Friday Five: Good Books Edition

Today, RevHRod gives us this Friday Five:



The website promoting this piece of art says, "For the first time, the worlds most influential religious texts are brought together and presented on the same level, their coexistence acknowledged and celebrated”. The shelf is made of reclaimed wood that contains seven religious books. The designers have put them – literally – on the same level.Well, pish posh! I think that some books ARE better than others! How about you?


What book have you read in the last six months that has really stayed with you? Why?
I've read a lot of Spiritual Direction books for class, and I've read a lot of fun books, but I haven't read much that was thoughtful without being work-related. I've got nothing on this one. (Though if you want a beautiful one on Spiritual Direction, Gerald May's Awakened Heart is great.) NO, WAIT, I LIE!!! I just peeked at the next question, and realized that it's children's books. I didn't read Madeleine L'Engle as a child, I just started last fall. I've loved her.

What is one of your favorite childhood books?
Early Childhood: Harold and the Purple Crayon.
Young Adult: There's a series about the Melendy children by Elizabeth Enright and they're WONDERFUL. The Saturdays, Spiderweb for Two, The Four-Story Mistake, Then There Were Five. I think there are more, but it's been a long time.

Do you have a favorite book of the Bible? Do tell!
I love the Gospel of John. I love Isaiah. I really enjoy Exodus.

What is one book you could read again and again?
John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany. I could not begin to count the number of times I've read this book.

Is there a book you would suggest for Lenten reading? What is it and why?
Something quiet. I like poetry for Lent, it makes me settle down a little better. I'll take suggestions if anyone has some, because most of my favorite poets are exuberant (Whitman, cummings).

And because we all love bonus questions, if you were going to publish a book what would it be? Who would you want to write the jacket cover blurb expounding on your talent?
I almost left off this bonus, because I really don't know the answer. Mr. M, however, has said for a long time that he thinks I'll write a book. (I assume we're not including my Sr. research, which will certainly not be published: "Deception and Disguise in Eighteenth Century AngloAmerican Women's Literature.") So I'll leave the unanswered question here, as a reminder of his faith and expectation.