The other night I had a dream that a wildfire was approaching my house. I had just enough time to pack a few things into a box before I had to evacuate. Naturally, I ran to my bookshelf. I had the box mostly full of books when I realized that it might be a good idea to also take some toiletries, clothes, and food.
It made me think, though: If I could only save a few of my books, which ones would they be? I started making a list of my Most Valued Books.
My Bible- The bible is always a special book, but this one is mine! I’ve had it since forever, it has little illustrations, and I’ve underlined passages. I even accidentally personalized it with a small bloodstain.
Country Life: a handbook for realists and dreamers, by Paul Heiney– This book has a little bit of all things agriculture. It even goes into raising ostriches, blacksmithing, and making mead. I probably won’t do any of that- but I can dream, can’t I?
Kwant’Stan (The Golden Ears)- This book I bought at a library sale looks like it has seen better days. The thin yellowed cover had to be taped together, and it seems to have been printed by typewriter. But it goes into the history of a lost mine, B.C.’s oldest church, and Canada’s first train robbery!
Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien– This isn’t cheating by taking a series. I have The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King (plus the appendixes,) all in one book. Of course I’d save this one!
Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo– I need this book. Bragging rights. (and it’s a good book, besides)
Failstate: Nemisis, by John W. Otte- In my dream I had Failstate, as well as the sequel, Failstate: Legends. Alas, I only have the last book in this awesome and unique superhero series. I used to have Failstate: Legends, but I didn’t do a very good job of protecting it, and sadly lost it. I won’t make the same mistake with Failstate: Nemesis.
The Brushstroke Legacy, by Lauraine Snelling: I love the feel of this book. It has artists, cowboys, two time-lines, Norwegian accents, fixing old cabins, and caramel rolls! The romance was a bit too quick, but who cares? Did I mention the caramel rolls?
Dragonwitch, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl– I read this book in a day, and then read it again in the same month. Then I read it again a few months later. It’s due for another re-read sometime soon. Can you tell I love this book?
Golden Daughter, also by Anne Elisabeth Stengl- This is a book with some incredible world-building, intriguing characters, and powerful symbolism. But it’s also a book with some bittersweet memories for me. I read it as I held my last baby goat on my lap, before he went to his new owner. He stepped on it, and left a faint hoof-print on one page.
By the Great Horn Spoon, by Sid Fleischman– A book for the younger folk, but I love the story. It’s full of ship racing, gold digging, thieves, and some bittersweet family moments. It was a great book to read to my little brother.
There we have it, a list of My Most Valued Books. I had to stop at ten; otherwise I would have gone on forever.
To be a Shennachie 
A fine selection of books.
Sounds like a ghastly dream though
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Thanks, Jemma. I’m very happy with them, and so glad that they are safe.
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Love this list! If I could only save one I would pick my Bible, because out of all my books it has the most physical meaning for me — the underlinings, the extreme wear and tear (the cover is covered in sellotape. It’s come off a few times) — whereas other books I’d be happier to replace. Les Mis is a good option though! ❤
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I love it when a bible is well worn- and thus well loved!
It’s hard to replace something with that much history.
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So I’m not the only one who’s considered which books they would grab in an emergency! XD Sounds like a great collection. That Kwant’Stan book sounds irreplaceable (and so interesting!). *gasp* Have you read Les Mis? I kiiiind of want to, but the size is daunting.
*is reminded that I very much need to buy Golden Daughter*
I would grab my Bible because of the highlighting, memories, and the fact it was a gift from my grandparents (one of whom has since passed away) at my baptism. And I’d take as many of my journals as I could–do those count? XD I would have a tough time choosing between all my other books, though… Probably “The Bones of Makaidos” or “Eye of the Oracle” by Bryan Davis, since those are two of my favorites. Also “Starflower” or “Shadowhand” by Anne Elisabeth Stengl, for the same reason. Oh! And if I remembered, I would take a book of poetry by Sir Walter Scott, given to me after my grandpa passed away. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s gorgeous and old and I like to pretend it’s very valuable. I definitely plan to read it one day…
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As expected, it took me a long time to finish Les Mis. But I’m glad that I read through the whole thing. (I actually found some of the rambling parts interesting)
The bible is always a good book to have on hand, but when there are so many memories attached it just makes it that much more special!
Oh, I forgot about putting journals on the list! I can’t really replace those!
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Urgh. I certainly hope that no booklover is truly put into a situation where they have to choose to only keep their favourite few books. I definitely could not do it.
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Same here! It was difficult, stopping at ten.
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