By The Book

My earliest memory with books can be dated back to the second grade. It’s strange when I look back because I fell in love with words, much earlier than that. I remember being in the second grade. I was blessed with Miss Novak as my teacher for the second time in my family history. When asked who got me into books and my passion of writing period, I always give her partial credit. She was given to me to inspire, to teach, to love.

It was the second grade and I had stayed after school with a few other students and my teacher, Miss Novak had taken us to the library and than to dinner. It was my first time in a public library, so you can imagine how that was for me. And if you can’t, allow me to set the scene. I was 6 years old and books for me, was like cake for fat kids. I just couldn’t get enough. I remember coming home with three bags full of books and my mom yelling that I had so many. She didn’t think there was a way I’d read so many, in addition to losing them.

Can you believe that I read every book? I remember taking them back late and all the conversation afterwards about them. Like I said, I was addicted; mostly to the stories, the characters and the safeness I felt when I was enthralled inside of them.

Most of my life can be summed up by 5 of my favorite books, all of which I recommend to my readers. The first being ‘Inkheart’ by Cornelia Funke. I first read Inkheart in 2005 and I was hesitant at first because at first glance this book seems like it’s purely children based. But that’s not always the case in point with books. I don’t think I need to tell you how many adults are fans of Harry Potter over their children do I? Anyway Inkheart has everything from Fantasy, Action, Murder, Mystery, Love, Laughter and as often as we’re in denial of a lesson.

The Second Book in my 5 would be “A Density of Souls” by Christopher Rice. Now before I go into how I feel about the book, I’d like to express my love for the man that wrote the book. Being a huge fan of Anne Rice, I was expecting a lot and you guys, he delivers! Christopher Rice is the author of 5 books (All of which I own, and have on pre-order hah) A Density of Souls was scary for me. When I read it, I could relate to every single character. Growing up I knew what it was like to be the outcast, the popular girl, the asshole, ect. What I related most about this book though was the fact that every single one of these characters had skeletons in their closet, which we as human beings can attest to. It’s a deep read for the avid mind.

Coming in third on my list would have to be, The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Now before I get into the book, I just want it to be known that I am a HUGE Anne Rice fan. Bram Stoker as well. Fuck Twilight because I’ve read what REAL vampires are like in 3 authors alone. I can never be a fan of a vampire that sparkles in the sunlight. Back to our subject on hand though, The Historian is a large book. The story itself was amazing to me, however what captivated me the most was the style it was written. It’s very Gothic, Victorian, travelogue type of book. It’s realistic and kept me on the edge of my seat until I had finished it.

Fourth in my book list is a pure horror guru! If you want to scare the shit out of someone, tell them to read a Bentley Little Book! So this is techniqually cheating because I’m not listing a book, but rather the mind behind the madness! I’m still recovering from books like The Vanishing, Dominion, The House, Guests and The Town! I’m a big fan of Stephen King when it comes to horror writing, but Bentley Little will give the strongest man nightmares, trust me on this!!

The final book on our list is my all time favorite books and current “re-obsessions” (Yeah, I admitted it.) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. Both written by Lewis Carroll. Although I am a big fan of Tim Burton’s recent movie adaption, to read the book and than watch the movie, two completely different things. The stories that are told in both Adventures and Looking Glass are life lessons, and they teach you things as a child and as an adult. They tell you why it’s important to know where you’re going. To know yourself, to believe in yourself. I learned through Alice that sometimes taking your own advice is the best advice! To stand up for yourself and others doesn’t make you a bully, it makes you wise.

So there you have it, 5 books (and then-some) that I will never tire of, that inspire me to be a better writer today and tomorrow. Whether it be a travel through time, a sexy deep secret, falling in love, solving a mystery or fighting a galactic war; books are the only thing that will never fail you.

Two Quotes from Inkheart that I will never forget, and use as inspiration for my writing:

“Books are adventure. They contain murder and mayhem and passion. They love anyone who opens them.”

"Books have to be heavy, because they carry the whole world with them"