Top Ten Books We Are Thankful For

Hosted by: The Broke & The Bookish

This week's topic is "Top Ten Things We Are Thankful For." 

Lindsay's Selections:

I loved to read when I was younger (totally used to hide under the comforter at night with a flashlight and a book), and that has definitely carried over into adulthood. So, with that being said, I decided to approach this topic by choosing the books that have had the most impact on me as a reader.

1.  Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I first read this book when I was in 9th grade. I instantly fell in love with the world Ms. Mitchell created within the framework of the Civil War. (it's also the first instance of me realizing how ridiculously fast I read. Even at age 14, I finished this book in 10 days). Also, Rhett Butler. 

2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This book is solely responsible for my love of historical fiction and British literature. This is my favorite book of all time (cliche, but true). The best gift I ever received was when my husband gave me a special edition printing from the 1930s of this book. I reread it at least once a year and watch the movie adaptation from 2003 often.Plus, if I ever have a daughter, she'll be named Elizabeth. Fitzwilliam Darcy-need I say more?

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. While I was tempted to credit Twilight with this recognition, it was really the Hunger Games that got me sucked into the world of Young Adult Fiction. And I rarely decide to leave.

4. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. I love time travel (I'm a Whovian!), and we already discussed my love of historical fiction, so this series is right up my alley. And Jamie Fraser is right up there with Darcy and Rhett Butler as my favorite male characters from literature. 

5.  Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. So I have a 3 year old, and one of the things I am already the most proud of is how much he LOVES to read. His bookshelves are overflowing, but one book we always come back to is this one. I love Max's imagination, and I love how much it inspires my little guy to imagine his own make-believe worlds.

Honorable Mentions: The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, The Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, Throne of Glass & Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas, The Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi, and Anna & The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I think that's all. For now anyway.



Sarah's Selections:

My love for reading began in Junior High but slowly began to wain by the end of High School. I blame the books on our required reading lists like "All Quiet on the Western Front", "Animal Farm" and "The Pearl". Which are all drab and depressing enough to turn anyone off of reading. But then the following books came along and brought the enjoyment back and reignited my passion for reading. 

1. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon: This is the series that brought reading back in to my life. Scotland, Time Travel and above all Jamie Fraser. Need I say more?!

Great minds think alike! Yay for Jamie (~Lindsay)

2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta: It's only so often that you come across a book that touches you so deeply that it changes you. For me, this is that book.

3. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling: J.K. Rowling and her ridiculously brilliant imagination sucked me in to the world of witchcraft and wizardry and I never ever want to leave. Not to mention that she has provided me with a baby name should I ever have a girl. 

4. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen: Jane has given us many men to adore. But my all time favorite is Colonel Brandon. Call me crazy but Brandon is my Darcy. 

5. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein: I too love a little boy very much. I read this beautiful story to my boy everyday. 

Thanks for stopping by!!