We all know what the dictionary definition of the word reader is, but that's not what I'm talking about here.
You've heard the phrase you are what you eat.
Well, I believe you are what you read!
By that, I mean that the books you love can say a lot about you as a person. So, for self-exposure, I'll tell you about the books that define me as a reader and mean the most to me. I wonder what they'll say about me as a person.
1. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Cliché I know, but Harry Potter was the first book series I had read in its entirety. It was also the first time I had read a book above 350 pages. If I'm being honest when I think of reading in general the first thing that comes to mind is following Harry's adventures in navigating the wizarding world. My favorite parts aren't even the dangerous trials or the fearsome battles. Instead what I love are the moments in between, the classes, Harry and Ron trying to complete their homework at the last moment at midnight while Hermione looks on in exasperation, and lovely Weasley family moments. The whole series gives you a warm and cozy feeling as if you're sitting near the fireplace with Harry, Ron, and Hermione.
2. The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett
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I read this book without knowing it was a classic. My parents bought a rather unimpressive-looking copy from a school fair. Nonetheless, I read it since the only books I had at that point were the Harry Potter books. To say that I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. Never before had I wanted to get into gardening than when I was reading this book. The story of how Mary and Colin changed from contrary, spoilt, lonely children into ones filled with vivaciousness and laughter is one that everyone should experience at least once. If you have children and want to start introducing classics to them, The Secret Garden is a great choice! I've re-read this book so many times that it's become a permanent fixture in my life.
3. Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson
Unlike the first two books that I'm sure most of the people reading this blog have read before, Sorcery of Thorns may be one of the most underrated fantasy books. I'm not going to give too much away but if you love huge enchanted libraries, librarians with swords, and a demon turning into a fluffy cat, well, look no further. This book has it all, cursed tomes, a handsome but aloof sorcerer, a trainee librarian who is afraid of sorcerers, action, adventure, and a slow-burn romance. I didn't know what to expect from this book going in, but I couldn't put it down once I had started! If you love books and find solace in their pages you're going to love this one.
4. Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Before I start saying anything about this book or rather the entire Flavia De Luce series, you should know that I am obsessed with this story. This book is very different from the other books I've mentioned as it is a mystery, a murder mystery to be exact. We follow eleven-year-old Flavia De Luce who loves chemistry, and by that I mean she is a chemical genius. She spends her time in her home laboratory conducting experiment after experiment, and not just to get back at her sisters. Now, contrary to what you might be thinking, Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie is NOT a middle-grade mystery. It is an ADULT mystery which has the unusual feature that it is told from the point of view of an eleven-year-old yet is not childish at all! So, if you're interested in a series of murder mysteries set in a small English village, with the main character being a young girl who thwarts the authorities on her trusty bike "Gladys" and boils eggs and makes tea in a beaker on a Bunsen burner you've found your next read. I didn't expect to like this book but now I can't get enough of the series and especially of its heroine, the chemical prodigy, Flavia De Luce.
5. Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
A more recent read for me, but it contained all the things I love in a story. Faeries, curses, wit, balls, a royal sorcerer, and a deadly pair of silver scissors. We follow Dora who had half her soul stolen from her when she was a child. She is unable to feel emotions the way others can and so doesn't behave like a respectable young lady. She isn't embarrassed to take off the top layer of her clothing and start washing it in someone's fountain, not even when she is discovered by the royal sorcerer (the Lord Sorcier) Elias Wilder. There begins a slow-burn romance between a girl with half a soul and a grumpy, uncouth sorcerer who hates people as they work together to cure a mysterious sleeping disease. If you love cozy historical fantasies and non-explicit romance, you'll love this book.
6. The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
Possibly one of my favorite new fantasy series. The Prison Healer was worlds apart from the cozy fantasies I prefer to read. Set in Zalindov death prison, we follow Kiva who has been trapped for ten years and now works as the prison healer. The only thing keeping her going is her family's message telling her they'll come for her. With multiple deaths a day being the norm Kiva keeps her distance from everyone except for twelve-year-old Tipp, until Jaren arrives that is. To make matters worse the rebel queen is sent to Zalindov near death and Kiva's family instructs her to keep the queen alive. In an attempt to do so, Kiva enters the dangerous Trial by Ordeal in the queen's place. No one has ever survived them. This is a dark story filled with politics, betrayal, trauma, family, magic, and love. There was never a dull moment. Not to mention Jaren is the greenest flag you'll ever see.
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1 Comments
Great Post!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to The Booklore Fairy! I'd love to hear from you.