Top Ten Tuesday – Gratitude Edition

By Denise @ Life With No Plot on November 20, 2012 • ( 3 )

In this season of Thanksgiving (it is not Christmas yet, no matter what the stores say!!!), it is time to think of the things in life that have uplifted me and inspired me. Of course, books are included in that, since I spend half of my waking life reading these days. Hey, as we said in the last episode of Bibliophiles Anonymous, it’s cheaper than therapy. 🙂

Top Ten (or Five) Books/Authors I’m Thankful For

1. J.K. Rowling – If it wasn’t for her, I would never have started writing. Her story is so amazing – coming from nothing, a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, having one simple idea and turning it into the largest worldwide phenomenon of my lifetime. I am unbelievably grateful for her persistence – would you believe the first publishers she went to TURNED HER DOWN? I bet they kick themselves now.

2. Harry, A History by Melissa Anelli – Along the same vein, this book tells the story behind the Harry Potter fandom. The story behind the story, if you will. It expressed everything I feel about the Harry Potter world and the closeness of the community that built itself around these books. Not to mention that Melissa Anelli is the webmistress of what I think is the best fan sites out there, The Leaky Cauldron.

3. Sheri Lynch – So many things to say about this lady. She is co-host of the “Bob & Sheri” show, a radio broadcast that is syndicated around the world. I always download the podcast version so I don’t miss it. Sheri has written two books, Hello, My Name is Mommy and Be Happy or I’ll Scream, both about life and family and trying to balance the craziness therein. Sheri is completely honest about her completely dysfunctional upbringing and it is truly inspirational.

4. William Shakespeare – What can I say about this guy? Nothing, except that I adore him. My Shakespeare class in college was the toughest class I took, but it was also the most enjoyable. No one turns a phrase like Will. No one. And I have to say, seeing The Tempest in New York City, featuring Mandy Patinkin as Prospero, was one of the highlights of my life.

5. The Brontë sisters – I first read Jane Eyre my senior year of high school. That was my first introduction to the sisters Brontë. Emily, Charlotte, and Anne wanted to write, but since they were women, no one would take them seriously. So what did they do? Did they just give up their dream? Nope. They took on male pseudonyms and kept on writing. Jane Eyre was originally published under the pen name Currer Bell. Nothing stopped these ladies!

There are many more, I’m sure, but I’m a bit short on time this morning. I might have to continue this topic in tomorrow’s post.