Thanks to Songbird, I shall now attempt the book meme:

1. How many books do I own?

I'm going to have to guestimate. I have books in so many different places, including some in storage. (I know, I know...I just don't have that many shelves). I guess about 600 or 700. I'm adding every week.

2. Last book I bought:

"Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson and "Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules" A collection of essays chosen and compiled by David Sedaris. Bought those on the same day last week.

3. The last book I read:

I am reading three concurrently--does that count? I am reading "Gilead", "God's Politics", and "Under the Banner of Heaven"

4. Books that mean a lot to me:

The Bible. Really.

"Christy" by Catherine Marshall. It is the only item I ever wanted from my grandmother's whole estate. I used to sit by the old oil heater and read it when I visited her. If I close my eyes and smell the binding, it smells just like her house.

"Traveling Mercies" by Anne Lamott. I have read everything she ever published. I know "Plan B" got lots of press, but it doesn't hold a candle to TM as far as I'm concerned.

There was little book I had when I was 9 or 10 titled "Ready Made Family" that was the first book I ever read about kids who were "different", in other words, adopted. I think I got rid of it years ago, which makes me incredibly sad. Maybe I decided I didn't need it anymore.

I used to have the whole "Trixie Belden Mysteries" series. Kind of like Nancy Drew wanna-bes.

"Home by Another Way" by Barbara Brown Taylor. All her stuff is good, but this one is special.

There are so many others, but that is my list for today.