TASTES Top Ten Books
Photo by Brittany Stevens/Flickr
My personal top ten books.
Multiple book series are included in this list because I never want a story to end.
1. Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
For over 20 years Gabaldon has entranced readers with her fantasy/historical/action/adventure romance of Claire and Jamie. The enormous books are packed with the details of everyday life from multiple time periods and the imagined stories of real and fictitious characters.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series by Stieg Larson
Almost everyone has at least heard of this book, if not they likely know of the movie. While the U.S. film focuses more on the sensual aspects of the book, the strength and intelligence of the main character inspires me in my own life.
3. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
The biblical references, the complex storylines interwoven with exciting characters makes this book a must-read.
4. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
The fantastical, humorous, and serious plot entices readers in, along with infinite details, creating a classic series millions of people have adored.
5. By the Light of My Father’s Smile by Alice Walker
Walker delves into a spiritual outlook on love and the afterlife in a fascinating tale of two sisters and how their father affected their lives.
6. Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
This story of two sisters immigrating to the United States from communist China is heart-wrenching, honest, and so realistic its painful to imagine such a trying time.
7. Zlata’s Diary by Zlata Filipović
Often compared to Anne Frank, Zlata Filipović is our generation’s hidden hero. Facing dramatic changes to everything she knows and loves, young Zlata is thrown into fearing for her life as war breaks out around her country. This collection of real diary entries displays the terror and destruction of war up close from the perspective of a young civilian woman.
8. The Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella
Kinsella’s famous shopaholic somehow winds up in the silliest of situations and conversations with everyone she interacts with in life.
9. My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin. Book cover image by Virago Publishing.
Filled to the brim with enchanting details, Franklin paints the picture of an independent heroine facing tough decisions concerning her future at a time when women weren’t expected to do much with their lives.
Lastly, 10 is a tie between these two!
The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien
The inviting, fantastical aspects of this book combined with exhilarating battles is the perfect recipe for a classic fantasy adventure.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh by Robert C. O’Brien
The fun sci-fi twist to this story of personified animals gives everyday occurrences the imaginative possibility of an entire secret world.
You must be logged in to post a comment.