Darlene Foster's Blog

Maybe not the one you are thinking of but a delightful award nonetheless! The Booker Award  was recently given to me by  Lada Ray  author of a number of well written, exciting books. Because this was awarded to me by another author, I feel extremely honoured. Lada’s books include the accidental spy stories, Gold Train and  Green Dessert and soon to be released  YA fantasy/thriller The Earth Shifter . Check out her books and blog at http://ladaray.wordpress.com/lada-ray-books/ Not only is she an amazing writer, she is a wonderful person.

To accept it, I am asked to list 5 of my favorite books and pass it on to 5 other authors, which I’ll gladly do.

To pick only 5 favourite books is very difficult for me as I have been reading for a long time and the list grows every year. But I will try.

The first favourite book has to be Jane Austen’s Emma. I love all of her books but if I have to pick, Emma has to be the one I enjoy the most.  Emma is a flawed character who realizes her shortcomings after a series of total mess ups. It is also very funny and timeless with great characters.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery.  Anne Shirley has to be the most memorable young girl who makes the best of her situation as she strives to belong. She is a very real and strong young woman. I read this book over and over and use it in my English as a Second Language classes.

Little Women By Louisa May Alcott is another long time favourite. I love the bond between  the March sisters in spite of their differences.

The No. One Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe strives to earn a living as a detective in Botswana, upholding the traditional values of her dear departed father. When I read these books, and I have read all of them, I feel like I am in Botswana. I feel the dust, the heat, the struggles and the joys. These books are written with a wonderful sense of humour while respecting the people of this nation.

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. This familiar story from the old testament is told from the point of view of  Dinah, the only sister of the twelve sons of Jacob. This richly told story of the ancient Jews, from a woman’s voice, brings a new perspective and appreciation of the role of women in early history.  This is a book that sticks with you for a long time.

I realize now that I have compiled the list that there is a theme here. All of my favourite books have strong female main characters. I also realize I have missed so many others but 5 is all I could share this time. Thank you so much Lada for this award.

The authors I would like to nominate for the Booker Award are:

Laura Best http://lauraabest.wordpress.com/

Linda Cassidy Lewis http://lindacassidylewis.com/

Diane Tibert http://dianetibert.com/home/

Michelle Isenhoff  http://michelleisenhoff.wordpress.com

Ellen Ekstrom http://www.amazon.com/Ellen-L.-Ekstrom/e/B004NQOG8Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

Please check out their blogs and books. You may discover a new favourite author.

Would you have difficulty narrowing the list down to 5 favourite books?