In an attempt to provide some insight into my literary prefrences, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite books and a short explanation of why I love them.

Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery

Anne was one of the first literary heroines I can remember. It started with the film and a simple picture book from my great-grandma, Aina. I would repeat the Lady of Shallot around the backyard and pretend I was walking among the trees in the White Way Delight. Anne was imaginative and chatty—both characteristics to which I could (and can) relate. But, beyond those qualities was her desire to be smart and succeed. She valued reading, friendship and education. Anne Shirley came into Avonlea like a tornado. She changed the lives of Matthew and Marilla, the elderly siblings who adopt Anne, and they change her life, as well. Growing up, I couldn’t relate to the lonely, bleak life she had growing up as an unwanted orphan. But, I could relate to the relationships she made in Avonlea. I could understand her affection and love for Marilla and Matthew because I had loving parents and grandparents who I probably drove nuts with my incessant talking, but who also loved me for who I was.

Throughout the series, you see Anne blossom from a child to a woman. She taught me that there is nothing wrong with having big dreams, but that taking pleasure in the small, simple pleasures are the best bits of life. I went through phases of my youth where I could relate to Anne’s yearning of having an out-of-this-world, romantic, flashy love. But, as I grew older, I realized that it was so much more rewarding to have a person who you can be comfortable with…who loves my quirks and weirdness and who gives me so much more than marble halls and fireworks. If you haven’t read the entire 8-book series, I highly recommend it. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll fall in love.

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This should not be a surprise to anyone who knows me. J.K. Rowling is my hero and this series will always have a special place in my heart. My grandma first bought me the Philosopher’s Stone when I was in elementary school—around 11 years old. It sat on my shelf for weeks until I literally had no other books to read. I was skeptical as I wasn’t into much fantasy as a child. In fact, I read To Kill A Mockingbird before I read Harry Potter (of course, there was a LOT of content in To Kill A Mockingbird that I simply couldn’t comprehend at the age). So, I thought the book would be childish, or simply not my taste. Looking back, I may have been a book snob. Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Thus began my love affair with all things Hogwarts-related. I would wait with my best friend, Natalie, at the bookstores for the next novel in the series to be released. We’d then stay up all night reading and “conferencing” after each chapter to discuss the characters and the plot. We were our own little book club and Harry Potter was the crux of our material for quite some time.

Not only did I feel as if I grew up with the characters, but every time I opened the pages, I could feel myself being transported into this magical world. Is there any better indication of a fabulous writer than to be able to effortlessly bring a reader into a make-believe world? J.K. Rowling created characters that I not only came to care about, but truly felt like I knew and loved. She created a 7-book plot that comes full circle at the end—filled with imaginative creatures, classes that made me want to attend several more years of wizard-school and themes of love and compassion that extend beyond the pages and into the hearts of very real readers. I’m trying very hard to be concise here, but I could talk on the subject for ages, so please feel free to contact me directly for any magical heart-to-heart conversations.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

I have so much love for this story that I don’t know quite where to begin! It’s the first peak into the world Tolkien created. While I do enjoy Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit is such a less-complicated, beautifully crafted piece of fiction. The imagination of the author astounds me; he created this fantastic world with wonderful characters and transports the reader right to the heart of it all. Bilbo Baggins is one of my favorite literary heroes; he’s kind, giving and level-headed. He exemplifies so many qualities that I admire from people, not just characters in a book. Bilbo represents what I so longed for as a kid—he was proof that someone ordinary could be chosen to be part of an incredible adventure. He wasn’t big, strong, or particularly good-looking, but he had heart and an unassuming nature about him. Tolkien’s storytelling pulls the reader into the adventure. Tolkien paved the way for fantasy fiction. And while I do love the Lord of the Rings trilogy that follows, there is just something super charming about The Hobbit that gives me the feels.

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Peter Pan is arguably the book most near-and-dear to my heart. It started with the Disney animated film and The Little Golden Book version of the tale. Then, my grandma introduced me to the stage version with Mary Martin recorded on VHS. It wasn’t long before I was collecting different versions with various illustrations. I’m assuming you know the story—a little boy, who never grows up, lives on a fantasy island where he takes his new friends, The Darling children, on the adventure of their lifetime. It’s a classic story with everything from adventure and pirates to fairies and believing in things you can’t explain…but know in your heart to be true. If you haven’t read this beautiful story, I highly recommend that you go to your local library and check it out. It’s full of whimsy, charm and a sort of bittersweet truth at its core. It’s one of those books where you begin to read and become lost in the pages; Barrie’s writing is exemplary of showing without telling. If you’ve read it, you may recall how little detail Barrie gives to Peter Pan—ultimately leaving it up to the reader’s imagination to envision him. As a writer, I struggle with finding the balance of the show-don’t-tell-rule; I often reflect on this book as a reminder.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

I read Harper Lee’s classic novel for the first time when I was in elementary school. Obviously, a lot of the material was over my head like the language and themes. I’ve read To Kill a Mockingbird several times since then and it never ventures off my favorite book list. There are so many reasons I love this piece of work. First, it’s just so relatable. As a reader, I could relate to Scout—her curiosity, her innocence as she watched her father fight for what’s right and the way she takes in the adults around her. The themes of prejudice, racism and discrimination are still relevant today making Lee’s writing still as prominent now as it was fifty years ago.

Of course, I would be struck down the literary gods if I did not mention Atticus Finch. I read somewhere once that he was rated the greatest literary hero of all time. I could not disagree with this statement even if I had all the time in the world to try. Atticus is a man who stands up for what he knows in his heart is right despite the differences in opinion of those around him. I admire his ability to be both gentle and firm with his children. He doesn’t hide them from the ugly parts of life, but teaches them to use their own abilities and instincts to navigate the difficult facets of the world. I could write a book about how much I love this book! It’s beautifully written and such a simple narrative about complex aspects of the world.

Traveling Mercies: Some Thoughts on Faith by Anne Lamott

I have loved Anne Lamott since my English professor introduced me to her back in 2009. In fact, I wrote part a paper my senior year on Anne Lamott and the subject of grace. This book is a compilation of essays that are so easy to pick up/set down, but are written with such compelling humor and emotion that you won’t want to put it down once you get going! Anne Lamott writes with such honesty about difficult and real topics. I wasn’t raised religiously one way or another, so I loved how she writes about finding a quirky way to combine her favorite parts of different religions and faith. Anne Lamott had very real addictive struggles and writes with honesty regarding her overcoming and facing all challenges in her life. She talks about being a single parent and dealing with loss and death. But, her words are hopeful and weaved together in such a refreshing way. She shares her experiences and memories with such eccentric passion that I connected as a reader quite quickly.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Album

This was a book that truly surprised me. Again, I wasn’t raised religiously one way or another…so I wasn’t sure what to expect upon reading this book. Mitch Albom created a unique and heartwarming vision of heaven in this quaint novel. It opens with a grumpy old man who works at a carnival; the story follows his journey through the afterlife where he meets five people who help explain the purpose of his life on Earth. The novel is engaging, sweet and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed the read—It was short and easy to finish within a day. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys feel good stories.

The Shining by Stephen King

My dad got me into Stephen King when I was in middle school. He eased me in with a copy of The Dead Zone; another one I really enjoyed and recommend. Then, he brought me home a copy of Salem’s Lot; I still don’t sleep with my windows open. However, it was The Shining that I favored most. I read it several years ago in high school and then again more recently. It’s a perfect level of horror for me as a reader. And, of course, the book is so much richer than the film—although the film was pretty amazing, too. I still picture Jack Nicholson as Jack Torrance every time I pick up the novel. The book is about the Overlook Hotel and the depths of evil that inhabit it. But, it’s more than that. It’s a story about the inner demons in us as people. Jack Torrance is an abusive alcoholic, like his father, who psychologically spirals into madness while staying at this creepy hotel. The movie doesn’t quite do the backstories of the characters justice. I tend to be turned off by horror films and books because it seems like it’s so often about the gore-factor. Stephen King has this incredible talent for creating terrifying stories and plots with real, emotional roots. While a dead woman in the tub is frightening, it’s the monster in Jack Torrance that scares me now as an adult. King manages to expose the complex, dark sides of family dynamic. He exposes Danny’s thoughts to understanding the hotel and the effect it’s having on his father. It exposes Danny’s love for his father, despite the abuse and temper he has suffered. It exposes Wendy’s internal conflicts—her battle to save her child and her husband. King is a master of storytelling and this is my favorite example. I remember being so immersed in some of the scenes that it was a huge relief to look around and remind myself that I am at home in my recliner and not in the Overlook Hotel. Redrum!

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

It would be inconceivable if this one didn’t make my list! After watching the movie at my grandparents’ house one evening in a nest of pillows and blankets, I went and checked the book out of the local library. And it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I mean it has everything—pirates, death, miracles, the fire swamp, fencing, giants, battles of wit, revenge, friendship and, of course, true love. It’s a fairy tale adventure from beginning to end. You’ll hear me say it a million times on this blog, but character development is crucial for me as a reader (and a writer). The characters here—Buttercup, Wesley, Inigo Montoya, Fezzik—they are so rich and memorable. Goldman brings such originality by re-writing a book by a fake author and he does it with enthusiasm and non-stop fun. It’s extremely rare for me to enjoy a film as much as the book (I’m a snob, I admit it), but this is one of the exceptions. However, I will argue that there is much more backstory to feast upon when it comes to some of the characters in the book that you simply don’t get from the film. If you have seen the film, read the book and you won’t be disappointed. If you haven’t seen the film, read the book and you won’t be disappointed.