Q&A with LeAnn Neal Reilly discussion

Starting on May 22, I will give away a signed copy of my novel to a member of the “Q & A with LeAnn Neal Reilly group” every week for four weeks. Subsequent giveaway dates are 5/29, 6/5, and 6/12. To be eligible, you need to post an answer to the weekly question or challenge in the “Giveaway” thread. Even if you already own a copy, you can win one for a friend or family member.

Cheers,

LeAnn

I'll select the first winner for a signed copy of The Mermaid's Pendant from among the entries to this challenge:

Write a brief response to the author of your favorite book describing how that book affected you.

It doesn't have to be a life-changing book, just one that made you look at the world differently or left a strong impression on you.

It's so hard for me to choose just one favorite book out of all that I have read.
However, I can choose a favorite Dean Koontz book: The Taking.

This is my favorite book out of all that DK has written. It's one of those stories that keeps you in the moment, you feel like you're right there with the characters. When I got to the end of the book, it really made me think. I don't want to say too much and give anything away for anyone that hasn't read it, but I've never really been much of a believer. While I'm still not, this book really made me think that there might be some truth to it all. I was amazed by it and kept thinking about it for days afterward. I'm not one to re-read books but I did listen to the audio version of this one a few years after I read it and found it to be just as awesome as the first time.

Stacy, I should have just specified any book that left a strong impression. I myself don't have any single favorite book either.

LeAnn wrote: "Stacy, I should have just specified any book that left a strong impression. I myself don't have any single favorite book either."

LOL, I'd still be up a creek...there are so many books that I've read and loved! :)

I can't wait for the Giveaway to begin! Thanks for sponsoring this opportunity to enjoy your book!

You're welcome!

One of my favorite books is Leaving Paradise by Simone Elkeles and i taught me a lesson. That even if someone has hurt you really badly you just need to forgive them and move on even if its hard to do so. I really enjoyed the book.

Angela wrote: "I can't wait for the Giveaway to begin! Thanks for sponsoring this opportunity to enjoy your book!"

YES THANK YOU SO MUCH! I cant wait to read it!

A note to the author of a recent favorite book:

Dear Kristen Jane Anderson:

Thank you so much for your memoir, Life, In Spite of Me. Your struggle with depression led you to lie down on railroad tracks in front of an oncoming train. Although your legs were cut from your body, you miraculously survived. Since then, your life has changed not only physically, but spiritually as well. You've created a non-profit organization to reach out to others struggling with depression.

I found your story very compelling and inspiring. Your experience shows me that we are all here for a purpose, that we can still make a difference after making big mistakes, and that there's always hope.

Laura,

I saw your post earlier today but didn't have time to respond. Yet the premise of the book stayed with me and I haven't even read it yet. She sounds like an amazing young woman and her book captures that.

I have two favorites that changed the way I view the world.

The Once and Future King by T.H. White was my favorite book for making the world seem like a better place that still has some fixing up needed. People are just human and cannot make life perfect, no matter how good they live. However, a little magic makes life more interesting along the way, even if you have to find it yourself.

The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub was my first amazing introduction to parallel worlds and how they could successfully interact with each other. It was amazing how the flow of the story kept me going through the whole novel and I felt almost worn out when it was finished from all of the action. On rare occasions, I think about what my "alter ego" might be doing compared to me thanks to this book. I have to admit I was a Stephen King fan from early high school through college, but this by far was my favorite book I read from him.

Amy,

We got a copy of The Once and Future King for Christmas. I hope to get to curl up with it this summer. It's a rather big book ....

It is comprised of several sections (three I seem to remember), so it is easy to read piecemeal. Each section is the equivalent of what I consider a standard book. The Sword in the Stone is the most popular one, but I found the rest of the book just as fascinating!

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry really touched me and made me look at the world and the human group from a different perspective. We can and more often do treat those among us with real or perceived handicaps as different or inferior. We often are either overly sweet and try to convince them, ourselves, and everyone else that we don't view these people as "different" or we act as if they are an inferior species. We all have gifts and talents and if we can see each other as persons, endowed with unique gifts and talents, instead of handicaps or differents then we really are honestly respecting each other.

Laura,

Lois Lowry is one of my favorite children's/YA authors. We actually got to her hear her speak a few years ago. My daughter wrote her own letter to an author for a "Letters About Literature" contest and got to travel to a ceremony where Ms. Lowry spoke.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, was a book my father suggested I read when I was in the sixth grade, and instantly I fell in love. It was the first time I found myself relating to the main character, and soon realized that I wasn't just reading about a person in those pages, I was reading about a friend. I was reading about me. I learned with Francie (one of the main characters) that just because life isn't fair, you can overcome anything if you have faith, and love and work hard. That anyone from any walk of life is special and important, and that coming from what others may consider a "different" background doesn't make them strange, it makes them unique, and that there is nothing wrong with that. It taught me that you can have dreams and can be yourself and that you can be happy. It reminded it that I was not alone, and not the only one who felt awkward about their appearance, their social status, their finanaces, their family, their life...it was the first time I told myself "If they can do it, if they can overcome it, I can too."

Dana,

I've never read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn -- but then, I didn't get any reading suggestions from my parents. What a great thing to share with you given how much you got from reading it.

I would have to say that I have two favorite books. My first one is To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I first read this in junior high and again in high school. I also read it several times on my own. I love it because it is a book that really define's the difference between right and wrong and not being judgemental. Not being judgemental because someone is different, or the color of their skin is different, or not to assume that someone is a certain way because of what they look like or act. Why I liked it is because a black man is being accused of molesting a white woman and the defense lawyer know's this man is not going to get a fair trial but he does everything in his power to defend him. The whole town is out to get this man but you come to find out it wasn't him. *Spoiler Alert* It just taught me that you can't judge a book by it's cover nor the person by their skin. Everyone has good in them if your willing to find it.

My other favorite is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. This wasn't life altering or anything like that. It was just very interesting to read. A Geisha is an artisan. They don't sell their bodies, but their arts and their company. They start school from a very youn age and learn to dance, play music, pour tea, and entertain gentleman. When I read about how they get dressed, it was amazing, They way the silk kimono's were described and all the work they put into just getting dressed. And then having their hair done and make-up. It just allow's your imagination to go wild. This book also contains a love story. This young girl is about to give up on becoming a geisha until she meets this gentleman who gives her the confidence that she needs to continue. After that, her whole mission is to work as hard as she can to become the most beautiful and known geisha in Japan just so she can meet this man again. It is just amazing to read about this cultural and small part of the world. How disciplined they were and how seriously they took their lives. I just love reading it.

Sally wrote: "My other favorite is Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. This wasn't life altering or anything like that. It was just very interesting to read. A Geisha is an artisan. They don't sell their bodie..."

Sally,

I haven't read To Kill a Mockingbird, but I did very much enjoy Memoirs of a Geisha around the time the movie came out. I too love reading about other cultures -- it's one of my favorite aspects of reading and much cheaper than traveling!

The book/author I chose was The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown as it was my first experience reading a book that was the subject of so much debate and controversy. The Da Vinci Code was an intelligent mystery thriller that explored controversial interpretations of religious history and deliberated on the validity of several conspiracy theories involving science, art & history. It seemed that readers either passionately loved or passionately hated this book. If I could write a brief response to the author Dan Brown on my impressions of this book it would go as follows:

The Da Vinci Code was an engrossing and exhilarating intellectual thriller that presented much food for thought wrapped in an entertaining read. The perfect blend of reality and conspiracy theory, The Da Vinci Code was the catalyst for open discussion, debate and the sharing of ideas and beliefs. Any book that can challenge readers & inspire discussion must be doing something right.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig has had a profound impact on the way I look at life and the people around me. I read it in high school while growing up in a town with little racial, cultural, or religious diversity. I wouldn't say I was judgmental or biased back then, but certainly complacent. Without this book I believe I would have missed out on many great opportunities in my life to explore and learn. I'm confident that I would be a very different person today without its influence.

The protagonist in the book, which is largely autobiographical, is a university professor who struggles to grasp concepts such as quality and morality. His internal struggles lead to a diagnosis of insanity. After treatment and "recovery" are deemed successful, his struggle turns to one in which he strives to remember and reclaim his true identity without losing it again.

I appreciate the thought-provoking principles taught in this book. It has been invaluable to me in understanding how I really create the world around me, as well as appreciating and respecting how others contribute to that world.

Dawn wrote: "The book/author I chose was The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown as it was my first experience reading a book that was the subject of so much debate and controversy. [book:The Da ..."

Dawn,

I certainly enjoyed The Da Vinci Code, but I wouldn't put myself in the "passionately" loved group. I admire Brown's clever storytelling that weaves in so many interesting elements, and yes, I think that anyone who can get people to talk about something passionately is doing something right.

Steve wrote: "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig has had a profound impact on the way I look at life and the people around me. I read it in high school while growing up in a town with..."

Steve, I missed out on reading Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance in my high school English class -- we had choices of reading a few "big books" and I picked something else. But it always sounded very intriguing to me. The title is very evocative.

LeAnn wrote: "I certainly enjoyed The Da Vinci Code, but I wouldn't put myself in the "passionately" loved group. I admire Brown's clever storytelling that weaves in so many interesting elements, and yes, I think that..."

LeAnn,

Thanks for the comments. I agree! I don't think I would necessarily put myself in the passionately loved group either. It was a favorite of mine based on the elements of intellectual mystery & puzzle solving. It also sparked thoughts & discussions revolving around contemporary feminist principles born of some of topics he explored. The passionate debates of the media surrounding this book are what left an indelible impression on me.

Dawn wrote: "LeAnn wrote: "I certainly enjoyed The Da Vinci Code, but I wouldn't put myself in the "passionately" loved group. I admire Brown's clever storytelling that weaves in so many interesting elements, a..."

Dan Brown certainly knows how to tell an intriguing story. I have read all of his books, and they're all among my favorites, though I would concur that "passionately loved" is a little strong. I really enjoy a good thriller, and Dan Brown is very good at writing them. If you haven't read any of Jo Nesbo's books, you should check them out. He's a Norwegian author with a similar style to Dan Brown's.

Steve wrote: "Dan Brown certainly knows how to tell an intriguing story. I have read all of his books, and they're all among my favorites, though I would concur that "passionately loved" is a little strong. I really enjoy..."

Steve, thanks for the recommendation! I just now checked out Jo Nesbo on Goodreads. I should soon be receiving the last of the translated Millennium series by Swedish author Stiegg Larsson; another thriller series favorite of mine. As soon as I’m done there I’ll check out the neighboring countries best selling author and his Harry Hole (?) series. Thanks again!

"The Glass Castle"
by Jeannette Walls

I absolutely love this book, it is by far my favorite memior. Part of the reason it resonates so deep with me is because it is so totally opposite of my life. There are times you laugh out loud at happenings and then there are moments you want to scream at this girls parents. Jeanette Walls had some guts to throw some of this information out there, personally I would have been ashamed or embarrassed, but that's what makes it so good. It is so honest, it's brutal. This opened my eyes to how horrible neglectful parents can be, but how good people can still come from terrible places.

Kristy,

I've got "The Glass Castle" on my to-read shelf, but I suspect I'll need to be in a "happy place" to read it.

I've always been fascinated with figuring out why some people are resilient and heal from damaging life situations while others succumb to despair, bitterness, and negative behavior. I've been working on my next novel featuring a character who experiences something horrible, as horrible as one can imagine, but the novel follows her as she journeys through the healing process. It's very dark and rather scary to imagine her being so honest and brutal, and I don't know if I have the courage to write it even though I want to balance the dark with light. Maybe The Glass Castle would be a good source for me ....

Definitely need to be in a happy place... but it's written really well, it's not that dark. Even when things are horrible, she writes it really light.

You need to read it :)

My favorite book of all time (although there are many close seconds) is The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. While I love everything that Russell has done, The Sparrow is very close to my heart. I love Russell's nuanced discussion of the meanings of cultural and religion and how they can influence both moral and depraved behaviors. I love the way that she treats society and societal rules as an out-growth of biological make-up as well as ingrained cultural habits.

Russell's subtlety of approach to religion and her characters made me consider the influences that my upbringing and society had on my behaviors and made me really examine the ways in which I interact with others. Her themes of moral failing and redemption encouraged me to make up for my own shortcomings and forgive the shortcomings that I see in others.

Becca, I'm unfamiliar with Mary Doria Russell and The Sparrow. Thanks for sharing the book with us. It sounds like one that should stick with the reader long after finishing it.

Ok really not life altering but the book I reread again and again. Danny Gran by Danielle Steel. I have always worked in a nursing home my entire working career. You look at these old people and just see them as they are now and forget they have wonderful histories. They had adventures and fun with friends and all the stuff we take for granted. That book always makes me think what stories of these peoples lives do we not know! Maybe why that is why I'm so drawn to the book. I've read and listend to it more than a dozen times and it effects me the same way each time.

LeAnn, I strongly recommend all of her work -- The Sparrow is technically science fiction, which tends to turn away people who aren't into science fiction, but I think it's very readable to people who aren't sci-fi readers. Russell has a doctorate in anthropology, and it really shines in the cultures that she creates and gives the book a really unique feel.

She's written three other books, and of the three, the other one I would recommend starting with is Thread of Grace. It's historical fiction set in World War II Italy, focusing on a Jewish population that had run to Italy to hide and is now dealing with Italy being a Hitler-run nation, while the population is still largely sympathetic. It's horrifically sad, but extremely well-researched, and really shows the good of individuals.

Shannon wrote: "Ok really not life altering but the book I reread again and again. Danny Gran by Danielle Steel. I have always worked in a nursing home my entire working career. You look at these old people and j..."

Shannon, I think books can work on us quietly rather than in a shattering way. If you keep returning to it, there is something important in the story that draws you.

Becca wrote: "LeAnn, I strongly recommend all of her work -- The Sparrow is technically science fiction, which tends to turn away people who aren't into science fiction, but I think it's very readable to people ..."

I'm pretty broad-minded about fiction and I've been reading a great deal more non-fiction (mostly history) lately. Thread of Grace sounds very intriguing.

After resisting it for years (snobbishly assuming it would be too girly for my tastes) I finally read Pride and Prejudice and immediately understood what all of the fuss is about. Austen's characters, even the minor ones, just come alive. And Darcy and Elizabeth are truly a great romantic couple -- they grow as a result of meeting one another and the reader gets the sense that they will be perfect mates for one another.

I must give mention to another novel that I fell head-over-heels for last year. After I listened to the audiobook for To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis I went out straightaway to buy the paperback and read it again. I just didn't want the story to end! Willis mixes time travel, Victorian England, and Agatha Christie style mystery into a unique and enchanting blend. The book was by no means life-changing, but it is definitely one that I plan on rereading on a regular basis.

Hannah, you might be interested in Willis' new book, Blackout, which is set in the same universe as To Say Nothing of the Dog just came out. (I can't recommend it personally, as I just ordered my copy yesterday and am still waiting for it to arrive.)

Hannah wrote: "After resisting it for years (snobbishly assuming it would be too girly for my tastes) I finally read Pride and Prejudice and immediately understood what all of the fuss is about. Aust..."

I didn't resist Austen -- I guess I resisted anything that sounded like English Lit. I'm not sure what inspired me to try her, but I too love her.

To Say Nothing of the Dog sounds very intriguing. I love books that defy genre descriptions.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. I wouldn't say it's my favorite book- but, oh man- it was good, and heart breaking, and really made me think and ponder upon a lot. It backed up what I've learned and experienced in my life, that things happen for a reason, and we have that choice of how we react to those things and deal with it. And how we deal with things is what refines our character and shapes us into who we are and how we feel. With every trial and hardship we go through in life, we can either learn and grow from it and become stronger, or live upset or depressed or stuck in a rut, etc. I think this book is very moving and inspiring, and I think it's something everyone should read at least once.

My other choice is The Book of Mormon, but I don't want to offend anyone by sounding preachy, so I won't say anything else except that this is the most important book in my whole life and has changed my life countless times and is one that I read over and over again.

Valerie wrote: "Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. I wouldn't say it's my favorite book- but, oh man- it was good, and heart breaking, and really made me think and ponder upon a lot. It backed up what ..."

Valerie,

Part of what motivated me to write The Mermaid's Pendant was my own search for meaning. I think that's what writers often are doing (although I won't say that they all do).

I hope that everyone in this group is respectful, empathetic, and understanding enough to tolerate the mention of works of faith by members. By the same token, I hope that those who mention them do keep it to a mention. I think you did it just right, Valerie, so thank you for feeling comfortable enough to do so and being respectful as well.

Becca wrote: "Hannah, you might be interested in Willis' new book, Blackout, which is set in the same universe as To Say Nothing of the Dog just came out. (I can't recommend it personally, as I just ordered my ..."

I read Blackout and LOVED what was there, but was heartbroken that it's really only half of the completed story. Anyone who enjoys WWII history will love Blackout, but might want to wait to read it until part two (All Clear) comes out this fall.

Becca wrote: "LeAnn, I strongly recommend all of her work -- The Sparrow is technically science fiction, which tends to turn away people who aren't into science fiction, but I think it's very readable to people ..."

After reading the description for The Sparrow it put me in mind of one of my other favorite books Speaker for the Dead. Highly recommended.

My Jim: A Novel by Nancy Rawles. This well written book forced me to look at relationships and look at the ties that bind us to one another. It also made me think on the things that we hold on to, a broken piece of pottery, a knife, a memory, and why something seemingly insignificant has left a deep mark on our lives.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas was such a life changing book for me, because it shows how one choice/deed can drastically affect ours or other people's lives permanently. It was an intense page turner for me. I loved how detailed the author was with events and character descriptions and connections. The next time I read this book I think I'm going to make a detailed character map. I was always guessing trying to figure out what was coming next. This book made me laugh and cry! It also made me think twice before acting on any instincts I might have, namely revenge. It made me ask myself, will this action make me and other people happy? There are a lot of good lessons to be learned from this book! I must say I LOVE this book!

saferia wrote: "My Jim: A Novel by Nancy Rawles. This well written book forced me to look at relationships and look at the ties that bind us to one another. It also made me think on the things that w..."

It's been a long time since I read Huck Finn, which My Jim is apparently inspired by (and I love it when authors respond to classics by imagining other stories for significant characters in the classics). My daughter just read Huck Finn for a writing class. I'll have to tell her about My Jim.

Alisha wrote: "The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas was such a life changing book for me, because it shows how one choice/deed can drastically affect ours or other people's lives permanently. It was an in..."

I'm reading The Count of Monte Cristo right now. I'm a little worried about what comes next in the story because I know it's a tale of revenge and that the Count has already doled out rewards to his old friends.

It just gets better and better. Once you think the author has left a character behind, they show back up and he surprises you with new events. I'm so excited you're reading it! My husband and I took turns reading it to each other last summer when our family was quarantined with the swine flu. While we were reading it I was kinda glad we couldn't go anywhere so we could finish faster! lol It was great entertainment!

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. :D

"Dear Mrs. Bradley,

I loved reading about Morgaine's previously neglected side of the Arthurian saga. Instead of a stock villain, she gains more depth as a character. My favorite chapters were when Morgaine spent time in Avalon as a priestess. I enjoyed learning about the spiritual process that all priestesses undergo, it was very intriguing. I gained so much from this large volume and its beautiful imagery. In fact, I think I'll read it again this summer. Thank you for changing my life with this book!"

I'm not very good at expressing myself. >< hehe