How many of you ‘LIVE the book’you are reading? By that, I mean feel like you become part of the scene, a member of the family, the main character, the villian or the victim? The written word has a way of sucking you in, dragging you down or lifting you up dependent upon the nature and the purpose of the writing. You laugh, you cry, you fuss, you cuss (sometimes, admit it), you love, you hate, you question, you wonder why but you don’t put the book down.
The best of the best hook you from the start, dangle you in suspense and
lead you on a journey never to be forgotten.
What have you read lately that pulled at your heart strings or left you hanging by a thread wanting to know when the sequel will be out?
catnipoflife 
Hi Sharla! For me it was Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand. What a powerful book! I just couldn’t stop reading and devouring it. For my daughter, it was ..And the Whippoorwill Sang by Micki Peluso. She said that she didn’t want it to end so she brought it to the bathroom to only read when she was there. Then didn’t stop either! I know what she means. For a sequil, I would love for Micki to write one. I (and my daughter) would certainly buy it! God bless you!
Thanks, Deirdre. Good to know about Laura Hillenbrand’s book. I’m not surprised about your daughter and Micki’s book. It definitely pulls you into the Peluso family!
I loved Micki’s book too and was “so there” with her that I felt I had become a member of her family!
Hard not to in that book! She did a miraculous job on its writing…makes you want for more:>)
Recently, I’ve re-read everything Jack London ever wrote. I read Call of the Wild and White Fang when I was ten or eleven, and lived every moment with the wolf dogs and the men of the north. I re-lived those moments the second time around, too. This time, I also found some very interesting books by London I never knew existed; things I was surprised he wrote, and they were awesome. I’m currently reading Wolf’s Hour by Robert McCammon–one of my most favorite authors–and it is incredible. McCammon is so unbelievably talented, and he pulls you so deep into the scenes, you feel like you’re the lead character. So, yes! I know what you’re talking about!
I might also add that for me it works the same way when I write–especially novels and short stories, but even in some of my poems. I tell Sherry–my wonderful wife–it’s like watching a movie in my mind and writing it down as it happens. I love to read–I probably average a novel every couple of weeks, and love to write even more than I love to read. I have to tell you though, when I read something by McCammon or Stephen King (my most favorite writer–Gunslinger series!!), I come away shaking my head and wondering what ever gave me the idea I could write. Those two guys are amazing! Me, I’m just a guy who tries.
Sorry about the rambling comment, but like I tell folks when they get me on something that interests me, or gets me riled up; “Don’t get me started!”
WOW! I hit at your heartstrings with this quick post:>) Thank you so much for the great comments. I remember Call of the Wild but haven’t really thought about a re-read. Gives me the idea to make another trip down memory lane and rediscover some great classics!
Sharla, I have only just read Micki’s book and now into Mary’s book-Deadly Pleasures. Both have me wanting more. Sorry can’t choose. I now want to add Lies That Bind to my list. Sure hope my new book wil possess that hook!
Mamie
Mamie, from what I have read about your book, it appears to definitely be a ‘keeper’! LOL:>) It is at the top of my list!
I recently read, the Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet
Gys, read a review on this book and it sounds very interesting and one I would probably enjoy since it is stated to ‘absorb history and relate a multilayered story in the process.’
and Fall of the Giants. Not bad
I did, when I read ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. I tried to be at least a fraction of what Atticus finch was and I certainly became a bit calmer and tried to absorb things rather than react immediately.
Outstanding, for that is a true classic!
I remember doing this a lot as a teenager. I would only allow myself to read a chapter or so, in order to draw out the experience. Unfortunately, writing has now ruined reading for me and I seldom get as caught up in a story like I used to.
That is sometimes one of the pitfalls of a writer. However, I still find it most relaxing as I become absorbed in the writings of others. I often find myself living the book!
I have always been a prolific reader and could never just choose one book as I get intimately involved in most of the books I read. Pillars of the Earth as Gys noted was a three book series and the 7 book series of Diana Gabalden’s Scottish time travel historical had me so involved I felt part of the books. Of course when I read books by friends, I am already involved which makes their stories all the more prescious to me. If I had to choose between reading and writing, it would be reading, hands down.
Thanks to those who mentioned my book as involving them, I am deeply moved and honored because that was my hope–that those reading Noelle’s story would relate, making her live on in some small way.
Love, Micki
Micki, always so good to read your comments! Hope you are having a happy Monday! Rainy day in Georgia!
I do that with every story I write! I’m especially enchanted with my current novel, which I’ve been working on for some time and am determined to get published this year once and for all. I really do get lost in my writings because it’s extremely therapeutic. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do with my life.
Alejandro, I have read some of your Wolf Tales on your website. Are these the essence of the book your are writing?
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