I thought I would have fun today and do another Top 10 list. Today’s focus: my favorite adult fiction books. This includes a variety of sub genres (fantasy, romance, mystery, etc.). So sit back and enjoy! And if you haven’t read these yet, go read them!
**Warning to lit critics: Please, do not get upset with me. This list is on the lighter and, admittedly, more commercial side of life. But, I assure you, all of these are good/entertaining reads. So, thank you in advance for not judging me too harshly :-).
1. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
The Book of What? Maybe you’ve heard of this book, maybe you haven’t. I happened to discover it while browsing the shelves at The Tattered Cover (the bright red cover popped out at me and I immediately knew I had to have it). It was gamble that paid off. I found myself swiftly ensnared by the 12-year old David and his harrowing journey into adulthood. The whole time I was reading, I was wondering if what David was experiencing was real, or not–if the fantastical adventure he was on was actually happening, or if he was dreaming the whole thing.
In a way, The Book of Lost Things reminds me of a darker, twisted version of C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, only we visit a disturbing fantasy land that’s filled with the fairy tales we thought we knew, but don’t (i.e. Snow White, Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood). It’s been five years since I read The Book of Lost Things and I’m still thinking about it. It’s one of those books I know I’ll have on my bookshelf for the rest of my life.
Read it, read it, read it!
For more details, click here.
2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I loved this book when I was a child and my dad used to read it to me before bed. I loved this book in high school when I read it for the first time on my own. And I love this book now, years later, when I go back to revisit my favorite Middle-Earth characters and their quirky, adventurous lives.
Now, some of you may be hesitant to pick this book up because you think it’ll be confusing, hard to read, and slow paced. But I assure you, The Hobbit is fun, witty and a swift page turner. It’s a book for all generations, meant to be enjoyed again and again. So go read it! It’s sure to be a classic that stays with you your whole life.
For more details, click here.
3. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
This was one of those subtly amazing books. The type you don’t realize you’ve fallen in love with until you turn the last page and feel empty and lost because it’s over.
From the rebel’s violent attack on the elite dinner party, to the surprisingly poignant relationships formed between terrorists and captives, to the fateful ending, Bel Canto sinks its sweet claws into you and won’t let go. It’s lyrical, enthralling and a true testament to the human spirit. This quote says it best: “That moment when you finish a book, look around, and realize that everyone is just carrying on with their lives as though you didn’t just experience emotional trauma at the hands of a paperback.”
For more details, click here.
4. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Let me start off by saying I love dogs, but I’m not a huge fan of stories about them. To me, they have tragedy and ultimate sadness written all over them. You know–you just know–the dog is going to die. And what’s sadder than a dog dying? Seriously? Whenever I watch a movie and I see a human and dog in mortal peril, I pray for the dog. “Dear God, not the dog. Kill little Billy, but not Fido. Please!”
However, I made an exception for The Art of Racing in the Rain. A good family friend gave it to me as a gift, and after asking me multiple times if I had read it yet, I finally succumbed and read it. And I’m so happy I did! This is a wonderful story, told entirely from the narrative of a wise, funny and philosophical dog, Enzo.
I’m not going to lie, there were sad moments, but there were also many uplifting, heartwarming, cheer-worthy moments. And–after wiping my tears away–I was smiling at the end and telling everyone they needed to read it. So you should too!
For more details, click here.
5. Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
I’m not usually a fan of historical fiction, which is strange because I love history (shrug). However, Fall of Giants kept me snagged from page one, all the way to page 960. Yes, like Follet’s other epic reads, most notably The Pillars of the Earth, this tale was a doozy. But I couldn’t put it down! In fact, I unthinkingly started it right before I was set to leave for a week-long beach vacation. Since I don’t own a tablet or e-book reader, I made the difficult decision to leave the two-ton book behind and take a couple lighter, easier to transport ones.
Then, as I was walking out the front door to head to the airport, I realized I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Fall of Giants at home–I swear, it was looking at me like a sad puppy whimpering, “Don’t leave me, don’t leave me”. So, I stuffed it in my bag and shouldered the extra weight. And I don’t regret my decision at all…except for accidentally getting sand and saltwater all over it. Then again, I spilled coffee on it a week later too, so…Poor “puppy”.
Let’s just say Fall of Giants is a well loved book in my household now. And it should be loved in yours too!
For more details, click here.
6. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I did not want to read this book. I didn’t, I didn’t, I didn’t! But every time I went to the bookstore or Target or someone’s house, I saw it. It mocked me everywhere I went, torturing me with its colorful cover and proclamations that it was a #1 New York Times Bestseller. Still, I stubbornly refused to buy it. I don’t know why, it just looked dull and boring and blah to me.
Then something terrible happened. I found out Water for Elephants was going to be made into a movie. Curse you Hollywood! I pursed my lips and trudged to the bookstore, determined to read the darn thing, just like I always do whenever a popular book is going to be adapted to the big screen. Book Nerd Rule #1: Always read the book before seeing the movie. Always, always! Even if you’re not planning on seeing the movie, read the book just in case!
So I did. And I loved it. Stupid, beautiful, wonderful Water for Elephants. Your reputation lived up to expectations–exceeded them. Grrr 😉 Don’t resist like I did. Check it out!
For more details, click here.
7. Perfect by Judith McNaught
Okay, fellas, turn away. I’ve got a romance here–some may even dare to call it a “trash novel”. But, not me. To me, Perfect is far from trash. It’s perfect ;-). The first time I read it was in high school. Since then, I’ve read it AT LEAST five more times. Every couple of years, I can’t resist rereading small town teacher Julie Mathison’s suspenseful, adventurous and heart-fluttering romance with ex-Hollywood superstar-now runaway fugitive, Zachary Benedict. Again and again, this story exhilarates, humors, and enthralls. And it never fails to make my heart skip a beat…or two.
If you end up reading and liking Perfect, make sure you check out Judith McNaught’s other novels (starting with A Kingdom of Dreams…sigh…hee, hee).
For more details, click here.
8. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Yes, of course I included The Help on this list. Because it rocked!
Honestly, I can’t even remember reading this book, or who told me to read it, or why I didn’t resist reading it like I do so many big time, highly publicized books (ahem, Water for Elephants). I just know that I read it and I loved it and I think everyone else should read it too! Plus, from a writer’s standpoint, I love Kathryn Stockett’s personal journey to find this book an agent. Rejection after rejection she refused to give up on it, and she proved to the rest of us struggling writers that if you’re passionate enough to fulfill your dream, you can.
For more details, click here.
9. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith
I happened to find this book–hardback and brand new–at a garage sale. I paid one buck for it. ONE BUCK! But trust me, it is worth full retail price. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction and I’m not a huge fan of mystery. However, this book was both, and I LOVED it, which proves that it is, indeed, a worthy read. It’s an edge of your seat, stomach-twisting, palm sweating story that keeps you turning page after page. And, as an American, it makes me appreciate my daily freedoms and lifestyle.
For more details, click here.
10. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella
Once again fellas you may not be keen on this choice of mine, but who knows? Maybe you’re one of those guys who secretly enjoys romantic comedies? (I know there are a lot of you out there, even if you are hiding.) Well, this is by far my favorite chick-lit book. Like most of Sophie Kinsella stories, Can you Keep a Secret? is heart warming, hilarious and, at times, utterly ridiculous. But, I love its goofy premise and especially its shake-your-head-and-roll-your-eyes-at characters.
This is one book I wish they’d make into a movie. I think it would be outstanding on the big screen. I know I’d definitely pay to go see it (after making sure everyone reads the book first, of course).
For more details, click here.
So, that’s it! I’m certain this list will change over time as I read more books, but for now, these are my favorite adult fiction books. Hope you add them to your TBR list!
How about you? What are your personal favorites?
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I had very low expectations for this book, but within the first chapter, my low expectations were shattered. The Selection is light, fanciful and truly entertaining. Give it a try!
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this final book in the Legend series. It was a fitting ending to an outstanding story. I highly, highly recommend it to one and all!
Okay, I’m cheating on this one. But it’s hard to separate these two books because they go hand-in-hand, and they’re equally amazing. They’re moving, eye-opening, and one hundred percent entertaining.
This was the first book I read in 2013, and it stuck with me throughout the whole year. Now, normally I’m not into stories about cancer and sickness and whatnot. They’re just too sad. But this is a special story everyone should read. Plus, the movie is coming out in 2014, and you know my rule of thumb: read the book before you see the movie. So go read it!
Two Boys Kissing is more than a story about two boys kissing. It’s a story about love. And life. And appreciating love and life. It’s a story that has the power to change minds–hearts–lives.
I’m not a huge fan of historical fiction, but this one was awesome! Fall of Giants kept me hooked from page one all the way to page 960! I’m planning on diving into its sequel, Winter of the World, early in the new year.
Okay, okay! I’m cheating again. But, you know what? This is my blog and I can do what I want, so there! 😉 I just finished these first two books in the Lunar Chronicles, and I’m in love! In fact, I’ve been dealing with a massive book hangover the past few days because I can’t get over them. So. Good.
There aren’t many books, let alone series, that I want to read more than once. But The Infernal Devices is one of them. This prequel series to Clare’s Mortal Instruments shares the same fun, rip-roaring action and smart humor, but it feels richer and more endearing. And by the last page of its final book, Clockwork Princess, I was crying (and I’m not a crier) and wishing a thousand times it wasn’t over.
Few books have touched my heart–my soul–the way Fangirl did. If you’re looking for a story that’s a perfect combination of funny and serious, and has a dash of fantasy to it, this is it!
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but of all the books I read in 2013, this aliens-take-over-the-world tale was my favorite. And, trust me, I’m not a fan of alien stories. But The 5th Wave was crazy good. It was addicting, terrifying and action-packed. And it made me truly believe an alien invasion could actually happen. I’m counting down the days to the release of its sequel, The Infinite Sea, due out in May 2014.
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