I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS....
At this point in my life, I don't remember anything about the book or even what it's about, but I DO remember getting off the bike, going into the next room to tell Allen that Angelou's words had totally moved me; it was literally a religious experience.
She had a way of putting words together that just touched my soul.
And, so it is with GOOD books.
I read a lot of books - a lot.
Some are intriguing mysteries, have a humorous bent, a great mystery, a complicated plot; some are mostly conversation with little description of the characters or events. And, sure, I'll read some of those. Some are written to tell a fascinating story line, but don't necessarily have good writing....there are a lot of those out there.
But the ones with staying power and that thrill me the most are the ones with powerful use of language. I want to underline and remember the lines; the way the words are put together. I cannot write like that, but I do know a good author when I am in the midst of a book where the power of the words reaches out and touches my soul. Where the wisdom of the writer is beyond describing.
And, oh, how I love a good book like that.
