acacia blossoms

acacia blossoms

Friday, November 21, 2008

bookshelf meme

Bookshelf meme

Rob of Inukshuck Adventures over in Canada has tagged me on this meme.so here goes... Do visit his site - its a fabulous window on life in Toronto.

The rules:
(a) Fiction book(b) Autobiography(c) Non-fiction book(d) A fourth book of your choice from any genre.Explain why the books are essential reads in no more than 30 words per book.

1 Firstly, The Secret Life Of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd has to be one of my all time favourites. I have bought several copies and passed them on. Not only does it appeal to my long term fascination with bee-keeping and farming; but it also embraces those who feel marginalised and celebrates the healing power of love across the social barriers. I also love the symbolism, and setting, the characters; and of course the bees.

2 Then there is Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts……… Although billed as fiction it is, I believe, also the story of his life so I hope it qualifies. Rivetting descriptions of the chaotic warmth of Mumbai slum lands, and an epic tale of survival overcoming so many mountainous odds.

3 Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss – because I am fascinated with energy healing and this deals with the interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit – how spiritual and emotional stresses can manifest in the physical body. It’s a great reference book to go back to again and again.

4 Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott – I read this recently. It’s a story about an unusual African childhood in Botswana. Various issues of African life seen through the eyes of a young girl whose father is a doctor, and whose mother is a committed homeopath – and all the many characters they encounter inside the family and out. Wonderful reading!

Lastly I ‘d love to tag everyone because I always love to hear of new reads. But as I'm supposed to tag 4 I choose Angela, Adrianne, Katherine and reluctant memsahib

11 comments:

karen said...

Hi Val. I've heard of the "Secret Life of Bees", but never read it. now it's on my wannaread list!

Busy reading "20 Chickens" right now actually, laughing like mad and enjoying it so much! Robyn Scott went to the same high school as me, albeit a lot later - but some of the characters from my school career were still there in her time! So double fun for me, all the Bots and Zim similarities...

your other two are now on my list as well.. thanks! x

Lori ann said...

I love to hear of new must reads too so thanks Val. I've got "Secret Life of Bees" just haven't got to it yet, i will now since you have given it such a glowing review! will look for the others too.
xx

Chesapeake Bay Woman said...

I've heard of Secret Life of Bees but never read it...your list if fascinating. I admire your ability to read so many varied topics. (I can barely find time to read my children's homework much less a book, but that may have more to do with my inability to sit still long enough.)

The one about mind-body-spirit is one I'd be greatly interested in.

Thanks for a great overview of some very interesting -sounding books.

Angela said...

Oh, thanks for tagging me! Now I must think! Yes, I enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees, too, and have passed it on. It was such a coincidence that it plays in the same year that I spent in the US and can still FEEL the atmosphere! And of course I will try to get the others, too! Africa is always on my mind, thanks to you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for joining in Val. It is so much fun and interesting to see what books others recommend. More must reads to add to my wish list.

Reya Mellicker said...

Very cool! I've read 2 of the books you named, have never heard of the others. But I love having an idea of what book about Africa I can start with.

Though interested in a vague way in that huge continent on which you live, I've never felt a personal connection to Africa until I started reading your blog. Any other book suggestions that will give me a feel for your world?

Hope you're recovered from your cold!

Oh and yes I always write down my dreams.

Val said...

I wanted to tag EVERYONE for this meme but since i have already memed a couple of times recently... however i'd still love to hear what you guys all read.
karen and Lori - yes read the secret life of bees - let me know what you think
CBW - i just always have a book - or two- on the go. prefer it to TV. also no exactly in a social whirl here!
Angela - I am sure you will like the 20 Chickens book too, and the others;
Rob - thanks, it WAS fun :-)
Reya - will send you a few more book titles - there are some great ones.
xxV

Unknown said...

I've heard so much about the Secret Life of Bees - I must put it on my "must get" list. Shantaram also come highly recommended and Anatomy of the Spirit is a brilliant book, read it ages ago.
Hope that cold is better.
xxx

Val said...

I think there is a movie coming out on Secret Life of Bees - i always prefer to read the book first though so if you are like me be warned :-) i have read it a few times and have a clear picture in my head...

Annie said...

Hi, Val...have just popped across form chesapeake bay lady...she was telling us about you, and I am glad I am here...your story about the girls death and the elephant was very striking! And one we should take more note of!

I have heard so much about the Secret Life of Bees...seems everybody is reading it. So I must get it and read it soon!

One of my favorite books is Hamlet's Dresser that was around a few years ago.

Annie

ps There is a (long) list of some of the recent and not so recent books I have enjoyed reading on my sidebar on my blog.

Yolanda said...

I love this list. I really like Sue monk kidd too.