Reading...

I was recently challenged by a few of you out there to read the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers. I can honestly say I have started it and read rather easily the first 200 pages in one sitting. My honest opinion? Not bad. Not what I'm used to by any means..I like a book with a little "meat" on its bones. So that brings me to this entry. What makes a book good? Some out there, like my brother for example, like Autobiographies. I, however, do not. Some people like a book that instructs them on how to think, act or feel. To these I say "Pshaw". Me? I like a book that has a good story line, a believable main character and writing that makes me anticipate picking that book up at every possible chance. Now don't get me wrong, I have read self-help books, and I have read my share of Autobiographies, they are just not my "cup of tea" if you will.



So todays blog is about books. I have seen what some people have posted in their virtual bookshelves, and I must say...interesting. I'm sure some of you have looked through mine and thought the same ( but how many of you noticed that I included ALL the Dr. Seuss books as "read")? So let me pose this question to those of you brave enough to post back. What, in your mind, makes a good book?? Do you like being swept into a world of talking house elves and boy wizards? Do you prefer a book on doctrine or religion? Is your taste more inclined to political or Government? Or are you the sugar-induced, goofy grin on our face romance enthusiast? That's what I want to know. What, in your eyes, makes a book truly great? What would it take for you to recommend it to others?

Psychologists say that we are defined by what we read. Please! Everything we do defines us. If what we read actually makes us who we are, than I would be a half-alien, mind reading, gun-slinging, murderous car, for you see I have read and enjoy all of Stephen Kings work. I hope I don't strike you as a rabid dog hell bent on trapping you in your crappy Volkswagen.

Growing up we are all asked at one point or another to read something. Wether it was for a grade, your particular religion, or to understand Birth or even Death. Does this mean that those books are good? To everyone, the answer is different of course. In school I was forced to read many books or fail a course. I read them dutifully and can honestly say that Lord of the Flies, and Great Expectations are not now nor ever will be my "favorite" books. I'm sure some of you would say that about Shakespeare, or even Poe. Not everyone likes poetry or understands it. Does that make them less of a person? Not in my eyes.

Mark Twain is quoted as saying "The man who does not read a good book, has no advantage over the man who cannot read." I honestly believe that. But what makes a book good? That's the question I pose to you, dilligent reader/s. Tell us and others what your favorites are and why. Tell us if you agree with banning certain books from current school curriculum. Are there books you feel should be banned? Let us know how you feel about books and the influence some have over society today. Do you follow Oprah's suggested reading list? Do you read a book before you see the movie? Do you compare them afterwards? Do share.

Until we post again, Brandon