Tag, I’m It

I’m “it” for this round of Book Tag, so its now my turn to tell:

1. Total number of books I have owned.

I would estimate approximately 1500 in combined dead tree, audio and electronic formats. Currently, I have approximately 700 in my personal library.

2. Last book I bought

Futureland: Nine Stories of an Imminent World by Walter Mosley.

3. Last book I read

The Sails of Tau Ceti by Michael McCollum, which I enjoyed immensely. I’m really beginning to dig McCollum’s work. I’d really like to see him expand upon his Antares series.

4. Five books that mean a lot to me

The Door Into Summer by Robert A. Heinlein. This was my first Heinlein, which is kind of like your first, umm, well you get the picture. This book turned me on to Heinlein, which thoroughly set me on the road to wingnut libertarianism. This book is not his best work, but it stands out for me more as landmark of my past, rather than for its value as literature.

Baker’s Best by Rick Baker. Those of us who lived in the Peoria area in the 1980’s knew who Rick Baker was and agree with him or not, we knew where he stood on the important issues of the day. The existence of this blog and my other publications are largely due to his influence on my young mind during the 1980’s.

The Infinity Link by Jeffrey A. Carver kept me company on many a middle of the night duty in Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War. This book was my retreat from the daily concerns of chemical weapons, SCUD missiles, charcoal suits and faulty gasmasks. Thanks Jeffrey.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Something about this book grabbed me, I can’t really explain it. Just read it for yourself.

Pallas by L. Neil Smith. This exciting book made me love science fiction all over again. Oh yeah, there’s also this whole libertarianish type theme going on as well (for those who like a little philosophy with their action).

The Complete Poems by Anne Sexton. The late Anne Sexton is by far my favorite poet. My own feeble attempts at glory are available here.

5. Tag Five People and have them do this on their blogs.

Rob Carr – (Rob’s response)

Bill Dennis – (Bill’s response)

Patrick Nielsen Hayden (Patrick’s response)

Allen Steadham – (Allen’s response)

D.C. Thornton