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"?


Today's edition of 451 Fridays is one that I've really been looking forward to. I think sometimes we get too caught up in the word "important" - what makes a book important? Is it because it has a certain level of vocabulary, or because it contains some nebulous literary merit? I've had several friends tell me that they would love to participate in this event, but they don't think they read "the right kinds" of books. I don't want 451 Fridays to be about "the right kinds" of books - I want it to be a celebration of ALL books, Shakespeare to Sweet Valley High, that have touched someone enough that they want them to be remembered.

Saying that, I'm so happy to welcome Tammy! Tammy is a friend from my real life - I met her when she worked in the floral shop next to my pharmacy, and we've been good friends ever since. I was SO lucky that she was willing to make my gorgeous wedding flowers for me! She has recently retired from the business, but in her spare time she can still be talked into making beautiful cakes and flowers for lucky brides. Also, she knows nothing about the blogging world - in fact, I had to explain to her what a blog was. (She looked at me like I was crazy. *grin*) Tammy, I'm so happy to have you here today!


(Tammy and I didn't get things together well enough for me to have a picture of her to post, so here is a shot of some of the amazing flowers she made for my wedding.)

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

Well, I don't know if any of these books are really "important", but they are the ones I read over and over, and I think if the world ever gets bad enough that books aren't allowed, these are the kind of stories we will want to have around, to remind us of when things were better, and to give us somewhere to escape to when things seem really rough.

Ashes in the Wind by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
To me, romance novels are the best way to unwind after a hard day, and Woodiwiss is the best in the business. I read Alaina's story every couple of years, and it still makes me cry.

Summer of my German Soldier by Bette Green
I first discovered this book when my daughter read it in school. I was touched by Patty's plight, and her love for the person who couldn't be more wrong for her.

The Stand by Stephen King
What could be better for the darkest times than a novel about the end of the world? I love a good "good vs. evil" tale, and this is one of the best. It's also really long, which would probably be good when we don't have anything else to do.

Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
I've noticed a rise in the popularity of vampire tales lately, but I think people have forgotten about the story that started it all. Louis and Lestat are the original two sides of the vampire coin, and I can't help but read their story over and over again.

River's End by Nora Roberts
I love this authors books because she combines romance and suspense, but always leaves you with a happy ending.

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


Interview with a Vampire.


Do you have any favorite quotes?

"People who cease to believe in God or goodness altogether still believe in the devil. I don't know why. No, I do indeed know why. Evil is always possible. And goodness is eternally difficult."



Tammy, thanks so much for taking the time to share with us YOUR list of books which must be saved!

I'm always looking for more book lovers to share their lists with us. If you'd like to participate - no matter WHAT kinds of books you love to read - please let me know!