Literary Blog Hop: To Read at War?

It has been another two weeks and I am thrilled to say that means another Literary Blog Hop at the The Blue Bookcase!


Here is this week's question, which to me is an incredibly difficult and thoughtful one:

If you were going off to war (or some other similarly horrific situation) and could only take one book with you, which literary book would you take and why?


At first I thought this was a "desert-island read" type of question, but then I realized that what the question really is asking is: What book inspires you enough to help you through the toughest time you can imagine?

I'm going to go with John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath. 

I first read this book in high school and was surprised how much I liked it (I was in a rebellious against assigned readings phase), despite how depressing it is.  Steinbeck is a deceptively simple writer with a knack for stunning description and for writing characters that feel so real, they became like family as I read.  In the case of this book, family that was going through some of the toughest times imaginable.  The characters are tough right back and that is why I would choose this book.  It is a complex read, a pleasurable read, and I think it would inspire me to be tough as well.

Comments

  1. I picked the same book! For similar reasons too :)

    Here's my post: http://devouringtexts.blogspot.com/2011/02/literary-blog-hop-february-17-20.html

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  2. Ohhh...great choice! I'm so mad at myself for having not read a single Steinbeck yet. I will, but you know how it is...I have seen the movie, which is still very powerful 70 years later.

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  3. I haven't read this either, but with two people choosing it I'm starting to think I should remedy that!

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  4. Yes! I've seen this answer twice now, and I completely agree with it. It's not what I chose, but it's very similar - there's a great sense of strength and comfort in this book; it's a book that would keep me grounded, remind me of family and home, and that I could get through anything if I just kept going. Great choice. :)

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  5. My first reaction is: great book but so depressing! But yes, you're right, the people are such strong characters and they continue against all odds. Definitely inspiring when you're out there in the war.

    Mine is quite different! :-)

    http://leeswammes.wordpress.com

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  6. great choice, although not one i'd pick for myself , i went with an anthology of poetry.

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  7. Lura picked the same book! Steinnbeck is a great choice!

    Here is my Literary Blog Hop post!

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  8. This is a very nice choice. I didn't pick it, but it would be my runner up ;)

    I'm following from the hop.

    ecwrites.blogspot.com

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