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The ship is sinking. You have only time to collect about 25 books into a small trunk to sustain you. Which books do you pack? Why those books?
List Order
First published in 1983
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21 editions
Sure to engage the mind, this book written by a former Librarian of Congress (US) covered worlds of knowledge and those who made the discoveries.
Human behavior explained with a sense of humor. Could be especially useful, if not the only survivor on the island.
These late in life essays by Calvino read like letters from a dear friend. Would be most appreciated in the lonely isolation on a deserted island.
The first Gould I ever read, this title is dear to me. Would not want to be without Gould's voice indefinitely.
All of Kean's books are excellent, but this one explaining each of the elements of the periodic table and their discoverers would be missed the most.
The language Schulz used raised the commonplace to extraordinary. Would want his words to maintain some sparkling magic in the monotony of isolation.
Goyer's sweet stories would probably feel like having a grandma along on the island. She would likely be a great comfort out there alone.
First published in 1974
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22 editions
Can you imagine the frustration of being out on an island unable to refer back to these poems when you cannot remember all the words of "Sarah Cynthia Silvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage out"?! Have to take it.
Drama, tragedy, comedy, poetry, romance, travel -- the bard seems like a great bet to keep the mind engaged. If nothing else, there are all the soliloquies to use as memory exercises.
Haven't read this, but would probably immediately be grateful for this info!
Haven't read this one either, but it seems like an excellent addition. Would also like Mors Kochanski's book BUSHCRAFT: OUTDOOR SKILLS AND WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, but that doesn't come up in my searches on Open Library.
First published in 1986
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21 editions
One more survival skills book for good measure. This one has great reviews. Will have to pick it up before we set sail.
For the dao of Pooh, the sweetness, the sing-song childhood friend
The Little Prince managed out there on Asteroid B6-12 with just a rose. He seems like a good companion when stranded.
Of course, I'd rather have a massive collection of all his work, but to have any Wodehouse would be comfort.
AKA Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia. Is there a single volume I should pack that addresses the sciences and tech?
This text was my introduction to Earth system sciences. Can you recommend a stronger ESS text? This one is fairly basic, but I want a refresher on the natural forces I'll be exposed to out on that island.
His humor would be missed.
To amuse the mind and keep a song in my heart
The mind would long for imagery, I imagine. This is a 24-book set, but some single volume of the visual arts would be a wonderful addition to the trunk.
A reminder that there are many islands all over the world and that we are not alone on our deserted island
The basics of biology never get old. Always good to refresh on the biochemistry, genetics, botany, zoology, neuroscience, and ecology.
Going to be a lot of staring at the night sky, right?
With too much time on my hands, I'll want some nourishment for the mind.
This photo album of the music scene of my youth compiled by women I looked up to and filled with people I admired would certainly be a happy addition on that blasted lonely island.
| September 17, 2024 | Edited by Vivienne | Updated list. |
| September 17, 2024 | Edited by Vivienne | Updated list. |
| September 5, 2024 | Edited by Vivienne | Edited without comment. |
| September 4, 2024 | Edited by Vivienne | Edited without comment. |
| September 4, 2024 | Created by Vivienne | Created new list. |
