Book List Friday-Part 3

The final wrap up of my favorite books of all time. Please leave me your favorites so that my list can expand!

21. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Some of the best books of all time. I swear Lewis, is possibly one of the most gifted writers of all time. These books feel like he is casually telling a story, making it up as he goes along , but bringing it all together in a way that makes your heart sing. He uses age old truth and complicated philosophy and makes it so simple a child could understand. My favorites out of the 7 books are probably The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Last Battle and The Magicians Nephew, but they are all fantastic. Also, if you have not read them before and are going to, please read them in the order they were written, not the order the new editions are arranged. Just trust me on that.

22. Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

It was hard for me to not put every Ray Bradbury book on this list, but this one deserves to be on here. He conveys a harsh reality, softened by his beautiful writing and ends on a note of hope. Ray Bradbury, always kind to his readers and optimistic to the end. Love that guy.

23. Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

I love many aspects of this story, the adventure, the imagination, the fairies, but the thing I love the most, like all girls, is The Pan.

24. Momo by Michael Ende

So underappreciated, amazingly creative and well written. You will never buy your kid a battery operated toy again after reading this. Please, if you have not read this, do quickly.

25. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Pride and Prejudice spiced up and based in the 1930’s. See my book review for more info.

26. The Far Pavilions by M.M. Kaye

Deals with an aspect of history that I knew little of (my knowledge is still pretty little, but at least it sort of exists now). British ruled India. Two star crossed lovers, a British officer and Indian princess. It sounds cheesy, but it’s actually super will done.

27. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

My first introduction to the author who would monopolize my life from years 12-16. I feel for Tolkien, he was an all or nothing kind of guy. When his publishers wanted a sequel to The Hobbit he spent 20 years writing the history of middle earth and ended up with something almost nothing like it. I have been told, “If you loved The Hobbit, you won’t like The Lord of the Rings”. Which can be true, only because the books are so different. The Hobbit feels more like an undiscovered corner of England in the 19th century, and The Lord of the Rings feels more Medieval history of England.

28. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

I haven’t read this book since I was very young. Maybe 9 years old? But it is really meaningful to me because it was the first book that I read to myself and connected to. It made me cry and I was a little bit shocked by that. I was a really late reader (not sure of the exact age 7, 8, 9? Help me out mom) and am thankful that I was able to discover reading at my own pace and in my own way. After I read this book I was eager to find more books that created a world to lose myself in with characters that I cared about. Now 15 years later I can’t stop.

I had a few other  books that I was going to put on this list but I don’t feel like they make the cut, so we are going to stop at 28 books. That leaves room for 2 more books to make it up here before I die, I suppose.

That’s all folks!

 

 

Book List Friday – Part 2

My list continues. Keep reading for the shocking reveal of my second most hated book.

11. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Absolutely fabulous. I started reading these when I was fourteen to see what the big deal was (Coincidentally me and Harry were the same age when I started the series) and was hooked at once. The books may be set in an enchanted castle, but the true magic is found in the characters and age old themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and good versus evil. ( I know that was cheesy, but I get that way about HP)

12. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

My first son is named after Ray Bradbury, if that tells you how much I love this author and this book. Ray Bradbury remains the most delightful author I have ever read. How a genius could ever stay so lovely is a mystery (that gives you a little peek into how optimistic I am, no?). This book is a coming of age, melancholy, sweet adventure. It evolves. Every time I read it, it hits me in a new profound way.

13.  The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

I know Anne Boleyn was supposed to be influential in the restoration of the church, I know that some see her as a positive influence in Christian history, I know that this book is Historical Fiction,  I know all that. But looking at the known facts, I think Philippa Gregory got it right. The way Philippa fills in the details,  you have to realize nothing else really makes sense. Anne Boleyn was an evil genius. This book is fantastic and will get you obsessed with Tudor England, I promise. I had their whole family tree down to memory for awhile after reading this book.

14.  Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson

My first son, is also (as far as I am concerned, my husband may think differently)named after Calvin. I loved this comic strip as a kid and love them even more as adult. Watterson is incredibly skillful at inserting a profound message without being kitschy or preachy.

15. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Don’t Panic. This book is LOL hilarious and incredibly original.

16. The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis’ mastery at making philosophy captivating and tangible is well used in these books. And the main character’s name is Ransom. And there is space travel. So there you go, three perfectly good reasons to go read these now.

17. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Seriously a lovely read even after all this time. And I am going to be shallow and say it is even better if you have seen Baz Lutherman’s version of the movie with Leo Dicaprio (I call him Leo because we are tight like that).

18. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I read this one a whim and was surprised by how much I loved it. I really appreciated Jane as a character and really identified with her sense of duty, right and wrong and practicality. The love angle is super good too.

19. The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Such an amazing telling of Gettysburg. It is told first person by all the major generals perspectives, chapter by chapter. He does such a great job of honoring each man.

20. Gone With the Wind by Margret Mitchell

A billion pages long and you are sad when it is over. Idealizes the Southern Civil War perspective but is sort of a romantic story in general so you can’t judge it too harshly for that.  Scarlett is a brat and Rhett is steamy.

 

And now A book That I Hate

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

It is rare that a movie is better than the book. I read this book in preparation for the movie, years ago. The book lacks everything that makes the movie amazing. This book lacks the restrained passion, longing gazes, beautiful dresses, amazing landscapes and subtle desire. Instead it is stiff and stuffy and much much too proper. The culmination of Lizzie and Mr. Darcy’s passion happens in what seems almost like an accident as the go on a stroll with The Bennet Family trailing after them. They sort of awkwardly admit that they care for each other and then they get married… The only reason I was glad is because it meant the book was over. There is no passion, no Mr. Darcy almost kissing Elizabeth in the rain as she tells him off, no subtle hand moments ( you know what I’m talking about, right?)

Gah! Gets me every time.

Maybe it’s unfair to compare the two, but I think It has merit because any other book I would side with the book, which typically has all the untold subtleties on its side, not so in this case. All I can say is I am grateful that Jane Austen laid the groundwork because could we even be a complete woman without Mr. Darcy in out lives?

“I love you, most ardently”