For anyone who has been reading my blog for any length of time, none of this week’s top ten choices will likely come as a surprise. This week’s list is books I’d take to a desert island, so of course I’ll be taking some of my favorites (as hosted by The Broke and The Bookish). I’ll preface this list by mentioning that said island, though solitary, is luxurious and accommodating. If not, I’d be packing survival guides.
In no particular order:
1. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (at least I’d know there wasn’t anyone lurking in my attic)
2. Bag of Bones by Stephen King (favorite fiction)
3. Persuasion by Jane Austen (to remind me that patience is key)
4. A Song of Fire and Ice Series by George R. R. Martin (I’m cheating here, but what an opportunity to read straight through)
5. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole (everyone needs a little humor and absurdity)
6. Deliverance by James Dickey (a solid reminder that it could always get worse)
7. The Terror by Dan Simmons (see Deliverance)
8. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (maybe solitude would equal clarity?)
9. Empire Falls by Richard Russo (beautiful fiction)
10. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (as close to perfect as it gets)
What is the one book you couldn’t leave home without? And, perhaps more importantly, island #1 or island #2?
Images found on pinterest: here and here. Original sources unknown.
flannel and folklore 
Empire Falls has been on my TBR list for so long – thanks for the reminder.
I cheated with my Irving selection this week!
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Well there really does need to be a collected works. I was torn between my two favorites (Owen Meany and The Hotel New Hampshire). And I really think you’ll like Russo. He is John Irving without the levity and “weird factor”. I’ll give you a bookish equation: Richard Russo + some oddity = John Irving, John Irving + a tinge of horror = Stephen King
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Golly, it’s hard to choose between those two islands…both have their charms. A Confederacy of Dunces is one of those books you keep hearing about but I’ve never got round to reading it. Owen Meany is on my list too:
http://annabelsmith.tumblr.com/post/33157799448/top-10-tuesday-desert-island-books but I wrote that only a month ago so I made another list for today:
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I think mine would have to be the second one, but if you asked me tomorrow my choice might be different! A Confederacy of Dunces is one of the best books I’ve ever read, so I’d highly recommend it.
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That’s a great list, I added a lot of classics to my list as I guess I was picturing it as a good chance to read without disturbances!!
My Top Ten Tuesday
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great list. super opposite on how i viewed my island to be.. im over here prepping for worse case scenarios! Check out our TTT ~ Katie @ Inkk
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I thought about the alternative and I don’t know that survival guides would help me, I’m not cut out for extended stays in the wilderness – the insects alone would do me in!
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Jane Eyre! One of my all-time favourite novels. I think everyone should read it, even if they’re not on a deserted island!
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Jane Eyre might be the book I’ve reread most in my life, it is my favorite classic and Mr. Rochester is my favorite of the classic romantic heroes.
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This is the second time I’ve seen Persuasion, it is reminding me that I really need to re-read it soon!
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Do it! It’s pleasantly short and Captain Wentworth and Anne give me hope for true love!
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That first image is interesting! There is a self sufficient house island in Newport Harbor that would be perfect, too.
I would agree with Owen Meany – I thought it amazing and would enjoy a reason to read it again.
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Love the list. A confederacy of dunces is an interesting choice – I’ve been intrigued by that book for a long time. I might need to add that one to my TBR. And of course, island #2 – nothing like a bit of atmosphere!
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