Response to
Prompt #37, By the Book.
Annmarie Ferry is an educator--an English and reading teacher who currently coaches other reading teachers--who never considered herself a writer. An invitation to a writing circle by a respected colleague and friend changed all that a few years ago. Since then, she has written essays, short stories, and poems for her personal blog and the group blog. Her poem, "Unplanned" has been recently published in
The Mangrove Review, a literary magazine at the local university, FGCU. She is currently not working on her book but may consider revisiting it someday. She currently resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband of 27 years and her 14-year-old dog, both loyal companions and staunch supporters.
What books are on your nightstand? Let me be clear: These books are being stored on the bottom shelf of my nightstand, but I don't read in bed. I've tried, but I'd rather sit in my a chair with my legs draped over the edge or cozy up on my couch with a book. It's a long list because we downsized, and space is not as amble as it used to be. Plus, I've purchased quite a few books I intend to read someday, and my writing buddies have gifted me with (and loaned me) some great ones: Brave Enough, Women Who Run with the Wolves, The Sun and Her Flowers, The Wrong Way to Save Your Life, Black Beauty, The Right to Write, Amazing Grace, Light in the Dark, Upstream, Unflappable, Life on Mars, Duende, Transitions, The Artist's Way, Finding Water, Walking in This World, Maya Angelou, the Complete Poetry, The Secret Garden, Joe Merchant? No Plot? No Problem! The Differentiated Classroom, Barracoon, Poetry of Presence, The Demon of Suburbia.
What is the last great book you read? My reading habits as of late are downright embarrassing,as is my memory for such things. Right now, I'm reading The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie. It's YA, and was recommended by a co-worker--in fact, she gave it to me to read. The first 65 pages had me rolling--it's got the self-depracating humor I love and is based on the author's life experiences. I wanted to do some research on the author, and I'm sorry I did. He is embroiled in sexual harassment accusations, which makes me sick.I checked many sources, including his lame "apology" letter. I am tempted not to finish, but I think I will finish the story, not blaming the character for his creator's vile behavior. And, as I answer this, I remember reading Jodi Picoult's Great Small Things. I couldn't put it down. That was also before I started by job back at the school district, and the weather was perfect for reading on the porch.
What's your go-to classic? I don't often revisit books, but I would say To Kill a Mockingbird is one classic I have. And, There Eyes Were Watching God.
What is the best book you've read that no one has ever heard of? I'm not that well-read! I'm sure someone has heard of every book I've read. And, like I said, my memory is not so good. I've read so many books, but am not great at recalling of them or the details of them. I might need to go get my brain checked...
Which writers --novelists, playwrights, critics, journalists, poets -- working today do you admire the most? Jodi Picoult, Sloan Crosley, Megan Stielstra, Tracy K. Smith, Julia Cameron, Billy Collins. You're pushing it with the playwright thing.
When do you read? Years ago, the answer would have been, "When DON'T I read." Now, it's more like I read when I am not working, cleaning, running errands, or drooling in a cup from the exhaustion the aforementioned things cause. It's sad, really, but not tragic. I do need to work on that though.
What moves you most in a work of literature? Real characters. Those I can picture sharing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with. Characters whose souls are bared for all to see.
What book by someone else do you wish you'd written? So many, but I guess I'd say The Handmaid's Tale. I read it in high school when I spotted it in my Book-Club-of-the-Month catalog. Yes, I paid for my own book club books since middle school (then called junior high). I loved it then and have always meant to re-read it as a grown-ass woman with more worldly knowledge and a different perspective. I was appalled and fascinated at the same time. And scared. I wish I could do that as an author.
What book are you embarrassed to say you haven't read? Again, so many. So, so, many. I have never been able (or willing) to finish Moby Dick. I've also never read Lord of the Flies (gasp!), or Catcher in the Rye.
What book might people be surprised to find on your shelves? !,000 Places to See Before You Die--the international and US & Canada versions! My husband thought it was a good Christmas gift idea some 5-6 years ago. They're currently live on HIS nightstand. I will admit I used the US & Canada edition to help plan our Oregon trip this past summer.
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine? Favorite antihero or villain? Why do I have to choose. I love some heroes/heroines, and hate others. Ditto the villains. Is Gregor from Metamorphosis a hero or a antihero? Whatever he is, I love him. And, I loathe roaches, so that's saying a lot. I guess I can empathize with his plight and his lack of fight. We've all been there.
What kind of reader were you as a child? What were your favorite childhood books? I read constantly--in a home devoid of adult readers. I devoured books. My parents did join the Golden Books club (seeing a trend here?), so I read all of those, but you're killing me with these questions that require memory. I remember loving The Little Book About God, The Pokie Little Puppy, and The Shy Little Kitten. We also got all the Dr. Suess books. The Cat in the Hat was my favorite, but I hated that damn cat--he's my idea of a villain. And, I thought the kids were so dumb for disobeying their mom. I actually got nervous for them.
Disappointing, overrated, just not good. What book did you feel as if you were supposed to like, but didn't. Do you remember the last book you put down without finishing? Sit down and hold onto to something for support: I absolutely hate The Great Gatsby. There, I said it. Let the hate mail begin.
What do you plan to read next? Barracoon, The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston. It came up in a conversation on a drive home from a conference in Orlando. I ordered it on the spot. I love Amazon.
You're organizing a literary dinner party. Which three writers, dead or alive, do you invite? I only need one: Maya Angelou. I'm not sharing her with anyone, so screw the party. It will be the two of us, a bottle or two of wine, some smothered chicken (her recipe), and deep conversation. I'll invite the others over some other time.
