Many books have pierced my heart and made a home inside me forever. I have my top three books in my “back pocket” to hand out when I’m asked that deep rooted question, “What is your favorite book?” I also have a lineup of authors and books of various genres that I can pull from when offering recommendations to others, no matter their taste.
Books to me are beyond happiness. They are joy and sorrow and lessons and heartache and overcoming and becoming. A good book can do all these things. Often times reading feels personal; from a quiet unassuming scene that fits the depth of you in an unexpected way, to when you’ve reached an emotional climax, or even when the hero finally defeats the villain and suddenly you know you can defeat all the obstacles in your own life.
It is this reason, this love of it feeling personal, that I asked my husband and my four children, “What is your favorite book?” My quest was to read them so I could see more of what mattered to my dearest loved ones. And, if desired, be available for discussions.
Three of the books I had already read. In fact, I’d enjoyed talking with those children about their favorite books without realizing how important they were. The other two books were extra interesting because while I was reading I knew these words had moved my husband and daughter. Words that made them think, made them ponder, perhaps even change a bit. It was a delight.
The beautiful gift is that rich, insightful, and meaningful conversation takes place afterward.
I am now beginning my round two of asking specific people I love what their favorite book is. What a joy to hear and see the responses. Books are more time consuming, and so much harder to share with people than a movie or tv show. So, when someone is willing to engage with them on their favorite book, well, the result is lovely for both parties. I highly recommend it.
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My personal favorites in no particular order:
Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
All The Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry
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