So, when I read a book, I know it's a good book because, even if it's fiction, it CHANGES my LIFE. I feel things I haven't quite felt before, I'm pulled in all directions.
I have 3 or 4 books in particular that do that to me.
The first is "One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies" by Sonya Sones... not because I relate to the character in such obvious ways, but because it's written so eloquently, and, although a work of complete fiction, actually helped me with some of my "mom" stuff.
The second is "The Truth About Forever" by Sarah Dessen... who is, legit, my favourite author. Furthermore, she wrote the books that my favourite movie is based off of... which I found out only weeks ago. Intense. I love this book because the ideas are so profound and I love how the character grows through these people around her trying to get her to be a certain person, and then an entire different group can obscure her view on life to find who she really is. I just love it a lot.
The third is "Before I Die" by Jenny Downham... it's probably the most moving book I have ever read. It's about this girl, Tessa, dying from cancer, who writes a moving list of things to do before she dies. She ends up completing quite a few... doing something completely out of the ordinary, steal her fathers car, spend a day showing her little brother she loves him, get her parents back together, fall in love... the last few chapters of her lying there while she listens to her loved ones talk to her, but not being able to respond, are heartbreaking... but it made me feel truly alive.
In the novel, Tessa writes letters to her best friend, her best friend's baby-to-be, her little brother, her boyfriend (promise me you'll travel and go to school and fall madly in love) and her father... his also included her burial requests (in a nature reserve by a nice tree that they can visit and maybe picnic next to), rules for raising her little brother, and a list of songs to be played at her funeral... and to use the money in her sock drawer to go and get wasted after, if they feel they must, as long as they don't scare the kids.
Anyway, the point of this post is, in a completely unmorbid way, to make a list of songs I'd want to be played at my funeral... because they kind of speak my life... I don't know.
I just think it's a beautiful thing. Death breathes life and whatnot.
So if you find this years from now, whoever you are, keep it. It's important (hah)
Life in Technicolor - Coldplay (no words, but lovely nonetheless)
All The Trees Of The Field Will Clap Their Hands - Sufjan Stevens
The Unwinding Cable Car - Anberlin
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin (Just for my mama)
...there may be more when I'm not so sleep deprived.
But this is all for the time being.
All The Trees of the Field Will Clap Their Hands
If I am alive this time next year,
will I have arrived in time to share?
And mine is about as good this far.
And I'm still applied to what you are.
And I am joining all my thoughts to you.
And I'm preparing every part for you.
And I heard from the trees a great parade.
And I heard from the hills a band was made.
And will I be invited to the sound?
And will I be a part of what you've made?
And I am throwing all my thoughts away.
And I'm destroying every bet I've made.
And I am joining all my thoughts to you.
And I'm preparing every part for you
