Two days ago I posted on Facebook asking everyone which books to read that they have read on their top lists that they would recommend and have read more than once… I was super thrilled by the responses! I didn't realize a lot of people were still into reading books and it made me really happy.
There is a popular saying that “you can travel the world from the comfort of your bed through a book” and it's one of my favorite, I mean what could be better than cooping up in your bed or couch after a long day with a great book!?
While going through the responses on this thread I realized needed to share those recommendations with you what a great idea! So i have gone ahead and curated a post of all the books recommended by our Facebook family I hope you check out at least one, I haven't read some of these yet but slowly working my way through the list so let me know your experience with any of these if you get and read one or more!
- A Prayer for Owen Meany : This is one of my favorite books to read it's the seventh novel by American writer John Irving. Published in 1989, it tells the story of John Wheelwright and his best friend Owen Meany growing up together in a small New Hampshire town during the 1950s and 1960s. According to John's narration, Owen is a remarkable boy in many ways; he believes himself to be God's instrument and sets out to fulfill the fate he has prophesied for himself.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is available on Amazon in Paper back, Kindle and Audio. Get one now A Prayer For Owen Meany
2. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West – This is a novel published in 1995, written by Gregory Maguire and illustrated by Douglas Smith. It is a revisionist exploration of the characters and land of Oz from the 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, its sequels, and the 1939 film adaption The Wizard of Oz. However, unlike Baum's writings and the 1939 film, this book is not for children, as it contains adult language and content, including violent imagery and sexual situations. Get it on Amazon here now … Wicked By Gregory Maguire
3. The Great Alone : In this book by Kristin Hannah a desperate family seeks a new beginning in the near-isolated wilderness of Alaska only to find that their unpredictable environment is less threatening than the erratic behavior found in human nature.
In a wild, remote corner of Alaska, the Allbrights find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the newcomers’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. Get The Great Alone On Amazon
4. The Book Thief: In this historical novel by Australian author Markus Zusak after the death of Liesel's younger brother on a train to Molching, on the outskirts of Munich, Liesel arrives at the home of her new foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, distraught and withdrawn. During her time there, she is exposed to the horrors of the Nazi regime, caught between the innocence of childhood and the maturity demanded by her destructive surroundings. As the political situation in Germany deteriorates, her foster parents conceal a Jewish fist-fighter named Max Vandenburg. Hans, who has developed a close relationship with Liesel, teaches her to read, first in her bedroom, then in the basement. Recognizing the power of writing and sharing the written word, Liesel not only begins to steal books that the Nazi party is looking to destroy, but also writes her own story, and shares the power of language with Max. Get The Book Thief on Amazon
5. The Poisonwood Bible : This book by Barbara Kingsolver, is a best-selling novel about a missionary family, the Prices, who in 1959 move from the U.S. state of Georgia to the village of Kilanga in the Belgian Congo, Orleanna Price, the mother of the family, narrates the introductory chapter in five of the novel's seven sections. The narrative then alternates among the four daughters, with a slight preference for the voice of the most outspoken one, Leah. The four girls increasingly mature and develop differently as each adapts to African village life and the political turmoil that overtakes the Belgian Congo in the 1960s. Get The Poisonwood Bible on Amazon
The Price family packs up their belongings for their flight to the Congo, where they are going to spend a year as the family of a missionary. However, shortly before leaving, they are informed that they are limited to 44 pounds of luggage per person. The Southern Baptist Mission League suggests they solve this problem by leaving for the airport wearing many layers of clothing, hiding household items among the layers of clothes to lighten their luggage. This is the first problem of many the Price family will face.
6. The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks : In this book by Rebecca Skloot which is about Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, known as HeLa, that came from Lacks's cervical cancer cells in 1951. Skloot became interested in Lacks after a biology teacher referenced her, but didn't know much about her. Skloot began conducting extensive research on her and worked with Lacks' family to create the book. Get it on Amazon now!
7. The Name Of The Wind : In this heroic fantasy novel written by American author Patrick Rothfuss the Kingkiller Chronicle takes place in the fictional world of Temerant, a large continent of which the known part, called the Four Corners of Civilization, is divided into several distinct nations and cultures. Much of the world follows a religion similar, though not identical, to medieval Christianity. Coexisting alongside the mortal world is the realm of The Fae, a parallel universe inhabited by supernatural creatures which can move between the two realms only when the moon is full. Magic exists in Temerant, too, but obeys a well-defined set of rules and principles that can only be exploited by those who have trained in its professional and scientific use. Get it on Amazon now.
8. The Nightingale: In this novel, written by Kristin Hannah the frame is presented in first-person narration as the remembrances of an elderly woman in 1995, whose name is initially not revealed to the reader. The main action of the book, however, is told in third person, following two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who live in France around 1939, on the eve of World War II. The two are estranged from each other and their father, and the book follows the two different paths they take. Get it Today on Amazon.
9. The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry: A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. He lives alone, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. But when a mysterious package appears at the bookstore, its unexpected arrival gives Fikry the chance to make his life over–and see everything anew.
10. Where the Red Fern Grows: Everyone says this is on of their favorite books to read! A loving threesome, Billy and his two dogs ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan has the brawn, Little Ann has the brains, and Billy has the will to make them into the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. Soon their skills will be put to the test as they brave the dangers of the wilds for the ultimate glory.
Since its publication over forty years ago, this heartwarming tale of a boy and his dogs has touched millions. A tale of adventure, special friendship and coming-of-age, Where the Red Fern Grows makes for delightful listening. This unabridged production, featuring a moving performance by Anthony Heald, brings this enduring classic to life and makes a powerful story even more unforgettable. Get it on Amazon.
These are great books to read! If you read any these books or have read them let me know how it goes for you in the comments!