Oh, so many books - it's tough to pick just one! I think The Phantom Tollbooth remains the most influential book to me, both throughout my childhood and as a writer now.
I too loved - still love! - The Phantom Tollbooth. I first read it as a child, and dug it out a couple of years ago to read again on the day I'd come across Norton Juster's obituary in the paper.
How amazing would it be if you were able to find the family? Whenever I purchase a book, I write my name and date of purchase inside the cover. In my personal journals in which I write a brief summary of what the book is about & what I thought about it, I write who recommended it to me or if I found it in my never ending search for new books, where or how I discovered it. I have so many books I love that my list would go on for far too long here. 😉 One book which I have received as a gift numerous times over the years is Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. It is one of my very favorites & I used to read it aloud quite often to my daughter when she was a teenager. It has been given to me as a gift for different reasons and times in my life, all of which have meant a great deal to me. I also have a smaller version of it which I keep in my purse.
I really hope I can reunite this book with the family. I'm working different angles to do so! I'm so glad you mentioned The Prophet. It has been many, many years since I read it and with your writing about it here, I want to read it again!I love that you write your name and date of purchase in your books. I bet your journals are amazing!
Mary, such an amazing story, a truly poignant read. What a gorgeous aim, to repatriate the book to whence it came.
For our fifth wedding anniversary I gave my husband a copy of the 1948 cheap edition of du Maurier's 1938 book 'Rebecca'. Across the dust jacket is shamelessly emblazoned: 4'6 CHEAP EDITION 4'6 - the price of four shillings and sixpence clearly its biggest selling point. Inside is this inscription:
"To my darling wife, because she likes this story. With all my love, Frank. Singapore, November 1948."
I am sad that Frank's wife didn't qualify for the expensive edition, but was so glad that Frank's gift to her came MY way (for £2.50, in a charity shop) in time to give it to my husband.
In reading terms, I love 'Three Men in a Boat', but as a child and teenager by far my favourite book was '101 Dalmatians' by the fabulous Dodie Smith (who also wrote its sequel 'The Twilight Barking' and the wonderful 'I Capture the Castle'. I read 101 Dalmatians before I saw either of the films (the animation and the real-life adaptation) and gosh, the book - the original story - is 101 times better than both of the films put together. I've got tears in my eyes right now even just recalling its final paragraph. It's goosepimpling and glorious, and even an adult with no relationship with dogs will find so very many things to love between its covers.
Rebecca, oh I loved the story of your fifth wedding anniversary and the travels of the book. Being who I am, I immediately thought, "Who was Frank? Why was he in Singapore in Nov. of 1948?" Then, it found you and you gifted it to your husband. Beautiful. (I also love that story so much! I loved the movie too with Laurence O.). Now, I also have to reread the last paragraph of 101 Dalmations! Thank you so much for you post here.
In a panic I've just realised that it might NOT be the last paragraph. And I don't have my copy of the book any more to check! Anyway, it's the part where Cadpig's remembering the chapel and the puppy-sized dog bed with the little ears.
(AND I AM NOT EVEN A DOG PERSON....!)
I'd love to know more about Frank, too! And his wife, for that matter. I wonder what her name was? Perhaps SHE was Rebecca, too! We know that she knew the story - maybe from the 1940 film? And Frank knew how much she loved the story, so that's why he bought her the book? So many questions need answering!
So two things. When we were married, I received not one, but two copies of Service Etiquette. One was a signed copy from a wedding guest and the other I’m not sure, but it was a gift. I don’t think I have either as those days are far behind me and I don’t think I even read it, maybe parts for jest. My favorite books are Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, and now the prequel and sequel set which in September will have a final edition to make yet another trilogy called The Book of Dust. The audiobooks are EVEN BETTER.
You mean, you didn't read the section on "Not discussing polarizing subjects after your husband comes home from his work, so as not to vex him. Pour him a drink and ask him about his day. Remember to freshen up and be lively in his presence." ha/ha I'll have to check out the Phillip Pullman books. I could use some escapism and at least the titles sounds like they would provide that for me. Thank you for reading, Kris!
I’m with Wendy, there are many lovely books that I’ve read that I’m not sure I could pick just one! I enjoy mysteries, romance, and adventure. Of course, I’m very much focusing on history right now. Most specifically, African American history. What stirred my passion to look back was Alex Haley’s Roots. I was young when the TV series came out, but I felt obligated to read what Mr. Haley wrote. Simply put… I love books! I cannot wait for your book to arrive, Mary!
Ahh...history and the uncovering, revealing truth and also more questions! I cannot wait to hear all about what you have discovered. You are very kind to include the last sentence. Thank you for reading my piece.
Oh, so many books - it's tough to pick just one! I think The Phantom Tollbooth remains the most influential book to me, both throughout my childhood and as a writer now.
I loved The Phantom Tollbooth! Oh, now I have to read it again. I love looking forward to books. Thank you, Wendy.
I too loved - still love! - The Phantom Tollbooth. I first read it as a child, and dug it out a couple of years ago to read again on the day I'd come across Norton Juster's obituary in the paper.
It's one of those books I don't mind re-reading a million times!
How amazing would it be if you were able to find the family? Whenever I purchase a book, I write my name and date of purchase inside the cover. In my personal journals in which I write a brief summary of what the book is about & what I thought about it, I write who recommended it to me or if I found it in my never ending search for new books, where or how I discovered it. I have so many books I love that my list would go on for far too long here. 😉 One book which I have received as a gift numerous times over the years is Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. It is one of my very favorites & I used to read it aloud quite often to my daughter when she was a teenager. It has been given to me as a gift for different reasons and times in my life, all of which have meant a great deal to me. I also have a smaller version of it which I keep in my purse.
I really hope I can reunite this book with the family. I'm working different angles to do so! I'm so glad you mentioned The Prophet. It has been many, many years since I read it and with your writing about it here, I want to read it again!I love that you write your name and date of purchase in your books. I bet your journals are amazing!
Mary, such an amazing story, a truly poignant read. What a gorgeous aim, to repatriate the book to whence it came.
For our fifth wedding anniversary I gave my husband a copy of the 1948 cheap edition of du Maurier's 1938 book 'Rebecca'. Across the dust jacket is shamelessly emblazoned: 4'6 CHEAP EDITION 4'6 - the price of four shillings and sixpence clearly its biggest selling point. Inside is this inscription:
"To my darling wife, because she likes this story. With all my love, Frank. Singapore, November 1948."
I am sad that Frank's wife didn't qualify for the expensive edition, but was so glad that Frank's gift to her came MY way (for £2.50, in a charity shop) in time to give it to my husband.
In reading terms, I love 'Three Men in a Boat', but as a child and teenager by far my favourite book was '101 Dalmatians' by the fabulous Dodie Smith (who also wrote its sequel 'The Twilight Barking' and the wonderful 'I Capture the Castle'. I read 101 Dalmatians before I saw either of the films (the animation and the real-life adaptation) and gosh, the book - the original story - is 101 times better than both of the films put together. I've got tears in my eyes right now even just recalling its final paragraph. It's goosepimpling and glorious, and even an adult with no relationship with dogs will find so very many things to love between its covers.
Rebecca, oh I loved the story of your fifth wedding anniversary and the travels of the book. Being who I am, I immediately thought, "Who was Frank? Why was he in Singapore in Nov. of 1948?" Then, it found you and you gifted it to your husband. Beautiful. (I also love that story so much! I loved the movie too with Laurence O.). Now, I also have to reread the last paragraph of 101 Dalmations! Thank you so much for you post here.
In a panic I've just realised that it might NOT be the last paragraph. And I don't have my copy of the book any more to check! Anyway, it's the part where Cadpig's remembering the chapel and the puppy-sized dog bed with the little ears.
(AND I AM NOT EVEN A DOG PERSON....!)
I'd love to know more about Frank, too! And his wife, for that matter. I wonder what her name was? Perhaps SHE was Rebecca, too! We know that she knew the story - maybe from the 1940 film? And Frank knew how much she loved the story, so that's why he bought her the book? So many questions need answering!
So two things. When we were married, I received not one, but two copies of Service Etiquette. One was a signed copy from a wedding guest and the other I’m not sure, but it was a gift. I don’t think I have either as those days are far behind me and I don’t think I even read it, maybe parts for jest. My favorite books are Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, and now the prequel and sequel set which in September will have a final edition to make yet another trilogy called The Book of Dust. The audiobooks are EVEN BETTER.
You mean, you didn't read the section on "Not discussing polarizing subjects after your husband comes home from his work, so as not to vex him. Pour him a drink and ask him about his day. Remember to freshen up and be lively in his presence." ha/ha I'll have to check out the Phillip Pullman books. I could use some escapism and at least the titles sounds like they would provide that for me. Thank you for reading, Kris!
Good luck! Hard to pick one, but I'll go with "To Kill a Mockingbird ".
I loved that one too. I read it, after I had viewed the movie.
Best of luck. What a noble mission.
Thank you! I hope I am able to reconnect this book with the family.
I’m with Wendy, there are many lovely books that I’ve read that I’m not sure I could pick just one! I enjoy mysteries, romance, and adventure. Of course, I’m very much focusing on history right now. Most specifically, African American history. What stirred my passion to look back was Alex Haley’s Roots. I was young when the TV series came out, but I felt obligated to read what Mr. Haley wrote. Simply put… I love books! I cannot wait for your book to arrive, Mary!
Ahh...history and the uncovering, revealing truth and also more questions! I cannot wait to hear all about what you have discovered. You are very kind to include the last sentence. Thank you for reading my piece.