So What Books Twisted You Into a Pretzel?
Mar 28th 2007
Nicole JordanGoddess Classics
The other day I was flipping through a woman’s magazine while waiting to get my hair cut when I came 
across a sidebar asking a celebrity what books had most influenced her life. Now Newsweek magazine has started a weekly column that asks important people what they think the most important books ever written are.
But I like the “influence your life” question better. Because the books that influenced my life profoundly are not really considered “important” to anyone but me. I can name five such books, and four of them are romances.
The first two are PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, because those not only started my love affair with romances but fostered my love of reading. When I was very young, my mom would read those stories aloud to me, and I even did a skit in 4th grade where I played a French captain of the guard who let the Scarlet Pimpernel escape with a bunch of aristos in disguise and avoid the guillotine. (I paid for my mistake with my life!)
The next was THE SHIVERING SANDS by Victoria Holt. I was twelve when I first read it while babysitting some neighbors’ children. That story scared me silly, but it began my adoration of Gothic romances, which is how I discovered wonderful writers like Mary Stewart.
There was also ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand (which is supposedly meaningful philosophical literature), because it influenced my outlook on the business world a good deal.
And finally, there was TEARS OF GOLD by Laurie McBain. Even though back then I didn’t have a clue what the term “sexual tension” was, the sparks between the characters were so wonderful and sizzling that I stayed up until five in the morning to finish reading and shamefully missed work!
Since that moment, sexual tension is the crucial element I need in the romances I read for pleasure in order for me to be satisfied. What’s more, that experience started me 
dreaming about someday writing my own stories – which changed my life significantly. My entire existence would be totally different today if not for that book.
So are there books – important or not – that shaped your life in any way? Or that twisted your outlook on life? Or that led you to new discoveries? Or that simply started your love of reading?
70 Comments »
70 Responses to “So What Books Twisted You Into a Pretzel?”
ericaleigh on 28 Mar 2007 at 1:33 am #
Gentle Rogue by Johanna Lindsey (any chance to mention my fav!). This was one of the first books that I stayed up all night to finish, for some reason it holds a special place in my heart. Jemima J by Jane Green, anytime I want inspiration for getting healthy I get this book out.
diamondlil on 28 Mar 2007 at 3:59 am #
I would say Jean Plaidy’s books. I read all of the ones that I could find in the school library when I was a teenager and I think that they are the foundation for my love of all things historical!
In more recent times I would say Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I didn’t read any books for a period of about 5 years, and this was one of the earliest books that I read that reinstated my love for reading!
Stacy ~ on 28 Mar 2007 at 5:47 am #
Oh, yes, I adored “Outlander”. Stayed with me for months, and even now, years later, I love to reiminsce about that reading experience. Diana Gabaldon was the very first author I ever met, and she was such a delight.
Maggie Robinson on 28 Mar 2007 at 6:55 am #
Little Women. As an only child, I longed for sisters. There was honorable poverty, death, love gone wrong (to this day I’m not happy with Jo), political and social principles, fun, can-do attitude. I was especially fond of the Meg-John romance. It’s a book I still re-read even though I’m long past my school days.
terrio on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:10 am #
When I was really young someone gave us a set of classics. They were small condensed versions with a picture on every other page. I tore through The Hound of the Baskervilles by Doyle and then Little Woman and The Wizard of Oz (that man was smoking something - I’m just sayin’) I can’t remember not having something to read from that point on. Judith McNaught is the author that got me through the angst and trauma of HS so I owe quite a bit to her as well.
Claudia Dain on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:11 am #
I think the first books I read on my own, all by myself, were biographies. I’d go to the elementary school library and check out one biography a week: Mary Todd Lincoln, Mary Pitcher, Betsy Ross. Yup, mostly women.
The first novel that grabbed me by the throat and by the heart was A Wrinkle In Time. I read that book once a year, sobbing every time, and would go without food, without sleep to read it in one sitting. Once a year, it was a gift I gave myself starting from the age of 10 or so.
ladydawgfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:11 am #
Off of the top of my head, I can think of two books that left their mark on me.
The first one is Stephen King’s “The Stand.” Talk about playing games with your mind!!! After reading it, I kept finding myself looking at the city where I live and wondering what it would be like completely deserted, like in the book. And what would happen if a superbug actually DID wipe out most of the human race. Great book with a (surprisingly) good mini-series adaptation.
ladydawgfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:15 am #
The second book that left its mark is “If You Believe,” by Kristin Hannah. I bought this one when it was released back in ‘93. I have read it several times since, and it always strikes me the same way, deep in the heart. This amazing, but highly emotional book truly shows the wondrous healing power of true love.
Karen Hawkins on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:31 am #
BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott … that’s my all time fave book. If you haven’t read this one, get it. It’ll lift your heart, make you grin, and help you shoulder your life with a bit more spring in your step.
Next, Georgette Heyer’s VENETIA. And THE GRAND SOPHY. And THESE OLD SHADES. And THE TALISMAN RING. And DEVIL’S CUB. And THE QUIET GENTLEMAN. And THE UNKNOWN AJAX. All of them. She makes me smile at the human condition and feel hopeful about life and love. What’s not to love about that?
Kelly Ann on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:39 am #
Louisa M. Alcott sparked my passion for reading w/ Little Women, Little Men, Jo’s Boy’s - all of them. I also adored Lucy M. Montgomery.
My 1st romances were Barbara Cartland. But my 1st all-nighters were by Jill Barnett “Just a Kiss Away” was my favorite.
I have so many favorites that have shapped what I read, Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, even Plato. I could go on all day. I have read horror too, but my favorite is romance. I can’t live without it!
ashefrog on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:48 am #
As a young (middle school/hs age)reader books like Of Mice and Men, To Kill A Mocking Bird, Lisa Bright and Dark effected my outlook on life and tolerance of people.
The Hobbit and a couple of other fantasy books showed me how to escape in books.
I believe I read my first romance at about 15. I was hooked. I loved them, this was the 70s so they were bodice rippers but I didn’t care. They fed the fantasy of hero coming, taking charge, flawed and all, falling in love with the heroine.
Kelly Ann on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:49 am #
I also wanted to add that I love Georgette Heyer. Everyone should try Kathyrn Caskie, she has this hysterical series about these spinster aunts that try to marry off their nieces using an old military handbook for war, the 1st one is Rules of Engagement! You wil laugh your butt off.
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:10 am #
Ooo, ooo, this is so cool! I’m getting names of some life-influencing books I’ve never read. *madly scribbling titles*
And it’s reminding me of so many of my faves… LOVE Heyer, esp DEVIL’S CUB, which I reread every few years. And Lucy MM ANNE OF GREEN GABLES I must have read 2 dozen times. And many of the classics y’all mentioned. Also lapped up Alex Dumas when I was younger.
For people who don’t read books, I wonder if it’s cause they never found one that “left its mark” on them?
NicoleJ
Cail on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:20 am #
Oh, Definitely all the Louisa May Alcott books, I’m partial to Rose in Bloom. Lucy MM’s Anne series was one of my childhood favs, the best being Rilla of Ingleside. Bridge to Terabithia broke my heart, and Jean Ferris’s YA novels were my life line especially her Into the Wind, Song of the Sea and Weather the Storm trilogy. That opened up the world of Pirate romances to me, causing friends to give me 10 of them as a joke. I’ve been hooked ever since. Jane Eyre is my fav classic romance.
Diane Chamberlain on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:43 am #
Great question! I have to go all the way back to CHARLOTTE’S WEB. My first grade teacher read it to the class and it was the first book that moved me to tears. It had the perfect blend of good and evil, innocence and world-weary sassiness. Charlotte saves Wilbur’s life and dies, but the birth of her babies provides the bittersweet ending. A perfect story!
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 10:19 am #
Eeek! Diane Chamberlain! It’s so great to “see” you here.
Donna, you asked me who some of my fave authors are, and here’s one. Diane writes wonderful women’s fiction novels, with lots of family secrets and relationships and often a touch of romance. Love her books!
And I guess I must be the only person on the planet who never read C’s Web. So glad it started your love of reading and storytelling, Diane. The fiction world would be a lot poorer without you.
NicoleJ
SuzyQ on 28 Mar 2007 at 11:14 am #
When I was in high school I had all four of my wisdom teeth out. Since I was home with nothing to do and looking like a chipmunk, I grabbed a book from my Mom. That book, and the first romance book I ever read, was “Rich Radiant Love” by Valerie Sherwood. This was the last book in the series and I went out and bought the first three books. Needless to say, I have been hooked on romance novels ever since.
anneriailin on 28 Mar 2007 at 11:18 am #
The first book I remember reading over and over again was. ‘The Boxcar Children’ by Gertrude Chandler Warner. I loved that book. I would check it out so often that even the librarian commented on it.
A woman I worked with got me good and truly hooked on romances with Julie Garwood’s, ‘The Bride’ and I haven’t looked back since. Do read other things though. Just finished Jane Austen’s ‘Northanger Abbey’. So little time, so many books.
colinfirthfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:21 pm #
I too love Heyer. My favourite though is Sylvester. Also love Frederica and The Foundling. Oh and Bath Tangle, Friday’s Child, The Conrinthian.
I recently bought and re-read Simon the Coldheart and The Conqueror. Absolutely loved them.
Julie Garwood is another romance author I LOVE. I first read The Bride, but my favourite would be The Secret and The Prize. She changed my view of romance.
Loved Johanna Lindsey’s Mallorys too.
If I am not reading romance - I am buried in various fantasy’s.
colinfirthfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:23 pm #
cont…
From my childhood to high school- Daddy Long Legs, The Secret Garden, To Kill a Mocking Bird
(mixed in with practically ALL the Louis L’Amours, Dick Francis and Robert Ludlums)
colinfirthfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:27 pm #
Sorry Sorry - I forgot the MOST important author who totally influenced me - Enid Blyton. My earliest memories are of buying - The Blue Story book and reading about Pixies and browinies. I loved the Famous Fives and Five Find Outers, Secret Island and just all of her books.
Plus all the school series of course and the Magic Faraway tree. Sigh!!
I am reading Secret Sevens to my son now.
dbrown3400 on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:50 pm #
On my second birthday I had a bad case of German measles. I was opening a package that my mother tried to take from me but it was too late — some Little Golden Books. I wouldn’t open any other presents and that gift was an indicator of my passion for reading that has lasted until now. Skipping Dick and Jane, I remember Anya Seton, Frank Yerby and yes, Mike Hammer, as well as Ayn Rand, and the classics. I’ve read Gentle Rogue ten times or more and reread a series when a new sibling is added.
dbrown3400 on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:55 pm #
Thanks, Nicole. After my 500 words exactly, I’ll say “Welcome Diane, and you’re in the TBR addition to my home.”
Donna
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 12:59 pm #
>>>I forgot the MOST important author who totally influenced me - Enid Blyton.
I’ve never read her, CFFan! Sounds like I missed out on a lot. But I’ve read every thing Dick Francis ever wrote, mostly for the horses. And of course Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books. And I reread The Secret Garden every few years… still makes me laugh and cry. And just reread Daddy-Longlegs a few months ago.
Those last two my mom introduced me to. Boy, do I have a lot to thank her for!
NicoleJ
dbrown3400 on 28 Mar 2007 at 1:29 pm #
Characters. Sorry, got carried away there.
Sabrina Jeffries on 28 Mar 2007 at 1:44 pm #
I suppose I should cite Grace Livingston Hill, who first got me hooked on romances YEARS ago, followed by Barbara Cartland, who got me to fall in love with the Regency period. Certainly Lorna Doone was important, since it introduced me to bigger historical fiction. And then came some anonymous historical romance that had sex in it (I don’t remember the first I read), since it showed me that sex in a book was fun. And that’s just the ones that influenced my interest in romance!
colinfirthfan on 28 Mar 2007 at 1:57 pm #
Nicole, my mom got me Daddy-Longlegs and The Secret Garden as well. I too read Dick Francis for the horse
Ok Some of his strong, silent heroes also got to me.
It is very difficult to find Enid Blytons in the U.S. She was a British author (also wrote the Noddy books)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enid_Blyton
Most of her books are out of print now. I buy them on ebay from Canada and Australia. I regularly shop on Amazon’s U.K site.
My 6 yr old loves the books I have read to him so far.
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 3:01 pm #
Oh, Lorna Doone. Loved it.
And thanks for the info about EB, CFFan! Your 6yr old’s approval is a great recom
Also, fellow godessess, we’re really sorry about the short post length! It can be a real pain just when you’ve got all your thoughts flowing to have to cut off for a new comment. Our webmistress goddess had leave Mt. Olly for an emergency, but she’ll fix it as soon as she gets back, which hopefully will be soon!
NicoleJ
Brandy on 28 Mar 2007 at 3:09 pm #
I loved Little Women, Anne of Green Gables and all the Agatha Christie books I could inhale when I was younger. (Little Women was and is still my favorite book of all times.) From them I feel I learned faith, love, charity, forgiveness and of course curiousity!
Brandy on 28 Mar 2007 at 3:09 pm #
(Not that I didn’t learn all those things from my parents!)
Kasey on 28 Mar 2007 at 4:09 pm #
My favorite books when I was little were The Secret Garden, the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, The Wizard of Oz & Heidi.
When I was in Jr. High I read a lot of Janette Oke books and they were sweet, innocent romance novels. Another book that solidified my love for romance novels in High School was The Flame & the Flower by Kathleen Woodiwiss.
In college the Harry Potter series came out and I am such a huge fan that I am writing my thesis on the series.
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 4:30 pm #
>>the Harry Potter series…. such a huge fan that I am writing my thesis on the series.
Wow, that is so cool, Kasey! What are you getting your degree in? And what’s your thesis about?
What I love about the HP books is that they’ve turned thousands and thousands of children onto reading… and a huge number of adults, too !
NicoleJ
Kasey on 28 Mar 2007 at 4:49 pm #
I am getting my MA in English studies (emphasizing in Children’s & Young Adult Literature).
I really have just begun working on my thesis, but I am going to show how the quest directly relates to the coming of age of Harry throughout the series. I am actually really excited that the 7th book is coming out this summer so that I can use the entire series in my thesis since I will be next school year.
Kasey on 28 Mar 2007 at 4:50 pm #
That last sentence should say because I will be finishing it next school year.
MizMacgyver on 28 Mar 2007 at 7:37 pm #
Louisa Mae Alcott did it for me and then so, so many other after her. Cail, “Rose in Bloom” was the best, I cried, a lot. And Eight Cousins, I cried, a lot. And frankly, I was in love with Rose’s uncle forever. I have been reading since I was 4 years old. Only child, no kids around the neighborhood. Reading was my friend. Still is.
MizMacgyver on 28 Mar 2007 at 7:46 pm #
Oh, HP books, my son is special needs and they are the ONLY books I can get him to read willingly, we had a very hard summer because there were no more HP books for him to read and it was a battle every day to get him to read something else. Reading is NOT his forte, but he will read Harry Potter.
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 7:59 pm #
>I am going to show how the quest directly relates to the coming of age of Harry throughout the series.
Sounds fascinating, Kasey! When you’re done, I hope we get to hear how it all worked out!
And MizMac, that must be so tough with your son. It’s hard getting any kids to read, so you have an even greater challenge.
I wonder if some of the mom’s here could suggest some good books for your little guy to try that would capture his interest like the HP books do…..
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:01 pm #
As I was saying before I was so rudely cut off *G*…
Most of the books we’ve been talking about appeal mainly to women/girls. What about Star Wars and Star Trek books? I have a friend who use to write fanzines for both.
Or The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings? Or some of the comic book heroes?
NicoleJ
MizMacgyver on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:07 pm #
We have tried the Lord of the Rings and though he loves the movies, can’t get him to go for the books. I enjoyed reading them though. I think the age of HP is what catches him. A “hero” in his own age bracket. I haven’t tried him on the Star Wars books yet though so that very well might be something he could get into. Anybody else know of any books with teenage, male “heroes”?
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:47 pm #
Ok, y’all (I can say y’all cause I lived in GA for more than 20 years, even though my true Southern friends don’t claim me as a Southerner *G*), we gotta come up with some good ideas for MizMac for books that her son would love to read.
So, MM, what’s his age? And do you know what his reading level might be?
NicoleJ
SuzyQ on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:53 pm #
My nephew is a big fan of the Harry Potter books (and so am I). Another series that he loved to read were the Lemony Snicket “A Series of Unfortunate Events” books. Another series to try is the “The Spiderwick Chronicles” I think there are 5 books in total, but there may be more.
Selfish Addict on 28 Mar 2007 at 8:54 pm #
Iloved The Secret Garden,and To Kill A Mockingbird has always touched my heart. Maybe because I’m G.R.I.T.S. My parents when I was in 4th grade enrolled me in a children’s book club. I had gotten a reading award tha year in school. It was the Happy Hollisters series. Five kids who help solve different mysteries. It also showed the strong family bond. I could read 18 chapters in about 2-3hrs. on hot summer afternoons. My parents thought maybe I wasn’t really reading or wasn’t comprehending.
Selfish Addict on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:05 pm #
I had to start giving verbal book reports,(in the summer),the one of them after each book. I finished the books and was back in local library in no time. I gave them so much detail about every book that they made me quit doing them.**VBG** Fixed them.
An elderly neighbor passed her Grace Livingston Hill’s to me. First spicey romance writer was Johanna Lindsey by my Mom. I don’t know how mny times I’ve read Tears of Gold. Wanted to recently but,packed up still.So many sad and happy tears.
SuzyQ on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:05 pm #
MizMac, I just thought of some more. Have you tried Eragon and Eldest? My nephew also read those. There is also The Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud. If he liked Harry Potter he might like those too. Hope this helps
Kasey on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:08 pm #
MizMacgyver - I have some good books that your soon my like to read. They have a hero in his own age bracket and there is also the fantasy/magic element to them. The Artemis Fowl series. I started reading them over Christmas and they are really good. There are 5 out right now and each one gets better.
Kasey on 28 Mar 2007 at 9:11 pm #
Sorry, in my excitment to write the post above there are a bunch of errors.
Also, thanks Nicole. I would love to update you on how my thesis goes.
Nicole Jordan on 28 Mar 2007 at 10:08 pm #
Boy, I’m really glad I asked the question! I’ve heard of Lemony and Eragon, but not the others. But I don’t have any teenage boys in my life right now, so I’m way out of the loop *G*.
And Shelfish, it’s heartbreaking to know what Katrina did to your precious books. I can only imagine what you and your family went through. But hopefully there are much brighter days ahead!
NicoleJ
Kelly Ann on 28 Mar 2007 at 10:28 pm #
MizMacgyver have you tried any CS Lewis books, my son loves those! I have to admit that I love them too! Eragon is definetly a good book, unfortunately I haven’t gotten to read Eldest, yet, but soon, it’s in line with quite a few other books. I seem to always have a stack waiting to be read. I could probably buy a house with all I spend in books every year! “Sigh” The trials of a book addict!
Kelly Ann on 28 Mar 2007 at 10:31 pm #
Reading everyone’s favorites has brought back so many memories. I loved Rose in Bloom and Under the Lilacs, but my favorite was Jack and Jill, I’ve read it a 100 x’s. Sometime re-reading a book is the best, it’s like settling in with an old friend to reminisce! (Hope I spelled that right!) *G*
Stephanie on 29 Mar 2007 at 7:50 am #
Jane Eyre, Rebecca, all of Georgette Heyer’s books… Funny that you mention Atlas Shrugged, because I read all her books - and actually met her back in the 70’s. I’d say my favorite, of hers, would be Anthym, and We The Living, although terribly depressing, it is the most human of her books. I also read an awful lot of science fiction, so I’d have to say The Puppet Masters, by Heinlein, and The Perfect Day, by Ira Levin, are books that influenced me. There are too many to list here! :>)
Nicole Jordan on 29 Mar 2007 at 9:11 am #
Kelly Ann, I loved J&J too, although I don’t think I ever reread it. I kept The Bobsey Twins for a long time after my childhood ended, though. I don’t think I’ve ever read CSLewis. Thanks for the recommendation for MM!
And Steph, that is tres cool about meeting Ayn Rand! I agree with you about the depressing factor in her books. The reason I liked AS best was because of the message of hope… if you strive hard enough you can control your own fate. That may not be the message she intended, but that’s what I got out of it!
Nicole Jordan on 29 Mar 2007 at 9:15 am #
I was going to add that I have a few fave Heinlein books. In fact, I’ve always liked SF more than Fantasy, which is probably why I love all the SF movies and TV shows like Trek and Wars and Gate and Battle.
Did reading Heinlein influence your taste in TV and movies, do you think?
NicoleJ
Nicole Jordan on 29 Mar 2007 at 9:24 am #
Oh, and I forgot all the Pollyana books! Karen Rose mentioned those in her name contest. I think I read them all when I was a kid.
NicoleJ
colinfirthfan on 29 Mar 2007 at 12:17 pm #
MM, have you tried the Mercedes Lackey - Dragon jouster series? Very enjoyable and an easy read. I too enjoyed Bartimaeus Trilogy and Eragon and Eldest. Those are much more detailed however than the Mercedes Lackey.
Others to try:
The City of Ember bu Jeanne DuPrau
The Wish List by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl series - Eoin Colfer
Dragon Rider- Conelia Funke (Also The Theif Lord, Inkheart…)
Hope this helps.
MizMacgyver on 29 Mar 2007 at 5:57 pm #
Nicole, sorry, missed the question about Patrick’s age, he is 17 but his reading level is maybe around 7th-8th grade. He is in 10th grade now but his reading and math are behind his chronilogical age. The Harry Potter books were just right for him but I have no idea what reading level they are.
SuzyQ, Kelly Ann,CFF, thank you so much, I don’t know why I didn’t think of Eragon myself, he loves dragons!
Continued……
MizMacgyver on 29 Mar 2007 at 6:00 pm #
I haven’t read Eldest either, what is the theme? Patrick seems to lean toward the medieval and dragons, and fantasy type theme. He loves Star Wars and Star Trek but the reading of those seemed to overwhelm him. I tried reading some of the Star Wars to him but I am not a good “reader out-louder” apparently. He kept punching me and telling me to read out loud!!!!! For him to learn he has to read it, but for him to retain it he has to hear it as well, and that is only 44% retention.
Nicole Jordan on 29 Mar 2007 at 7:54 pm #
Yes! Thank you soooo much, ladies, for all your excellent suggestions for MM’s son! MM, did you see Kasey’s comment, too? I’ve never heard of the Artimus Fowl series, but it sounds very intriguing.
Just got this week’s Newsweek today, and the “important book” column interviewed Walter Mosley, who said “the most important books are those you read before you’re 12.” And I think that might possibly be true, judging from all the comments here!
NicoleJ
Kasey on 30 Mar 2007 at 9:33 am #
Eldest is the sequel to Eargon. I haven’t read Eldest yet but Eargon was good. Eldest is on my reading list.
I still think the Artemis Fowl series would be one he might enjoy. Artemis is a kid genius who comes up with a plot to get gold from the fairies by capturing one of them and holding her hostage. He needs the money to save his father so his motivse are pure. There are leprachaun’s and centuar’s and it is very creative. With each book Artmis begins to redeem himself. There good.
Kasey on 30 Mar 2007 at 9:38 am #
http://artemisfowl.com/thebooks.html
Here is a link for the Artemis Fowl books. There are excerpts online if you want to read those before buying any of the books. There are similar to Harry Potter because they blend the real world with the magical world, and the reading level is the same as Harry Potter too.
colinfirthfan on 30 Mar 2007 at 12:25 pm #
Kaasey Eldest wasn’t as good as Eragon but it was still pretty good. There were a few surprises along the way. I can’t wait for the third book to find out how it all ends.
BTW, in case anyone is plannign on watching Eragon - the movie. DON”T. It was awful. It was way to rushed. They didn’t develop Eragon’s character at all. if youi haven’t read the books you will think he is a spoilt and wilfull child.
Artemis Fowl is excellent!
I also enjoyed The Pendragon series by D.J. MacHale
Kasey on 30 Mar 2007 at 1:05 pm #
Colinfirthfan - I have heard that about the movie. I kind of want to see it just to see how bad it is.
I haven’t read the Pendragon series but I might have to put those on my reading list too.
Kasey on 30 Mar 2007 at 1:10 pm #
MizMacgyver - I thought of another series your son may like. They are based on Scandinavian troll legend. The first one is called Troll Fell and it was quite good. I haven’t read the second one but that one is called Troll Mill. They are by Katherine Langrish. I think I spelt her name right. It is just another option for you, even though there were a lot of great recommendations already.
MizMacgyver on 31 Mar 2007 at 3:00 pm #
Kasey,
Thank you so, so much, I am going to try and find the Artemis Fowl books, those sound like they are right up his alley. I will check out the troll books too.
ColinFF, the movie was kind of disappointing but Patrick still enjoyed “seeing and hearing the dragon. And Pendragon, did you mention that before? I have it on my list and I know I didn’t come up with it so it had to be you.
Nicole, yes, I did see that comment and I am trying to locate some of the books now. continued
MizMacgyver on 31 Mar 2007 at 3:00 pm #
Thank you all again, I really appreciate everyone’s help.
Lance Rhoads on 01 Apr 2007 at 11:14 am #
I am not pre disposed to reading Romance Novels but I would forever have a smile on my face if I ever saw My daughter reading a Karen Hawkins book. I am happy Karen is doing well !!!!! Karen Keep it up !!!!!
Lance
Karen Hawkins on 02 Apr 2007 at 7:10 am #
Thanks, Lance! May your daughter have many happy reading hours! My daughter’s been helping me plot my next series, whcih is good because she has such a HUGE imagination. I’ll say “I want to do this,” and she’ll go, “Oh, Oh! And THEN this and this and this will happen!” Whew! She’s good!
susang on 03 Apr 2007 at 10:29 am #
I was talking to a colleague at work about why I read the end of books first and told her about reading Love Story as a young teenager. I sobbed my way through the end of that book and it changed my reading habbits forever. I read for escape and did not want to invest any of my reading time on books with sad endings. Romance became my primary reading material and has stayed that way for 30+ years.
I also love science fiction (esp. Ashimov, Heinlein, Niven) and am a long time early Stephen King. early Anne Rice horror fiction fan. I think that’s why I am so enjoying the plethora of paranormals and sci fi romances that are on the shelves now. Vampires, space alians, and brave new worlds are all great escapes.
A more recent love is for mysteries, but I am so seldom satisfied with the “great” writers, who seem to think that you can’t mix romance and dead bodies. Since I became a mystery fan after reading JD Robb, you can understand my dissatisfaction with Robert Parker–the king of dysfunctional relationships that never get resolved.
Great questions! Susan
Nicole Jordan on 04 Apr 2007 at 1:17 pm #
susang on 03 Apr 2007 at 10:29 am # edit this
>> I sobbed my way through the end of that book and it changed my reading habbits forever.
Wow, Susan, that book really did influence your life. And I totally agree with you about needing happy endings. Not enough to make me peek at the ending, though *G*. I still want the anticipation and uncertainty about what’s going to happen. But at least I undertand your quirk!
Fortunately you can trust romances these days to deliver happy endings. A romance author would have a very short career if she disappointed her readers so egregiously.
Thanks for your comments!
NicoleJ
StephanieJeanne on 06 Apr 2007 at 7:38 pm #
Hi Nicole! Yes, Atlas Shrugged had a message of hope, and a strength to it. It’s a powerful book! And Science Fiction definitely has had an impact on my tastes in movies - and other books as well. Anne McCaffrey is another favorite, although she falls into the fantasy side of things. Don’t even get me started with mysteries! But we were talking about books that shaped our views. Tolkien. The Harry Potter series. Hmm…City And The Stars… Gone With The Wind… Dr. Zhivago… It’s endless, I think. :>)
StephanieJeanne on 06 Apr 2007 at 7:42 pm #
Forgot to mention that yes, I loved Star Trek and other science fiction shows! I still love science fiction movies and even though I don’t read as much scifi as I used to, I could easily pick it up again. I just get into grooves with one type of fiction and plow ahead for awhile, and then branch off for awhile. Right now it’s Romance, but I take breaks for things like the new Harry Potter… :>)