I picked up the following meme from Frances at Nonsuch Book, but it was actually started by Simon at Stuck in a Book. Basically Frances randomly assigned me a letter, and I have to pick my favorite book, author, song, film, and object beginning with that letter. I got the letter ‘A’. So this is my stab at it:
Favorite book:
And the Band Played On: Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic by Randy Shilts
I don’t have any ‘A’ books that fall into my close-to-my-heart inner circle of favorites, but And the Band Played On is probably the worthiest of the ‘A’ books I have read. It details the course of the AIDS epidemic in the US from 1980 to 1985. It’s a passionate book and had a strong emotional impact on me.
Favorite author:
Jane Austen – I don’t love all of her books, but her mastery at writing comedy of manners is what makes her a favorite author of mine. I have come to her defense a couple of times, actually, when people have dismissed her as being too romantic and too “girly” for them to even try to read one of her books.
Favorite Song:
“Amado Mio” – Pink Martini
This is the song that turned me into a Pink Martini fan. I heard it while living with my sister and her husband one summer – I was unemployed and there was a heat wave, but I actually look back at that time fondly, so I associate this song with the best memories of that summer.
Favorite Movie: Amelie
I love the colors, the music, and the joy of this film. This is one of my favorite scenes:
Favorite Object: Apples.
I couldn’t think of a non-food object that was something I would call favorite. We had apple trees on our property while growing up, and I remember picking them, sorting them, helping to make applesauce and apple butter. They aren’t my favorite fruit, but I consider them a kind of family fruit. My dad enjoys growing them and at one time, my ancestors made their living off of them. My mom makes a wonderful apple pie. There’s a homey-ness about them that I like. (But don’t get a Red Delicious apple anywhere near me. Those things are terrible.)
A Good Stopping Point 
Fantastic! I love what you came up with for that “A.” Especially your musical choice (searching now for more of same) and Amelie. Thanks for playing along!
Ahh very nice! Thanks for choosing something by Pink Martini. That group has a special place in my heart. They are from my hometown of Portland,OR. As a matter of fact, I grew up with Gavin B. the trumpet player since his family lived down the road from me. (His brother Clark is an amazing sax player!)
Nice post! Keep up the good work!
What a fun meme! I love your choices, especially And the Band Played On — still one of my most favorite nonfiction books of all time.
Frances – Thanks! The object was the hardest to come up with, just because it was so broad. The movie and author were the easiest. Hope you enjoy more of Pink Martini!
maphead – That’s really cool that you grew up with Gavin B.! I’ve seen Pink Martini twice in concert, and I thought he was especially great in their version of “Bolero”.
Jenny – Yes! You recommended that book to me – I’m so glad I read it.
Ooh La la – I’ve not heard of Pink Martini before, that’s a great clip. Thanks for sharing it. I hope you post some more clips as part of Paris in July. You have some great idea’s to share!