On.a.Whim 2012 Winter Booklist + A Giveaway!

Hi On.a.Whim Friends, (Please make sure you read all the way through this post to see how you can win a basket of goodies!)

Yes, I do realize that it's almost mid-February and that the Spring Booklist should be going live rather than Winter, but I'd hate to miss a season of wonderful literary choices! I've read or am currently reading the below selections; maybe they are worthy of finding a home on your bookshelf as well. 

Jayber Crow is the "Lit Wits" latest book club selection and my first introduction to Wendell Berry. This story about the Port William community through the eyes of bachelor Jayber unfolded into a deeply profound reminder of how we are so often shaped by the people and landscape that surrounds us. I've heard Hannah Coulter, also of Port William, is equally as meaningful.

Mr. Berry will be in Birmingham February 27th and will be featured in the 2012 Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series event at Samford 's Wright Center. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

In Hillenbrand's second novel, she retells the life of Olympic runner and World War II POW Louie Zamperini. Just as in her riveting portrayal of famed race horse Seasbiscuit, Hillenbrand brings to life  the poignant story of one enigmatic man's survival and ultimate redemption. Not since Bonhoeffer's biography have I been so moved by a life and thankful for a writer's ability to provide a story well told.

Most compelling quote from the book (at least from my perspective): 

"Dignity is as essential to human life as water, food, and oxygen. The stubborn retention of it, even in the face of extreme physical hardship, can hold a man's soul in his body long past the point at which the body should have surrendered it. The loss of it can carry a man off as surely as thirst, hunger, exposure, and asphyxiation, and with greater cruelty.....degradation could be as lethal as a bullet." 


Here is another especially beautiful line:

"When he thought of his history, what resonated with him now was not all that he had suffered but the divine love that he believed had intervened to save him."

The Wizard of Oz from our childhood is brought to life in this retelling from the Wicked Witch of the West's perspective. I've only heard rave reviews of Gregory Maguire's novel which is now an award-winning broadway musical and happens to be showing in Birmingham right now. This is our next Lit Wit selection.

I cannot wait to crack open this new book by Founder of Fixed Point Foundation and Birmingham Native Larry Taunton as he tells of his friendship with prominent atheists in contrast to the experience of adopting a child from the Ukraine. 

Oh Katniss, how I've missed you since I raced through all through of The Hunger Games trilogy in the month of January. Fantastic! Truly, I cannot wait for the first book to come alive on screen next month.

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I saved the best part for last!

Please share your favorite book of all time and explain your reason(s).

The winner, who will be announced next Saturday, February 18th, will receive a *Custom On.a.Whim Basket* filled with all kinds of whimsical treats. If you, by chance, live out of town, DO NOT DESPAIR! The basket will be mailed or hand-delivered by yours truly!