451 Fridays

451 Fridays is based on an idea from Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In his novel, a group of people (Bradbury calls them Book People) are trying to keep the ideas found in books alive. Instead of actually saving the books, the Book People each "become" a book - memorizing it, word for word, and passing it down to the next generation.

451 Fridays asks what books you feel passionate about. What book do you think is so important that you would be willing to take on the challenge of "becoming"?


This week, I'm so happy to have Violet from VioletCrush stop by 451 Fridays. Her blog was one of the first I found when I started this whole book blogging adventure, and is still one of my favorites. She always reads the most interesting books. Welcome, Violet!


What 5 books do you believe are important enough to be saved, and why?

This was a really hard question. I have read every ‘451 Fridays’ and I was amazed that I had not read even half of the books people think are important to save. Anyway, I thought the best way to approach this question was not to think too hard, otherwise I would forever keep on thinking and doubting my choices.

So here they are:

Diary of Anne Frank: I guess every body should know about this courageous and spirited girl called Anne Frank. Even at times as horrifying as those, her wisdom and happy outlook towards is something to be leant from.

Legends of Pensam by Mamang Dai: I don’t know many people who have read this book and it deserves a wider readership. This book is worth remembering for the sheer beauty of the words. I would count this in one of the most perfect books I have read.

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts: I was surprised when I thought of this book. But on second thoughts I think it’s appropriate. This book has everything, drama, romance, adventure, emotions, just about everything. This book is a great example of an all round entertainment package.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M.Montgomery: Now come on, now who wouldn’t want to know a sweet, kind, frank and bubbly girl like Anne, or rather Anne with an e? It’s like gaining a new friend.

A thousand splendid suns by Khaled Hosseini: This book is a story of 2 courageous women and of their friendship. The thing I like the most about this book is how it ends. It shows that there can be hope even after the most difficult and trying situations.

Wow...that was difficult.

Of those 5, which book would you choose to "become"?

Ummm….Legends of Pensam? Yes, I think that would be it. I would like to be a book that could be read aloud with a gleam in your eyes, a book that would give you joy for just having read it and for having known the beauty and depth words can carry.

Do you have any favorite quotes from the book, so we know why you love it so much?

1) In our language, the language of the Adis, the word ‘pensam’ means ‘in-between’. It suggests the middle, or middle ground, but it may also be interpreted as the hidden spaces of the heart where a secret garden grows. It is the small world where anything can happen and everything can be lived; where the narrow boat that we call life sails along somehow in calm or stormy weather; where the life of a man can be measured in the span of a song.

2) And I saw again how their days were passing; the fire burning brightly in the hearth, the dogs curled up close to the flames, the cot in the corner. Life moved on quite normally, except that like so many others in so many unseen recesses all over the world, they hid their pain, while the seasons turned.

3) At night the sky above the village was full of stars, and every night Nenem said to herself, ‘No one dies of love. I loved him, and now I am enough on my own.’

4) In dreams, my people say, they see the rain mother sitting on the treetops, laughing in the mist. Her silver ornaments clink as she rides the wind, brandishing her sword.
Every time she twirls her skirt, the storm clouds edged with black rush up to cover her.

5) The most beautiful thing is that we are all bunched up together on oceans and cities, and deserts and valleys, far apart from each other in so many ways, but we have words, and the right words open our minds and hearts and help us recognize one another.

Violet, thanks so much for taking the time to share with us YOUR list of books which must be saved. Next week, Meg from Literary Menagerie will be visiting and sharing her choices. Would you like your list featured in an upcoming 451 Friday? Send me an email and we will chat!