The Reading Challenge Group discussion

There was a question recently forwarded to me by a FB friend about listing 10 books that have influenced or stayed with you somehow. They didn't need to be great works of art, just something you liked or thought about for a while after reading.

Here's my list (and commentary) - what's yours??

The Danny Dunn series by Raymond Abrashkin & Jay Williams - I don’t remember the librarian’s name, but I do remember her handing me Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine“ in the 2nd grade. A love affair that lasted for many years, Danny still holds a special place in my heart.

The Bible - I still have the first one that my mother gave me for my 10th birthday and it is marked and worn.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - a classic for a reason, this coming-of-age tale is all that is best of the South. I read this first in 7th grade and loved it.

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell - a huge soapy novel with the sweeping background of the Civil War. Who can resist the rakish Rhett and the selfish Scarlett? Not this Southern girl.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - in high school, I studied the Great Depression and the 1930s and this novel captures the essence of that time period. I was fascinated with how Steinbeck captured the struggles of this time.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein - I love science fiction and this was one of the iconic SciFi novels of my teenage years. It seemed as if everyone was reading this when I was in high school. I groked Michael Valentine Smith.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy & The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien - while the movies are great, they still pale next to the novels. Another set of novels that captivated and enthralled.

Any Stephen King novel - I can still remember picking up “Carrie” at the local drugstore and reading it and passing it on to my mom. When “Salem’s Lot” came out, I was hooked. I know that there have been ups and downs in his catalogue, but I have been a Constant Reader. He speaks to large themes and there is nothing better than sitting down with a drink to let Uncle Stevie tell you a story.

Any Jim Butcher novel - I think he is in the same category as Stephen King, a Grand Master of the novel. Mr Butcher writes urban fiction (Harry Dresden series) and epic adventures (Codex Alera series) and he is a master of great dialogue and storytelling.

Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - when my daughter said you really ought to read this, I thought sure but did because she was so excited by the book and wanted to be able to discuss it with her. Wow am I glad I did! Harry was a complex and engaging character. I am so glad that Catie was able to read the final installment in July 2007 before she died in December. She had a lot of Harry’s grit and courage.

I could go on - Eve Dallas series, Stephanie Plum, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - there’s plenty of others that have made an impression (I’m a voracious reader) but the above will have to suffice.

In no particular order:

Harry Potter Series - the 1st books came out when I was in elementary school and I stayed in love with it through adulthood.

Babysitters Club Books - I had 100+ of those books and spent a lot of my childhood reading those. I do wonder what ever happened to those now that I think about them.

Interview with the Vampire - My friend introduced this story to me in high school through the movie and I loved it.

The Scarlet Letter - For some reason, I was the only one who liked that book in high school...

Romeo and Juliet - Read in my 1st year of high school and it introduced me to Shakespeare.

The Complete Sherlock Holmes - It took me about a year to read but I was just so proud when I finished it.

His Majesty's Dragon - I gained a new respect for the fantasy/sci fi genre reading this.

Pride and Prejudice - Honestly, I didn't hate this book, but I didn't love this book when I read it because nothing happens, but for some reason it's one of those books that sticks in your head.

The Night Circus - because that became my favorite book last year when I've read it, I've been trying to find books similar to it. I don't think I'll ever find a book that comes close.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle - I only read it this year but it was the right amount of twisted and eerie that I've found I really enjoy.

Chase wrote: "In no particular order:

Harry Potter Series - the 1st books came out when I was in elementary school and I stayed in love with it through adulthood.

Babysitters Club Books - I had 100+ of those b..."

I liked The Scarlet Letter in high school, too. It was actually a pretty racy novel for the 10th grade. (although HS tries to take the fun out of it)

A big major influencing book for me is "The Hichhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. I think it something to do with all those fiddlybits along the fjords.

CaptKirk42 Classic Whovian wrote: "A big major influencing book for me is "The Hichhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. I think it something to do with all those fiddlybits along the fjords."

Yes, and of course 42.