Whether I’m diving into a classic from the Victorian Era or checking out a contemporary book about personal growth, I’ve always been a big reader. I guess you could say my introverted side plays a role, but honestly, I think it’s about how books let me escape the everyday grind. I love checking out an author’s unique take on life and human nature through their writing. So, without further ado, here are my top ten favorite books! I really hope you take a look at them through the links I’ve shared. Happy reading!
10. Animal Farm by George Orwell
The story about the Russian Revolution of 1917 is engaging and eye-opening. Orwell does an awesome job using language and interesting characters to show what happens when a government goes off the rails and how words can either lift people up or drag them down. Even though the ending feels a bit down, it gives us a warning about how dangerous it can be when a corrupt government isn’t kept in check.
9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
The Brontë sisters are some of the coolest and best-known female authors from the Victorian Era, and I seriously can’t believe it took me this long to read this book. Jane Eyre is such a groundbreaking story that dives into topics like sexuality, religion, and early feminism. The first-person perspective makes you feel like the title character is your best friend, almost like you want to jump in and help Jane with her tough times and cheer for her victories. It’s really a masterpiece of Victorian literature!
8. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This murder mystery is such a page-turner! Agatha Christie really knows her stuff and has paved the way in literature. Her writing dives deep into what makes us human, getting us to think about justice in a way that feels good. Even though the ending is a bit bittersweet, kind of like Animal Farm, Christie keeps us on our toes with her storytelling. She shows how tough the human spirit can be and gives us a nudge to look at our moral compass and how our choices can really matter.
7. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald brings this 1920s drama to life in such an exciting and fun way, pulling you into this lively scene full of jazz and the American Dream. I was super impressed by how rich the story is and how deep the characters are; I felt a real bond with them, making every plot twist even more captivating. Most people stumble upon this book for school projects or summer reading, but the real magic of Fitzgerald’s writing is how it sparks your imagination and gets you thinking, leaving you with a sense of wonder that sticks with you even after you finish the last page.
6. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This story feels so cozy and warm, and it’s super personal to me. Every time I dive into this book, I relate a little more to all four of the March sisters: Meg’s romantic dreams, Jo’s hustle, Beth’s quiet strength, and Amy’s artistic flair. I think that’s why it hits home for me. It’s one of the few books where I can really see myself, and sometimes I just wish I could hang out with the four sisters and Laurie while they’re off having fun and having adventures in places like Boston, New York, and Europe. (I love to imagine all the chats I’d have with Jo!)
5. A Study In Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
If you’re into some deep thinking while reading, the first installment of Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes saga got me thinking about how to write better characters, especially my villains. Following the sharp-witted detective and his confused friend Dr. John Watson, I found a story that’s just as twisted and interesting as Christie’s And Then There Were None. It’s a solid reminder that to create awesome villains, you really need that sweet spot of backstory and intention, making them just as layered and intriguing as the heroes they go up against.
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
What I love about the Hunger Games trilogy is how human Suzanne Collins’s characters are; they express a range of emotions and strengths that resonate with readers. Characters like Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark deal with love, loss, and survival in a harsh dystopian world, showcasing resilience and hope as they face their struggles. This raw humanity is what makes the trilogy more than just an adventure; it’s a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be human.
The Hunger Games Trilogy + The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
3. The Bark of the Bog Owl by Jonathan Rogers
Rogers takes the biblical tale of King David and gives it a fun, Mark Twain-style twist. The trilogy follows Aidan, a young shepherd who is named the Wilderking of an ancient prophecy when he’s just twelve. As he steps into this role, he faces all kinds of wild challenges, always with his goofy Feechie friend, Dobro, by his side. (Listening to this book on Audible is a real treat since Jonathan Rogers narrates it himself.) If you’re on the hunt for a lighthearted book that the whole family can enjoy, this one might be right up your alley!
2. Ten Ultimate Truths Girls Should Know by Kari Kampakis
While this is the only non-fiction book on my list, that doesn’t make it any less impactful. Kari Kampakis shares insights that are relatable and relevant to the issues young girls deal with today, especially in a world that’s driven by social media and peer pressure. With her engaging stories, Kampakis really gets girls excited to tackle their journeys with confidence, reminding them they’re not alone in their struggles and that their feelings and experiences matter.
1. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
I have this connection to this book because I saw the movie before actually reading it. Long story short, my brother had to read it for his fifth-grade English class, and I ended up watching the first movie with him and our parents… right until that creepy Gollum scene. (I can’t help but wonder if Andy Serkis’s voice freaks out every fourth grader hiding under a blanket in another room.) This book really nails the Hero’s Journey, with characters like Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Grey, Thorin Oakenshield, and Smaug the dragon. A lot of people say Tolkien can be pretty challenging, but if you’re up for a good reading challenge, go for it!
If you enjoy these books, or if you have any book recommendations for me, I’d love to hear you! Feel free to leave a comment below!
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