Book Meme
Either people are anxious to see fresh content or I’m just reading into it, either way, I’ve been passed a book baton by Greg, Phu and Khaled.
Number of Books on Shelf
Oh wow. Truthfully, there are about 100 books on the small bookshelf in our living room and scattered throughout our apartment I’d estimate that I’ve collected over 3-400 books that run the gamut as far as different subject matter. The plan is that when we finally take the plunge and purchase a house to store our material items, that we’ll set up more bookshelf space to properly (for once) store these books.
Last Book Purchased
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. While I didn’t go to one of those overnight parties, I did purchase it from Amazon.com and received it the same day it was released, which was a commendable feat in itself on Amazon’s part.
Book Reading Right Now
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Unlike Greg, who finished the latest Potter book in a few days, I’m about halfway through. I’d say this book is much more historically-driven than the previous novels.
Last 5 Books Read
I typically read about 5 or 6 books at a time, meaning that a lot of the content kind of mashes together into what I can only describe as a vividly stitched and interwoven storyline.
- The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood
- The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks
Books That Mean A Lot To Me
As Greg stated, this is a bit difficult since there are a slew of fantastic books that have in some way or another effected me on an emotional level.
- Boy’s Life by by Robert McCammon
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
- Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
- The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Pass it Along
Instead of choosing a select few to pass this along to, I’ll just suggest that anyone that’s interested, feel free to steal this book meme and make it your own.

17 Comments, Comment or Ping
Shawn Grimes
Ah, another Robert McCammon reader. Boy’s Life was a good book. Have you ever read “Mine” or “Swan Song” Erik? I highly recommend both for future reading.
Jul 20th, 2005
kartooner
Shawn: Actually, I haven’t, but I do remember seeing Swan Song at Barnes & Noble and since it was authored by McCammon I wondered if the quality would be up to par with Boy’s Life.
To me, Boy’s Life encompassed all that was magical, innocent and surreal about my childhood in a way which is almost indescribable. After I finished the book, I passed it along to my Dad who also enjoyed it.
Another excellent book, which I recommended above, is The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud. It’s as magical and serendipitious as McCammon’s novels, but it’s also unique in it’s own special way.
Jul 20th, 2005
Shawn Grimes
Erik, I feel the quality of Robert’s writing flows through all of his novels. Each novel I’ve read of his has a different feel and mood about them, but the writing quality and his ability to stir up emotion is present throughout. I will look into the other book you mentioned.
Jul 20th, 2005
Greg
I had to put a rush on that Harry Potter…ha. I really enjoyed it. A bit wordy in parts, but worth the wait.
I forgot about The Five People You Meet in Heaven, but that could have easily made my list as well.
Jul 20th, 2005
Donnie Jeter
I’m currently reading, “Freakonomics” and “Everything Bad is Good for You.”
I’m only about 50 pages into both, so don’t expect a review anytime soon.
Jul 20th, 2005
khaled
You got the meme from me as well, I feel soo neglected :)
Jul 21st, 2005
p.a. moed
I always go back to the classics. Zorba the Greek is absolutely amazing. So is Anna Karenina.
Mixed in with that are the new ones like The Kite Runner.
Jul 21st, 2005
kartooner
Khaled: As I mentioned above in my post, feel free to steal the baton!
Jul 21st, 2005
Paul
I think Khaled meant that he had passed the baton on to you, and you had not mentioned his name alongside Greg and Phu.
Just a simple misread :)
Jul 21st, 2005
trench
Visited via Greg from 2nd Negative. Very nice site here Kartooner….
Jul 21st, 2005
Pauly D
Have you ever read On A Pale Horse by Piers Anthony?
Great book.
Jul 22nd, 2005
kartooner
Paul: You’re right, hah, I need to use my bifocals. That is, if I actually owned a pair of bifocals.
Jul 22nd, 2005
kartooner
Trench: Thanks!
Paul: I haven’t read that, but remember skimming through it during my High School years. There was another book about an underground society of gnomes, and I really liked that one but forgot the author and title and for years I’ve been on the lookout.
I’ll have to snatch On A Pale Horse from Amazon, especially after reading the “Look Inside” book feature. It sounds very imaginative and descriptive, and those are usually the books that attract me.
Jul 22nd, 2005
khaled
Ha no there’s some cross communicating for you :). I passed the baton to you sir :). Don’t go changing it around on me. Don’t go down that road…lol.
Jul 22nd, 2005
Dad
You started reading at two years of age, apparently this
‘reading’ thing has stuck…? I’m proud of you, your a reader like your Grandma.
Keep it up and you can read to me when I hit the Old Folks Home ok?
Jul 24th, 2005
trench
Everyone has seemed to read the new Harry Potter except for me. haha. Wants great about it? I mean I enjoyed the movies, but I’ve never bought a HP book.
Jul 24th, 2005
kartooner
Trench: To answer your question, in my opinion they’re fun books to read. I was reintroduced to children’s fiction after taking a Children’s Literature course in college and ever since then I’ve been an avid reader of children’s literature, as well as adult fiction.
Also, if you enjoy the movies, the books contain a slew of subplots that rarely make it into the movies themselves since they are usually condensing 600+ pages into a movie that is typically under 3 hours long. More bang for your buck, if you look at it that way.
Jul 24th, 2005
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