I like reading books about hard times and families in struggle where the protagonist eventually makes it out and is a better person because of it. You know, the best kind of books. Here are some of my favorites.
01| Angela’s Ashes {Frank McCourt} An autobiography and one of my very favorite books in all categories. Though mainly describing sad events, McCourt keeps the book relatively upbeat and will often having you smiling and laughing. McCourt reads for the audio-book and Carissa and I agreed that it was one of the greatest audio-book recordings ever. McCourt knows the rhythm of his book and who wouldn’t want to listen to his Irish accent all day? Plus, he has a sequel, ‘Tis
02| A Tree Grows in Brooklyn {Betty Smith} If you finish up McCourt and you still need some similar despair, this is a wonderful book. It’s mostly autobiographical but Smith wasn’t allowed to market it as such and so there have been a few changes, according to the author’s (daughter’s?) note. She also wrote a happier book, Joy in the Morning which I quite enjoy.
03| The Glass Castle {Jeannette Walls} Another autobiography that you would never believe really is. This book describes the craziest family and adventures I could ever have imagined.
04| The Good Earth {Pearl S. Buck} Pretty much the Asian version of The Grapes of Wrath. Both of which you should read.
05| Maus {Art Spiegelman}. This is to add a little spice to your life. This is a semi-biography of Spiegelman’s father’s experience during the holocaust. It’s a graphic novel that we had to read for one of my literature classes. I hope this doesn’t detour you because it’s an incredibly moving story that is well written and happens to have illustrations. It just adds another dimension to the story.
5.5| Cider House Rules {John Irving} Ok, and if you really don’t feel like a holocaust novel, try this book by Irving. Not the movie, the book. Of course, you could always just read both.
Currently: I’m listening to the audio-book of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. And steadily reading The Curiosity Shop also by Charles Dickens. He’s one of my favorite authors.