Putting Together My Google Book Library

I started a little project yesterday. Sort of pre-blog planning. I am using the 'build a library' function at books.google.com to compile my list of the fifty books that have meant the most to me. Books that have influenced my writing style, my reading tastes, even my politics and world views.

Sort of 'my desert island' list of fifty books. These are books I could pick up and open to any page and submerse myself in the story. Most have been read multiple times. The list is far from complete and some of the entries will probably get booted off as I rediscover others.

Part research - I plan on doing some book reviews and recommendations and am using the list to get a handle on what I really like and understand.

Part self-defense - I got heartily flamed on another blog for daring to challenge the supremacy of Toni Morrison [can't stand her stuff, if you want to flame me for that, please do so in another thread or by PM]. I am compiling this list to show that, yes, I can read and, yes, I read books without pictures [something suggested by one of the Morrison-ites.]

Part fun - The google library is a great way to go down memory lane and find references to long out of print books. Definitely a journey of self-discovery as I remember what books have been important to me.

Here's my first draft of a list:

I'm just curious. Has anyone else tried such a project and what books turned up as your 'Top 50' [or whatever other number works for you].

Thanks Angel! I found the Google function last night and have since been fascinated by it. I am easily distracted by bright shiny objects!

I have to confess, I've never read To Kill A Mockingbird, and me a lawyer! I think I'll have to check it out of the library and give it a read.

Tehuti - great use of the google book feature. It is so comprehensive, I've found everything I searched for, usually in multiple editions. Using it to search out public domain books is a great idea.

Bayou - will definitely check out the list. I've been at a reading impasse lately. Not liking a lot of newer novels and still want to expand my reading. I've just about exhausted the Michener offerings. I like 'southern' novels and I'm sure I'll find something I will like on your list.

Have you ever read 'Kinflicks' by Lisa Alther. It is definitely chick lit, but is the funniest book I have ever read and has a spectacular [at least in my yankee-ified] opinion take on the south which is satire and parody, but not your typical boring bubba junk-ola.

I will definitely try the librarything widget, just how 2.0 cool is that??? I admit, the list has been tough, separating books I like, books I enjoy and books that had a real effect on me. Some are those I read when I was a kid, but passages or images stay with me. I've thrown in a couple of non-fic because they affected how I did something or thought about something. For example, about 12 years ago I formatted my entire vacation around the Route 66 guide titled 'The Mother Road.' It's been a fun experience and even I am curious to see what the final 50 will be.