I wanna be a paperback writer

OK -- I stole this from Tai, who admittedly took it from Dagoth, but I found it kind of interesting and I think it provides a good testament to the personality of the individual. Added to which, it was fun. So, here goes:

1)A book that changed my life: Probably George Orwell's 'A Homage to Catalonia.' If hadn't been for his experiences in the Spanish Civil War, in which he came to realize the vileness of doctrinaire politics there likely would have been no 'Animal Farm' or '1984.' I toyed with '1984' for this question, but realized I had to go back to the source.

2) A book I've read more than once: Easy. 'The Catcher in the Rye.' I read it the first time in adolescence, and probably read it annually right through my 20s. After that, adolescent angst tended to pale on me. As weird as Salinger might be, I still think it is the definitive study of a 'challenged' coming of age.

3) A book I'd take to a desert island: The Complete Works of Shakespeare combined with the King James Bible. You would need nothing else to answer all your challenges of isolation.

4) A book that made me laugh: Many books I have found funny. Hell, in weak moments, I have even found Dave Barry funny. But, my favorites in recent years have been the inspired travel books by Bill Bryson. And, I would be utterly remiss if I didn't mention Douglas Adams' (may he rest in perpetual peace with no deadlines) 'A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' series.

5) A book that made me cry: I do not even recall the name of it, but it was a memoir by a middle aged woman who was a victim of perpetual sexual abuse by her father and and his sleazy friends thoughout her childhood. It was very hard-to-take and highly emotional without being smarmy or political.

6) A book I wish I had written: Paul Theroux's 'Paddling Through Polynesia', just because he is such a good writer and also captured for me the essence of my favorite part and people of this beleaguered planet.

7) A book that should never have been written: Far,far too many to list, including most of the so-called 'bestseller list' of any period in history.

8) A book I'm currently reading: Many books are currently being read, and I tend to indulge my mind when it's weary by reading true crime sagas by the amazingly prolific and hugely intelligent Ann Rule. Otherwise, 'Dry' by Augusten Burroughs was just finished, and anything by Pete Hamill. I am about half way through Jonathan Franzen's 'The Corrections.' I don't read many novels, but he charmed me because he figuratively gave the finger to Oprah a while ago and, while it was dumb move professionally, it attested most positively to his character.

9) A book I'm planning to read: 'Running with Scissors' by the aforementioned Augusten Burroughs. I almost resent somebody so young being so damn good.