“I know!” I say. “That’s why I know it’s good and am willing to spend money on it.”
With all the reading I do, my long-term memory doesn’t hold onto all the plots and characters though. Within a year or so, I can usually only tell you whether I’ve read a certain book or not, but don’t ask me for any sort of plot summary.
So for any of you out there that want book ideas, here are my top 10 suggestions. I’ve read and re-read these babies and enjoyed them just as much the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time around (They aren’t
in any order; I’ve rated them all a perfect 5 on Goodreads.com).
1. Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites series by Chris Heimerdinger: This is LDS young adult fiction. I read these as a teen (there are 11 or 12—can’t remember exactly; that’s long term memory), and then read them to each of my kids. Still, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoy them, and am biting at the bit for the last (final?) book so I’m not left hanging.
2. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: Can’t say enough good about this. I like them better each time I read them. Rowling’s attention to detail throughout all 7 books is incredible. She must have a lot more long-term memory than I do.
3. The Scarlett Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy: The 1st time I almost gave up and didn’t finish this treasure because of the old English. So I listened to it on CD and was captivated. Then I read it again and found it easier to understand. Now, when I don’t have a book to read, I’ll pick up this familiar friend and sigh as I re-read some of my favorite romance scenes of all time—no kissing, yet romantic tension out the ying yang. Love this one!
4. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo: Now I won’t lie. This isn’t an easy read, but it is one of my favorite books of all time. Jean Valjean’s character is my hero. The symbolism of justice and mercy depicted by the story always touches me. Fantastic, yet heartbreaking!
5. Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis: This author is one of my favorites. This isn’t fiction, so if you want to be entertained, don’t pick this up. If you want to be enlightened though by a mighty mind and spirit, this is a must-read.
6. Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe series by C.S. Lewis: I love the symbolism of every character in this story. I read this to my little sisters when I was a teen, because I was fascinated by how Lewis taught of Christ through fairy tale animals and make-believe.
7. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls: Can’t read this one without crying every time, no matter that the story—unlike some others—is firmly entrenched in my long term memory. Still, the way he writes and tells the story gets me every time.
8. Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shafer: Don’t you love this title! I do, and I think the book is charming. The story is revealed through countless letters and telegrams written back and forth between many characters.
9. Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins: This was such a unique and gripping plot. Some of my book group members said they hated that they loved this book. It’s violent, but has great lessons about the value of freedom.
10. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom: If you ever feel down and want a pick-me-up, read this book. The author is the most Christ-like person I’ve read about. Her life was affected cruelly by WWII, yet her attitude saved her and many others. This woman and her whole family were amazing!
Here are some honorable mention; I haven’t re-read them, but only because I haven’t got to it yet. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is incredible! It's narrated by death (how unique is that?).
Another one, This Voice in my Heart: A Runner’s Memoir of Genocide, Faith and Forgiveness by Gilbert Tuhabonye, is a memoir of the Burundi/Rwandan Genocide; I liked it because it was horribly awful, yet uplifting because the victim prevails through forgiveness.
And lastly, I loved The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It’s set in the deep South in the 1960’s. The character voices suck you into their world like a whirlpool.
We have a few of the same favorites. I loved The Hunger Games, Where The Red Fern Grows, Harry Potter, and The Chronicles of Narnia. I'm also one of those Twilight people. LOL It's a great series. Have you tried paperbackswap.com? It's a great way to trade your old books for new to you ones. ;)
ReplyDeleteCharissa I totally remember and loved when you read the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe to us!! It's crazy how long ago you read it to us and then when I watched the movie later how much I remembered. What a wonderful sis you are:) You know I don't like to read but I used to love reading Jack Weyland books. And I of course would re read your amazing novel!!
ReplyDeleteCharissa, I think you were also the one who introduced C.S. Lewis to me as a child. I've loved the book ever since and imagine by excitement when the movies started coming out and I didn't just have that oddly animated version to hold to. I did like the Hunger Games but was taken aback by the level of violence in the book but it was purposeful and she never got vulgar. I'm reading the Help right now so funny you should put it up there. I'm delighted at the different voices the author has employed to tell her tale. There is some course language but I think Freefall from Mindi Scott is a great read. I have always loved Todd's Horse books but along the same line I faithfully read Jim Kjelgaard's dog novels. I fully concur with the assessment of the HP novels and am saddened that the last book as well as the last movie have come to pass. I'd been just as happy if she continued on into Harry's adult life. I love this post because it touches upon my most favorite activity - reading. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo many of my favorites are on this list! I think Where the Red Fern Grows is the first book that made me cry. I have been wanting to read The Help - guess it's time to go to the library!
ReplyDeleteI always like looking at your goodreads recommendations, so I liked this post. Loved tennis shoes when I was younger but had no idea there were so many of them now. I think there were only like two or three when I was reading them. Never read harry potter but maddy is bugging me too. Loved the narnia series and feel jipped you didn't read them to me! Loved the hunger games. Currently reading the Help cause ive heard so much about it. Love red fern. Read it to my kids last year and it made us cry. I'm having them watch the movie this summer. Always wanted to read les mis cause I love the broadway play so much. Maddy is currently reading scarlet pimpernel. I will have to read it when she is through.
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who clicked a picture because they said "Click to Look Inside"? LOL duh.
ReplyDeleteIf you have enjoyed the hiding place then you must read "evidence not seen" by Darlene Deibler Rose It is also an amazing story along the same lines. I wept, cheered and overall was amazed at these amazing godly people.
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