I am NOT one of those people. I don't remember late summer nights and early weekend moments as ones curled up in bed with a good story. (My days were filled with pools, dressing and redressing Barbie, acting out scenes from 'Hook' with my friends down the street, trying to climb the big tree over and over in someone's front yard and Mousercising in the den).
What I DO remember, about reading in the summer, was thinking that teachers should be tortured because they chose to torture me by making me read 200 whole pages AND do some sort of project over the trajectory of my three-month vacation. Are they NUTS?! That's a feat that's near impossible!
Then, something, I don't know what... clicked.
Maybe I got tired of reading Spark Notes online, maybe I felt the pressure of being older and thinking I was supposed to like reading - I really don't know. But, now, after years of frustration, trial and tears, I actually ENJOY reading. It's a complete escape, a satisfactory experience and a way to open your eyes to something new without ever leaving your favorite sitting position.
So, if you're into it, or not, here are some of my top picks for fun reads. NO, I am NOT one of those people preaching... just a 'lil-bit-of-gabs' coming your way:
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE/CLASSIC: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE
This one is a classic but worth the read. I first read the book in high school and -gasp- actually enjoyed it. The characters are flawlessly written and the plot is caked with wit and intelligent suspense. It is a true love story that is unpredictable and not gushy by any means.
The book was adapted into a Film, with Keira Knightley, in 2005. The film is also my FAVORITE movie as it is a testament to the text and takes nothing from Hollywood to distort its tale.
This is a MUST.
Culinary Memoir: The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry
I listened to this story as a book on tape last summer (which I highly recommend - great for working out so you don't have to worry about the book flying off the elliptical at epic speeds and breaking the old man's hip that's passing by or for driving since you can no longer depend on a cell phone conversation for entertainment in most states now). It is a memoir about Kathleen Flinn's somewhat mid-life crisis experience as a student at France's culinary institute, Le Cordon Bleu. Chefs and Non-Chefs will relate to this story as one of frustration and triumph, believing in oneself, taking chances and FOOD. And for chefs, recipes are included from the world famous school.
An Eye Opener: Fault Lines
I have always had an interest in studying WWII and Nazi Germany's involvement with the Jewish Community. There are so many stories and you can learn, or question, about man-kind. I realize, this subject is not for everyone, but it makes for amazing literature and ethical and intellectual exercise. Nancy Huston's story traces a certain happening during WWII involving children through the fiction story of a family discovering their past. The little girl on the cover remains a mystery for some time. The set-up of the story is interesting and compelling, as each chapter is written from the perspective of the family members - all when they were six years old. By the end of the story, the message is complete and satisfactory. As a student of this subject, I was even shocked to learn what I did from this novel.
(NOTE: The story is by no means graphic or unsettling... this is no Schindler's List... I promise.)
Love Story: The Time Traveler's Wife
This international bestseller is praised for all the right reasons. It is the most exciting, tamely passionate, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking love story I have ever read. The title is a testament to the plot. This is not a gushy love story but one that makes it hard to deny the existence of love's power and grace. The book is one that appeals to all ages, from teen to retirement. I have never flown through pages as fast as I did with this one. If I was going to choose one book to be a reading snob about and insist on just ONE, this would be IT.
NOW: Breakfast with Buddha
I haven't finished it, but I am already wishing I could go on Spring Break again just to READ - and to think I used to be the kid that was so pissed when teachers tainted my vacation with heaven-forbid-books. This book is another memoir by a man named Roland Merullo. A New York City publisher, specializing in culinary material, is forced by unforeseen circumstances to pack up and take a road trip to North Dakota. When he goes to Jersey to pick up his free spirit sister, she nonchalantly announces that she won't be joining him and in her place is sending her guru. This is less than music to Roland's ears but the trip soon begins. The story is filled with laughs, life insights and more (What? I do not know yet!)
Pretend this is like the book of the month - or week since my reading speed has greatly progressed since my days of resistance. Pick it up and read along!
Some other favorites are Night, Grapes of Wrath, Go Ask Alice, To Kill a Mockingbird, A Million Little Pieces (Oprah can shove it), My Friend Leonard and I am Charlotte Simmons.
So ESCAPE, take a vacation, for free. Reading is an adventure, something personal that no one can taint for you. If you don't take my book suggestions, fine. My intention was only to show you what appeals to me and to INSPIRE you to search for your own adventures.
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