I was tagged in this challenge almost two weeks ago, time is slipping by this summer, what can I say. Thank you, Denny, at The Ceaseless Writer. One of my favorite blogs to visit, even though I am sure the books we choose to read are wickedly different. I still like to read his banter.

The rules:  1) Link back to challenge creator Daniel Peralta’s blog at Page to Page. Check out his excellent blog & give him some love, too!  2) Respond to the given scenarios.  3) Tag 5 bloggers (or however many you’d like).

Scenario 1:  It’s time to make your bed, but you’re going to have some friends over later and want to pick the perfect book to place on your nightstand for them all to see that you’re “reading.” Which book do you choose?

The Stand, By Stephen King. Why? It’s 1200 pages! I want my friends to think that being a stay home mom leaves me time to read a book of this size. What it says about my commitment to reading – truth is this is on my list, and I really want to read it, but I think I’ll go for the digital copy because my wrists can’t hold up a 1200 page book at 11pm.

Scenario 2:  Oh no! The house needs dusting, but you just can’t put that book you’re reading down! What book would you buy on audio just so you could continue the story while cleaning?

She’s Come Undone, By Wally Lamb

Not what you expected, I know. There was something so primal and gut-wrenching about Dolores (the MC) that I just had to know what crazy thing she would do next. I felt a bond with her and her whale.

Scenario 3:  Darn it! The ceiling is leaking! Turns out mass market paperbacks are the best things to soak water up! Which popular book do you use to soak up the water?

Manhattan Beach, By Jennifer Egan

We choose this book for a book club several months ago, based on the review from one of our group member’s husbands. Everyone in the group hated this book. It just didn’t resonate with us, it was long winded and over descriptive. We woman tore it apart, finding holes, and agreeing that the likelihood of this happening was far too out there for us to grasp. The ending was ridiculous and way too happy.

Scenario 4:  (Speaking of toilets) Bathrooms need a good scrubbing, and your 2007 Cosmos are a little outdated and need replacing. What book do you place in the bathroom for some light reading for when people need to take care of business?

Calvin and Hobbes, By Bill Willerson

Everyone from young to old can appreciate a good comic. I loved this comic as a child, and in fact, one of my friends named their sons after Calvin which I think is fantastic. I promise you if this were your light reading in the bathroom, it would be picked up every time someone was in there.

Scenario 5:  Family is coming over, but you have no idea what to make for dinner! You read somewhere that tearing up the last chapter of a book whose ending you hated and sprinkling it in a casserole dish makes for the perfect meal! Which book do you choose?

The Great Alone, By Kristen Hannah

I actually loved this book and couldn’t put it down. The MC was a struggling girl trying to get out from under her father’s abuse and crazy antics. Seeing how she developed as a character was captivating. However, the story could have ended about 100 pages before it did. The ending drew out – forever. The author must have really wanted to tie up every single loose end in the book. It wasn’t necessary.

Scenario 6:  Organization is key, right? When it comes time to organize your bookshelf, you realize you have enough room (and money) to get three new books! Which books do you buy?

I am in the midst of changing careers from a Human Resource Manager to a WRITER. I know crazy right? I will probably never support my family with my career move, but I’m fortunate to have a husband who allows me to tinker in new things while being a stay home mom to my three little monsters. I would choose three books that provided tips on writing and helped further my knowledge. Some ideas would be Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott; The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr.; A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King.

Scenario 7:  Finally, some peace and quiet! But, before you can relax, you realize you forgot to send your Aunt a thank-you gift for the lovely Adult Life for Dummies book she gave you for Christmas (maybe she’s trying to tell you something?). What book do you send to her to show her how much you appreciate her gift? 

So very sad. I just realized I don’t really have a relationship with an Aunt or an Uncle. They all live so far away, and I just don’t converse with them enough. If one of them sent me something, I would be shocked and probably just throw a Thank You note. If I had to return something, I think I’d send one of the weirdest books I ever read that indeed captured my heart and turned me onto reading. Jitter Bug Perfume, by Tom Robbins. He is an odd dude, so this would just solidify my oddness to my extended family.

I’m tagging these bloggers, though no pressure to participate. It was a fun rainy day thing for me.

KJHunter: One of my best friends, talented writers, and new blogger on the scene. Check her out! She’s a bit shy.

NorthCalJen: Even though her last blog had me empathetic over her bee stings which landed her in the hospital! I always enjoy reading about her life with the garden and her horses.

The Wanna Be Saint: Making everyday life a lesson. I love his short and honest posts.

Lance Heard, Movie Babble: Though I ask that he do movies and not books, as it is his MO. I think he hates everything. So this should be easy.

Humoring the Goddess: I just like how she writes, I connect with the posts even the short silly ones.