Since today is Saturday and I don’t have anywhere to be and my computer is still dead, I’m going to spend the day snugged up in my coziest sweater and just read all day. I haven’t decided what to read yet, but I’ll probably read an old favorite.
I actually have a lot of “old favorites” when it comes to books. That doesn’t mean I’ve loved every book I’ve ever read, some of them I’ve down right hated, but most of them I’ve liked and a few I’ve loved. Then there are the ones I’ve loved to their death, the ones I’ve had to repurchase because they fell apart. It’s probably going to be one of those books I choose for today.
Below I’ve listed my all time favorite books. I’ve cheated a bit as 2 of the “books” are technically series, but since they’re continuing the same storyline I count them as one story.
1. The Ramona Series by Beverly Cleary.
I’ve loved this series since I was a child. I remember Ramona better than any other book character I’ve ever read, and if it weren’t for her, I probably wouldn’t love reading as much as I do. Also if it weren’t for these books I wouldn’t be so obsessed with Hunter boots, since it is Ramona that started my rain boot obsession.
2. Wait Til Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn.
This was the book that got me into spooky stories. It’s about a blended family who move into a renovated church and what happens to them afterwards, focusing mostly on the children and a ghost. It really is creepy, almost too creepy for children.
3. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury.
This book was a big part of my childhood. It’s what started my love of Autumn and Halloween. I’ve read it so many times I know the opening lines by heart. It’s another spooky book and it’s what really cemented my love of the spooky, creepy, mystery type books.
4. My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews.
I remember my mother freaking out when she caught me reading this book in third grade. I believe she said it was too advanced for my age and that the book was going to give me nightmares. Actually by the time she’d caught me it was my second time reading it, and I hadn’t had any nightmares at all.
5. The Aunt Dimity Series by Nancy Atherton.
Normally, I’ll read a mystery series like this once and never touch them again so Iusually borrow from the library, but for some reason these were different. I adore everything about this series, I love where it’s set and the characters and just everything. I own them all on nook except the newest one, and I’m working my way through buying the actual books. The Aunt Dimity Series is probably my all time favorite book series.
6. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.
I bought this book because I saw it in one of Fleur de Force’s videos and had never heard anything about it, but I thought it looked interesting and it was and now I love it. The is twisted It’s been made into a film too but I haven’t seen it yet.
7. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides.
I love this book. I saw the movie first, then I found out it was a book and just had to buy it. I’ve read it so many times, the story is so compelling. This particular copy of the book will always be special because it was the first piece of mail I ever got at the house where I live now.
8. P.S. I love you by Cecilia Ahern.
I love all the books I’ve ever read by Cecilia Ahern but this one is the best. It’s sad, and sweet and hopeful and it’s probably the mot romantic of all my books. As you’ve noticed I tend to err towards books that are dark, and this one has it’s moments but it’s also probably the best love story I’ve ever read.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve read these books, the words are so familiar now they’re a comfort. I know you hear of books being like old friends, but it’s a cliche for a reason. It’s like walking down a familiar path, one that you can walk with your eyes closed, everything is just so and it will always be that way.
What are your favorite books? Not what ever is cool to be into right now, but your honest, loved to pieces, favorites?