I missed a few weeks of this challenge due to editing and writing commitments, but I’m back now!!!
This week’s topic is a goodie: Books I’ve recommended and why.
Oh, mama, I’ve a million of them. But, for brevity’s sake, I’ll only name a few.
- Harry Potter and the Sourcerer’s Stone. The first time I heard about this book I was watching the old ROSIE O’DONNELL show with my then 8 year old daughter and JKRowling was a guest. Rosie went ape-crazy talking about how much she loved the book so my daughter and I decided to buy it and read it together. Well, after we finished it I recommended it to every single mother in my little girl’s classroom and all my friends as well. That sparked a whole reading frenzy in our school – something I am thrilled about! Opening up this incredible magical world to people who routinely didn’t read much was wonderful.
- Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer. This book was such an eye opener to me about Mormonism and it’s origins that I read it in less than 2 days and then actually went out and bought copies of the book to give to people. Riveting, informative, and excellently laid out, Krakauer did a phenomenal job at exposing the Mormom church and it’s founders.
- Midnight in the garden of good and evil, by John Berendt. Again, the moment I finished this tale of a murder in a tight knit community complete with a cast of characters that a writer COULDN’T make up, I went out, bought copies, and gave it to all my friends. The movie was such a disappointment because it could never convey the actual suffocating familiarity these people lived under. The upperclass mores, class distinctions and prejudices, and even the food, were all described so perfectly in the book. I read it three times. Truly.
- Devil in the Windy City by Erik Larson. An historical look at a serial killer during the world’s fair of the early 20th century. Told with precision accuracy and in depth emotion, this book kept me up three nights so I could finish it. Not for the squeamish, to be sure!
- The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan. A story of family, friendship, and enduring love set during WWII and the aftermath, this story just spoke to me on so many levels: female friendships, mother and daughter angst, interpersonal relationships, cultural snobbish. The perfect blend of fact and fiction.
Let’s see what some of the other writers in this challenge recommend: L&SR
Until next time ~ Peg
Peggy Jaeger, Author 
I’ve read and loved a few of the books on your list, but Devil in the Windy City is new to me… going on my list! My post is here.
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It’s a really good book.
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Is “Devil in the Windy City” by Erik Larson about HH Holmes? He’s a very interesting character… It’s interesting how so many folks are recommending non-fiction today!
My post is here: http://www.mariannearkins.com/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-books-ive-recommended-and-why/
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No, it’s a non-fiction historical book
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We always get at least half a dozen copies of the Joy-Luck Club at the book sale (donated for us to resell) and I wondered if it’s good. Must be. 🙂
I’ll have to read it. I loved Harry Potter, too.
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It’s a true testament to what a great book JOY LUCK was that it’s still being read decades later.
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Sure sounds like 🙂
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The Joy Luck Club is a good pick. I’d forgotten about that book! And Harry Potter is awesome, too.
My post.
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Listened to all the Harry Potter books on audio while driving to visit relatives. Have all the movies too. Seen the movie of Midnight… and love it. Too bad Kevin Spacey turned out to be an asshole. Also seen the movie of Joy Luck Club. http://pmprescott.blogspot.com/
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Good to see you back this week! These are great choices, though I’m not familiar with Devil in the Windy City.
My list is here.
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It takes place during the chicago worlds fair in the 1920s. True life fiction.
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Yep, I agree wholeheartedly on Harry Potter series! I loved the first book the best too. Interesting list, I’ve not read the rest of them. Will be checking ’em out.
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Yes & Yes to HP & TSS! I’d gladly recommend the whole series anytime! LOVED everyone of them.
Here is my list
https://diaryofablackcitygirl.wordpress.com/2019/11/06/wednesday-weekly-blogging-challenge-books-ive-recommended-and-why/
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Lots of good choices here. Not surprised to see Harry Potter at the top of the list, but nice to see Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil and Joy Luck Club popping up 🙂
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