Top 40, Part 4

So, this is the last installment of the forty books I'd choose if for some reason I had to (Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3). I must say again, I am terrible at hypothetical situations and I'm still struggling to understand why there could only be forty. But, I didn't write the book this came from, Susan Hill did (nor have I read it). I have decided, though, that there are really only two reasons I'd have to decide on forty- stuck in a nuclear fallout shelter or a prearranged kidnapping by a somewhat kind-hearted bibliophile. So, if I really only could take forty, I think I'd want some that I hadn't read yet, since my bunker or kidnapping cell will probably lack cable or a treadmill. Here are the last ten, all books that I'm praying are great so I'll be adequately entertained while in hypothetical isolation:

31. Let the Great World Spin by Collum McCan: Tightrope walking between the Twin Towers back in 1974 (a novel). Critical praise, award nominations, pretty red cover.

32. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by J.K. Rowling: I'm assuming that I'll read the sixth one before the world blows up (this is the seventh). I'll probably be so lonely I'll start talking to Harry and Hermione (Ron is sort of annoying, sorry).

33. The Women by T.C. Boyle: Love Boyle (the "C" stands for Coraghessan, which would make sense if you ever saw him read) and Frank Lloyd Wright stories.

34. Antibiotic Resistance: Understanding and Responding to an Emerging Crisis by Karl Drlica: I am really interested in antibiotic resistance given the fact that pediatricians dispense prescriptions like they're free samples at Costco. Don't get me started- let's just say I haven't taken any in years and have gotten over plenty of colds, sinus infections and God knows what else on my own. Although, it probably won't matter, since I'm sure Jim-Bo (my kidnapper) won't take me to the doctor.

35. Between a Rock and a Hard Place by Aron Ralston: This is written by the man from the movie 127 Hours- you know, the guy that cut off his arm when he got stuck in between two large rocks. Yeah, if he can do that I can stick out whatever situation that has called for me to choose only forty books.

36. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman: A (supposedly) solid, smart, witty piece of contemporary literature.

37. House of Leaves by Mark Danielewski: This book is a beast and, from what I have heard, incredibly challenging. It's important to not let your mind get mushy, even when the fallout forty feet above you is strong enough to make you bald and sterile in 0.8 seconds.

38. Howard Hughes: The Untold Story by Peter Harry Brown and Pat Broeske: I love a good biography and this one is supposed to be a really interesting take on the fascinating Howard Hughes. Plus the authors concentrate on the womanizing, which will probably be nice since I'll be awfully lonely.

39. Changing My Mind: Occasional Essays by Zadie Smith: Smith is a powerful, dynamic, brilliant author that writes on a variety of topics in these essays. She's opinionated and independent- inspiring both in and out of captivity.

40. Once a Runner by John Parker: This is supposedly the greatest sports novels to ever be written, a motivational story about a guy who becomes a champion. I'm sure it will help me with my small-space calisthenics.

Whose idea was this anyway?

All right, two favorites, folks. I won't judge (scout's honor... yes, I was a Brownie). If you were about to be dropped on an island in the Bermuda Triangle what two books would you insist on? Do it. Now. Pretty please.