Questionnaire answers

1. A book that has changed your life: I think I'll start with Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman. The first book I remember reading. We forgot it at one of my parent's friends houses once - they had to buy another copy. I think every book that you read changes you a little, gives you a different perspective to think about.

2. A book you have read more than once: Most recently, Folly by Laurie King. First time I read it aloud with my husband (then boyfriend) as we drove across country. But I think I have read it 3 or 4 times. But there are entire series of books I have read multiple times - sometimes with a series, I go back and start at the beginning before I read the newest installment.

3. A book you would want on a desert island: I'd pick a compilation book of poetry. Something akin to a college text with lots of different poets or portions of plays. Poetry is something that I can read over and over again and find something new each time. I don't read a lot of it because I need to take the time to really think about each word - but being on a desert island, I'd finally have the time. My other option would be some book about how to get off the island.

4. A book that made you laugh: Any of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich has made me laugh out loud - multiple times usually.

5. A book that made you cry: Most recently, Truth & Beauty by Ann Pachett.

6. A book you wish you had written: Luckily, I don't have any ambition to write. But if I could write, I'd want to write like Sherri S. Tepper.

7. A book you wish had never been written: There are books I wish I hadn't bothered to read, but none that I wish had never been written.

8. A book you are currently reading: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It's for the UC Davis Alumni book club. Hopefully someone besides me will finish the book this month.

9. A book you have been meaning to read: My mom's favorite book is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I tried reading it in the past, but put it down and never found the energy to pick it back up. I feel like I should try again. Maybe I'll recommend it for book club; then I'll feel obligated to finish.

The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl

Another one of those books sitting on my shelf staring at me, begging to be read. The cover did nothing for me, and the name - well, let's just say, this was definitely passed on to me by someone else. I have taken it off the shelf before, but never cracked it open. The opening is a foreword saying that this story needs to be investigated - reminding me of the opening of other books - the Holmes books by Laurie King, Bridges of Madison County (yes, I read that...). It was not a promising start. The book was a little slow to get going - impressive since it starts with a murder. The beginning of the book has two separate story lines and the back and forth nature of the chapters takes a little getting used to. As the story lines converge, the book gets better.

I enjoyed the story - it is always interesting to have literary figures investigating a murder. I just don't picture poets dashing about the countryside trying to solve crime. But I supposed the mid-1800s was a different time.

I won't be keeping this in the library, but I would read other books by this author. And, I will be passing this one on the others to read.