Taken from Lair of the Dragon Mage.
The Big Read reckons that the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books they’ve printed.
1) Look at the list and bold those you have read.
2) Italicize those you intend to read.
3) Underline the books you love.
1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling (some of them)
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
14 Complete Works of Shakespeare (a few)
15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulks
18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
20 Middlemarch - George Eliot
21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens
24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy (most of it)
25 The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
34 Emma - Jane Austen
35 Persuasion - Jane Austen
36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis (this IS part of the Chronicles of Narnia which is listed above at #33)
37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
41 Animal Farm - George Orwell
42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding
50 Atonement - Ian McEwan
51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel
52 Dune - Frank Herbert
53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt
64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac
67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville
71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
72 Dracula - Bram Stoker
73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
75 Ulysses - James Joyce
76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
78 Germinal - Emile Zola
79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
80 Possession - AS Byatt
81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker
84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White
88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
94 Watership Down - Richard Adams
95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare
99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
This list does not even begin to encompass all the books I have read or loved. I admit to being a bit of a bibliophile. I have gotten better over the years, I used to not be able to part ways with any book. While I still love to read and own books, I have given away and sold many of mine in the past year. I am trying to overcome my pack-rat mentality.
Children's literature is a particular favorite. So often there is so much more "meat" to it, than first glance (or read) reveals. Reading to my grandchilren is heavenly.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Plagiarism
I am such a copy-cat. I admit it, there is not one original thought in this post. I have been reading blogs and I was so excited by this that I just had to post it here, even though I did not think of it on my own.
This video was posted on Adrienne's blog, and then reposted on Gillette's blog, because she liked it so much. I am reposting it here, because I love it. It makes me smile and like Gillette, I about started crying. You know, like years ago when people got all teary eyed and felt all warm and fuzzy over the I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Coke commercials.
This is Matt, he was a video game designer who quit his job, and now he dances (badly) all over the world. Click here to visit his website. Below is an interview with him.
Here's the Coke commercial. Yeah, I like Matt better too.
So...the next time someone tells you, "Don't quit your day job," think of Matt.
This video was posted on Adrienne's blog, and then reposted on Gillette's blog, because she liked it so much. I am reposting it here, because I love it. It makes me smile and like Gillette, I about started crying. You know, like years ago when people got all teary eyed and felt all warm and fuzzy over the I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing, Coke commercials.
This is Matt, he was a video game designer who quit his job, and now he dances (badly) all over the world. Click here to visit his website. Below is an interview with him.
Here's the Coke commercial. Yeah, I like Matt better too.
So...the next time someone tells you, "Don't quit your day job," think of Matt.
Friday, June 20, 2008
You can't escape your past
I am a single mom. I divorced my son's father when he was a baby. My ex has a lot of issues, not the least of these is a history of drug abuse. He was never a part of my son's life, that was his choice not mine. I few years ago, my son decided he wanted to pursue a relationship with his father. He was almost an adult and he stated that he didn't want to go through life not knowing his father at all. He also told me, "People change, Mom." I understood and supported his decision, but it broke my heart. I did not want him to open himself up to the possibility of being hurt by his father. Of course I knew that had already happened, simply due to his father's absence in his life. I also did not want to have to have any contact with his father (there had been abuse issues in our marriage). My son has made a good attempt at things. The relationship between them has been shaky and tenuous. I have survived the few brief contacts with my ex that have occurred.
My son has a cell phone, so I have not always been aware of the number of times they have talked. This direct line to my son has also spared me from having to talk to my ex. Yesterday, my son came to me and asked to change his cell phone number. He told me that his father has been calling several times a day to ask him for money. When he has refused, his father has, at times, been verbally abusive. It broke my heart knowing that, yes, he had finally gotten to know his father. And he has realized that his father is not worth knowing. I used to hope, that someday, my son would understand my decision to divorce. That by knowing his father's true nature, he could protect himself from being used. I now wish that he had never found out how his father could be. I wish I could still be the fall guy for the divorce. It was easier to take the blame than it is to see him be hurt.
My son has a cell phone, so I have not always been aware of the number of times they have talked. This direct line to my son has also spared me from having to talk to my ex. Yesterday, my son came to me and asked to change his cell phone number. He told me that his father has been calling several times a day to ask him for money. When he has refused, his father has, at times, been verbally abusive. It broke my heart knowing that, yes, he had finally gotten to know his father. And he has realized that his father is not worth knowing. I used to hope, that someday, my son would understand my decision to divorce. That by knowing his father's true nature, he could protect himself from being used. I now wish that he had never found out how his father could be. I wish I could still be the fall guy for the divorce. It was easier to take the blame than it is to see him be hurt.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Grand Funk Railroad and CCR
These two bands are coming to my small town next month for a free concert in the park. I can't think of a better way to relive my youth. Two of us "past 50" gals are going together. It's been forever since I've been to a concert, I'll have to see if I still have my "I'm with the band" t-shirt.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
sidewalk chalk and popscicles
I had class Saturday morning, but the evening was been spent with my grandchildren. They are an education in themselves. I love stepping back and viewing the world through their eyes.
We created sidewalk masterpieces that will only last until the next rain. Then we wore ourselves out playing hopscotch, kickball and jumping rope, at least I am wore out. When I suggested popscicles would help us cool off, they told me to "bring the whole box out, Mommy and Daddy always let us have three each." After eating one apiece, we had green, blue and red tongues, respectively. By the time baths were done and pajamas were on, we (I) were all ready to collapse in the bed.
This morning has been pancakes, eggs and walking the dogs. Playdoh is out now, but we have more flowers to plant later. Little people have to stay busy at my house, I don't have that electronic babysitter that too many folks use. If the house is not too hot later and I am not too tired, we'll bake muffins or cookies for dessert. Grandchildren are my reward for surviving their father's teenage years.
I will have to practice, these dogs jump rope better than I do.
We created sidewalk masterpieces that will only last until the next rain. Then we wore ourselves out playing hopscotch, kickball and jumping rope, at least I am wore out. When I suggested popscicles would help us cool off, they told me to "bring the whole box out, Mommy and Daddy always let us have three each." After eating one apiece, we had green, blue and red tongues, respectively. By the time baths were done and pajamas were on, we (I) were all ready to collapse in the bed.
This morning has been pancakes, eggs and walking the dogs. Playdoh is out now, but we have more flowers to plant later. Little people have to stay busy at my house, I don't have that electronic babysitter that too many folks use. If the house is not too hot later and I am not too tired, we'll bake muffins or cookies for dessert. Grandchildren are my reward for surviving their father's teenage years.
I will have to practice, these dogs jump rope better than I do.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Friday the 13th and the law of karma
Years ago, I worked for a doctor who wouldn't leave his house on Friday the 13th. The rest of the office staff had to report, making Friday the 13th a bad day for me. (Try telling the patients the doctor will not be available until Monday the 16th.) I am not superstitious, but considering how some things have been going lately, I wondered what today would bring.
Today, however, was lovely. I have been able to secure some financing to complete the much needed repairs around the house. I also bought a new washer and dryer (my washer has been broken for at least 6 months). The new appliances were supposed to be delivered yesterday, only they never came. The washer had not come in and no one called to reschedule. I was a tad miffed, but quickly got over it when I was offered a 10% discount and a free upgrade to a better washer they had in stock. Today, the delivery guys were very apologetic as they explained that the dryer I ordered had been damaged in the warehouse and they had to bring a better dryer too, also at no extra cost. I was certainly very forgiving of having to wait an extra day and receiving something other than what I ordered.
For the past year, certain things in my personal life have been crap. We have had more car problems than I can recount. Those problems led to severe financial difficulties, which have seemed to plague me. Though at times I became resentful and depressed, I have tried to maintain a hopefulness that my luck must certainly change. That has finally happened. In the past month I have been able to obtain the means to replace the roof, furnace, and windows. I am getting estimates now. Getting a deal on the washer and dryer. plus being upgraded, was a pleasant surprise. My oldest son has been working steadily, easing my worry and my finances. I will be getting a new assignment at work soon, one that I am quite happy about. Over the past few weeks, I have gotten two raises, both small, but still more money coming in.
Today, I also found out that the mechanic who cheated us out of $5000 is now in the penitentiary, I am not sure what the conviction was. Not that I wanted revenge, but it is somewhat satisfying to know that some of his evil deeds have caught up with him. It is nice to know that maybe some of my good deeds are returning to me as well.
Today, however, was lovely. I have been able to secure some financing to complete the much needed repairs around the house. I also bought a new washer and dryer (my washer has been broken for at least 6 months). The new appliances were supposed to be delivered yesterday, only they never came. The washer had not come in and no one called to reschedule. I was a tad miffed, but quickly got over it when I was offered a 10% discount and a free upgrade to a better washer they had in stock. Today, the delivery guys were very apologetic as they explained that the dryer I ordered had been damaged in the warehouse and they had to bring a better dryer too, also at no extra cost. I was certainly very forgiving of having to wait an extra day and receiving something other than what I ordered.
For the past year, certain things in my personal life have been crap. We have had more car problems than I can recount. Those problems led to severe financial difficulties, which have seemed to plague me. Though at times I became resentful and depressed, I have tried to maintain a hopefulness that my luck must certainly change. That has finally happened. In the past month I have been able to obtain the means to replace the roof, furnace, and windows. I am getting estimates now. Getting a deal on the washer and dryer. plus being upgraded, was a pleasant surprise. My oldest son has been working steadily, easing my worry and my finances. I will be getting a new assignment at work soon, one that I am quite happy about. Over the past few weeks, I have gotten two raises, both small, but still more money coming in.
Today, I also found out that the mechanic who cheated us out of $5000 is now in the penitentiary, I am not sure what the conviction was. Not that I wanted revenge, but it is somewhat satisfying to know that some of his evil deeds have caught up with him. It is nice to know that maybe some of my good deeds are returning to me as well.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Things I like/love/make me happy/content
Okay, so lists are the blogging cop-out. They are fast, easy, and don't require much thought. This one is really my cop-out, because I should be doing homework.
I love to cook and I am a great cook. My favorite is cooking while hanging out in the kitchen with friends and family.
Camping with friends, tents, no electric. The best is sitting around the fire in perfect camping weather (warm enough to wear shorts, but cool enough to wear a sweatshirt).
A good intellectual debate, preferably with someone a little smarter than me so I have to really think and be on my toes. Ken and Sue are my favorite debate partners.
Having crossword puzzle races with Ken.
Dancing around the house with the grandkids, being really silly and listening to them laugh like crazy.
Taking the dogs to the dog park on a cool day and watching them run in the pack while I talk to the other dog "parents".
I love Christmas! I love to decorate-I sometimes put up 6 trees (no that isn't a typo, I have one for every room). I love to cook and bake and wrap presents. Hate the shopping part.
Snow! I love snow, I like to watch it, play in it, just not drive in it.
Laying on the beach, listening to the surf.
The mountains, Smokeys or Rockies, doesn't matter. The air is crisp, the view is great, I feel close to God.
Finishing a really long research paper and feeling like I nailed it.
Hiking Glen Helen in Yellow Springs with my son and the dogs.
Swimming, when it's really hot and the water is cool. Doing laps and then floating around and chatting, usually with my sister.
Road trips. Picnicing at rest areas, stopping at stupid little tourist traps and historical landmarks.
Muscle cars. A bit of nostalgia? Love car shows, going for rides when I have a chance and reminiscing about drag racing on Interstate 275 before it was completed.
Farmers markets. Browsing, shopping, talking to the people.
The state fair. Always loved to take the kids and now the grandkids.
Eating Sunday brunch at the Palm Court in the Cincinnati Netherland Hilton. Can only afford this one about once a year.
I love rowboats. Just peaceful, being on the water and I love to row.
Singing loudly to rap music (preferably with nasty lyrics) in the car with my son, just to annoy him and make him smile. "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...."
Gardening (though you would never know it from the looks of my garden) planting, pulling weeds, getting dirt under my nails.
Really good sex. The kind where you really work at it and are lost in it and end up exhausted, content, and completely relaxed.
A good scary movie (preferably, a psychological thriller).
Playing cards and board games with very competitive friends.
Learning hard concepts, having to think until my brain hurts and realizing that I will never totally get it.
Writing...stories, poems, papers, family history, journaling, blogging.
Having someone else wash my hair. The best part of going to a salon.
Getting and giving massages.
Sitting at the table predawn (when no one else is up) in pajamas with a cup of coffee and a cigarette.
Snuggling a baby in a rocking chair. This was really great when the boys were babies and I would nurse them (no other connection like it).
Realizing that he knows me better than I know myself. Being able to tell him anything, because I trust him completely.
Falling asleep naked, my body pressed close to his.
I love to cook and I am a great cook. My favorite is cooking while hanging out in the kitchen with friends and family.
Camping with friends, tents, no electric. The best is sitting around the fire in perfect camping weather (warm enough to wear shorts, but cool enough to wear a sweatshirt).
A good intellectual debate, preferably with someone a little smarter than me so I have to really think and be on my toes. Ken and Sue are my favorite debate partners.
Having crossword puzzle races with Ken.
Dancing around the house with the grandkids, being really silly and listening to them laugh like crazy.
Taking the dogs to the dog park on a cool day and watching them run in the pack while I talk to the other dog "parents".
I love Christmas! I love to decorate-I sometimes put up 6 trees (no that isn't a typo, I have one for every room). I love to cook and bake and wrap presents. Hate the shopping part.
Snow! I love snow, I like to watch it, play in it, just not drive in it.
Laying on the beach, listening to the surf.
The mountains, Smokeys or Rockies, doesn't matter. The air is crisp, the view is great, I feel close to God.
Finishing a really long research paper and feeling like I nailed it.
Hiking Glen Helen in Yellow Springs with my son and the dogs.
Swimming, when it's really hot and the water is cool. Doing laps and then floating around and chatting, usually with my sister.
Road trips. Picnicing at rest areas, stopping at stupid little tourist traps and historical landmarks.
Muscle cars. A bit of nostalgia? Love car shows, going for rides when I have a chance and reminiscing about drag racing on Interstate 275 before it was completed.
Farmers markets. Browsing, shopping, talking to the people.
The state fair. Always loved to take the kids and now the grandkids.
Eating Sunday brunch at the Palm Court in the Cincinnati Netherland Hilton. Can only afford this one about once a year.
I love rowboats. Just peaceful, being on the water and I love to row.
Singing loudly to rap music (preferably with nasty lyrics) in the car with my son, just to annoy him and make him smile. "My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...."
Gardening (though you would never know it from the looks of my garden) planting, pulling weeds, getting dirt under my nails.
Really good sex. The kind where you really work at it and are lost in it and end up exhausted, content, and completely relaxed.
A good scary movie (preferably, a psychological thriller).
Playing cards and board games with very competitive friends.
Learning hard concepts, having to think until my brain hurts and realizing that I will never totally get it.
Writing...stories, poems, papers, family history, journaling, blogging.
Having someone else wash my hair. The best part of going to a salon.
Getting and giving massages.
Sitting at the table predawn (when no one else is up) in pajamas with a cup of coffee and a cigarette.
Snuggling a baby in a rocking chair. This was really great when the boys were babies and I would nurse them (no other connection like it).
Realizing that he knows me better than I know myself. Being able to tell him anything, because I trust him completely.
Falling asleep naked, my body pressed close to his.
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