Writer & Booklover Statements
As a way to involve more people in the community with this project, writers and booklovers were asked to submit a short statement on their connection to one of the classic titles. These statements were posted next to the redesigned student and guest artist book designs. The contributors are professional writers, teachers, students, librarians and anyone who considers themselves a lover of books.
Matthew Fulford
Book Lover
David Copperfield
By Charles Dickens
A wonderful story, especially for young men, about growing up and trying to figure out what kind of person you want to be. This book helps me to reflect on the complexities of class in society and is pertinent still today. David Copperfield is packed full of memorable characters—the names of whom are chosen beautifully in order to evoke all their important qualities and essences.
Mark Stevens
Writer/Book Lover
A Tale of Two Cities
By Charles Dickens
I was in eighth grade. I don't remember too many details. I remember a sensation of weight and depth. And complexity. I remember re-reading the first chapter. It was the first time I recognized that you could discover more if you started over. I remember characters being harmed. I remember a sense of desperation, chaos and the flavor of revolution. I remember being transported and the sensation that I was right there on the gritty streets of Paris and London. "A Tale of Two Cities" was my first "heavy" book.
Parry Burnap
Book Lover
The Secret Garden
By Frances Hodgson Burnett
I first slipped away into the world of The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett when I was about ten years old. The fourth of five children all born within seven years of each other, I craved something that was all mine. And this garden, the special friendship that waited inside was just that, whenever I wanted . All I had to do was to go into my shared bedroom, close the door and open the cover. I must have read it five times. I remember being taught that books were treasures and should be treated as such. With great care, I covered and re-covered that book with a re-purposed brown paper bag that I trimmed and decorated.
Carliss Binder
Book Lover
Scarlet Letter
By Nathaniel Hawthorne
I first read Scarlet Letter as a young teen in my high school English class. After reading the book and discussing it with my class, I remember feeling how awful it would have been to walk around with a letter sewn on my garment which revealed the fact that I had committed adultery. I was really able to sympathize with Hester, the protagonist, regarding the public shame and embarrassment she endured. I have not re-read Scarlet Letter and I don’t think about it much today, aside from the fact that adultery is subjected to less social stigma today. However, I have re-visited many of the themes (e.g., sin, guilt, free will) in the book as they relate to students who come to the library to work on their research projects.
Christine Miller
Book Lover
Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott
I first read the book at 8 years old; I read it nonstop for a whole week and finished it. This story of a family that didn’t have much financially, but had each other, inspired me to push past my circumstances. The innovation of the young women to overcome their circumstances is what stuck with me. I actually have kept the original book that my aunt gave me and it went wherever I moved. It is in a safe spot even now. J I’ve re-read it over the years. I learned the power of words through this book—that words could be used to inspire and touch another person’s life. To have a book that was written in 1880 speak to me as a young girl in urban America in 1978 shows the life that is in words. This has reinforced to me the power of my words when writing to others and the power of sharing our life stories with others.
Peter Goldin
Book Lover
War and Peace
By Leo Tolstoy
I read the book for the first time while traveling in Europe by rail after college. It influenced me to study, international relations and Russian History in Graduate School. It made me reflect upon how historical forces affect relations not only in families but between great nations. I don’t often think about it, but sometimes when I see Czar Putin on TV, it reminds me of how complicated Russian history is and why he’s a tough man for a tough job.
Danny Nagel
Book Lover
Moby Dick
By Herman Melville
This is the greatest book I’ve ever read…but I don’t know why. Respected sources have referred to it pejoratively as a “dense, symbol-less tome” and I agree. It took me two years to read it and I often re-read chapters 3 times to try and grasp ANYTHING! I was wrestling with a great mind and losing. Yet now completed, I feel philosophically deeper, more pure, and more human.
Jennifer Medina
Book Lover
Works of Edgar Allan Poe (“The Tell-Tale Heart”)
I first read Edgar Allan Poe as a freshman in high school. I found his writing both challenging and intriguing. I could get lost in his work. I believe the Tell Tale Heart was the most vivid in my imagination. My son also read the bookin high school and it was fascinating being able to compare ideals. It was almost like Edgar Allan Poe was reminding us of our conscience.
Aimee Arens
Book Lover
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass
By Lewis Carroll
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass keeps surprising me at every age I read it. There are talking flowers and whimsical characters for the children; a hookah-smoking catepillar and the phlosophical question of “Who are you?” for the teenagers; and the chess game and political satire for the adults. The complex relationship between Charles Dodgson and Alice Liddel, which took place under the “Dreaming Spires” of Oxford University, rivals any modern-day reality TV show. 150 years later, this book still resonates with a variety of audiences.
Charlie Gaare
Book Lover
Leaves of Grass
By Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman is one of the most powerful collections of poetry ever conceived. His conceptions of America, identity, love, and humanity vacillate between his intense optimism and his overwhelmed disillusionment during different periods of his life, which many times are social commentary on pre-and post-Civil War mentalities. It speaks to me in my greatest moments of sadness and self doubt. I read it aloud whenever I am feeling particularly lost or alienated because it is as if he wrote as a gift to anyone brave enough to accept it.
Paul Kirschling
Book Lover
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
By Victor Hugo
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” or “Notre Dame de Paris” in French. Hugo honors the richness and sophistication of the Middle Ages through the captivating characters of Monseigneur Frollo, Esmeralda and Quasimodo. A gem of the Romantic Period in European Literature, the richness and sheer fecundity of the language employed is a marvel in and of itself. Like the Notre Dame Cathedral itself, Hugo’s story stands majestic more than 175 years after its birth and loks to remain one of the best reads about the most beautiful city on earth.
Lauren MacMillan
Book Lover
Little Women
By Louisa May Alcott
The first time I read this book, I read it for school as an outside reading book. I also read this book because my Grandma wanted me to read it. I borrowed her copy of the book to read. My mom says I remind her of one of the sisters. I received my own copy of “Little Women” last Christmas from one of my Great Aunts who didn’t even know I read it. I haven’t re-read it yet, but I really want to.
Michael Stipek
Book Lover
Siddhartha
By Herman Hesse
When first read? As a 20-something (many years ago) Think about it today? At times .Thoughts regarding Siddhartha: To realize and accept that each person, regardless of how simple or complex that person may be, is made up of a seemingly infinite number of “selves” or personalities. That nothing in life is truly as it seems to be from judging appearances.
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
By Frederick Douglass
When first read? November 2015. Influenced my life? Yes, to show more compassion to others. To read “The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass” is to read what I saw in “12 Years A Slave,” the film. The tragedy of slavery: The brutality, cruelty, horror, and pain of that institution. And the joy of subsequent freedom from bondage to another person.
Robbie Marks
Book Lover
Cyrano de Bergerac
By Edmond Rostand
I’ve seen numerous theater productions and film versions of this classic play, but hadn’t actually read it until a few weeks ago. The loss is mine! What a beautiful work of literature!! Its timeless themes include: “What makes a person beautiful?” “How do we handle unrequited love?” “What does it mean to be loyal?” and many more. Every word of this play is exacting—perfectly thought-out and evocative—each sentence a reward. Lots to consider and discuss. Cyrano is a beautiful, quick read with a tremendous payoff!
Nohemi Acosta
Writer/Book Lover
Works of Edgar Allan Poe
The first time I read a piece from Edgar Allen Poe was in middle school when a friend of mine would write me quotes of his randomly. It influenced me to begin reading more of his pieces which was close to my interests, mystery, horror, and unique. Today I do not read much into it, but I still enjoy his works. I do re-read some of his writing usually for reading assignments or when I am looking for something to read or something to distract myself. Edgar Allan Poe's writing has influenced my life by letting me feel that its okay to be different, although it may be difficult for others to understand me.
Tyonna Burton
Book Lover
The Secret Garden
By Frances Burnett
I chose this book title because first the title pops out and also the book was pretty good. It was about a little girl named Mary who was troubled and her parents didn’t care about her or love her because they were so wrapped in their own lives. And then her parents and her servents die and she goes to live with her uncle. A maid there told her a story about how Mrs. Craven has a garden and she becomes interested by that story. This story is interesting because it’s crazy how you can change your mindset by something that is beautiful.
Viviana Makuei
Writer/Book Lover
Peter Pan
By J.M. Barrie
Ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to fly. To me, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I’ve got a different super power now, I’m invisible. I love how Peter Pan was always happy but now that I think of it, I would be happy too if I never grew old.
Justine Chapel
Book Lover
The Secret Garden
By Frances Burnett
I first read The Secret Garden when I was in first grade. I remember being so proud of myself for reading my first “chapter book.” While I don’t recall much of what happened in the story, I remember feeling the sense of discovery Mary had when finding the garden. I was inspired by the compassion she had for Colin, the boy in the wheelchair. I was also enlightened by the beauty found in both the garden and the children.
I have not since re-read the book, but I will occasionally think back to sitting on the floor by the fire during the holidays, and reading the book that made me feel like a grown-up. The Secret Garden will always be a symbol of growth in my life, as it taught me the power of inner beauty and lead to a lifelong love for stories.
Laura Carrillo
Book Lover
Moby Dick
By Herman Melville
I chose Moby Dick because it is about a man who wants to try and slip aboard on a whaling vessel because he was so curious about the mysterious captain who was still recovering from the loss of his leg. So many things happen and it is just so interesting.
Aki Perry
Book Lover
Little Princess
By Frances Burnett
I first read the book Little Princess when I was nine or ten. It still influences me by encouraging me to use my imagination and always have hope. I still think about it all the time because it was my favorite when i was a kid. I have also re-read it many times since the first time. It does influence my life because every time I read it i think back to a happy childhood filled with imagination.
Laura Snapp
Book Lover
The Good Soldier
By Ford Madox Ford
I just rediscovered this extraordinary book when I found a yellowed copy in my basement. Never has an unreliable narrator been more perfectly realized...and the story is as fresh as this morning's coffee; all the insight into character of a Henry James, and about one tenth the length! A Novel For Our Times!
J.A. Kazimer
Writer/Book Lover
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
As a writer I connect with both Oscar Wilde's wit as well as the undeniable truth of the above quote from The Importance of Being Earnest.
I write and live it daily. What I strive for, and we all should, is to dig deeper into the 'truths' in order to find our own.
Michelle Topf
Writer/Book Lover
The Red Badge of Courage
By Stephen Crane
As I have been an English teacher for the last 20 years, I have the opportunity to teach many books that I love. However, In the fall of 1996, it was the first novel I would ever teach and one I will never forget. It has become my own badge of courage to keep the flame of teaching and love for books alive and well in my heart.
Ally Orwig
Book Lover
The Works of Edgar Allen Poe
By Edgar Allen Poe
I remember first reading the story "The Tell Tale Heart" in an English class in high school. We were doing a unit on the macabre and it was the first time I had heard about this genre. The story of a person planning, executing and covering up a murder and then going crazy as he is questioned by the police has stayed with me for over 10 years and I really think this was the beginning of my love for this genre. I also liked "The Cask of Amontillado" and "The Pit and the Pendulum." Since then, I have voraciously sought out stories of twisted people doing terrible things-in books, television, movies and podcasts. Stephen King has been a favorite author of mine, Criminal Minds is my favorite show, and I've recently started listening to the podcasts "Lore" and "Criminal." I attribute my love of such terrible, twisted stories to Edgar Allen Poe and his works.
Dan Slatterly
Book Lover
Crime and Punishment
By Fyodor Dostoevsky
Reading this book, and its painful journey into the dark crevices of guilt, was unforgettable. Dark material, unflinchingly written, and isn't there the tiniest bit of Raskolnikov staring back at you in the mirror?
Todd Madison
Book Lover
The Importance of Being Earnest
By Oscar Wilde
Such a silly play. Such cartoons for characters. Such genius in every word. In Room 209, every spring, my class stages The Importance of Being Earnest in its entirety. Using props, hats, and genuine cucumber sandwiches, the class revives the same laughs the play gained in the London of 1896. Wilde’s short work strikes some as mere wit and mischief, but those people neglect that the wit and mischief are at the service of startling and subversive ideas. Wilde’s epigrams (“To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune, to lose both looks like carelessness”) and paradoxes (“Only the shallow know themselves”) upend not only Victorian stuffiness but many conventions that survive today, and the double lives, missed connections, forgotten babies, and dizzying love matches of the play make “Earnest” one of the most enjoyable of masterpieces, written by one of the most humane of geniuses.
Kevin Hearne
Writer/Book Lover
Leaves of Grass
By Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman's poetry was (and is) such a refreshing break from traditional forms, his free verse reflecting an unchained, exuberant optimism about the present and future of the country, and about humanity's place in a world full of wonders. It celebrated life and I'm always uplifted by his words.
Flo Wagner
Book Lover
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
By Harriet Beecher Stowe
Even though many critics slam Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, I try to understand the timeframe in which it was written and remember Lincoln's words to Stowe, "So, you're the little lady who started the great war." It's true the characters are categorized as really, really good or really, really bad, but Stowe's words opened eyes and turned the tide of the Civil War. The words "Uncle Tom" have a bad connotation, understandably so, but it's too bad that people using that term have never read the novel or understood Stowe's message.
Dorothy Pino
Book Lover
Anna Karenina
By Leo Tolstoy
Anna Karenina is my all-time favorite novel. Tolstoy draws the reader into the lives of his characters immediately by seeing them in their darkest times. Throughout the 800 pages of text, you love, hate, cry, laugh, and meditate on the complexity of relationships with others. I first read this book in college for my Great Books Program. During our Socratic discussion in class, we speculated on the roles of passion and duty in relationships. How do we balance passion and duty in our daily life so that when we pursue our passions the results are renewed life instead of death?
The second time I read this book, it was in preparation for my trip to Russia. I remember reading the train scenes from the story while taking an overnight train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Everything became so real in that moment – I was in the scenery, and the stage was set. At any moment, I could feel that Anna Karenina would be throwing herself on the tracks in desperation—the very place where she met Vronsky, who sealed her tragic fate by pursuing her, a married woman.
I’m currently re-reading Anna Karenina. I think about the implications of pursuing passions that may bring harm to others, and I try to see the perspective of each of the characters in the story. How are all happy families alike? How are unhappy families different from each other? Is Tolstoy’s view of the ideal life something I agree with? Russian authors and musicians have always been my favorite national art form. Between their mysticism and tragic history, beautiful art emerges from the hands of Russians.