This week I am co-hosting the Tuesday 10 with Lena! Our topic this week is Top 10 Recommended Reads/Favorite Books. I had a really hard time narrowing down my list, so I tried to think of it as not just what my favorite books to read are, but what books I would like other people to read or what books I found especially profound or affecting, one way or another. Here, then, is my list, along with my reasoning/recommendation:
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
Why: Aside from being great science fiction, it will also challenge how you think about gender identities.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Why: A great love story, and the most consistent/understandable version of time travel I’ve ever read.
See my full review here.
Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel’s Legacy Book 1)
Why: Some of the best character writing I’ve ever encountered, along with being an amazing story (plot-wise, and writing-wise). Also has one of the most interesting and accepting religions, in fiction or otherwise. I recommend the whole series.
Transformation by Carol Berg (Rai Kirah Book 1)
Why: A great fantasy read and great characters, along with examining the dangers of believing in things just because it’s ‘always been so.’ I recommend the whole series.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Why: A vampire novel that doesn’t jump on the vampire-human love story bandwagon. Some very interesting history surrounding the legends, and a good mystery read.
Read my full review here.
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Why: It will get you thinking, whether or not you agree with it.
The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Why: Extremely moving and at times heart-wrenching story, very real. And I’ve always loved the idea of flowers having meanings.
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Why: It’s a classic, and you really should have by now. 😉 Also just a darn good love story, and I love Austen’s wit.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Why: It’s a crash course in the entire history of, well, everything. Bryson is an excellent narrator, one of the few non-fiction writers I like, because he is witty and entertaining without losing any of the meaning of his content.
Wild Iris by Louise Glück
Why: I love her poetry (very nature-inspired), and this is my favorite book of hers. It also won the Pulitzer for Poetry, so, you know. Good and stuff.
Don’t forget to go enter my blogiversary giveaway while you’re here!
