Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Thankful For

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and Bookish where we get a new topic for a top 10 list.

This weeks topic is a Thanksgiving freebie. Now, despite the fact that the UK don’t celebrate this holiday, there are several things I am continuously thankful for. Here are 10 books that have had a lasting impact on me over the years.

top 10 books i'm thankful

1. I’ll Meet You There by Heather Demetrios: I read this book at the beginning of the year and I was moved to tears. I have a huge appreciation for the armed forces and this is a book that really made me think about the lasting effects of war  on not just the soldiers but also on the families and loved ones of the soldiers in our society.

2. I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson: I’ve been aware of the campaign to have more diversity within books. This book is just one among many that I feel really celebrates diversity. Through this book my understanding and need to see more diversity in books has only heightened.

3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: My favourite book of all time. Markus Zusak has such a wonderful way with words. I found myself constantly thinking about this book for months after I finished it. I think what’s so moving about The Book Thief is that we get a look in to the reality and the consequences of living in a society caught in the middle of a war. I think having death as the narrator further heightens the horror and toll war takes on people.

4. All the Truth That’s In Me by Julie Berry: This is one book that highlights the way the second person narrative can be utilised in creating a beautiful story. I honestly don’t think that the book would have had the same impact on me had if it had not been in the second person narrative. This book also highlights the beauty in the simplicity of things. One of my all time favoutires.

5. The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien: This book just brings out my inner child. The girl that is constantly looking for an adventure. Middle-earth is my fantasy home so I definitely have a special place in my heart for this book.

6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: I feel that this book was my first proper introduction to Young Adult fiction. I love the story and the characters and it’s just an all round great book.

7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: I’ve said this before but I was never a big reader in school. I hated being told what I had to read and so I just didn’t read books for my own pleasure. However, when studying this book in school I found that I really enjoyed it and I enjoyed the discussion surrounding the book.

8. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer: Prior to this series, I had never read a fairy-tale retelling. This series opened my eyes to the wonder of these type of books. I just love the way Marissa incorporates the original components that were so distinct to the fairy-tale but still succeeds in making the story and the characters unique.

9. Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan: This series makes me think of my childhood and just really embraces that adventurous spirit. I always feel good when I read a Percy Jackson novel.

10. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: This was the series that essentially got me back into reading. I read them when I was around 15/16 and it was the first series I had read in a long time solely for my own enjoyment. It wasn’t a book I associated with school and it really made me appreciate books for the journey they take us on. So yes, this series definitely has a special place in my heart.

*BONUS 

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The Foxwood Collection: This book was my 5 year old self’s absolute favourite. I remember my parents reading these stories to me and I just get really happy when I think about the book. The illustrations are also amazing.

 

 

 

Those are the books I’m thankful for. What made it to your list?

15 thoughts on “Top Ten Tuesday: Books I’m Thankful For”

  3. Wonderful list, Lois! I have to admit (in shame) that I’ve never read TKAM or The Book Thief which I know I should remedy will soon. At least I have a copy of TKAM now. And oh my goodness, I totally forgot to add The Lightning Thief! That definitely made up my childhood (along with HP), too!

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    1. It took me a year to pick The Book Thief off of my shelf because I was nervous that the book wouldn’t deliver. Honestly I still get chills when I think about the book and it’s just such an amazing reading experience. If you like historic fiction I’d definitely recommend it. Percy Jackson is just an all round amazing series. I’d quite like to join Percy’s squad haha.

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    1. I was surprised by how much I loved To Kill a Mockingbird and it did make me give the other school assigned books more of a chance. I wasn’t sure what to expect from I’ll Give You the Sun but I was blown away by the book. I’m glad you enjoyed the books. 😀

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  5. Oh hey, The Hunger Games got me [back?] into reading too! Except I read them much later (like, around when the films were about to be released? Or maybe it was after I watched the first film? — I forget). Definitely a special place in my heart for the story and the fact that I thought it would have been incredibly fun (even though I’d probably die) to be in the Hunger Games LOL.

    Cheers,
    Joey via. thoughts and afterthoughts.

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    1. I had the exact same thought but now I realise how morbid it sounds. I’d definitely be the type of tribute that would accidentally fall off the platform in the beginning because I’m so clumsy haha. There’s something for everyone in these books and I’m so glad I gave them a chance. 😀

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  7. Great post! I’ll Give You the Sun is such a brilliant book, and I love how it spotlights diversity and explores issues of family and loss as well. Even though it does get a lot of love, I still feel like not enough people have read it! 🙂
    Some of the others books in your list are also some that I love. 🙂

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