“I wonder if I’ve been changed in the night? Let me think. Was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I’m not the same, the next question is ‘Who in the world am I?’ Ah, that’s the great puzzle!”
Don’t you just love that wording? It is a quote out of Alice In Wonderland. And the more I read the more I fall in love with the language of the book. I don’t know why I never picked it up before but I now use the words “Curiouser and curiouser” at least once a week!
Do you ever have a book do that to you? Where you just fall in love with the words?
Today after many moments with Coffee Cup I am off to have my bike checked out and then meeting Amy at 10 am on the bike trail. Today we will do 32 miles to prep for Sunday. 32 takes us on the trail to Nisswa (nearby town) and back. Should be a good ride. I completed this ride on Tuesday and enjoyed it.
I normally work today but this was the only day Amy had time to ride so I switched my schedule and will work tomorrow instead. I love the flexibility of my job!
So – I am off for now – but put the question back on you:
Do you ever have a book do that to you? Where you just fall in love with the words?
Book Journey 
All the time, Sheila. I love it when that happens. The most recent one I can think of was A Woman’s Life by Guy de Maupassant. The prose (well, at least the translation from French) was dreamy. Also, Corrag by Susan Fletcher. It made me feel like I could breathe and wanted to be there.
I admire authors so much that can make you believe that you are right there.
Great examples Book Whisperer! I fully understand what you mean by wanting to be there.
Oh yes. I love when that happens. That happened to me with The Girl Who Chased the Moon.
Juju – that is exciting as I have that one (unread) and now I am excited to see what is in the pages!
Absolutely. It happens all the time to me. I find myself just enmeshed in whatever world the book inhabits and I almost forget to come up for air. LOL
Right now, I am finding myself falling deeper and deeper into LIES OF THE HEART, a new book by Michelle Boyajian.
New title for me Kay but one that sounds like I should be looking more closely at. 🙂
I recently read the Alice in Wonderland books for a challenge, and I know what you mean. The language is breathtaking. When I was a kid and read the books, I was mostly drawn to the vivid pictures, which sadly, the books now out only have the black and white drawings.
I’m thinking that Louisa May Alcott’s books were like that. Also some of Doris Lessing’s work, like this excerpt I used this week in my teaser (from The Sweetest Dream):
“And then, a surprise to herself, Frances laid her head down on her arms, on the table, among all the dishes. She sobbed. Andrew waited, noting the freshets of tears that renewed themselves every time he thought she had recovered.”
Okay…probably more than you were wanting today!
Beautiful writing Laurel and not too much for today – it is exactly what I am talking about 🙂
The most recent one I can think of is Shiver. Something about Maggie’s writing calls out to me.
Another one waiting for me to read Zia – thanks for letting me know what I have to look forward to! 😀
I am so envious you are going for a ride-it is freezing here with wind.
Oh ne Esme – thats too bad. It was only 46 degrees when we left this morning but inched its way to low 60’s…. warm enough to ride with a lite jacket. 32 miles – I feel great 😀
32 miles on a bike just makes me tired thinking about it! lol
The book that comes to mind for that I found beauty in the writing on almost every page was Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. A big book but so worth it in my mind.
Thanks for the book info Jo Jo…. that sounds interesting 🙂
32 miles is not so bad with a friend. You just talk your way through the miles. SO yes, turns out – I can talk for 32 miles too…LOL
I definitely loved the language in Alice in Wonderland but, by far, my favorite book for language is Anne of Green Gables. It’s lyrical!
AMy that is a perfect example – I forgot how well that book is written!
yes! there was a book i loved called, the passion dream book, by whitney otto that turned language a bit upside down for me. i love that, when doors that weren’t doors become doors and language takes a different shape. i also love the alice drawings!
Priya – what you wrote right here in the comment is beautiful – “When doors that weren’t doors become doors and language takes a different shape.”
🙂
i am not sure what is happening but a photo that is not of me keeps popping up by my name. does anyone know why? help!
Priya – this one right here with your comments? Check your set up account of your blog – somewhere you must have a picture set for your profile.
I recently read The Sky is Everywhere and that has many wonderful lines and beautiful language.
Another one for me to check out Jody! I really need to pop over to your blog and see what you have been reading 😀
I’ve had many words stop me..that’s the reason I had to start another blog just to list them!
I love words Staci!
I’ve even had books were I love the language but don’t particularly like the story.
I have had that too Lisa! Thise books almost require two authors one that has a way with words…. and one that has a way with building the story line. If that makes sense 🙂
Still trying to wrap my mind around the thought of biking 32 miles…. I’m speechless with awe! *L*
Have fun!
Alexia – you are so funny! You could do this! 😀
Yes, that’s happened to me many times. 🙂 And I love Alice!
Laughingstar66 I have a whole new appreciate for Alice. I didnt realize how good it was until this year.
I just saw the Tim Burton version of the film and plan on reading the book (for the first time) fairly soon. I’m so excited!
I seen the movie too Jenners and was impressed witht he young girl who played Alice. Oh – and the red Queen…. I adored the Red Queen… she cracked me up.
I love when a book catches me with the wording. I try to catch the phrasing when I love what they are saying and then try to keep it on my blog.
Sometimes when I enjoy the writing I ponder on the book long after I finished it.
I like when writing does that. 🙂
When listening to Paolini’s ELDEST the thing that struck me was his use of language. He uses a rich vocabulary and I like his phrasing. It is nice to see a young author using language well to enrich his stories. It may make having a dictionary handy a necessity for some, but that is a good thing in the long run. He is not using words that are that unusual, but todays youth don’t seem to have as broad an exposure to words as we did.