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”
Rosalyn Theory 