Our Favorite Book Title, Part 18So many to choose from this time. But we eventually settled on The Teeth May Smile But the Heart Does Not Forget--Murder and Memory in Uganda, an unusual mix of chilling and poetic. But we also liked Tear Down This Myth--How the Reagan Legacy Has Distorted Our Politics and Haunts Our Future and Go Ask Your Father--One Man's Obsession With Finding His Origins Through DNA Testing. All of them accomplish what good book titles (and headlines) tend to do: make you stop and take notice. So which is your favorite? You can review earlier offerings in this series here.
13 Comments:
The Rice title reminds me of another: The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday: Unexpected Encounters in the Changing Middle East by Neil McFarquar
Ooh, that's a good one, Britta. Funny: I know that writer, but haven't yet heard of the book. Thanks for cluing me in.
It came across my desk as a preview copy so probably hasn't gotten much publicity yet.
I see. That means it's not yet in bookstores. That would explain it.
These titles are all too long for me. I prefer titles that are short and to the point. I'll give you three examples: They (Kay Dick), One (David Karp) and We (Yevgeny Zamyatin). In every case it was the title that made me pick up the book although the cover for They is a fine example of the perfect combination of title and artwork. All three books deal with identities, specifically the relationship of the individual to the state.
That's interesting, Jim. And I can't help noting an internal paradox: while you like your book titles short, you also happen to be one of the longest-form bloggers I read.
Then you will find the post I have coming up entitled 'Say what you have to say and get off the page' quite amusing.
BTW I do write very short poetry.
I'll look forward to reading that, Jim.
Funny book titles catch my eye. I guess that's because I'm always seeing the humorous side of everything. A couple of ones I liked:
"What's the Worst that Could Happen?" by Donald Westlake.
"The Earth, My Butt, and Other Big Round Things," by Carolyn Macklen.
That earth & butt title is a true classic. I'd have surely flagged that one if I had seen it. Thanks for adding yours, Donna. Have you read both those books?
I probably read the Westlake. Not the other.
How about this song title: "Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand"?
(Primitive Radio Gods, 1996) Had to look it up. I could only recall the first six words of the title.
Good for you for venturing out beyond book titles, Jane. The real subject here is just good titles.
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