Titles From My Bookshelf Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Earth Abides"

Although not well known, Mr Stewart has written a fine book about a survivor of a pandemic who explores the strange new world and discovers resources within himself he could never have imagined.

Answer: "Executive Orders"

The scenario of a terrorist flying a plane into the United States Capital is all the more chilling when we remember 9/11. Our hero, Jack Ryan must not only rebuild the decapitated federal government but must deal with hostile plots against the U.S. and his family.
This was of course written by Tom Clancy.

Answer: "Skinny Legs And All"

Written by the master of the absurd, Tom Robbins, this story provides
plenty of laughs as the author explores the politics and religion of the Middle East.

Answer: "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy"

This first installment of a series by Douglas Adams introduces us to Arthur Dent, who quickly learns the importance of bringing a towel and remembering the prime admonition, "Don't Panic".

Answer: "I Claudius"

This was written by Robert Graves who based his story on the accounts of the emperor's contemporaries. I recall that when this story was shown on 'Masterpiece Theater', Alistair Cooke mentioned much of the material in the novel came from an ancient writer named Suetonius.

Answer: "The Andromeda Strain"

This early work by Michael Crichton demonstrated his talent as a writer. I have enjoyed his books through the years but sadly by the time he wrote "Jurassic Park" I felt that it read more like a movie script.

Answer: "The Count of Monte Cristo"

This was written by Alexandre Dumas pere, who also wrote "The Three Musketeers". Dantes is a man who is serious about getting revenge and eventually realizes that justice belongs to God.

Answer: "Siddhartha"

This was written by Hermann Hesse, who also wrote "Steppenwolf", which I thought was a much darker tale of self-discovery.

Answer: "Cry The Beloved Country"

This story by Alan Paton presented the plight of native Africans years before they finally won their freedom. What I remember most is the sweetness of the protagonists and the love they demonstrated. I have seen this story portrayed on the screen but, compared to the novel, it failed to convey how much this father loved his son.

Answer: "Spark Of Life"

By Erich Maria Remarque, who also wrote the better known "All Quiet On The Western Front", this story allows tension to build as the guards increase their brutality upon the prisoners as the Allies approach and the prisoners plan to revolt against their captors.