Happy Tuesday! ‘Tis the season to be thankful (although, shouldn’t we really always be thankful?), so in that spirit…I’m very thankful for this week of no work, for my friends and family, for Mr. Darcy, and for my favorite holiday special:
And, I’m always thankful for TOP TEN TUESDAY hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This week’s theme is Top Ten Books I’m Thankful For. So, I bring you…
Top Ten Books I’m Thankful For
10. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
This book dragged me out of a serious reading slump. It ignited my love of reading when I desperately needed it. I’m pretty sure the mention of mixed tapes and The Smiths was the pixie dust that made the magic happen.
9. The Outsiders
This may not be an amazing example of beautiful writing, but I am so grateful this book exists. It brings people together over a shared experience of reading it. And I’ve seen it bring a joy of reading to the most reluctant of readers.
8. When It Happens
This book worked some kind of magic because I was sick with the flu in Indiana and had to catch a flight back to California. Somehow during the airport and flying hours, I felt better. I returned to sickness as soon as I got home. All that can explain it is this book. I read it cover to cover during that plane ride.
7. Nancy Drew
I was binge-reading before binge-watching and binge-reading were even a thing. These books were like water in a desert to me. I could not get enough of them, and as soon as I finished one, I had to have another. (Yes, I know…this sounds like binge-drinking. Lol. But I was a kid.)
6. Harry Potter
I am a strict YA contemporary reader. Until Harry Potter. Harry Potter taught me (or reminded me) that I can relate to characters in fantastical worlds. It’s opened up many new books to me that I may have otherwise skipped.
5. The Female of the Species
This book reminded me to stick with something even if I think it’s not for me. This books was DEFINITELY for me. It’s been over a month since I finished it, and I still can’t stop thinking about it!
4. The One and Only
I despise even putting the word “thankful” anywhere near this book. It was so horrible. Terrible. Should never have been written. So what am I thankful for? It taught me that it’s okay to quit a book. It’s the first book I’ve ever truly quit. (All the others, I somehow wandered back to them to finish them at some point. This one: NO.)
3. The Idiot Girls’ Action Adventure Club
This opened up comedy writing to me and how enjoyable it is.
2 The Grapes of Wrath
After years of high school English and reading classics I didn’t enjoy (probably because I wasn’t ready for them), I read The Grapes of Wrath several summers ago. It helped me believe in classics again and that they can be enjoyable.
1. Chasing Eveline
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the one book in this world that I’m grateful for above all else: my own. Chasing Eveline is a dream come true. It’s about music and journeys and coming of age and Ireland!, and I love it so much. (And by the way, on Black Friday it will be $0.99 on Kindle!)
What books are you thankful for?
xo, Leslie
