Stop, and Smell the Books

Random Quote: "Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

~ Unknown 

   I can't seem to recall the first time I picked up a book and grasped it in my hands as though it was a lifeline. It feels as if I've always loved books and carried them with me since day one of life on Earth. 

   

   However, I do remember some of the books that introduced me to the world of reading: Dr. Seuss's ABC book,  encyclopedias, dictionaries, The Missing Mitten Mystery by Steven Kellogg, all the "Golden Books" possible and more! As I grew, I had a fondness for Nancy Drew, The Baby-Sitter's Club, Sweet Valley Twins, The Boxcar Children, The Saddle Club, Mandie and Trixie Beldon Mysteries. I liked them so much because I liked to figure out whodunit. The mystery held more allure than anything and when the characters put on a detective hat and tried to figure out the bad guy, I was there with my pencil, paper, and clue kit. I tried to find out who the criminal was before the story revealed him or her. Ahh, those were my detective days. I would have loved becoming a real one, except-- you know, all the other things that would be involved with it. I'm not big on real blood or being hit on the head a million times like Nancy. Seriously, shouldn't she have a SERIOUS concussion by now or just be in a coma??

   My love of books didn't end there. After finding the classics, I couldn't put down The Call of the Wild, Oliver Twist, Anne of Green Gables, and Great Expectations. My love affair with books didn't end there. Nope. It grew. I could go on and on about all the great books I have read and loved and reread and dreamed about, but I'm only going to share with you my Top 20. Of course, I can't really have JUST twenty favorites. That's sacrilege right there, but they are twenty I couldn't live without (besides my Scriptures, of course). You may find that you like some of the same and for similar reasons. Or you may think, Becky, I totally disagree. Either way, I welcome you to read and enjoy and comment as needed. 

Becky's TOP 20 Books (#1 being great and #20 being the greatest!):

#1:  The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

An adorable book with an interesting old man. This book is a lesson in patience and perseverance. Both mine, and the old man's, lol. I love it though because of its simplicity and beauty of character.

#2:  To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What a wonderful book that really hits the mark of honesty when we look through eyes colored with prejudice. I love the characters of Scout, Jem, Atticus, and Boo Radley. I like the love and acceptance shown through the eyes of children. What a powerful story that never lacks originality.  

#3: The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

An extraordinary look at women from another culture who share their thoughts, secrets, and food together. These women show such a great strength of character, and the knowledge the daughter gains about her mother is priceless. Just love their interactions and the connections made through the generations.  

#4: Rebecca of Sunnybrooke Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin

I really didn't choose this one because my name is in it, lol. This is an old child-hood favorite that made me smile and also reminded me a bit of another favorite, Anne of Green Gables. Who doesn't love precocious youngsters who help open the eyes of others?

#5: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

The reality of what Annemarie and Ellen go through in one of our history's most horrendous time periods is captured so well in this story by Lois Lowry. This is a story that warms my heart at the friendship shown, but also makes me cry. 

#6: The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

In 1832, Charlotte Doyle boards the Seahawk for an Atlantic crossing to catch up with her family. The trip turns mutinous and more than a little scary when she ends up accused of murder and caught between the captain and the crew. This is such a great book that I cannot even tell you how enthralled you will become when the story unfolds and the character of Charlotte goes from naive to bold and brave. I like how tragedy doesn't get the better of this character and she is able to rise above it and become stronger as a result. 

#7: The Call of the Wild/White Fang by Jack London

Okay, this may be cheating because they have the two books in one, but seriously, Jack  London creates superb stories about loyal and courageous dogs that overcome evil and  harsh obstacles. Who doesn't like that? Yeah, that's right, crazy people. 

       

#8: The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg by Mark Twain

Some love Tom Sawyer and the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I say kudos to those books, but protest that The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg is the Twain book to read. I can't even begin to tell you what it's about, except that you have to read this short story to appreciate the true genius of Twain. LOVE IT!!

#9: The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins

When I first heard about this book, I didn't want to read it. I was appalled by the plot premise: kids killing each other to survive? No, thank you. A friend talked me into giving it a try. She said the characters were worth reading about and that it's a great story about change and taking the higher road. I took her at her word and read it. I found that she was right. This book starts with a topic that is scary and sad and unbelievable. Isn't that how history has often started throughout the world? However, even though it gets worse before it gets better, these are certainly characters worth rooting for. Just don't get distracted by the hot heroes being played on the movie version. It totally ruins the perspective, lol. 

#10: The Infernal Devices (series) by Cassandra Clare

What can I say? I love this three-part series tremendously. The characters become your best friends. You laugh. You cry. You cry some more. You get to book 3, and it's an all-out-sob-fest. No joke. However, it's a series you will return to over and over again. If you're interested in The Mortal Instruments then you should read this series which started it all. 

#11: A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks

I love all of his books. Let's just face it: they're ALWAYS better than the movies. You have to hand it to Sparks, he knows what he's doing. I love the simplicity of this story, the beauty of true love, and the loyalty that love inspires. Everyone wants a love like this. It's a book that will make you laugh and cry, but will hold a special place in your heart for all time. 

#12: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein

Best story of the Lord of the Rings series. Bilbo started it all in this prelude. I love the dwarves, the adventure, and the sense of friendship that develops through the course of the story. I love the evolution of Bilbo's character and the bravery he finds within himself, even if it's with the help of the ring. The part where he exchanges riddles with Gollum is one of my favorite parts. Well, that, and whenever singing and elves are involved. Let's just face it, this book rocks. 

#13: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Yes, Austen is classic. You can't do without having at least one of her books on your shelf. Although I love all of them, Persuasion is my personal favorite. I love the unending-love and forgiveness that comes with true love. 

#14: The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

You recall when I mentioned that I love mysteries about a hundred pages ago? Well, this is one of the best Christie books/mysteries ever. It had me confused up until the last page, I am sorry to say. She is the master of the genre, and I love Poirot. He, and his little grey cells, makes me smile. He never ceases to amaze me as he pieces the puzzle together. Priceless. Just read them all.  

#15: Nevermore (series) by Kelly Creagh 

An interesting novel that takes Poe's poems and life to a whole new level in this YA three part series. Poe is the inspiration of Varen, a teenage goth loner. Unfortunately, his obsession takes him to another world that only wants to destroy him. Yep, it's a fantasy story with a blend of romance and is creepy and addicting all in one.  

#16: God's Strange Act: The Destiny of Ephraim and the Restoration of the House of Israel by Douglas Hatten and Joel Adams

In my opinion, this book is awesome. I love the history lesson it provides and the spiritual lessons it teaches about the history of our ancestors. I can't even explain the wonderful knowledge and inspiration it provides. Dig deep with this resource and you won't regret it! 

#17: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy

This story of the Reign of Terror is magnificent in its realistic quality and enigmatic main characters. The courageousness of the few is a story worth telling every time, and Baroness Orczy does a wonderful job. I learned about this read from a friend in high school, and I return to it often. I hope you will give it a try as well. 

#18: Eragon (series) by Christopher Paolini

Farm boy turned dragon rider? Be still, my heart. This is a total win on adventure, creativity, and characters that steal your heart. Although a little overwhelming with information at times and being able to keep up with a plot that reminds my of The Lord of the Rings, this story and its characters are memorable and worth read after read. It's a four part series, and yes, you have to have all four. 

#19: Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

This YA novelist first captured my attention with this book. I love her realistic characters, effortless mastery of themes, excellent connections with details, and how amazingly her plot unfolds. Sarah Dessen takes real life and breaks it down through the eyes of her characters. You come to love the characters and how they grow and change. This is an author that takes what is sometimes only an everyday occurrence to one person, and makes it a way of life for another. Owen loves music. It's his obsession. He's an outsider and no one really knows him, but you can see him with his iPod wherever he goes. Annabel notices Owen, but it isn't until she's lost the only friends she knows that she is finally able to get to know the real him. Her introduction to his music and how it has shaped his life leads her to look at her own life in a whole new way. It also helps her share a secret that has been leading her and destroying her life in so many ways. 

#20: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

No one can tell a love story like this. Francine Rivers builds a story of love, betrayal, and heartache from the ashes of sin. Redeeming Love takes us on a journey of a couple who find that sin is great, but God is greater. When I first read this story, I was amazed and shocked. It wasn't like anything I had encountered before. I can truly say that it made me look at life a little bit differently, and hopefully, with a little less judgement. The love this book shares is one of redemption and freedom. Who doesn't want to feel those things?

These are the 20 books that often take my breath away in excitement, happiness, fear, sadness, and love. I cannot even begin to tell you how many lessons I have learned from these books in one shape or form. All I can say is that I hope you will give some of them a try or let me know if you have some of the same favorites as me. So, what do you read?

Stop, and smell the books. I do. They actually smell really great. And it's nice reading them too, lol. 

~Love and Hugs!! :)