My Favorite Books

I started reading a new book yesterday and it reminded me how much I LOVE reading. I tend to go through these phases of being book crazy and then alternately not touching a book for several months. I grew up reading constantly, it was easily one of my favorite past times as a kid. During college I had to put a lot of my personal reading on hold since, as an English major, I had at least 5 books (constantly) to read for classes. Then, after graduation, I was so overloaded on reading (after four years of non-stop literature) that it took a little time for me to pick up a book again.  But oh my gosh do I love whenever I find a good book. I will literally read all day and well into the night. I'm currently obsessed with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children--this book is right up my ally, author-wise and reading-wise. So far it's bizarre and whimsical and wonderful. I can't wait to keep reading!

So, in honor of great books, I'm going to make a list of my ten favorites (in no particular order):

10. The Dogs of Babel--A heart wrenching page-turner, this book follows the story of Paul, who, after the mysterious death of his wife, becomes obsessed with teaching his dog to talk so he can figure out what happened.

9. The Gurlesque--The only book on this list that's not fictional, this is a collection of poems, artwork, and writing all focusing on The Gurlesque (a feminist artistic movement). If you're into gender studies PLEASE read this; it was so inspiring to me as a female artist/writer.

8. Lonesome Dove--A massive (over 1000 page) book written by Larry McMurtry, this is a classic western story with memorable characters.

7. Women in Love--One of my favorite classics by D.H. Lawrence

6. St. Lucy's Home for Girls Raised by Wolves--My favorite collection of short stories, the author--Karen Russell--is my idol. Her writing is beautiful and her story ideas are SO unique and fun.

5. The Fountainhead--I don't necessarily agree with Ayn Rand's political views, but this book has an incredibly powerful message. Plus you'll sound smart talking about it.

4. The Every Boy--I actually need to reread this book, but I remember it being incredible. The story and the organization of the book (you'll see what I mean if you read it) are very unique.  Definitely quirky, poignant, and oddly light hearted--a must read!

3. The Book Thief--I need to reread this book as well, but it was on the New York Times bestseller list, and is super creative in that it's narrated by Death. Originally marketed as a young adult novel, it has since been well received by adults and should be on your reading list!

2. Wicked--A creative take on the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked casts the wicked witch of the west (her name is Elphaba) as the protagonist. I can't look at the The Wizard of Oz the same way ever again; and Elphaba is one of my all time favorite heroines.

1. The Golden Compass trilogy--I've re-read this trilogy three times and am probably at a point where I could read it again and enjoy it as much as ever. Don't bother watching the movie; it doesn't do the books justice. They are seriously the best series I've ever read.

And I could easily list another 100 books--reading is the best! I'm also a big fan of ridiculously long books, so don't be surprised when most of the ones above are over 500 pages...

If you have any other awesome books to recommend let me know!

XOXO!