A few months ago there was a thread on the classic forum where many people recommended their favorite books for people to buy and have on hand for later. I've lost the thread and really want to print it out before going to the used paperback book store. Anyone have a cite? Thanks!!!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), July 16, 1999

Answers

By a very odd coincidence, Decker, who's "not very interested" in this prep forum, reposted that very same thread on the classic forum a little while ago. It's near the top, easy to find.

You might also look for Ewell Gibbons, Stalking the Wild Asparagus. Very interesting and useful book and often available in used book stores.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), July 17, 1999.

Thanks Old Git! I reviewed Decker's post. The one I was looking for was probably 4-5 months ago. MANY different people listed the books that they would want to have if on a "deserted island", so to speak. Everything from the classic russian authors to Mark Twain. I also looked under the book section of the archives but it wasn't there. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), July 17, 1999.

Ah, well, if it was an old post you'll find it in the old archives. I found these under Awareness, General, or category to that effect. One of them may be the one you want:

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000HGw

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000Fn2

http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg.tcl?msg_id=000BbU

For me, I'd say any good whodunit, gardening (especially old, especially organic), herbals, old cookbooks, recent nutrition, poetry, classics (especially DEMs), oh hell, even the Yellow Pages, and as many as you can store without collapsing floor or ceiling. I plan to store mine in the ubiquitous buckets (used ones, so they'll have the fragrance of vanilla fluff), and stick them in the garden shed. I have far too many now to store on bookshelves, despite adding many more of 'em (yard sales and Friends of the Library will be the death of me).

-- No wonder I'm a half-blind Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), July 17, 1999.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!! Old Git, you're a peach!!!! I now have about 15 printed pages of suggestions to take to the used book store with me!!

-- jeanne (jeanne@hurry.now), July 18, 1999.

Thanks for the thread, jeanne. Thanks for the url's, Old Git.

I noticed there aren't many children's books listed. My 10 year old has been getting me to read Lewis' Narnia books to her. Her teacher read them "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe", which she enjoyed so much that she asked me to read her the series. We've finished "Magician's Nephew" and I'm not sure if she wants to re-read Lion or go to "The Horse and His Boy"... At any rate, all C.S.Lewis books are on my must have list, and I plan to check this week at the second hand book store for another full Narnia series as the one I have is getting ratty. If my girls were a bit younger, I'd be stocking up on Suess as well.

The problem is, do I use those new shelves for food or books? ;-)

-- Tricia the Canuck (tricia_canuck@hotmail.com), July 19, 1999.

All of the above sound great to someone who's had a love of books since she was very, very young, and who has more books than shelves to house them! I would also add, however, inner resources-type books: either directly related to spiritual matters, or to developing ones' soul/spirit. I think inspirational reading will be very important in dark days. Meditative works tend to still the soul during stresses. Poetry has a similar effect. Books with beautiful works of art, scenery, and beloved places also soothe and uplift. Even if you are not Episcopal, the Book of Common Prayer (not the most recent version) contains some wonderful liturgy, prayer, thought, and contains the words to ceremonies that may not be able to be performed in houses of worship in a breakup of society. The Bible, in old and modern English, is one classic no survivor should be without.

-- Elaine Seavey (Gods1sheep@aol.com), July 21, 1999.

Y2K, ` la Carte by Dancr near Monterey, California

Tricia: put the food behind the books :>

-- BookDancr (addy.available@my.webpage.neener.autospammers--regrets.greenspun), July 22, 1999.

What a great idea! Thanks BookDancr :-D

-- Tricia the Canuck (tricia_canuck@hotmail.com), July 23, 1999.