“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
~Nelson Mandela

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Ode to Books

Hey girls! Although I don't really have anything new and exciting to write about, I was inspired by Angie's email and thought I should post something.

I was looking at the blog and at the list of books you posted and thought about how much I love books. During my many years of travel (when I was so terrible about keeping in touch with all of you), I spent so much time alone without friends and family nearby. Books were my companion. The sat next to me on planes, rode with me in taxis, made my hotel rooms not so lonely and occasionally caught some rays with me on far off beaches. Books were true, blue, loyal friends and I love them!

We do have a lot of favorites in common. I'm excited to pick up some of them that I haven't read yet.

Some of my favorites that weren't on the list:
East of Eden- John Steinbeck
Angle of Repose- Wallace Stegner
The Alchemist- Paulo Coehlo
The Good Earth- Pearl Buck
The World is Flat- Thomas Friedman
The Chronicles of Narnia- C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity- C.S. Lewis
The Tipping Point- Malcom Gladwell
Pride & Prejudice- Jane Austen
The Giving Tree- Shel Silverstein
Bonds that Make us Free- Terry Warner

So, have you guys finished The Pillars of the Earth? It's next on my list!

4 comments:

Molly said...

I am about 300 pages into Pillars of the Earth and it's a well written book but I put it down a few days ago and haven't picked it up again. I know I've become a bit prudish in my old age with my movie and book selection but the book is a bit graphic at times. Perhpas it was because I was reading it on a Sunday(on the plane ride back to portland) but I asked myself if a good story was worth always questioning myself about whether or not I should be reading it. I've found what offends others doesn't always bother me and vice versa.
Les- I like how you personified books as your friend.(is that the right english term Kristi?)

Kristi said...

Les,
Thanks for listing your favorites. There is nothing better than a good list of books to read.

It made me sad when you wrote that books were your companions and kept you from being lonely.

We have all talked about how much we missed YOU. We were lonely too! We needed to be in better touch. I am glad we are now and have blogging to keep us connected.

Loves.....Kristi

Kristi said...

Yes, Molly....you are so smart! :)It's that good USU education!

Ellie McFreaken said...

Les...I was so excited to see a new post on the LL blog! I too like how you personified (thanks Molly) books. It is so fun to all be reconnected again.
Pillars of the Earth, I am still in the beginning. I gave a copy to Jake's Grandma and she said she didn't think she could finish it. I seriously had no idea it was graphic! Is it gory or sensual? In any case...I will have to read on and see.
Molly and Kristi how are your legs feeling?
Stephanie.....Are you there? I am going to post a Nun picture of Emily right Now!