Classic Novels - Defined

Sunday I was at my parent's house playing a rousing game of canasta. In the midst of the dealing and card shuffling, we found ourselves engaged in a healthy book discussion, specifically what makes a book a "classic." My sister-in-law majored in English and my sister got her masters in children's literature from Cambridge - so, yes, books are a vital ingredient in my family recipe.

We didn't come to an overall consensus and I'm still not sure we ever really did find an answer to what specifically makes a book a "classic." I personally think that definition is personal in nature and while everyone will likely agree that some books are "classics," I do believe there is sufficient room for personal opinions on the subject. We did agree that for a book to be a classic it had to survive a test of time and make a statement.

Since that discussion, I've been thinking about my top 10 "classic" novels and I've included my list below. I've included a lot of "children's" novels in my list because I believe they really are what pushed me to love reading as I do today. But, I'm curious - what are you thoughts? What books have I missed or would you remove from my lists? And would you include Harry Potter? If so, the series or just one book?

1 - Les Mis (unabridged)

2 - The Conte of Monte Cristo (unabridged)

3 - Ender's Game

4 - A Wrinkle in Time

5 - Gone with the Wind

6 - Jane Eyre

7 - Wuthering Heights

8 - Charlotte's Web

9 - Box Car Children

10 - Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Europe 2008

I've gotten a number of requests to share pictures from my European adventures this past summer. For those of you who refuse to get a facebook account . . . here is a small sampling. Take a look at the slideshow to the right.

These pictures are from Madrid, Marseille, Barcelona, Burgos (Spain) and Martigues (So. France). One of my favorite pictures is the one of Nikki and I with Riverdance dancer, Joanna. Shane - there are two pictures that I put up specifically for you! Take a look at Tiff and I doing R&R! And there is a rather tasty one of Brent. You'll so want to come back just to mock us!

Giving in and Starting a Blog . . .

So, friends have been on my back for a while now to start a blog. I personally think I already spend way too much time on the computer answering emails, editing pictures and paying bills, but here goes!

If I were a betting woman, I'd wager that this blog will be rarely updated and used only to help me keep track of all of your blogs. Regardless, I'm officially now a "blogger."