Musings on Books

Working in a library, I meet lots of books.  Lots, and lots, and lots of books.  Books on shelves, books on carts, books on the floor...  (oops...)  Big books, little books, - one book, two book, red book, blue book.  Oh, wait - that's "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish," by Dr. Suess.   Anyway.

 So, when out of this sea of books I found one I really, really like, it can seem like a miracle.  Occasionally from the massive piles of Danielle Steel, James Patterson, and Nora Roberts, one hops off the shelf (often landing on my foot) and says READ ME!!!  I hold the opinion that if a book takes the time to make its presence known to you, you should give it a chance.

And so, here are a few of my favorite books, ones that I go to again and again when I need something to read. 



 Possibly #1 on my list of all-time most read books, is the Mary Russell series, by  Laurie R. King.  The story of what happens when - well, I'll let the opening paragraph take it...

"I was fifteen when I first met Sherlock Holmes, fifteen years old with my nose in a book as I walked the Sussex Downs, and nearly stepped on him. In my defense I must say it was an engrossing book, and it was very rare to come across another person in that particular part of the world in that war year of 1915. In my seven weeks of peripatetic reading amongst the sheep (which tended to move out of my way) and the gorse bushes (to which I had painfully developed an instinctive awareness) I had never before stepped on a person."

These books follow the story of Mary Russell, a 15 year old girl who is in every way, the intellectual equal of the famed Sherlock Holmes, now retired from 221b Baker Street, and living on the Sussex downs.   As their relationship develops, she becomes his apprentice, his partner - and eventually, his wife.  I once described these as "Sherlock Holmes with a feminist twist".  I can't explain exactly why this series pulls me in again and again, but let me just say that it is never wise for me to begin one of the books just before bed, unless I wish to see 2am fly past with the pages.

Another favorite, is the French classic Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo.  Perhaps more famous in its musical incarnation, (which I adore, for many reasons) Les Miserables,  in the simplest summary, follows the story of Jean Valjean, a convict, and his journey through life, high points and low, failure and redemption.

It's so much more than that though.  Horribly thick, and with almost excruciating detail, it's nonetheless one of the most captivating books I've ever read.  Characters are introduced, and almost forgotten, only to pop up dozens of pages later, creating a winding, interweaving story of life.

Another thing that interests me about this book, is the many parallels between it, and another book famous for its theatrical adaption - Ben-Hur.  (which was, of course, made into the 4-hour epic starting Charlton Heston.)  In both books, a man is unjustly convicted and sent into prison, and near-slavery, emerging (understandably) angry and bitter.  In both books, a single, chance encounter with God changes their life.   (Those encounters were a bishop in Les Mis, and by a brief meeting with Jesus in Ben-Hur) In both books, one person "haunts" them throughout their lives, and they are given the chance for revenge, but instead choose to forgive.  There are other parallels, but I think you get the idea.  It is interesting to me that two books that are so different, can also be so much alike.  If I had not originally read the two quite close to each other, I don't know that I would have ever noticed the parallels, as the books certainly can never be compared as "copy-cats" of one another.

Another series I've enjoyed reading, is the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.  Set in Botswana, these books follow Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's only - and finest- female detective.   These are not "thrilling crime" books, but focus more on the human side, and it is fun to watch Mma Ramotswe unraveling the mysteries she is brought with a combination of common sense, observation, and an unshakable belief in the traditional way of doing things.






Last but not least, M.C. Beaton has two wonderful mystery series, one featuring Hamish Macbeth, a Constable in the Highlands of Scotland, the other featuring amateur sleuth Agatha Raisin.  These definitely fall under the category of "cozy mysteries," but are still page-turners.

So, those are a few of my favorites.  I'm going to assume that no-one wants to hear about my vast collection of non-fiction, most of which deal with WWII and other military history, so I'll just sign off for now.