This was a tough batch of questions to answer. I’m sure I have answered these before, but…but time passes, people change.

And if it takes me a while to post anything more, that’s because Irene’s hit. I’ll be surrounded by books and boardgames for the next little while. That, or I’ll be cleaning. 🙂

Ten: Book that changed your life

There’s something about books that is intrinsically life changing. It’s a cliche, but books really do open doors, new understandings of the world.

For me, one of the most life changing books I read was Page by Tamora Pierce.

I don’t really remember the particulars of the book, the second in a series about a girl who becomes a knight. I do remember that this was the book where I first started ‘thinking like a writer’ as I termed it. I started to pay attention to how the book was written, thinking, “Why did Tamora Pierce choose this word?” as I read.

In all honesty, I don’t remember much about this book, apart from being a huge Pierce fan for about 18 months. I think I read this series three or four times, the same with her other quartets. By the time I reached high school, I had put Ms. Pierce’s books aside, fondly remembered, but sadly forgotten.

Eleven: Book from your favorite author

I have to choose a favorite author? Why are you doing this to me, oh great Book Meme? I don’t have a favorite author.

As I’m moving to Scotland, I’ll include a book by one of my favorite Scottish Authors. Who is dead.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde remains one of my favorite of Robert Louis Stevenson’s stories. I have been known to carry it in my purse, for days when I know I’ll need something to read. I like the way the story is written, the creepiness of (unnecessary spoiler alert), Hyde and Jekyll being the same man. Also, hearing the story of Deacon Brodie the first time I was in Edinburgh, and how Stevenson may have been thinking of Brodie when he wrote this book makes it stick in my memory.
I probably read The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde every other year. Its one of those stories that improves with each reread.

Twelve: Book that is most like your life

The Lord of the Rings. I’m really a hobbit out to support my friend in his quest to destroy the One Ring. Hello, my name is Samwise Gamgee.

Thing is, I’m being serious. Applying for college, my admissions essay was “Why I’m like Samwise Gamgee.” And while I don’t battle orcs, go on quests, or wander into Mordor, at the end of the day, I’m a loyal, resourceful person who stands by her friends, through thick and thin. I might not face the Nazgul, but hey.

Okay, so that’s a bit of a stretch. But bear with me. I haven’t read any books about nerdy former Bostonians. 🙂