but clouds got in the way

[minervacat]

Today's Top 5 list is from bryiarrose. Top 5 Desert Island Books. This is a list of the five books you'd want to have with you if you were trapped on a desert island alone - Rosie says that in this case, it's about readibility, not favorites. I mean, The Stand would go on my list of Top 5 Favorite Novels Ever, but I'll be damned if I'd want to read it on

Comments

[ajodasso]

1) Foucault's Pendulum, Umberto Eco

2) The Westing Game, Ellen Raskin

3) LOTR Trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien

4) Dave Barry Slept Here: A Sort of History of the United States

5) Doomsday Book, Connie Willis

[minervacat]

I'm going to be curious to see how many lists the LOTR Trilogy turns up on. Since it's been published in a single volume, it totally counts as one book.

You know, I've never actually finished Foucault's Pendulum. But it's at the top of my summer reading list - you've convinced me it's worth finishing.

[ajodasso]

You know, I've never actually finished Foucault's Pendulum. But it's at the top of my summer reading list - you've convinced me it's worth finishing.

I'm telling you, I absolutely can't help it: I was fourteen when I discovered a dusty old hardcover copy on the shelves of my jr. high's library, and I ploughed through it in less than a week, completely spellbound. I've never looked at the world the same way again, all thanks to a nutty, brilliant Italian author-professor.

[minervacat]

Oh, I know it's supposed to be transcendant, but I've always bogged down early and never finished. But damn it, I'm going to finish it this time, if only so I can talk about it with you. :)

[caffeinediary]

So tough. so tough.

The Complete Works of Jane Austen-
She can make me both laugh and cry at the same time. Sharp wit and good humor add to her novels as well as an interesting look at English society.

The Passioate Eye-Suzanne Vega.
Love, love love her lyrics which are in this book. She also includes poems, early writings, and essays in this book. I admire her mind and poetic ability so much.

The Magican's Assistant-Ann Patchett.

Lovely novel about magic, loss, and find love again in a small town after you think everything is gone.

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books-Azir Nafisi.

A book about teaching the classics in Iran to a small, select group of women. She couldn't teach them in the university so she taught them in her home. Also a rumination on the politics in Iran and how books are the freest form of democracy.

The Color Purple-Alice Walker.

Such a classic. I love Alice Walker and this is her at her best.

that was so hard. I'm sure it would change if I thought about it on a different day.

[minervacat]

Dude, the Complete Works of Jane Austen totally doesn't count. They've never been published in one volume. That's, liek, 7 books you've got right there. :)

I love The Color Purple but Possessing The Secret Of Joy is the one I've always considered her best. Not one I'd want on a desert island, though. Neither, actually. They're both so brutal, despite being lovely, you know?

[caffeinediary]

Actually, it is. :) I have it one edition at home. My mom actualy got it at Encore when they were closing several years back. :)

I like both equally-actually, I love all Alice Walker's books. I almost put Possessing, but didn't because i couldn't decide. They are completely brutal-I agree.

[minervacat]

I still say it's cheating. *grin*

[blergeatkitty]

1. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving - I reread this book at least once every six months, or as often as I need a spiritual pep talk. When I was in Germany, I bought a German translation of it to help me with my German - I figured I'd read the English-language book so many times, I would always know what was going on even if I didn't know all the words. It did help.

2. On Love by Alain de Botton - My copy of this is dog-eared and underlined, with little exclamation points in the margins. If you have read the book, you will probably now be slowly backing away from me.

3. Snow in August or Forever by Pete Hamill - because I would want something on the desert island that reminds me of home.

4. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby - assuming I'm not allowed to also have desert island discs in this scenario, I'd want the next best thing

[minervacat]

Can I take the OED with me, even though technically it is more than one volume?
Blerg, if you are woman enough to swim from the wreckage with the complete OED on your back, you have earned it. Go ahead. I wouldn't mind having all that time to devote to those words, either, frankly.

assuming I'm not allowed to also have desert island discs in this scenario, I'd want the next best thing.
You made me want to do a Top 5 Desert Island Media Items. Books and CDs, a mixture. I think it would turn up interesting lists, actually. Books to complete music and vice versa. Also, that's the best justification for including a book on this list I've heard. :)

[ludditerobot]

1. National Geographic West Indies Map
   
2. Building Small Boats
   
3. Hunting For Sustainability In Tropical Forests
   
4. Extreme Survival Almanac: Everything You Need to Know to Live Through a Shipwreck, Plane Crash, or Any Outdoor Crisis Imaginable
   
5. The Transmigration of Timothy Archer
   
   Of course, I only own one of those books right now, but I'm not on a desert island.
   

[minervacat]

Congratulations. You have just been awarded the prize for the most genuinely clever answer to this list in the history of the world. Feel free to collect your desert island at any time.

(Seriously. Wow. I'd never have even thought of that approach to it. *applause*)

[ludditerobot]

Thank you.

Also, the CDs of your desert-island-discs can be used to signal passing aircraft. Just sayin'.

[minervacat]

If I am ever stranded on a desert island, I shall be fully prepared, and when I'm rescued after flashing my CDs at passing aircraft, I shall thank you publicly in a press conference. :)

[aussie_nyc]

1. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

2. Restaurant at the End of the Universe

3. Life, the Universe, and Everything

4. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

5. Long, Dark Teatime of the Soul

No, I'm not kidding.

[minervacat]

Make sure you bring a towel, too. :)

(I have to ask - do you want the Adams novel, or, liek, the actual Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy. 'Cause the former's good, but the latter might be more helpful. *grin*)

[aussie_nyc]

You make a good case, so I'll take the actual one. Perhaps we need a Top Five Books You Want From The Invisible Library.

[minervacat]

That's a great suggestion - we shall certainly do that list soon.