Bucket List and Cherished Memories

[image error]A Bucket List is by definition about things you want to do but haven't done yet.  And cherished memories are the result of all the things on the bucket list you have already done—and loved. So I was thinking about all of that in terms of books the other day and realized that the To Be Read Pile is the Bucket list and the Keeper Shelf comprises our cherished literary memories.  And don't pretend that you don't have them.  I downsized from a house in Texas to an apartment in Manhattan and I still have both –so I know you do too.

My TBR pile (or my Bucket List) is actually divided into two locations.  My bedside table (Nook)—which holds the top five in the pile and a shelf which continually grows and contains the rest.  There are books I got at conferences, books I've ordered, books I've had forever but swear I really will read.   There are research books, romance novels, romantic suspense novels, chick lit, and a varied collection of "you've got to read this" books.   Currently in my top five pile:   Bossypants, Tina Fey (because I really love her work).  Public Secrets, Nora Roberts (nuf' said).  What would Jane Austen Do, Laurie Brown (a book I've been trying to read for months now, but always seem to forget).   Death Angel, Linda Howard (her newest, I think).  And the Bourne Objective (the newest—not written by Ludlum Bourne book—but I hear it's his best friend).

On my keeper shelf (okay there are also boxes in storage in Queens), there are a few authors.  The complete works of Mary Stewart (my all-time favorite author and comfort read—Moon-Spinners anyone?), Barbara Samuel/O'Neal (writes amazing characters and wonderful imagery), Christina Skye (Draycott Abbey), a growing collection of Julia Quinn (Romantic, witty and the Smythe-Smith musicale), All Susannah Kearsley's books (modern day gothic), most Linda Howard books (seriously sexy romance) and Michael Crichton's greatest hits (amazing writer).  But in all honesty I tend to keep books rather than authors.  Stories that moved me beyond the norm.  So a quick sampling of romances on my shelf:  Kiss and Tell, Cherry Adair (hot guy and great dam scene).  Haunting Rachel, Kay Hooper (eerie, twisting plot that stays with you).  Dove's Way, Linda Francis Lee (lyrical writing and lovely story).   Once a Pirate, Susan Grant (great fun, and hey, I love pirates).  And It Happened One Night, Leslie LaFoy (super time travel with Irish hero – what else do you need?).

So gang, spill… what's a at the top of your TBR?  And what one-offs do you have in your keeper shelf.