This past week I was challenged by a friend (thank you Deb) to identify 7 titles that I have loved at some point in my life and to post them on facebook, challenging another friend to do the same. At first glance, this should not be so hard, right? I love books, I read books, I share titles. Well, the hard part is narrowing this down to 7, and not explaining why these meant enough to me to post. Thus, I will explain here, in my own space and on my own time, and in no particular order.
A Yellow Raft on Blue Water by Michael Dorris
I read this book when I was just out of college. I was opening up to the world, and realizing that it didn’t always revolve around me, and what I perceived as reality. When you read this, you are faced with the perceptions of what you believe is real, based upon your own experiences. Even if you believe you know someone’s story, you are never fully let in. The story is of 3 generations of Native American women. Each story is from their viewpoint, and provides light on the same world in a different way. As these stories are interwoven, as are the lives of these women, the structure of the book actually mirrors the braids that these women are always working on for each other. Three parts, the middle one the thickest, and the two outside ending at different places. The perfect metaphor for this family’s story. Nominated Lesley because this is about learning who you are and where you came from.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I remember my mom presenting me with this book, and I felt very grown up. She was handing me a big chapter book and telling me about how much she loved the story. I have no idea if she presented the book to my sisters, or if they even read this, but the story transported me to another world and I was hooked. The grown up themes of belonging, acceptance, fear and forgiveness are all enchanted in this garden. I still dream of finding one just for me. I just updated the dream so it will weed itself. Nominated Jill because she loves her gardens, and her books.
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This children’s book is a staple of youth group friendship circles. The theme of giving all of yourself to someone that doesn’t see what you are giving, is the wakeup call to be aware of your friends and family. Many a group hug on this one at the end of a conclave! Nominated Ali because she has experienced those friendship circles.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
This is a story which many scholars and readers alike point to as a chauvinistic bible. While the emerging Code of a Man is outlined here clearly for all, there seems to be missing a focus on the fact that not only was Jake Barnes the man’s man, but Lady Brett Ashley lived by the code too. This strong woman lived as she wanted, regardless of convention. Although Hemingway treats women badly, there are a number of strong woman in his writing to make me believe that he needed a strong woman to help him be strong. And it is that strength that drew me in. The mechanics of the writing, however, are what kept me. The tight, compact sentence structure and laser focus are what I love in this writing. How much punch can one line leave? Hemingway may have stolen this style from Sherwood Anderson, but “Papa” perfected it beautifully. I nominated Tracey because we use to drive around in her mom’s yellow Cadillac when I fell in love with his writing, and when I think of a strong woman, she is that and more.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The story of a family of missionaries, led by the Nathan Price, an evangelical Baptist minister, and their quest to “civilize” the savages in 1954’s Belgian Congo. The things they brought with them, especially the arrogance of the western world, brings calamity to them and the village they inhabit. Each of the four daughters leave the experience changed, just as the world was changed by that era. It was the arrogance that caught my attention. It was at this time that I began to believe that the USofA was being arrogant in expecting others to accept our help and become exactly like us, without considering what they were or wanted to be. It was this arrogance, I believe, that has led the world to the dual love/hate relationship with our country – they want to be here for freedoms, but want to maintain parts of their culture also. Nominated Sam because of the beauty of language and survival instincts shown.
The Source by James Michener
If you have read the “About” section of my blog, you know that this book means a lot to me. I actually read this book in high school. At over 1088 pages (Yes, I still remember that number!!!) I was led through an archaeological dig, with each layer’s story laid out before me. I loved the digging and piecing together of the worlds that no longer exist. It fueled my understanding of the depth of our collective history, and the fragility of it surviving. Nominated MB because of your love of history and desire to learn from the past.
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
I started to read this book as the civil war in Syria began. The beauty and simplicity of the single act of playing music transcending all the hatred around them was breathtaking. If we all were able to stand for beauty, and put aside the anger, there is a humanity and creativity that we should be protecting. By simply showing up, this act of defiance in the face of certain death, and choosing beautify over pain left me moved and saddened by the vision of this cello echoing against the rubble of bombed out buildings. Nominated Meghan because it shows that there is calm in the middle of craziness. All you need to do is listen to the music and you will be saved.
I challenge you all to remember a favorite book and find a match for someone to recommend it to. Its great to share good things sometimes.
The Source 4 Books 
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