There is just something so
amazing about these nine books that are pictured above. The authors are funny,
complex, draw you in and leave you wanting to devour their next few books. I
fell in love with reading at a very young age and have had a love affair with
stories and words for some time. So when I come across a really good book; one that challenges me,
surprises me or lifts my spirits then I just
have to brag about them. So here goes….
The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown
I was not a fan of mysteries or thrillers
until I read this book. I was late to the game on this one. It had been out for
a while. The movie was being heavily promoted and people just kept talking
about it. I was not really ready to hop on the band wagon until Walden books
(may they rest in peace) issued me a 50 percent off coupon. Next thing I know I
was falling in love with a Harvard Professor named Robert Langdon. I couldn’t
help it. Langdon was one of the most well developed characters I had read for
sometime; and the story was interesting and thrilling. I recommended this book
for months after I read it. I even let others borrow my copy. Professor Langdon
and his mad dash through France has
still stayed with me even though it’s been over 5 years since I have
read the novel.
Renee and Jay by J.J. Murray
This was the second book I had
ever read by Virginia author J.J. Murray. I really was not into romantic comedies
and surely not interracial romantic comedies ; but , these one as just
different. Murray, who is male and Caucasian; writes from the POV of a sexy
African American woman. Renee is struggling after a break up and by chance gets
stuck in a restaurant with the sexy Giovanni. This chance meeting makes Renee
reevaluate how she views dating and she starts thinking outside the box.
Giovanni is easy to love as a character; as is his father. He is sweet, kind,
romantic and seems to fall head over heel with Renee almost right away. What
really impresses me with this book is that it is so fast paced. It keeps you
interested and its funny. I could not stop talking about this book. The reading
of this one book has lead to me reading several others by this amazing master
of words.
Love Wins by Rob Bell
Love Wins is a non-fiction,
Christian book that talks about the fate of the world and the importance of
hell. Bell got a lot of blow back for this book. He left the church that he co –
founded behind it. He has also become one of the most influential Christian
speakers in the United States. What I loved about the book is that Bell really
talked about the way that I felt about Christianity . He makes you feel like
you are sitting down one on one with him having this intimate conversation
about the world and Christianity. This one book has led me to read to others by
him as well. Each just as insightful as this one; the other two that I have
read were What we talk about when we talk
about God and Sex God.
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
If you have not read this book; well you are missing out.
This is a fast paced beautiful love story. A man, after a terrible car accident
which leaves him terribly burned. While recovering he meets Marianne Engle that
tells him that they were lovers in a past life. The book takes us on a journey between
their friendship and their past life. The story switches back and forth a lot
but is not dry or boring. It is beautiful and sweet and complex and adventurous.
By the end of the book I wanted a
different ending. It was bittersweet but it was clear that the man (who is
unnamed the entire time) is changed because of his relationship with Marianne.
This book is one of my favorite of all time. It touched my heart and is one of
the greatest love stories I have ever had the privilege to read.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Wow….just wow. Cassandra Clare sucked me in. All she had to
do was write a cocky, blonde haired, demon fighting young man into a book and I
was there. Jace Wayland is one of the best supporting characters I have read in
a young adult novel in a very long time. Clare’s characters are relatable,
funny and loveable. You will find yourself falling in love with at least one of
them. I personally love Jace; mainly due to his
quick and witty come backs. I also love Simon and Isabelle. But, I
also found myself feeling sorry for the bad guy. This
May the last book of this series will be released and I will be very sad
to see this group of Shadowhunters go. Even though there is a promise of more
Shadowhunter tales to come.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
This is an amazing book. So beautifully written; so lovely
and it will bring you to tears. Golden allows us a glimpse into the world of a
young Geisha. Who did not choose this life for herself but was sold into it;
along with her sister. The story tracks the highs and lows of her life and
proves that even though love is not an option to her it will always find a way.
What makes this book so amazing is the way it is written. The prose is so fluid
and beautiful. I found myself reading passages over and over again just because
I wanted to memorize their beauty.
Something Real by J.J. Murray
Another Murray book…I know. But, Murray is amazing. This was
the first book that I ever read by the author. I was just walking in Target and the cover got me
interested. It was a quick fast read. I found myself identifying with Penny.
Who is African American and plus sized. She is funny and going through a hard
time in her life because she is single and Mr. Right does not seem to becoming
her way anytime soon. Then on one fateful Sunday in flies a man looking for
prayer; he is suffering a lost and is now left to care for his children.
Through no fault of her own she ends up falling head over heels in love with
Dewey Baxter (the man that enters her church). What I love about this book is
how strong a character Penny is. She is not very sure of who she is and she
knows what she wants. Of course, this is not always the case throughout the
book but she becomes stronger as you read. Its not very often that you see
African American characters; especially women like this in books that often.
Night by Elie Wiesel
Another non- fiction book, but it is a powerful one. It
really has had a great impact on my as an adult. It made me think of how precious
life is and how important it is to fight sometimes just to survive. What is so
amazing about this book is the author. Even through unimaginable sadness Wiesel
did not allow it to swallow him whole. The
book reads quickly but it’s hard to get through; it took me a couple of days
due to the fact there is some very graphic scenes in it.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
I read this book my senior year of college and I really
needed to read it. What I love the most about this book is that it is funny and
heartfelt. It’s another book where you feel like you are getting advice and
insights from an old friend. The book reminds you of the power of living your
dreams and just being yourself. The Last Lecture is an amazing book and I always
recommend it to those graduating from college or who are struggling to figure
things out.
