My Favorite Books (so far)

I have read many books, but only a few have I read more than once. I don't often spend my valuable reading time reading something that won't rack up points or earn a check off my list. So the books on this list made this list for one of three reasons: the book is a classic that sounds impressive to have read and was actually a good read, the book really spoke to me in some life changing way, or I have read the book more than once and enjoyed it each read. The books are listed in no particular order.


1) Anne of Green Gables - I think this book changed my life in so many ways. I had never before read something I could relate to so completely. I mean, I could dream about starting my own baby-sitter's club or read about fourth grade nothings, but I was Anne. It was as if L.M. Montgomery was speaking to my soul saying, "Your oddities are lovely, keep being this strange and wonderful you." I have several copies of this book in two different languages. I have visited several important locations in the book. I have joined clubs connected to it and even created a newsletter containing continuing adventures with my childhood best friend, Kristie. This was also the first book I read that caused me to love reading. I carried it with me even to the dinner table and read the whole series (the first time I had ever done that). You could say that this was the book which started my bibliophilia in the first place.  I still love this book as much as I did twenty years ago when I first read it.

2) Persuasion - my favorite Jane Austen. I could read the part where Captain Wentworth writes the letter again and again...in fact I do...

3) The Blue Castle - this book is also by LM Montgomery. I read it in high school and just adored all of the ridiculous characters. I own an early edition of it which I read out loud to my parents in one sitting as we drove from Petaluma to Garden Grove. I was hoarse the next day, but it was worth it.

4) To Kill a Mockingbird  - I saw the movie first and I know that has altered my perspective on this book. It is my mother's favorite movie and we watch it together every Halloween. Gregory Peck is amazing and as lovely as Atticus Finch himself. I heard once (maybe it's even in the book) that Atticus was, "so far above everyman, that he was above no man." I think that is a wonderful way to live.

5) Les Miserables - Yup, this one is mostly just to brag that I finished this novel, but really, I was so enraptured with this dark and beautiful story. It was such a bold telling of true grace, a juxtaposition of justice vs. mercy. It was an amazing book.

6)  The Count of Monte Cristo - I'm not usually one to love classics. I read them for their importance, but I don't usually devour them. Not so with this one. It is full of action and intrigue and a great lesson on what vengeance can do to a man.

7) The Harry Potter Series - I think that JK Rowling is a genius.

8) The Hunger Games - I read this book in one sitting and I own several copies so I can loan it out to multiple people at once. I have read it twice and will probably read it again (almost unheard of).

9) Ender's Game - a book about genius children...that's all it takes to get my attention. A mind blowing ending...that's all it takes to make me love it and tell others to read it too.

10) The book of Romans - this is probably my favorite book in the Bible. I know a lot of people love it, but it is full of inspiration and encouragement. It explains the need for the gospel and what the good news really is. It tells me that I can never be separated from God's love no matter what I do or what anyone else does. It's a common favorite for a reason.

11) Psalm 103 - I LOVE this Psalm. I love it for its structure, its poetry, and its reassurance of God's love for me despite my sin.

12)Jane Eyre - I love how Jane sticks to her principles even when her happiness and security are at stake. I drudged through this the first time I read it, but I've reread it since then and I love it more each time. Such a good story.

13) Sideways Stories From Wayside School - I have read this book at least 10 times and it is funny each time. With its small chapters and crazy characters, this book is a wonderful read-aloud.

14) Flipped - A story told from two different perspectives, not only do the characters flip in the middle of the book, your perspective on each character flips too. I have never known how beautiful a sycamore tree could be.

15) The Magician's Nephew - This book made this list for one specific scene in which Aslan creates Narnia. It is a poetic interpretation of how it would look and sound at the beginning of a world.

     Well, now that you've seen my list, tell me what books I should have as favorites.