I’ve been a bit neglectful posting here this summer. It’s time for my $100 renewal for the blog and I had to take a step back and remember why I started this blog in 2008. I wanted to write and journal and maybe make some friends (I did all that). I have to acknowledge how the blog has changed over time, mainly after I had Gage in 2010 and I started posting about motherhood. And now, where do I want it to go, if anywhere? I do like talking about books and movies and making connections. It’s more of an online journal for me, one that I can access anytime I want to share old posts with people who might need to read them.
I started my Top 100 lists last year and haven’t gotten very far. I decided that I wasn’t going to add a book to the list unless I’ve read it more than once, so I’ve reread a handful of books this year to see if they’d make the cut. The criteria, might I want to read them again in the future. That’s it really. If I’m not interested in reading them again they don’t make the list.
A BEST list is different than a FAVORITE list. I’ve had Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck on my Favorite book list since 2009, but what I realized after a reread a few weeks ago is that it’s more of a BEST book. There’s a reason it’s a classic. I loved the spare prose writing style, how much he was able to say with so few words, and the full circle story of George and Lenny. BUT would I want to read it again? I’m not sure. I tend to love rereading favorite romances or fantasy or thrillers more than something so sad, no matter how good it is. I’m guessing my top 100 lists will be full of comfort reads when I’ve finished.
My last 5 star read was Funny Story by Emily Henry. What was yours?
Stacy's Books 
Yes. Of Mice and Men is a sad book. However, like you said the book is well written and deeply moving. I will never forget those 2 characters. I have read several of Steinbeck’s books including The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, The Pearl and Cannery Row.
The book stayed with me too and my well end up on my list after all. I loved The Grapes of Wrath film but it was so depressing. I keep meaning to read East of Eden.
I have two lists—Must-Reads and Favorites. Some books are on both lists. I’m pretty sure Of Mice and Men is one of those.
I’m happy to see you posting…hope you will get back to posting more!
I’m thinking Of Mice and Men may very well end up on my tops list.
Blogging mojo comes and goes, so I’m glad you’re still posting!
My most recent 5-star read was Sandwich by Catherine Newman. Prior to that was Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’ve very conservative with my 5-star ratings, and have several 4.5/5 ratings, but these two are books that I would love to read again.
I need to get Sandwich. I was in B&N this week and forgot to look for it.
Blogging mojo certainly comes and goes. I need to get back into reading more blogs too, but one thing at a time 🙂
Steinbeck is one of my favorite authors, and Of Mice and Men is one of my favorite books–I first read it in high school but have reread it 2-3 since then and will likely do so again. I agree that favorite and best lists are different–for me, this slim, spare (as you say) novel makes both lists.
I also started my blog in 2008, and I have loved having a place to post, find like-minded readers, and connect with the world beyond my family and neighborhood.
I just posted about my latest 5-star book, A Chain of Thunder, by Jeff Shaara.
After some reflection and encouragement Of Mice and Men may very well make my tops list after all 🙂
Best and favorite… yes, there’s definitely a distinction. My last 5-star book was Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Just amazing. I love Steinbeck, too, including Of Mice and Men. East of Eden is my favorite though.