Do you ever find yourself deeply absorbed in a book when, all of a sudden, you have to stop, back up and re-read a phrase, a sentence, or even an entire paragraph? And I’m not talking about forgetting what you just finished reading! Sometimes I read something so profound, or so insightful and deftly written that I have to re-read, make sure it really was as perfect as I thought it was. Here are a few examples of writing that’s stopped me in my tracks lately (not coincidentally by some of my fav writers):
a) A Prayer for Owen Meany (John Irving)
I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice – not because of his voice, or because he was the smallest person I ever knew, or even because he was the instrument of my mother’s death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany.
b) Because of Winn-Dixie (Kate DiCamillo)
My name is India Opal Buloni, and last summer my daddy, the preacher, sent me to the store for a box of macaroni-and-cheese, some white rice, and two tomatoes and I came back with a dog.
I thought about my Mama. Thinking about her was the same as the hole you keep on feeling with your tongue after you lose a tooth. Time after time, my mind kept going to that empty spot, the spot where I felt like she should be.
c) Counting Stars (David Almond)
It happened so long ago I can’t even be sure it happened as I say it did. Stories change in the telling, memory makes up as much as it knows. We were very small. The things we saw were all mixed up with the things we dreamed and the things we were scared of.
In other news, Jacob’s on the ground in South Sudan this month, meeting with building contractors and looking to begin the construction of his school – he’s been working hard on this for years through his foundation, Wadeng Wings of Hope, and has spoken to thousands of people in his fundraising efforts. I’m happy that sales of A Hare in the Elephant’s Trunk have contributed a few bricks to his dream. Such an exciting time! I hope Jacob’s mom, Adau (Heaven), is watching over him:)
Read anything amazing lately? Please share!
Jan L. Coates - "What if...?" 
That happens to me now and then as well. Love the books you picked. I still feel A Prayer For Owen Meany is the best of the John Irving books. I recently read The Autobiography of My Mother by Jamaica Kincaid which was excellent. How is this for a start “My mother died at the moment I was born, and so for my whole life there was nothing standing between myself and eternity; at my back was always a bleak, black wind.” When I read such good writing I often wonder why I even bother.
I agree – sometimes it’s hard to remain determined – especially in the face of such talent. I just keep hoping some of it will rub off on me if I read enough great books:)