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The cool peeps over at The Estella Society asked their readers to…
…tell us The Book. THE BOOK you would (if you could) put into the hands of every reader, every non-reader, every man, woman, and child on this planet, in this universe, to read.
They compiled a list of 10 books from those submissions and challenged us to read 3 of the books between May 6th and September 1st. I jumped on that bandwagon immediately. I’ve read a few of the books on the list but there were some I’d never heard of. I’ve highlighted the books I chose to read.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak *
- The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
- Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini
- The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls *
- Wicked by Gregory Maguire *
- A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry *
- Kindred by Octavia Butler
- The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell
- Bad Science by Ben Goldacre
- A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (Currently reading!)
*Already Read
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
I read both of these books right after the announcement of The Estella Project. In May.
Did I start crafting reviews as soon as I read them? Nope. Did I at least take notes on my thoughts as I read them? Nope.
Aren’t I brilliant? Ha!
I had a feeling I would like The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down. It’s a nonfiction book and they are my ultimate favorite. I wasn’t sure what I would think of Kindred. Time travel? Usually that’s not my thing. (I’ve been proven wrong a time or two now.)
Here’s what I can tell you about both of these books. I liked them. A LOT.
I hope you’ve enjoyed the in-depth analysis I’ve provided you.
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| Bah dum tsssh! |
The Relentless Reader 
Ha – see, I'm never sure I should write my reviews before I've had time to really let the book sink in and gather my thoughts. But if I don't, this is exactly what happens!
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I should have just tweeted this review. I could have done it within the character limits for sure 😉
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What a neat project. I agree wholeheartedly with getting The Book Thief in the hands of everyone we know. I am not so sure about Wicked, it seems people either love or hate it and while it ended well, it was hard for me to get through entirely. Yea, I'm like you, horrible about taking notes on paper books as I read them, so much easier to highlight as I go on the Kindle! Thanks for sharing other books on the list, lot of them are on my to-read list already!
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I didn't know about the project, but I think it's a good idea!And I liked your very deep thoughts about the books :)))I didn't know Kindred, but it looks great; I think I'm going to put it in my list.
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I agree about The Book Thief as well. Did you see that it's being made into a movie??
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Very deep thoughts indeed, lol! It was really good Isi, I hope you do!
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How did I not know about this? *Rushing to check out The Estella Project webbie*
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Sometimes knowing someone liked a book is all I need!
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LOL, I'm glad you liked them. A LOT. I loved The Glass Castle, and I still need to finish up with Owen and The Sparrow. I will conquer!
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That's an interesting list, Bad Science is one of my favourite non-fiction books. I really didn't like Wicked though.Glad Kindred was awesome as I really want to read it!
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What a fun challenge! I would have to steer clear of The Book Thief because I can't get into it no matter how many times I try. But A Prayer for Owen is (I believe) on the 1001 Books to Read list, so maybe i'll get around to it 🙂
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Great review. Pretty deep analysis too. I find your thought very.. How do I say that? Decisive. 😉
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I'm surprised Wicked is on this list…I know it was big, but I never really heard many people say they liked it.
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I've heard lots of things about The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down … my old, old book club was going to read it, but we never did get around to it. I look forward to seeing what you think of it! The Glass Castle is really good … one of my favourites!
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There's still tons of time too! Run run!
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Thank goodness because that's all I've got for ya! 😉
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You can do it! You can do it! 😀
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Bad Science does sound like something I'd like 🙂 Kindred was so good, I was pleasantly surprised!
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Oh, that's too bad. The Book Thief made me have SO MANY FEELINGS! I hope you do get around to it, it's fantastic so far!
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Thanks! It took me hours and hours to come up with all of these deep thoughts 😉 Ha!
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I read it and I remember being impressed. But not THAT impressed, lol.
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I'd really like to re-read The Glass Castle. It's one of those that need to be re-examined I think 🙂
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Kindred sounds interesting. It seems like it is a different angle. Thanks for your post. I am off to find out about all ten of these books.– Belle
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The premise for Kindred is so unique 🙂 I loved that book! Thanks for visiting 🙂
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Kindred is such a great book! I should re-read it, it's been almost a whole decade. I'll look forward to a review should you so choose to do one 😉
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I was so glad to read it, great book. Nope, this is it, lol.
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I will say Bad Science was one of my favorite non-fiction reads last year! It's amazing 🙂
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The Book Thief is probably THE BOOK that I have shoved into the most hands. Followed by the Stephen King books I've read lately. I haven't heard of Scaramouche but need to find out what that's all about!
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I definitely have to put that on my wish list 🙂
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That's one I'm forever telling people to read too Trish. I'd like to read ALL of the books on this list. 🙂
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Ohhhh I had to bring C over to watch Pinkie Pie play the drum, that made her night!I've only read 2 from that list (Book Thief and Glass Castle). I need to look into the others. Great post!
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Lol, good! 😀 If I could recommend one (that you haven't read) I would say read A Fine Balance. Oh wait, maybe Owen Meany!! 😀
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Love this!!!
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LOL, thanks! 😀
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Great list of books, terrific challenge. . . oh, if only I had time! But I've over-committed for now through Sept. 1 as it is, especially with being away visiting family and taking our daughter to college for three and a half weeks.I'm glad you enjoyed these two books. Would love to hear more specifics someday, particularly about Kindred.
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I understand being over-committed. Why do we do this to ourselves?? ;)I sure wish I had written my thoughts down when I first read these books!! Kindred surprised me in a very good way. It was wonderfully written and took me to places I never thought I'd see 🙂
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Chuckle! I like your quick thoughts! I saw this project and wanted to participate, but with my routine reading gone to hell, I didn't expect to be able to read any.
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My reading schedule is a hot mess, lol. I really have no business doing any challenges! 😉
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You have a quirky sense of humor. I like!
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LOL! Thanks Melinda 😉
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What a fun idea! I'm not sure I have a book that I think everyone should read, but it seems like asking this question would be a good way to get recommendations 🙂
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I agree! It would be a great discussion topic 🙂
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