Blogger tag!

Tag - I'm it! This is soooo much fun...

1. How many books do you own?

Probably about 150. Mostly philosophy books from my last life when I planned to be a guru atop a mountain. That all changed when, in my early-20s so long ago, I still had not figured out the meaning of life. They range from Plato to Augustine to Descartes to Chuang Tzu to The D'oh! of Homer. Plus lots of Shakespeare line my shelves beside some left-wing propaganda.

2. Most recent purchases?

The Great Shark Hunt, Hunter S. Thomson: Still not done. Way too long. Once you've read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, you've read 'em all.

Down To This, Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall: Been meaning to buy this book about Toronto's Tent City since it came out. I finally did last month after reading a Toro article in which Shaughnessy picks up the ladies. It reminded me how much I like his writing.

Everything is Illuminated, Jonathan Safran Foer: I haven't cracked it open yet but I hear it's funny and heartwarming all at once. I always like a good cry.

3. Currently reading?

America (The Book), Jon Stewart
va va voom yoga, Susannah Marriott
Toronto Life: Eat Cheap
Archie's Double Digest

4. Books that mean the most?

The Misfortunes of Virtue, Marquis de Sade: I read this book for the first time in high school when I thought that life was all sunshine and moonbeams (I suppose I still do). It took me by complete surprise. I couldn't believe that someone could actually think that compassion is a virtue of the weak. That people should be released from any and all social and moral constraints. That the good man is truly the evil man. It taught me that I am a naive little girl. But hey, I like it that way.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Robert Pirsig: Life is not a box of chocolates. It's a deafening Harley. Or a fire-red Ninja. Or a beat-up Honda. When you're working on your bike, you're working on yourself.

The World According to Garp, John Irving: Although I've read most of his other books, I don't particularly like them. But Garp has something no other does - real imagination. That Irving guy really knows how to make up a story. Ellen Jamesians? Who ever heard of such a thing?

The Diary of a Young Girl, Anne Frank: Like I said, I always like a good cry.

5. Who's next?

Foxymoron. Shul of Rock. Toronto Theater. It's your turn.