What's the Best Book You've Read in One Day?

Saturday, January 28, 2012
I read. A lot. As a reviewer and writer, it's part of perfecting my craft. I once had a student ask me how many books I've read in my lifetime. (Hey, I'm not that old!) I couldn't even begin to come up with a number. But I'll make a guesstimate: I usually read between 10 and 15 books a month.

So last week, when I noticed the #1daybook hashtag on Twitter, I had to find out what all the fuss was about.

Looks like it started over at Reddit when someone posed the question: What's the best/most unusual/longest/most enthralling book you've read in a day?

It got me thinking. What's the best book I've read in a single day? What book has kidnapped me, held me for ransom, and refused to let go until I closed the back cover?

My answer: Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt. She had me on page one, and by the time I finished a few hours later, I was a blabbering book reader, tugged in multiple directions by conflicting emotions. I felt such a connection with Isabelle, the photography, the sense of place.

I think about that book often, pull it from the shelf and reread snippets - a snapshot of descriptions and characters - that beg to be read once again.

It takes a special book - and writer - to create that sense of empathy with readers. And Caroline's words and story formed that bond for me.

What's the best book you've read in a single day?

by LuAnn Schindler. When she's not reading, she's writing about Nebraska at luannschindler.com.

5 comments:

injaynesworld said...

You read between 10 and 15 books a month? Wow, do you put me to shame. I just finished Diane Keaton's memoir "Then, Again," but with my reading time mostly confined to just before bedtime, it took my a lot longer than one day. How would I best contact you regarding reviewing my book, "Suitable for Giving: A Collection of Wit with a Side of Wry?"

http://www.suitableforgiving.com/

BECKY said...

Hmmm...Actually, I think I read A Patch of Blue, by Elizabeth Kata, in one day. I was probably a young teenager and cried my eyes out at the ending. I'm pretty sure that was the first book that ever made me cry. Since that was a million years ago, you can see that it definitely stayed with me!

CharmedLassie said...

Fiona Shaw's Tell It To The Bees is probably one of my favourite books ever. I've read it three times and each time I've had to finish it in one day. So evocative and wonderfully written.

bonniekayeschulz said...

FYI-the book you mention Pictures of You is only 1.99 or Kindlr right now http://www.amazon.com/Pictures-of-You-ebook/dp/B004BLIGZU/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2

Unknown said...

This is a fantastic question :) I have only done this a few times and it usually happens during the holidays when I have a bit more time on my hands! I recently read "Until Brazil" by author Bethe Lee Moulton and I will probably re-read it again after Christmas! I just couldn't put this book down. It’s about a hardworking woman, Beth, who feels unsatisfied in her upscale marriage and has even hit a bit of a wall in the workplace. When the opportunity arises for a possible promotion she makes the life changing decision to go to Brazil with her company and in doing so falls in love with the lifestyle, culture and people. The book shows her new-found perspective on everything as she travels back and forth from Brazil to her simple mundane life. It’s a great book about self-transformation and there is even an unexpected love story! http://www.untilbrazil.com/
I was a big "Eat Pray Love" fan too so I guess you could say I'm into the inspirational travel stories :) I hope you all check out "Until Brazil" -it really has something for everyone. Love sharing book recommendations! Thank you!

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