My 15 Favorite Books and Why

This photo is (c) Someone "Not Me" Else

I have a brief list of what are probably my all-time-favorite books. And I briefly considered why.

 (These are not really in order. They're all so good it would be impossible to rate them against each other.)

1. The Bible is my fave because of its truth, goodness, and beauty, and its message of hope. Also it’s perfect.
2. Lord of the Rings is amazing because it seems original. There’s nothing new under the sun, of course, but at least the way the book’s presented feels like something new. So many fantasies are just built on or ripped off of LotR. His characters are like us, but their culture, languages, and settings are different, just like in my Italy essay. It’s an inspire me book. A go-for-along-walk-with-no-mobile-phone book, a garden-and-make-something-beautiful book, a learn-another-language book, a become-master-woodcarver-or-a-master-artist-or-a-master-something book. 
3.  Narnia is the same. But the inspiration part leans more toward go-write-a-good-book or go-bake-some-muffins or go-be-someone’s-friend. 
4. Peter Pan cripples me with sadness, and yet it makes me happy? The characters. Also, Barrie plucked at the heartstring in me that longs for eternal youth and joy and fun. 
5. Anne. Oh my. She’s my soulmate. My bosom window friend. I miss her so much. I wish she were real. All the characters, really. But mostly Anne. The events that happen are funny or cute or shocking or heartbreaking, but only because of the characters and the way they’re presented. Presentation is huge. She presents nature in a way that makes me really want to start a garden, plant a tree, or go gaze at clouds. How does she make her description so rich? It’s more than fun to read. She can give life to the most boring, ordinary of things. Oh, my heart.
6.  Wingfeather Saga. The characters. The feel of the world. It makes me so fuzzy and warm. Hot pockets, firelight, and decorative swords. Old books. Fruit. Green hills. Oceans. Garrets. The characters. The plot is also a roller coaster. The fantasy element is amazingly well done. I don’t think it’s ever been so well done since Tolkien or Lewis. The characters. 
7. A Tale of Two Cities. Words fail me. The characters... the depth... the narrative voice! Very unique. Very eloquent. He had me on a leash the whole way. Whatever he wanted me to feel, I felt. He knows what he’s doing. He’s a master of writing. Description gave a good, clear mood. Memorable, especially for such a long book. 
8. Mere Christianity. Oh. My. Where to begin... His first sentence. Actually, every sentence. Every sentence was profound. Not a word wasted. I was able to understand so well. His logic was amazing. His way of presenting truth can’t be argued with. This book also strengthened my faith and reshaped the way I thought. This is the kind of book you re-read a million times... and take notes. 
9. Surprised by Joy. Same! Same. Manalive, I love Lewis. 
10. Heidi Similar to Anne of Green Gables. Makes the simplest things seem the sweetest. Makes me love life and mountains and people and milk and goats and cheese and bread and grass and the sky. The version of Heidi that I have has illustrations that match my imagination and make me so happy. 
11. For Women Only. Every woman needs to read this. Even if she feels a distinct calling from God to celibacy. No seriously, every woman should read it. It re-shaped the way I thought about men, and helped me understand them and how to love them in a godly way. 
12. Pride and Prejudice. The characters. The brilliant dialogue. The insight into human behavior. The presentation, the dry, witty narrative voice. Classic novel. 
13. The Girl Who Could Fly. Just.... my child. This is like Peter Pan but with more superhero. Also, it’s modern so it feels closer to me. But I think the main reason I love it is because of it’s free, fun writing style that makes you feel like a child again. And the characters. 
14. Ella Enchanted. Oh... my... I don’t know what to say. This book will never get old. The premise is original if anything is. The characters and scenes are wonderful and the fantasy feeling makes me happy. This book really took my emotions on a flight. 
15. Understanding Comics. The insight is thought-provoking and amazing. Another book that changed the way I think. The way it was presented in fun comic form was really well done. I keep turning back to it. It’s useful for all kinds of things including how to improve my creative writing. Man, it just changed the way I think about so many things.