Favorites in February - Books

I have always been a reader. I have vivid memories of walking down to the corner to visit the mobile library as a kid in the summer. And I was always a member of our summer reading programs at the local library.

My dad has been an avid reader, so I like to think my love of reading came from him.

I used to be obsessed with keeping every book I bought, but now I have realized they just grab dust and I tend not to read books a second time anyway. Plus, now I have a Kindle, so I don't need to have all the clutter of all those books.

When I moved out of my parents' home, I only brought with me those books that really mean something to me. Here is a list of some of my most favorite reads:

The Lovely Bones

I read this when it first came out and remember it as one of the very few books that made me cry. Sob, actually. So touching.

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Not a book I would ever have picked up without the help of a Border's associate. And I loved it (I am reading the sequel, Girl Who Played with Fire now). It is a mystery/adventure/action book, keeps your attention the entire time. Fast read. Enthralling.

Velvet Elvis

We all know I have an obsession with religion/spirituality. I think my whole life I will be on the quest to come to terms with belief in my life. It was hard picking one book to represent how I want to believe, but Rob Bell's Velvet Elvis is the best choice. Live with love. Love with all your heart. Be the person who does what is right. Act with kindness. You get the point.

The Life of Elizabeth I

Ah, Tudor England. I could read constantly about the mundane details of food, clothes, and drama.

White Oleander

The first book I read that I highlighted. The imagery is just awesome. The story is chilling.

I Know this Much is True

A HUGE book (I think over 700 pages) and very worth the read.

Madame Bovary

I hate classics. I really do. I try over and over to read them and rarely enjoy them. Except for Madame Bovary. I guess because it is risque and dark.

Handmaid's Tale

Oh, so up my alley. Fundamentalism, women's freedoms. Love it.

Bell Jar

Without a doubt the one book I read in college that I totally "got."

Catcher in the Rye

Loved this book in high school. Still remember reading it in Mrs. Beuser's English class.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Well, all the HP books are my guilty pleasure reads. I can read them over and over and over. And they never get old.