This might surprise you, but I actually read books before I started blogging (GASP!). I haven’t reviewed a lot of my favorites on here (…I may remedy that some day), so in an attempt to expose you to some other really awesome books, here are some of my favorite books that I read before I started the blog.
1. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
I’ve mentioned this book (and series) several times on this blog, however, I haven’t actually reviewed it. I LOVED this series, and actually plan on doing a re-read in the fall. If that happens, I’ll be sure to post a review. This series gives you vampires, witches, daemons, magic, and MORE. What else do you need?
2. What is the What by Dave Eggers
Holy hell emotions. This book is about a life story about Sudanese man who was forced to flee his village as a child. The story is technically a true account of his life, but I do think they categorize it as fiction since some artistic license was taken. That being said, it’s an incredibly moving and heartbreaking novel, and I would recommend it to anyone.
3. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
I love when massive books feel short, because they’re so good. This is one of them! It takes place in the middle ages and covers a huge expanse of time. IT IS FANTASTIC and has everything you need in a fun read. I’ve recommended to so many people (who have all loved it). If you won’t take my word for it, take Oprah’s. She made this her Book Club book one year, and that’s saying a lot!
4. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
This is a sneak-attack favorite book. It starts off a bit slow-paced, and you do a lot of wondering about where the story is going to go. But the ending is super rewarding, and I found myself falling more in love with the book with each page turn. It’s definitely a book that simmers at first, but by the end you’ll love it!
5. Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
I’m sorry, but is there someone who HASN’T loved this book that has read it? It’s the most intense shit you’ll ever read! I don’t even like mountain climbing and this one had me on the edge of my seat (to this day I still have nightmares about Mount Everest). This book is thrilling and exciting and horrifying all in one, and it’s HANDS DOWN the best non-fiction I’ve ever read.
6. Dracula by Bram Stoker
UGH I LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH. This one obviously needs no explanation, since who hasn’t heard of Dracula? If you haven’t read it, I would highly recommend that you do! It’s so wonderfully terrifying. I’m hoping to do a re-read in October, but we’ll see…
7. Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier
This is a retelling of the Six Swans story collected by the Brothers Grimm. It made me feel all of the emotions! Plus, it has a good, slow-burn love story (which are always my favorite!).
8. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is the first children’s classic I read. Period. Yes, people, I did not read any children’s classics as a child. I read this one last year, and OH MY GOSH I adored it. I felt this whole new world of magic open before me. Now I’m slowly getting caught up on all my children’s classics. While I love a lot of them, A Little Princess holds a very special place in my heart.
9. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
This book was a requirement for one of my high school classes. I loved it at the time, and when I re-read it maybe 4-5 years ago, I loved it all the same. Such an intense story about family and religious devotion. Even though it wasn’t always the most happy story, I found it such a fantastic escape. It was a setting that I wanted to return to over and over again.
What are some of your old favorites? Any stand-bys that you go to when you need to disappear in a favorite book?
A.S. Thornton has evolved from book blogger to author with a particular fondness for writing forbidden love in ancient deserts. When not writing, she’s caring for dogs and cats as a veterinarian. You’ll never find animals at the center of her writing, though, because those fictional worlds don’t have veterinarians and her literal brain can’t accept that the poor critters would be without parasite prevention. Thornton’s debut, DAUGHTER OF THE SALT KING is available wherever books are sold.
whatthelog
I’ve always meant to read The Poisonwood Bible – I really need to get round to it now that you’ve recommended it!
Ali
It’s really a lovely read. I read it for a class in high school and loved it. I just re-read it a few years ago and loved it all the same!
Lucille
Ohh I got the french edition of The Golem and the Jinni from the library, should read it soon 😀
An old favourite might be The book thief! Also any Pratchett or Gaiman!
It makes me sad to think of all the books I love and haven’t reviewed on my blog since I started it only a year ago!
Ali
I know! Same here. I’m trying to slowly add in old books I’ve read, but honestly I have found I have a hard time reviewing them, because I can’t remember details – just that I loved them XD And The Golem and the Jinni is definitely a slow read at first, but stick with it, because it’s really a lovely story.
momknu
I have read most of them, thanks to you. Haven’t heard of Daughters of the Forest, but will put it on my TBR list. These books are some of my favorites, too!
Very much enjoying Long Way…great characters!
Ali
Yay! I am glad you are enjoying it. It’s full of lovely characters. Kizzi is my favorite, I think. And I thought you’d read Daughters of the Forest!!! You’ll definitely like that one. It’s a fairy tale retelling and really quite fun!
Diana
I haven’t read any of these books although Poiso wood Bible is one that I have heard a lot about. I hope to read it soon especially after seeing your comments about it.
Great idea for a post! I hope its okay if I borrow it 🙂