tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post3838831870142911798..comments2022-09-08T01:59:21.584-05:00Comments on ellen has an opinion . . .: the year in books: the book droughtellenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216639533812087840noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-80377647361441505642010-03-19T08:36:58.617-05:002010-03-19T08:36:58.617-05:00Ellen, I think this blog is our of your best. Larr...Ellen, I think this blog is our of your best. Larry McMurtry is one of the best American writer of the 2oth Century. Whether, he is writing about 1950's Texas and 1850's Texas, he is able to convey the feelings the characters are going thru.<br /><br />Some other McMurtry's books you might like are<br />The Last Picture Show, Texasville, Horseman Pass By (the basis for the Paul Newman film, "Hud"), Terms of Endearment, The Evening Star, Buffalo Girls, The Streets of Laredo, Commanche Moon, and Anything for Billy.<br /><br />On the subject of Jane Austen, anything she has written lifts my spirits. It is sad in her short 42 years on this earth, she only completed six novels. The amazing thing is the six novels still stand the test of time 200 years later. Her keen observations are still accurate today. Out of respect, I can not and will not read the so called sequels or spin offs that are written by other authors. <br /><br />After reading Gone With The Wind for every year from the time I was 13 until I was 25, I have put GWTW in my Hall Of Fame and will read the book again in 2016. The 80th anniversary of its publication.<br /><br />I got Blue Like Jazz for my 50th birthday in 2009. It was the second Donald Miller book I have received as a present. The first book I received was Searching For God Knows what for Christmas 2008. I highly recommend both books. Miller excells at getting me to think in new ways about my faith. <br /><br />Reading has been important to me all my life. It is one of the things my Mom passed on to me. When I was little, my Mom make certain that I was reading. She loved to read and she made certain the tradition was passed down.<br /><br />Personally, I think it is great you were reading things like Lonesome Dove at an early age. I started reading the classics when I was 12. It is never to early to introduce a child to the world of books. <br /><br />Charles BingleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-1243901565051960232010-03-18T22:57:51.511-05:002010-03-18T22:57:51.511-05:00you enjoy interacting in your comments so much you...you enjoy interacting in your comments so much you should install disqus. your reply will go to their email and to your blog.Melissa Stoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12839619836478423452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-46321352427341573632010-03-18T22:56:32.274-05:002010-03-18T22:56:32.274-05:00i love lonesome dove. and harry potter is on my li...i love lonesome dove. and harry potter is on my list to read aloud to the kids this summer.Melissa Stoverhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12839619836478423452noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-13028654493835569822010-03-18T22:29:33.929-05:002010-03-18T22:29:33.929-05:00Back when I first starting reading Pioneer Woman&#...Back when I first starting reading Pioneer Woman's blog, I noticed her saying in several different posts across a big span of time, that the reader comments were the best part of her blog. And I thought that was ridiculous. <br /><br />But I completely get it now. Writing for you, whether I'm writing to a specific audience of not, is fun and thought-provoking and sometimes cathartic, but when you interact with me here, it gets kicked up to a whole new level. Thank you, friends.<br /><br />I'd devote an open letter Tuesday to your awesomeness, but the whole shooting match around here is your open letter. Love.ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15216639533812087840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-89297584007607902412010-03-18T21:17:03.110-05:002010-03-18T21:17:03.110-05:00I was telling Vernon about this blog today, and I&...I was telling Vernon about this blog today, and I'm sure that he'll be a regular lurker soon. He mentioned Little Women as well. Momma always talks about remembering him reading that book in Jr. High. <br /><br />In the course of that conversation, I figured out that I should have put Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry and Maniac McGee (or is it MacGee?) in with To Kill a Mockingbird as they were also key works in changing my attitude about racism. <br /><br />I've really enjoyed this list because it's a new way to think about books that I haven't done before. I've made lists of "best novels" or "my favorite books" or whatever, but never this one. Nice job Bo. <br /><br />It'd be interesting to see you a similar post with movies. I'm making my guesses now as to which ones will appear. <br /><br /><br />Also, I'm totally your friend in real life. It just turns out that I'm a really lousy friend. Ask anybody. At least I don't let my annoyance with someone else keep me from spending a few hours a week hanging out with my friend/cousin and getting some good exercise. Not all the readers of this blog can say that can they _______?#1 fanhttp://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046303/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-78914081411765540992010-03-18T21:02:43.619-05:002010-03-18T21:02:43.619-05:00I think that all of those memories my precious chi...I think that all of those memories my precious children have shared must outweigh all of the poor parenting skills that I suffer such guilt over! How blessed I am to share such literary devotion with them, and with you, my little kindred spirit.curly librariannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-59210508092498809692010-03-18T12:40:24.271-05:002010-03-18T12:40:24.271-05:00More series of books that I love: The first real l...More series of books that I love: The first real live books I remember reading are the Betsy books by Carolyn Hayward. Encyclopedia Brown was my first experience in mysteries and he led me to The Hardy Boys and Margaret Truman's Capitol Murder Series, among others. And one very wonderful series that our dear blogger has neglected: The Little Women books. The March girls are every bit as sweet and good as Anne & Co., and I would put Jo's scrapes up against Anne and Diana's anyday. Mom tried reading it to me once when I was in elementary school and I just couldn't get into it, but once I did... You should give them another shot, Ellen. There are children coming to your library who need to know about them. Another really good series my momma shared with me: The Little House books.Rob-Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01871900185090584524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-38882073587576706162010-03-17T16:40:43.720-05:002010-03-17T16:40:43.720-05:00When I write something and people notice and respo...When I write something and people notice and respond and interact with it lots (and lots is a relative term, but nine comments is a lot for me), it thrills my soul. Once this blog secures my book deal, all of you will have to change your lists. But for now, thank you, friends, for caring.<br /><br />Here are some things I want to say about your comments:<br />Rob--the reason I saw Mac was the number one blog fan is because he does seem to be more in love with the blog than anyone else. You're my friend outside the internet, but Mac only likes me online. Also you said some particularly sweet things about books, your momma, and me, and it was top ten worthy.<br /><br />Mac--I knew you wouldn't be able to resist the siren song of the list. Thanks for playing along. And I never want to be that person that snottily corrects people, but it's Macbeth. I tried to be cool about it, but suddenly I couldn't. But I am flattered that you still remember my Macbeth summary. Also I love it when you say "dang, playa." I giggle.<br /><br />Shane--That was a pretty decent car ride, but I sort of regret spoiling the first four books for you--unless my synopsis is what inspired you to read them. In which case, you're welcome.<br /><br />Michelle--What would your list look like? I bet John Rosemund or the person that wrote Babywise would make the cut. I think it's time or just about time for Katelyn to read Anne of Green Gables. We should talk about it first though, as there's the sad at the end. P.S. Thank you for supporting me in my neuroses.<br /><br />If I hadn't been in such a hurry to publish the other day, I would have talked about why I didn't include the Bible (a league of its own and not just a book, in this blogger's opinion), and I might have figured a way to work in a couple more honorable mentions. To Kill a Mockingbird was on the list until the very end, and I'm already disappointed that I went with something else. Live and learn, I guess.ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15216639533812087840noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-38714026930272368142010-03-17T12:52:16.615-05:002010-03-17T12:52:16.615-05:00Now that I'm done being a jerk, I'll talk ...Now that I'm done being a jerk, I'll talk books. First, the book I would've chosen as being heard in Momma's voice is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. I still hear it at Christmas and other time people talk about baby Jesus, even though we never have time to finish it anymore. Buy yeah, my momma read me a lot of the best books I've ever read. Like To Kill a Mockingbird. <br />All of the books that I've read from Ellen's list are wrapped up in memories of her, as you might guess from the many times I was referenced. Honestly, without those books, I don't know how I would talk or think of be. They are integral parts of my person. As is Ellen. Yet another precious gift my momma gave me. <br />Anyway, the only series I can think of to add is The Wrinkle in Time books. I heart them somethin' fierce. Guess who started me on those?Rob-Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01871900185090584524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-40987375500386312162010-03-17T09:40:55.242-05:002010-03-17T09:40:55.242-05:006. The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King - This w...6. The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King - This was the book that Jeff gave me for my birthday my sophomore year of college (solidifying the tradition he began with LOTR the year before). It was my first King novel, and I absolutely loved it. Since that time, I've read about 15 of his novels, and he remains one of my favorite authors. I love his horror stories, his epic sagas (not counting book 7 of The Dark Tower), his non-fiction (On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, has been a huge help to me over the years), and his short stories. <br /><br />7. Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - One of my favorite Christian books of all time and the basis for a lot of how I read the gospels. Bonhoeffer's deep insights into scripture along with his unwavering focus on Christ as the lens through which everything in life must be approached have changed my teaching, my ethics, and my life. It's a must-read book for Christians.<br /><br />8. Blankets by Craig Thompson - It's very hard to pick which graphic novel ought to be on this list. Watchmen is so groundbreaking and powerful. The Dark Knight Returns is too. But in the end, I have to go with Blankets. For one thing, the same guy does the story and art, and they meld together pretty perfectly. For another, it's probably my favorite. It showed me that you could do comics without superheroes and it shaped the way that I approach my ministry by showing me the dangers of ignoring or glossing over tough problems in the biblical text. Mostly, it's just a really great story though. <br /><br />9. Greek Gods and Heroes by Robert Graves - This was a well-worn orange book with a blue spine that had been repaired more than once in Momma's Jr. High library. I bet that I read it about 10 times between 5th and 9th grade. It was an incredibly accessible collection of the major stories from Greek mythology, and it was the first book about myths that I remember reading. Since myths now play a central role in my academic work this book is sort of a big deal to me. I wish I could have found a way to cite it in my thesis. <br /><br />10. Tikki Tikki Tembo - There are lots of books that I could have referenced for this one, but Tikki Tikki Tembo is a good representative of books that I hear in my mother's voice. (Epaminodas is another one that would have fit well here.) It's a story about a Chinese boy with a very long name and how that causes trouble if he falls in the well. It's cute. Momma used to tell us this story rather than reading it to us because she had basically memorized it. I find myself falling into Momma's cadences and inflections when I read Elijah stories now, and I treasure all of those memories of her reading books to us, and telling stories.Story-loverhttp://www.amazon.com/Tikki-Tembo-Arlene-Mosel/dp/0312367481/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268836443&sr=1-1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-32962248789666614392010-03-17T09:15:32.915-05:002010-03-17T09:15:32.915-05:00Ellen's good at those book summaries. I got o...Ellen's good at those book summaries. I got one for McBeth the summer before my senior year, and I can still remember the details. It also helped me really enjoy McBeth that year.The most complicated book Shane ever readhttp://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/Les-Miserables-Summary-and-Analysis-by-Book-Part-1-Fantine-Book-I.id-61,pageNum-19.htmlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-79070855315233247622010-03-17T08:50:51.750-05:002010-03-17T08:50:51.750-05:00Remember that time I was driving with you to Kentu...Remember that time I was driving with you to Kentucky? It was right before Order of the Phoenix came out. I was not planning to read the Harry Potter books. So you gave me the Cliff Notes version of the first four books. That was one of my favorite car rides of all time. But then a couple of years later, I decided to read the books. So after that all of my favorite car rides were when Jim Dale read HP to me.Shanenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-76677241650566585522010-03-17T01:04:03.172-05:002010-03-17T01:04:03.172-05:00Most important books/series in my life:
1. Tolki...Most important books/series in my life: <br /><br />1. Tolkien's Middle Earth books - Momma read The Hobbit to me in the third grade, and I loved it so much that I read it once a year every year after that until college when Jeff bought me the Lord of the Rings series. I read them and was absolutely blown away. As C.S. Lewis said, "Such a book has of course its predestined readers, even now more numerous and more critical than is always realised. To them a reviewer need say little, except that here are beauties which pierce like swords or burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your heart." I read The Silmarillion for the first time in like 2004 or so. So all told, I think that I've read the Hobbit 13 times or so, The Lord of the Rings 8 or 9 times, and Silmarillion 5 times. They are my most read, most influential books ever. <br /><br />2. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - This was the first religious book that really made me think deeply. Lewis's concise and profound insights into natural law, the trinity, salvation, and the person and work of Christ set me on the path toward religious academia.<br /><br />3. Resident Aliens and The Peaceable Kingdom by Stanley Hauerwas - Hauerwas's vision of how the church ought to be in the world, his pacifism, his unflinching call for Christian exceptionalism, and his idealism all have had a massive effect on my life, my faith, and my ministry. <br /><br />4. Shogun by James Clavell and The Godfather by Mario Puzo - Okay, so these two aren't really a series at all, but they both accomplished the same thing in my life and love both of them. They're stories about power and how it works in the world. Both have shrewd, ruthless, men at the heart of them and they show the way that such men can bend others to their will. I think that the acquisition and application of power is a fascinating topic, and I think that these two books had a major impact on how I view politics and government as well as other power structures in my life like work, church, family, etc. <br /><br />5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Besides the fact that this is probably the greatest American novel of all time, it's a great story about some things that I care about a lot - fathers, justice, the south, honor, poverty, and childhood just to name a few. <br /><br />I'll have to add the next 5 tomorrow. It's getting late.List Loverhttp://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Tolkiennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-9634959337598278062010-03-16T17:09:14.040-05:002010-03-16T17:09:14.040-05:00I'd be sort of hurt that I'm not the #1 bl...I'd be sort of hurt that I'm not the #1 blog fan, but since I did beat Mac in the best of comments blog, I guess I'll let him have this one.Rob-Bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01871900185090584524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-68348155131754361562010-03-16T16:58:52.765-05:002010-03-16T16:58:52.765-05:00Also, waiting for Mac's list with bated breath...Also, waiting for Mac's list with bated breath!Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-49683839127899422052010-03-16T16:57:47.769-05:002010-03-16T16:57:47.769-05:00I love your list and the way you give reasons for ...I love your list and the way you give reasons for each book. I have never read several of your top picks. Maybe I will one day. I wonder what my list would look like. Also, I am a fan of your OCD, lame blogger.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-376223885962725313.post-59082200140409357822010-03-16T00:01:25.115-05:002010-03-16T00:01:25.115-05:00Dang Playa!! When you bring the heat, you bring t...Dang Playa!! When you bring the heat, you bring the heat! A list of top ten favorites, a blog about books some of which I've actually read, and a couple of flattering descriptions of me! My day is officially made. It's too late to write a real comment about the post, but I'll catch you tomorrow and share the story about how I read Lonesome Dove my sophomore year of college mostly during Mike Ireland and Owen Olbright's Bible classes, and how a certain really sad part involving a little Indian boy, a spear, and a man who was never one to give up on a garment just because it had a little age to it all came together in the middle of class. I started tearing up and thinking to myself. "This is sort of funny. I bet that the teacher thinks I'm really moved by his lesson today, but in truth I haven't really been paying attention much. <br /><br />So, I guess I'll come up with another story since I sort of went ahead and told that one anyway. <br /><br />You know that I'll be posting my list in response to this. Here's one book on the list that might surprise some folks.A fellow lapsed readerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sh%C5%8Dgun_%28novel%29noreply@blogger.com