Mich's Top 10

These were kind of tough for me to come up with and, unfortunately, it's not because I was too busy to think about it, but because I need to read more great books! So, I'm stoked for this book blog, for that very reason. :-) Here goes. They are also not going to be in any specific order...

1) To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
I think this is the only book I've read twice (at least after the age of 10...) . I really love the simplicity of the story, with it's applications to all of human-kind. It seems to be one of those "must reads" no matter who you are.

2) The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck amazed me like no author has. I've read other books by him, but nothing affected and enthralled me like this one. First, it tells of a history of our country that I wish I knew a lot more about. And Steinbeck tells it so poetically. I loved the intermittent chapters that were sort of his soap boxes, or his opportunity to bring the Jode's family story into a much broader perspective, and his opportunity to utilize the rhythm and poetry that made the book what it is. (This might be my #1 favorite.)

3) The Perfect Mile, by Neal Bascomb
I read this book during my last semester in college, and my last season in track, so it was very appropriate for me at the time. But, I still recommend it to anyone who wants to read a very well written, and inspirational story. The author tells the story of Roger Banister's breaking the 4-minute mile barrier. He weaves into it the stories of Wes Santee of the US and John Landy of Australia who were both hoping to be the first to run under 4 minutes, as well. So, you learn a bit about the history of sport at the time, in three different countries (and three continents), about the increased attention people gave to track & field at the time, and a look into all three men's histories and personal lives. It was a really fun read.

4) Daughter of Fortune, by Isabelle Allende
This is the only book I've read by Isabelle Allende, and I will definitely read more. This is the story of one young woman's journey from Chile to California during the time of the California gold rush... but it's so much more than that! :-) There's a history of Chile, California and China, and a great eye-opener to that era, to love, human nature, oppression on women, and social/gender hierarchies. It also helped that it was beautifully written and incredibly visual.

5) Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse
I read this a few years ago during Christmas break, and no other (non-scriptural) book has effected me so spiritually. It really made me look into my heart and re-evaluate where I was going and where I want to go. It's the story of a man's journey (both literal and spiritual) to enlightenment, and a book I plan on re-reading a few times.

6) The Autobiography of Malcolm X, as told to Alex Haley
(Okay, so I love histories, non-fiction and fiction, and I like reading about "big" people.) Malcolm X is always someone who has intrigued me, and someone who I knew nothing about, so I finally decided to read about him. His life was much different than I had imagined it, and even his politics, and ideologies were a suprise to me. It wasn't the most eloquently-written book, but certainly enjoyable to read. (FYI: Alex Haley also wrote "Roots".) I definitely gained a respect for Malcolm X.

7) Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden
First of all, I didn't know this wasn't a true story until after I had finished the book. :-) But, again, I really love reading historical fiction/non-fiction, which made this book so great to me. I love learning about cultures and societies that I never really think or hear much about. This is the story of a geisha (a Japanese sex slave, basically), who grows up knowing only this kind of life. Now... the new movie is describing it as a love story, which I don't remember being part of the book, but maybe I need to review it. To me, it was a sad story of sort of an imprisoned, yet glamorized life. ...any thoughts?

8) Marla Runyan - My Life as I see it, by Marla Runyan & Sally Jenkins
Another, less-than-eloquent book, but still a page turner for me. Marla Runyan really inspires me, and the fact that we met and went running together is really what makes this one of my favorite books. Despite the writing style, I started to sort of see her life, and especially her races, through her nearly-blind vision, which was both fun, and inpsiring for me.

9) The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd
I'm with Dan on this. :-) This is a really sweet coming-of-age story, about a girl coming to terms with her past, herself, and the society in which she lives. It also made me look at my own life, and the women that have affected me, and really appreciate all the women that have been those "mentors" to me. I think all of us should read this one. (Last note: I was really enchanted by bee-keeping, too and would love for it to be part of my farm someday.)

10) ...yet to be determined...

I had a few books that I thought of including here, but the truth is it would have just been to have 10. :-) So, I'll let you all know when I've read a book that for sure goes on my top-10 list. For now, it's my top 9.
Love you!