I can just imagine the nightmares that gave you. I’m also really interested in Unbroken and Julie Andrew’s memoir.
Feel The Fear and Do it Anyways, Codependent No More, Dance of Anger, Black Like Me, Power of Now, Four Agreements, Return to Love, Night, Mans Search For Meaning, A Personal Stand, Freakonomics, Of Mice and Men, I have so many more! And thanks for asking! I love talking and sharing about books!
Holly also recommended Black Like Me – was it required reading when you were in school or did it create so much buzz that many people read it? The first time I heard of that book was when I was in university. I don’t know much about a lot of your list – I’m going to have to do some research! Thanks for sharing Clare!
Nice Meredith, great list!
This is my top 10 of books that stayed with me;
* Gretchen Rubin – The Happiness Project
* John Kotter – Our Iceberg is Melting
* Brené Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection
* Jonathan Safran Foer – Eating Animals
* David Allen – Getting Things Done
* Stephen Covey – The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
* Steven Johnson – Emergence
* George Orwell – 1984
* Anne Rice – The Vampire Lestat
* Thomas Hardy – Tess of the D’Urberville
Writing them down, I noticed most of them are non-fiction books, which I wouldn’t have guessed.
Unfortunately, Because most of them I read in eBook I can’t send you a nice picture of the pile :)
Natasja
Thanks Natasja! This is a cool list – I remember you talking to me about Tess of the D’Uberville. I better check it out :)
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