I've always loved reading. I'm not sure around what age I started or what my first read was (Goosebumps, Nancy Drew or Archie Comics?), what I know for certain is that reading has always been with me while growing up and books have been one of my constant companions.
Good books come in many ways. They're beautifully written, or they're a pleasure to read, or you just plain like it! Some of the best books out there are those no-brainer, feel-good types full of funny and witty dialogue that will make you jealous you didn't write it yourself. We don't always have to over-analyze every single detail of a book and look into its deeper meaning (oh, high school days).
Great books, however, come to me in these ways. Several get you thinking about people, life, society and the world we live in. Those that make you rethink your perspective and see the world in a different angle. Several are masterfully written, cleverly plotted, and emotion inducing. Oh, how I love books that make me go "Wow!" or those that have me sobbing at two in the morning (or both). Others - some will say, the most precious - are the ones that you feel that special connection - seeing yourself in those pages and characters, perfectly reflecting your thoughts, and making you think, "I'm not alone."
Of course, I've still got a ton of books to read but these are just the ones that I'd like to share and are some of my favorites.
1. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."
No list of mine would
be complete without this beloved series! This was my first real
obsession (with the fandom and everything) and unless you live under a
rock, you probably already know how the story goes. These books may be
classified as children's books, but the themes and lessons here are so
profound that it isn't any wonder people from all ages have found a way
to connect and love it. From the consequences of war to tolerance and
equality of all and to the power of love, Harry and his friends offer
lessons that are applicable in real life. It's not just about the magic.
Plus there are definitely so many quotable quotes here that you may
have already heard time and time again. Here is one of my favorites:
"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."
2. The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
Another famous work, this story is about a boy who travels in search of a great treasure. It's all about believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams, which may seem easy but in all honesty is one of the hardest things to do because there's always that fear of failing, and that fear is really what stops us from trying in the first place. But here is a boy who does exactly that, leaving behind all he knows in search of a treasure he's only just dreamed of. It really moved me and made me hope that one day I can do it too.
"The man told of a story of a miner
who had abandoned everything to mine for emeralds. He worked a certain
river for five years and examined hundreds of thousands of stones
looking for an emerald. The miner was about to give it all up right at the point when, if he were to examine one more stone, he would find his emerald."
3. A Song of Ice and Fire by George RR Martin
“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.”
Chances are you've already heard of this since the show, Game of Thrones, started in HBO. You may be thinking, "What! Seriously? Isn't it just all war and sex and dragons?" but I promise you, it is not! For those who don't know the story, it is set in a medieval-like land called Westeros where King Robert has died and with it, the peace that lasted with his reign. In the aftermath of his death, the land is plunged into an all-encompassing war as the different houses vie for the Iron Throne. In the land across the sea, an exiled princess is taking cities with her dragons. In the north beyond the Wall, winter and darkness are coming... as well as the Others.
The series, both the book and show, have become one of my fastest obsessions. This is probably one of the most unpredictable plots with one of the most engaging cast of characters I have ever come across. The story is told in different POVs so you get a reader's view of the picture but also only what the characters themselves know. You are not omniscient, and this is one of the main draws of the story. There are so many mysteries (R + L, anyone?) and theories abound that it's a wonder anyone keeps their facts straight when it comes down to it. There's also great character development. In one book you may hate someone, and in the next, you will complete love him. The multiple POVs are excellent in making you rethink what you thought you know about everything.
As people call it, this is fantasy for non-fantasy lovers which I believe is one of the reasons why it has become a favorite of a wide range of people. The magic isn't overpowering so if fantasy isn't your usual type, check this one out. A word of warning though, each book in the series clocks in at around 800-1000 pages so it isn't for the fainthearted.
4. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
"Sometimes people need to lie to themselves most of all."
Conor's dealing with his mother's illness as well as having an estranged father. When his mother's treatment starts, a monster goes visits his dreams at night to tell him three stories. Afterwards, it wants only one thing from Conor: the truth. I don't want to say anymore than that because I don't want to spoil anything for you. Apart from knowing the high praise it has, I went into this not knowing what to expect and just wow. This is one of those that hits you right in the heart and is definitely a story that will stay with you. Very real and emotional.
"Sometimes people need to lie to themselves most of all."
5. Every Day by David Levithan
Every time A wakes up, it's a different day, a different body and a different life. This is the way it's always been and he's established rules for himself: don't get attached and don't interfere. Just live the day like how the original would. Until one day, he meets a girl who he wants to be with day after day.
This is my first book by David Levithan and it certainly won't be my last. It's about different people living different lives and all you get
to see is the surface, except with A, he gets to access their memories
and emotions and know that person. This story spoke to me because I saw it as looking for your place in the world, and seeking for that sense of belonging you get in the right place or right time, or with the right person.
Personally Levithan > Green, but that's just me.
“If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: We all want everything to be okay. We don't even wish so much for fantastic or marvelous or outstanding. We will happily settle for okay, because most of the time, okay is enough.”
