Here’s a really difficult exercise. Pick 5 books that represent the most formative years of your life. The only two that can’t be on your list are the bible and Catcher in the Rye.
Here are my 5 in chronological order.
1. Where the Wild Things Are. Maurice Sendaks’ timeless fantasy bed-time story that reads well any time of day, no matter the readers age. Instantly recognizable illustrations, both terrifying and comforting–a decidedly tough task. Hollywood is making it into a film. I’m sure they’ll screw it up.
2. Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. Hunter S. Thompson at the height of his pharmaceutical madness. I remember sitting in the Atlanta Airport reading this and laughing hysterically out loud. I wanted to hang out with Hunter. His influence on me made me tap out my first book on an impossibly old Royal type-writer in my boxer shorts, wearing a fedora and smoking a cigarette using a cigarette holder. Poser.
“The only thing that really worried me was the ether. There is nothing in the world more helpless and irresponsible and depraved than a man in the depths of an ether binge. And I knew we’d get into that rotten stuff pretty soon.”
3. Tao Te Ching. I was a student at Georgia State University looking for the meaning of life. This gave me comfort for a while. I found this far more intriguing and meaningful than the bullshit slung by my philosophy professors.
4. Ninety-two in the Shade. A crazed road-trip through the lunatic fringe of Key West. A dirty trick goes awry and a deadly promise on a life is realized. This book made me want to be a writer, and it made me nervous. Thomas McGuane just blew me away. Still does. 
5. The Theory & Practice of Rivers and New Poems. Jim Harrison–one eyed wonder from upstate Michigan can write. Here he waxes nostalgic about life and romance. Sure he wrote Legends of the Fall, but his lesser know work is his best. I loved Creatures That God Forgot to Invent. The Theory & Practice of Rivers and New Poems was given to me by my camera-man when I was a television director. Jim Harrison made me want to write well.
“One day standing in a river with my flyrod I’ll have the courage to admit my life. And you my loves, few as there have been, let’s lie and say it could never have been otherwise. So that: we may glide off in peace, not howling like orphans in this endless century of war.”
Good stuff.
What are the five books that would be on your list?
Cheers!
Jim
Good thinking material. I have not read “92 In The Shade”. No “Catcher”? How about “Frannie and Zooey” then?
Or worse “The Secret”?
I have to go look at my bookshelves now.
Jim –
I stumbled on your site via a mutual friend of ours (I think) Paul Pearman! Once I landed on your blog, I quickly became enthralled and now I’m officially addicted! So many people have blogs and other s**t out on the web these days, it is hard to stay interested. However, I must say you are truly talented! Thank you for providing a new perspective.
I could talk for hours as I think we have a lot in common. But for times sake, I noticed you are kind enough to promote entrepreneurs. I have several different businesses in the works at the moment. The first is my photography business. You can see my work at momosphotosonline.com. (Check out my Suds & Signs Gallery as there are some good beer shots you might like!) I also have a blog which can be viewed via my website.
I would appreciate your help in promoting my business and I will DEFINITELY promote you via my website (adding a Friends page) as well as via my Facebook Group!
Thanks in advance for your help and I hope we can meet in the Highlands soon! Heck, I may even see you this weekend while Paul is in town!
Sincerely,
MoMo
Promote Your Business Here For Free
If you own your own business, or if you have a blog, or if in any way you’re trying to promote what you do…I’ll do what I can to help. I’m a fan of yours and respect that you have the balls to go it alone! I love the small business owner. Just send me your url and I’ll set up a link to your site. I’ll do this for free as long as you post my url in return.
Just send me a message via the comments section of any blog that I post.
No porno or sexual related businesses or blogs please.
Cheers,
Jim
Hey Jim –
Posted comments and a link to your blog on my Facebook Group (MoMo’s Photos), my personal Facebook Page and my blog page which is available via my website (www.momosphotosonline.com). Will also post a link on “MY FRIENDS” page on my website before the weekend is over.
Let me know what else I can do to spread your good word!
Off to drink another beer – See you on the other side of the lens,
MoMo