Have you ever sat down to consider your absolute favorite books? Prior to this post I had not even thought of a vague list let alone assign numbers of importance beyond #1 (which you\’ll see is a \”gimme\” if you know me or read this blog). Yet here we are and after some careful thought I am able to provide you, dear reader, with my favorite books of all time:
1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It is probably not a surprise that I consider this to the finest work of literature ever written. My Mum let me borrow her copy of this gem when I was about 12 and I re-read it on an average of once a year even now. Pride and Prejudice is filled with humor, love, embarrassing family members (who can\’t relate to that?) and my general requirement of a pleasant ending. Oh, and only one of the best opening lines of all time: \”It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.\” LOVE it!
2. Persuasion by Jane Austen. Another of Jane Austen\’s masterpieces lands on my list because it also meets my requirement of a pleasant ending. Persuasion also boasts one of the finest pieces of correspondence that Jane Austen ever published written by Captain Wentworth to Jane Elliot: “You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope. Tell me not that I am too late, that such precious feelings are gone for ever. I offer myself to you again with a heart even more your own than when you almost broke it, eight and a half years ago.” Goosebumps! (And then I remember it was written by a woman)
3. On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt. Not to brag but I am that annoying person who guesses the ends of movies and books before they arrive. That was not the case with On the Night of the Seventh Moon, however. I was totally stumped the first time I read it and now I\’m a devoted fan of the book. Not to mention that it is a fun read for a cold evening or a rainy afternoon.
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. What is it about Jane Eyre that is so appealing? In addition to loving this story from an era past, I admire Jane Eyre\’s resilience when literally everything is going against her. Of course, it also meets my criteria for a pleasant ending and has one of the best last lines of all time.
5.The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie. The Seven Dials Mystery was my first ever Agatha Christie book (I really do like most of work) and one of the most memorable in my view. Aside from one poor girl\’s nickname being \”Bundle,\” I found the plot very clever and one of those books you can re-read while finding some new detail each time.
6. A Garden in the Rain by Lynn Kurland. This is my go-to book when I want to escape with a fun read. Kurland has a knack for dynamic characters and lacing the exciting plots with just the right amount of humor. In fact, the entire series is great fun but A Garden in the Rain just happens to have the characters I relate to most because of their personal struggles.
8. For Matrimonial Purposes by Kavita Daswani. I love this one because it gives a wonderful glimpse into East Indian culture and tradition (something I hold in high esteem). The main character also has an admirable struggle between wanting to please her family and yet wanting to be happy. Fortunately, (spoiler alert!) she manages to accomplish both in the end.
9. Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge. This is one of the books that I tend to read every year. Captivating is a wonderful reminder that it\’s \”okay\” to still be your authentic self and to be feminine as a woman.It isn\’t weakness. It\’s just who you are.
10. Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare. One word: Hilarious! The verbal sparring and ridiculous plot make this my favorite Shakespearean play (and book). One of my favorite quotes comes from here: \”Friendship is constant in all things save the office and affairs of love.\” A great read if you don\’t mind the old language.
What are your favorite books? Any recommendations to check out? You can find the comment section at the bottom of this page.
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