Everyday Canvas

Books and Friends

Prompt: "Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."~ Mark Twain
Yes indeed, Mr. Twain is correct. So, let's talk about something you've done recently with a good friend or a good book you've read.

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My husband is a good friend with everything, but mostly for thinking of me or laughing at my silly jokes and statements. I have many other good friends who know a side of me but not all sides of me. I guess I am unknowable for just about everybody.

As for good books, most books are good if written with the best of intentions. I don’t like books that are written to put down someone because the author is biased unnecessarily or out of proportion. If I happen to download such a book, I delete it immediately, as soon as I’ve caught on what the author was about. Then, when reviewing books, I am careful not to give too few stars because my reviews also go to Good Reads and Amazon. An author’s psyche is fragile, and he or she can always improve. Regardless of stars, however, I don’t hold back what I think. As I must have indicated before, I am not too crazy about using the stars-system when reviewing anything.

As for my taste, some books are more than good. I look for strong characterization, powerful themes, a good plot, and quality in using the writing craft. Those more-than-good books range from above-good to out-of-this-world-in-excellence. Recently, I discovered a young Swedish author, Fredrick Backman, who impressed me greatly. I promised myself to read everything he has written and to follow him. There are a few other authors from the US or anywhere in the world that I make sure I read when or if I can get my hands on their books.