Book Meme

I have been tagged by my all-time favorite Israeli friend, Liza. I hereby surrender:

1. Name one book that changed your life:

It has to be "The Silmarillion" by J.R.R. Tolkien. The book is about journeys in the kingdoms of the elves, which reflected on the way I see my own journeys. It made me want to go to Scandanavia, the place where tolkien got his inspiration from, and have my own journeys among the elves, and write my own stories on them, hence the blog. On this topic, I'd like to send my regards to Sofie, a dear person who is always eager to discuss 'reality=fantasy' with me.

2. One book you've read more than once:

The last one I have read more than once was "Peace Journalism" by Jake Lynch and Annabel McGoldrick. Although the controversial concept of Peace journalism was introduced earlier by Johan Galtung, this book comes to expand the concept, and provide practical experience on its applicability.

3. One book you'd want on a desert island:

"Travels in Asia and Africa 1325-1354" by Ibn Batuta. This would serve as a perfect guide to survival while travelling in such harsh environment. Ibn Batuta is one of my idols. I believe that no matter how sophesticated travelling becomes, intercultural understanding will always be as basic as it was back in Ibn Batuta's days.

4. One book that made you laugh:

"Inside Out - A personal history of Pink Floyd" by drummer Nick Mason. He's a drummer telling the inside story of my all time favorite band. A good laugh is guaranteed as you flip every page.

5. One book that made you cry:

"Les Miserables" by Victor Hugo. I was only 13, sitting on an old desk, listening to Bon Jovi and reading this one. It took me two takes to finish it, and tears left impressions on its pages. When my English teacher read my book report, she decided that we can be best friends. I had a crush on her, so, it worked well for me.

6. One book you wish you'd written:

"1984" by George Orwell. Almost a prophecy, Orwell's creativity and political symbolism has always inspired me. Now in 2006, I wish to read a 2060 novel by Orwell. See where he thinks this world is going to.

7. One book you wish had never been written:

I hope this one wouldn't infuriate readers, but I honestly wish that all Holy Books were never written, leaving religion as a personal spiritual experience without limits or guidelines.

8. One book you're currently reading:

"We the media" by Dan Gilmour. This book is a treasure for anyone doing research on citizen journalism media such as blogs. And I always keep a copy of "The Lonely Planet Guide to Sweden" in my bag wherever I go.

9. One book you've been meaning to read:

"The Celestine Prophecy" by James Redfield. I borrowed this one from Mara last winter, and still I haven't got the chance to read it. Already there are at least 5 train tickets marking the 10th page.

10. Tag five people:

I would like to tag Mara since you always suggest great books to me. Also, I'd like to tag the one and only gringostanian, Mili. Ibn Ad-Dunya you are also tagged. Lubna is tagged because you are always here, reading and commenting. And one goes to anonymous, you're always here with your attitude, so show something else for a change.