The Secret Garden

A few days ago, I told readers I discovered the pleasure of reading books I’d not opened for decades. I found new meaning because I’m different than the man who read those books long ago.

I knew others might feel the same way. So, I asked you to share what books you return to.

I received nearly 100 replies. I was struck not only by what people shared about themselves but also their explanations of why they loved a certain book.

I propose we vote on a book off this list to read together. I’ll set up a time and place to meet and discuss the book. And, if willing, I’d like the person who selected the book on this list to lead the discussion.

If you're interested, vote and email me at the address at the bottom of this story.

If you're interested, vote and email me at the address at the bottom of this story. Here are the ones that spoke to me.

-- Tom Hallman Jr.

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Dana M. Winkelman:

The first book that comes to mind is "The Secret Garden," by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I went upstairs last night late when I couldn't sleep and found the book in the guest room on the children's game and book shelf.

For years when our boys were young the book would go with me on our annual family camping trip to Mt. Baker National Park where we camped on the river. You could hear the sound of the water as you sat in camp or lay on your cot.

I came to not only love the book more and more each year but came to associate it with these trips. When I opened the book last night, it was like I was back camping with the kids. I could smell the campfire, and hear the kids playing as well as the river passing.

I realize as well that so many things change so quickly in our world today that there is a comfort in finding the book is still the same.

The twists and turns in this book's plot are fed by the twists and turns in my own life. I don't race through it but savor each sentence.

Yes, they're the same words, but now they have more layers.

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Man's Search for Meaning

Jeanne Robbana:

The books I return to are "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, which reassures me that humankind is capable of essential goodness but often with great difficulty. And "Wind in the Willows," by Kenneth Grahame, which tells of the charms of adventures as well as the great value of friends and home.

I've moved a lot in my life and books remain my "home," where I find signs of the best in others and in myself.

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The Wizard of Oz

Jackie Wischmeyer:

The book I keep coming back to over the years is “The Wizard of Oz” by Frank Baum. It awakens heartwarming childhood memories. When I was very young, my dad read to my brother and me every night. It’s a reminder that we have important gifts inside us and the power to help them develop.

Dorothy and her friends “come true” during their journey, as each one finds that what they are searching for is already inside. But it takes the journey itself to discover and develop.

It’s not the Wizard who grants them, but rather we ourselves. Like an old friend, this idea is worth visiting at any age.

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All Creatures Great and Small

Sandy Vias:

The series of James Herriot books, beginning with “All Creatures Great and Small.”

The chapters are filled with courage, humor, and the strength of the human spirit. Most comforting and warming themes, indeed, in this time of strife and hate.

The best of people come out in the end. So, there is hope for us still.

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The Lord of the Rings

Paula M. Wilson:

“The Lord of the Rings,” by J.R.R. Tolkien fascinated me from the first read. I go back to this story again and again to experience the friendship and loyalty between the members of the fellowship and their allies. The richness and complexity of the story. The battle between good and evil. The ability of the least of us to be brave, attempt an impossible task, and succeed.

When I need a vacation, I am stressed and despairing, when I feel I cannot escape from whatever burden weighs on me, I pull down my Lord of the Rings trilogy and spend some quality time with my friends in Middle Earth.

I always feel better when I return.

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Little Women

Pat Dignan:

As an 86-year-old woman, I return to “Little Women,” by Louisa May Alcott over and over. I go to it for the memories around the gifting as much as for the content.

My father gave it to me for my 11th birthday in Dawson, Yukon Territory where our family lived out 58 miles on Glacier Creek. My father had a gold mine, placer mining. Marmee and the daughters, Laurie, Aunt March -- the whole family lived in our camp just past our cook-house. To this day, I hold a grudge against Amy for ‘shanghaiing’ Laurie from Jo.

I called my mother Marmee until I was 16.

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Siddhartha

Stephen Reichard:

Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha,” a classic on the life of the Buddha has extraordinary resonance for me as I struggle with self-actualization living in a big city and in a modern world that allows for far too little time for reflection.

I find that when I get off track, going back to Siddhartha – either in audible or print form – helps to center me and focus on the important rather than the urgent. Like an old and good friend.

Bob Hartman:

As I get older and leave the world of work, raising kids, paying bills and generally dealing with a materialistic lifestyle, I realize that happiness is found internally with detachments, serving others, eliminating judgments, anger, jealousy.

I find the wonderful book “Siddhartha” to be an inspirational re-read.

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Rosamunde Pilcher

Bev White:

When life becomes too complex and distressing, when I can no longer watch the news or even think about politics, I take down from my library shelf any one of the fifteen books and/or collections of short stories by Rosamunde Pilcher.

They will provide the secure, serene, sensible world into which I retreat.

The village is peaceful, nestled against an often-raging ocean with waves crashing against the rocky shore. Storms bring rain lashing against an old, strong house with a roaring fire in the fireplace. There are some bad people in the crowd but nothing she can’t handle and there are some very good people that make up her world.

Into that world I nestle and find peace.

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Margaret J. Nightingale:

I probably read “To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee for the first time in the mid-60’s as an adolescent.

It has presented core ideas and values -- tolerance, equality, justice, kindness, humility, and nonviolence -- that have shaped my aspirations at various stages of my life as a citizen, anthropologist, civil rights lawyer, parent, teacher and mediator.

Also, re-reading it as I’ve moved further and further away from childhood keeps me grounded in understanding a child’s perspective and wishing that every child would have a parent like Atticus to answer her questions with clarity and respect.

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--Tom Hallman Jr.

thallman@oregonian.com; 503221-8224

@thallmanjr