After reading and reviewing my latest book review, The Sparrow, I have bought several copies this past week and given them away to friends urging them to read this novel.
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who posted kind words about that review. Getting encouragement like that really makes doing these book reviews worthwhile.
Moreover, the last novels I bought copies for and gave away to others was Lost Mission by Athol Dickson and The Testament by John Grisham. I got positive responses from those friends after receiving those books as well.
I remembered when I work at Borders Books in Albuquerque, NM in the early 2000’s seeing many customers buy multiple copies of Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson, Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, and The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver to give away to their friends or members of their book club.
My question to the readers is what novel would you buy multiple copies for and give away to others as a must read?
Looking forward to your responses.
Interesting idea. I remember my first years at college, some 40 years ago, being swept away by Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land and feeling everyone should read it as I passed out copies. (these days I can’t quite imagine why I was so swept away — must have had something to do with being nineteen)
More recently, I have given away copies of Ahab’s Wife by S.J. Naslund. More often, lent them away & they never come back so I’ve had to buy new ones. I’ve read it three times.
Thanks for your response, Katharine.
I must admit that I have never read Stranger in a Strange Land by Heinlein. I’ve read a lot of science fiction, but for some reason have never read that book.
Marion
I bought and gave away several copies of The Shack by William Paul Young when it came out. I’ve also bought and given away When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin. My biggest regret over changing to a Kindle is not being able to share my favorite books with friends! Of course, I can still buy them their own copies but I always enjoyed passing around the ones I loved.
Thanks for your response, Mary.
I’ve heard a lot of people in my circle of influence talking about The Shack by William Paul Young. I have not read it yet.
What did you like about that novel?
Marion
The Bible.
Everyone would think I was either a really nice person, or just an oddball who should be avoided.
So Michael do you considered The Bible to be fiction?
Marion
Oooooooooh, a contentious subject!
But yes, I do.
Okay….it’s not a contentious subject. I’m a believer and clearly disagree with you. But, I always welcome a rational discussion about Christianity. I always enjoyed it. I have a nephew who is an atheist and we have discussions about it all the time.