the power of a book

“But when fall comes, kicking summer out on its treacherous ass as it always does one day sometime after the midpoint of September, it stays awhile like an old friend that you have missed. It settles in the way an old friend will settle into your favorite chair and take out his pipe and light it and then fill the afternoon with stories of places he has been and things he has done since last he saw you.” –wrote Stephen King in Salem’s Lot

“… I like simple things, books, being alone, or with somebody who understands.” — words by Daphne du Maurier

The power of words in books, like the first quote, and the emotional connection, like the du Maurier quote, are examples of  why I find reading a well-written novel so engagingly powerful.

A friend of mine challenged me to feature seven of my favourite books. She wrote, “I’m interested in why certain books are important to you. And I may find some new gems that I haven’t yet read. If you don’t want to take part for any reason, that’s fine; don’t feel bad about it.” It’s always difficult to pick a mere handful (plus one) of books I consider favourites, though I shall pick from among the ones I have found most memorable. Some will be left out, simply because I’m selecting a mere seven. In no particular order, they include:

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

A bountiful epic told in the most richly woven prose. Mistry is an artful wordsmith.

Enter India through Mistry’s storytelling during the great political upheaval of the 1970’s. This story has the power to change you.

I remember hesitating in purchasing this novel fearing it was a long, dry story — nothing could be further from the truth. I learned so much about the culture, the time period, and was right there in the filthy streets with them. Such a talented writer, I could smell the smells, feel the emotions — great writing, great story telling.

The fine balance was that fine line between despair and hope.

Excellent storytelling.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

A hefty YA novel about a young girl during the Halocaust. Refreshingly told by death as a narrator. Don’t wrinkle your nose yet – it’s a very clever way to tell this story.

“Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel–a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbors.” People who think they have it hard in life could benefit from reading this novel. It should also be read by those who may not have an understanding of what life was like during an oppressed period of time when people had no liberty over their actions.

It celebrates the power of language while being a strong story with appealing characters. It’s also, despite the human misery, a novel with a fanciful aura.

I loved the continual, but very effective, use of imagery and vivid language. This novel is not just for Young Adults, but entirely satisfying for any adult. Definitely memorable.

Circling the Sun by Paula McLain

I absolutely adored this book in every way. One of the best novels I’ve read — ever. Her writing is exquisite. The story was fascinating.

This is a fictional biography of Beryl Markham, in which McLain brings out a fully fleshed Markham in settler-era Kenya. The real Markham was a pioneering aviator who became the first woman to fly solo, east to west, across the Atlantic.

McLain had me from the very first page and, not once, did I ever feel that the novel dragged on. Her descriptions, turns of phrase, the voice was so perfect for the times and place — I could go on an on about how well written this was, but I think you get the idea.

This is one of the few novels I’ve read more than once — and I can see reading it again … and again. Highly recommend it if you appreciate really fine writing and being transported to another earthly world filled with engaging characters, adventure, and great story-telling.

The Fig Orchard by Layla Fiske

This book had me right from the beginning. It’s one of those stories that had me thinking of it several times through the day; even wanting to drop everything to read further.

I won’t soon forget this epic story. As the publisher uses in it’s PR, I agree whole heartedly that this novel, “… is a rich, compelling epic of love, heroism, family and empowerment.” I was fully invested in the characters, especially Nishrina the novel’s heroine. This is a beautiful coming of age story about a strong girl in a time and place in which women were objects to be owned and controlled. It is about love, and how love can heal you, whether it be the love of a husband, a child or a friend.

There was only one minor incident in which a character was dying and what that person said did not ring true for me though it certainly added to the already multi-layered plot. For a first novel with such a rich and layered story, that’s rather minor in my view. I loved this story.

This one ends up in my “all time top favourites” shelf.

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Set aside the fact this was a runaway bestseller. None of that matters. What does matter is how well it was written and the story within.

Beautiful language. What an engaging novel, full of voluptuous prose; an extraordinary story that was hard to put down. Golden’s in-depth research has informed the building blocks of an exquisite story. I learned so much in the best way. I didn’t want it to come to an end and literally had to embrace the book when the end came.

This novel and its writing flows like gentle ripples on a pond.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

The author, also a neuroscientist, has written a novel equally inspired by neuroscience and the human spirit.

Still Alice tells a powerful story of Alzheimer’s from the patient’s point of view. I can’t emphasize how powerful this novel was for me. It was no maudlin tale but a genuine version of the reality of this disease and how a person affected by it functions and transitions through this downhill-spiralling disease. Saying that in no way means this is a dry scientific rendering; quite the contrary.

Captivating and eye-opening to the reality of Alzheimers.

So, of course, when attempting to select a small package of favourites, the struggle to settle on the final book is tortuous. Which ones get left out, left behind, not mentioned? The struggle is real. Although a decision must be made to finalize the seven. There are at least seven more that could have been included.

 

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Compelling and incredibly thought-provoking. I absolutely loved this novel.

Right from the beginning, I was engaged with this novel and didn’t want to put it down.

“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”

The characters, especially Lou were irresistible. The story is funny, sad without being maudlin (oh well, maybe some of us might get a bid maudlin near the end), insightful, deeply thought-provoking, and not a boring moment to be had. I loved this book, period.

The characters begin as aggravatingly realistic in all their egocentricities and self-absorptions. As their fears and insights are exposed, they develop in strength and motivation evolving as individuals who are irrevocably changed through the events that unfold.

There is a very complicated moral dilemma that is central to this novel and it’s a dilemma that certain individuals and families around the world are forced to face in the same sort of circumstances.

Definitely recommended and ideal for thoughtful discussion for book clubs.

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