To Meme or Not To Meme

Okay, so now that we have all had a chance to bask in the reflected glow of Laura’s wonderful news, it’s time to move on to still another thing that I don’t understand about the blogosphere.

Memes. What are they? Well according to the American Heritage Dictionary a meme is “a unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another.” Yeah? So? Apparently people wander from blog to blog and “tag” other bloggers, teasing those bloggers to answer a series of questions as a way for us all to get to know each other a little better. Click here to learn more.

I waited. I fretted. I considered myself to be unpopular, but finally after all these many months, I have been memed. Thank you Helen Shearer, Canadian writer of a novel in progress, who regularly blogs at the Hellcat Chronicles. Click here.
According to Helen’s meme I have to answer four questions, so here I go:

What is the total number of books I own? I try to keep the number down because books could easily overrun my smallish living space. I share a lot with other readers. I am a frequent library user and I make regular donations to Reader to Reader, a not for profit that supports libraries in financially depressed neighborhoods all over America. Click here. You can help. They take cash donations as well as books. (Hint. Hint.)

What is the last book I read? The anthology Bronx Noir. Steven Torres, author of the Precinct Puerto Rico series as well as the rough, tough stand alone, The Concrete Maze, was kind enough to send me a copy in response to a contest of sorts that he had on his blog, The Crime Time Café. Click here. Basically, he offered a copy of the book and I (waving wildly to get his attention) explained why I should be the grateful recipient. He knew better than to deny an old Bronx girl!! Steven's story in the anthology is called "Early Fall" and it will blow your socks off.

What is the last book I bought? The anthology, Dangerous Women, edited by Michael Connelly. Since I am on a short story kick (writing as well as reading) I have been searching for mystery anthologies and came across this one a couple of weeks ago.

Lastly I had to name five books that are meaningful to me:

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. I am a bit of an American history buff. In this book, DKG shows how Abraham Lincoln disregarded party politics and petty (and some not so petty) differences to invite to his cabinet the men he considered to have America’s interest at heart during a time of our greatest crisis. It can be done. It should always be done.


The Paperbag Princess by Robert N. Munsch. I have five grandchildren. If you know this book, I needn’t say more. If you don’t, it is a book about a princess who slays the dragon and rejects a prince who is too shallow. And yes, I read it to my grandson as well as to my granddaughters.

Any thesaurus. I am a writer. Enough said.

Any almanac. I love having all those facts handy in one place.

Any book of spiritual guidance. The book can follow the principles of your religion, my religion or no religion at all. It just needs provide sustenance for the soul.

Well, that’s it, folks. I have done the meme. Rather than tag any of our fellow bloggers, I invite you all to think of your own answers, post or not as you see fit. That’s all part of the fun!


Terrie