We asked, you answered. Here are the latest answers to Question of the Month: What is your all-time favorite book with a love theme? Send your answer to blog@wnba-nyc.org.
Rosalind Reisner
THE SONG OF ACHILLES(Bloomsbury Publishing) by Madeline Miller
“This may seem like an unusual choice, but the Greek myths and epics are filled with the drama of strong passions. Miller has taken the story of the relationship of Achilles and Patroclus–a central theme in The Iliad–and made it into a compelling and utterly fresh love story. It’s told from the point of view of Patroclus, who grows up with Achilles and becomes his constant companion, his touchstone, and ultimately his savior. Tissues will be needed.”
Diana Altman
“THE RISE OF SILAS LAPHAM (Penguin) by William Dean Howells has the best portrait of a happy marriage though the book seems to be about something else. Here’s a business magnate who does NOT neglect his wife.”
Rachel Slaiman
THE NOTEBOOK(Bantam) by Nicholas Sparks.
“This book shows how love can be so strong no matter what the couple has been through. The couple was separated after WWII and then reunited 7 years later. With Nicholas Sparks, it is hard to give a description of the book, so with him, less is more.”
Julie Barker
RAINTREE COUNTY (Penguin Books) by Ross Lockridge.
“This story of a young boy’s pursuit of the girl he loves takes place over numerous years. It’s the epitome of a romantic tale. But as a writer I see another layer of romanticism in that Ross Lockridge wanted to write the Great American Novel. He sets recurring scenes on the Fourth of July and creates a prototypical American community, but he dips too much into sentimentality for many readers and critics. Best read in your 20s!”
Cheryl Fish
“My favorite is ANNA KARENINA by Leo Tolstoy –it has all kinds of love. Illicit love, love of the land, love of family, love of freedom,love of the word, and the love of self or the lack thereof.”
According to Billboard.com, Endless Love is the Number 1 love song. To get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day here is Lionel Ritchie and Diana Ross:
