People often ask me "how do you find time to read?" Um...I make time. Because it is something I find enjoyable and it brings me more happiness than almost anything in the world! If I didn't read, I would be miserable! The other night, we had some cast bonding time and were asking each other hypothetical questions about being stuck on a deserted island. The question of "what book/series would you want with you?" arose. At first I panicked, because that is like choosing a child to me. I...I...Can't I bring them all?! It got me thinking about my favorite books of all time and what I would recommend to people who don't inherently find themselves stuck in a book. I am often asked for reading recommendations and I love lists soooo...this happened:
KT's Top Ten Books/Series - Fall time is a perfect time to READ!! Get a book, make some tea, and escape to somewhere amazing.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This classic is my top, number one, favorite book of all time. If you haven't read it, just do yourself a favor and join the millions of fans in the world. If you have read it, take a second trip to Maycomb, Alabama! You will not be disappointed either way. I have read this book countless times, and was fortunate enough to bring the story to life in college. Playing Mayella is one of my very favorite memories from NKU, and there is a reason this story is a classic. You can find something new and discover another facet of the story every time you read it.
2. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
I love Neil Gaiman. I have read all of his books and yet I always have to find where they are in every bookstore I ever enter. Why?! Why do I do this?! I honestly don't know. Good Omens is my favorite thing he has ever written. It is hilarious, and creepy, and beautiful, and breathtaking, and terrifying. Get ready for apocalyptic, angel of death REALNESS.
3. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
This is what I chose to bring with me if I were to be stranded on that hypothetical deserted island. Yes I chose the whole trilogy (the rule was book OR SERIES, OKAY?!). I just...I just love LOTR so much. I can't even really put it into words (real eloquent, KT). You have all probably seen the movies (I may or may not have chosen those for the movies I could bring with me on the deserted island too), but if you are looking for something to read and you enjoy fantasy in any way, please do yourself a favor and just begin the delightful journey through Middle Earth.
4. How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Sigh...This. Book. I have read this book over 50 times and I really wish I was exaggerating. It's a quick read and at this point I can just read it in a few hours. It's my ultimate comfort book, because I connect with Daisy more than any other literary character EVER. It's very YA, so proceed with that in mind. Once I emailed Meg Rosoff, and she provided me with an insight that became one of my every day affirmations - "People with eating disorders are just hungry for life, if we can only realign our hunger."
5. Harry Potter by JK Rowling
I mean....do I really need to say anything?
6. The Giver by Lois Lowr
In my HUMBLE opinion, the best YA novel to ever exist. A classic, as far as I'm concerned.
7. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
People are often surprised at how much I adore this book, but I will defend it to the death. If you need a feel good, every thing happens for a reason, every end is the beginning, insert cliche positive affirmation here, pick up a copy of this. If you're ready for some ugly crying, pick up a copy of this. If you need a reminder that life is amazing and that you matter, pick up a copy of this.
8. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
I have written a review of this book here. Strayed's journey of self discovery is just incredible, and I love the honesty and brutality...which makes the payoff all the better in the end.
9. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
My strange obsession : Fundamentalist Mormonism. Seriously, talk to me about it please. This quote sums it up best: "Happiness is a risk, and Mormon Polygamy is full of gamblers, leading lives of purpose and drama, all the things I want in my own life."
10. The Mammy, The Chisellers, and The Granny by Brendan O'Carroll
You can blow through this trilogy in three days at MOST. You won't want to put down this Irish family tale and you'll fall so in love with the characters that you'll feel like part of the family. As you read about their struggles and triumphs, you will likely shed a happy tear as you watch the children grow and pass on the familial love to the next generation.
What are you reading? I'd love to know YOUR top ten!! Happy reading!
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