Seven Books

I texted a neighbor of mine, who is an avid reader, asking him if he had the book, One Hundred Years of Solitude that I could borrow. He did not have the book. However, he said to me, via text, “Unfortunately I don’t have that one, but please feel free to come over at anytime and browse what I do have as you’re welcome to borrow whatever you want. Books are meant to be shared.” This follows a friend of mine sending me a Facebook challenge to post seven books in seven days, no reviews. Then, challenge someone else to do the same. I love to share books I have read but the truth is, I was not always much of a reader.

As a youngster, reading did not come naturally to me. I was always behind in this area in school. Getting through a book was hard work, but I did manage to read a few of  The Babysitters Club books. Which I did not enjoy, but felt pressured to conform to some other girls in my class. One book I actually did enjoy is Where the Red Furn Grows, which sparked an interest in books. Not a love, just an interest.

Growing up and going to grade school, then college, then getting a job, and then having children, I struggled to find the time to read. Here and there I went in streaks where I would read a few books and then I would flutter off and occupy my time with something else. In the last few years, however, I have really dove into reading again. It has been interesting catching up on the classics, and the books that others treasure and recommend. When a book is passed to you by hand, there is something a little extra special about it. It’s almost like an extension of someone’s thoughts, being shared by hard copy. The reward of sharing your thoughts with a friend once you have completed it, and maybe a little tension to make sure you return the book in good condition (wink). That being said, here are seven books that were lent to me by others and have become books that I recommend to others.

1. The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver. Lent to me by my youngest sister Becky, this book quickly traveled between all the girls in the family.
2. She’s Come Undone, by Wally Lamb. Lent to me by my other sister Mandy, this is one of her favorites and I see why.
3. The Nightingale, by Kristen Hannah. This book was recommended to my by a neighbor Stephanie and then lent to me by a friend through my son’s baseball team, Mamata.
4. Beneath the Scarlet Sky, by Mark Sullivan. This book was actually a choice by the book club I belong to, and is now one of my favorite books. I think I may have pushed to read this one.
5. Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. I cannot remember if this was lent to me by my friend Carrie or Kim. I want to say it was my friend Kim . . . it was so long ago. But, this quirky tale is still close to my heart.
6. The Time Travelers Wife, by Audrey Neffinegenner. Lent to me by my friend Abby who has great taste in books.
7. The Book Theif, by Markus Zusak. My brother from another mother, Marlen recommended this book to me, along with a few others that I have cherished.

I could go on and on. I love recommendations and even more when someone hands me a book and tells me, “You have to read this!” I take that kind of language very seriously and read it right away!

Please share some of your favorites with me! I have a long list of books to read that I save on my Amazon account. I love to add to it.