Sandra Hults
Author
Reading habits
Hi everyone!
I suffer from an innate curiosity that is sometimes a blessing; sometimes a curse. At times, I cannot help but ask questions and pursue an answer further. I’m the one that researches while watching historical fiction or if I want more information. I like research.
So I got tagged in a recent Facebook post and it got me curious about those of you who follow the blog. The list was simple but I wanted to expand a little. The why’s are always important to me. So give me your list, tell me your why if you’d like. Or just present the list. 🙂 (I may or may not have responded to a similar blog post from a fellow author a few months back)
Here’s the Facebook post:
Ten Books
I’ve been tagged to name 10 books that have meant something to me.
Rules: In your status line, list 10 books that have stayed with you in some way. Don’t take more than a few minutes and don’t think too hard ~ they don’t have to be the “right” or great works, just the ones that have touched you. Tag 10 friends, including me, so I’ll see your list.
I don’t tag people for stuff like this, so please feel free to consider yourself tagged if this is your kind of thing. I’m curious to see what some of my favorite bookworms respond with. 
1. It – Stephen King
2. The Stand – Stephen King
3. Sleepers – Lorenzo Carcaterra
4. The Constant Princess – Philippa Gregory
5. Hamlet – Shakespeare
6. The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank
7. North and South (1 & 2) – John Jakes
8. A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemingway
9. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings – Maya Angelou
10. No Greater Love – Danielle Steel
So here’s my why:
Books 1 and 2: Well worn, well loved favorites. I read It for the first time when I was sixteen. The Stand, 17 or 18 I think. These two books got me turned on to the concept of epic storytelling. They made me want to write. Looking at it later in life, I think those two things got me started. I’m sure King gets a lot of authors started but those two books are special for me. Besides, they’re just damned good stories.
Book 3: This book made the list not only because it is a favorite but it’s about survival. This author really takes you into the minds of these characters and their motivations. I won’t spoil what it’s about but if you have ever seen the film they made from it–the film doens’t do the novel justice.
Book 4: I read this book after I saw the film The Other Boleyn girl and watched The Tudors. I love my history. I love my Tudor England. What gets me about this particular book is Katherine of Aragon’s story and the quiet strength she resonated in the face of many adversities. The story unfolds from her childhood through her first marriage and her life with Henry VIII. Through many hardships and heartaches, she remained true and as constant as the title of the book suggests.
Book 5: I read this in high school. There is a copy of this book on my shelf and it still gets taken out from time to time and read. Hamlet’s tale is amazing and, in many regards a story within a story. This above all to thine own self be true. – One of my favorite quotes ever as well as a constant reminder. The more I age, the more that quote impacts me.
Book 6: Okay, who did not read this book at some point in their high school/middle school existence? About two years ago, my daughter brought it home again because they were reading it in school. I picked it up and read it again for old times sake. Anne’s story is important to me because, to me, all she had left was imagination and in many ways I think that imagination may have gotten her through those long, terrifying days.
Book 7: This is the only two-fer that made my list. The reaso n I love these books is because they put a very human face on war. They explain how people can grow and exist on both sides of the battle lines. They address the horrors of the Civil War and what happened to families before, during and after. If you have never read these books and enjoy either historical fiction or the civil war–check them out. They’re worth the read.
Book 8: I read this book in high school much like Hamlet and Anne Frank but this was the first war story I ever read and it left an impact on me at 16. I think I loved the love story wrapped up in the middle of war torn Europe. There are other books that have that same style but lack Hemingway’s depth. I also think this book had a big impact on my love for history and wanting to track down the history behind the story.
Book 9: I could write for hours about this book. If you have a creative mind and love a powerful story, read this book. Her words stay with me. So does the power of her story. If you are unfamiliar with Maya Angelou, go look her up.
Book 10: I have not picked up this author in more than a decade but I will pick up this story and Message from Nam any day over a lot of other authors. No Greater Love is a story of self-sacrifice in the face of tragedy. The story, to me, is about putting the good of others ahead of your own, doing what you have to do regardless of the cost, because it is right, because it needs doing. For me, the main character’s will to see her family not just survive but thrive touches me.
Okay, so those are my ten. To my readers, tell me what you guys read. Funny thing is there is not really a single Fantasy novel on that list. Share your suggestions with me! I’d love to hear you. In the comments, via email, Twitter or Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!
For my regular readers, my sincerest apologies on the delay of April’s newsletter. Life got ahead of me and, well, some silly author did not click the button to actually schedule the campaign.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Sandra Hults 