My Top 10

They say you turn into your parents when you get older. I believe there is some fundamental truth to that. I've picked up a preference for natural light, turn off all overhead lights and instead open all windows during the day just like my mom. I'm even noticing ridges in my nails like she has. And just like my dad, I have a "special bookshelf" for my "special" books. At least I don't buy 2 copies of them just in case anything happens to one. Well I don't do that yet at least.

*This is my "special bookshelf". With natural lighting.

Here's my 10 ten favorite books of all time.

And yes, they are all on my "special" bookshelf.

Some are books from my childhood. Read by flashlight, in the bathtub, read over and over. But if you never read them before - you must. Others are books that captivated me for their stories, their language, their way with words, my imagination and my heart.

Want to know why I recommend Better World Books over Amazon?

Watch and see why. And because Christopher is my brother.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

FICTION

A beautiful coming of age story about a young girl named Francie, living and growing up in the heart of Brooklyn. I remember being entranced by the story of a girl who (at the time) was my age and how such beauty could come from an unimaginably hard life.

Black Elk Speaks

AUTOBIOGRAPHY, NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES

"This inspirational and unfailingly powerful story reveals the life and visions of the Lakota healer Nicholas Black Elk (1863-1950) and the tragic history of his Sioux people during the epic closing decades of the Old West." As told by poet and writer John G. Neihardt.

I had to read this book from a seminar in college, and fell in love with the language, the compassion and the haunting, magical story that unfolds.

The Giver

FICTION

Hands down one of my favorite books. Another book I read in elementary or early middle school. From the very beginning I was captivated by the world that young Jonas lived in. This story transcends beyond a children's story.

"Told with deceptive simplicity, this is the provocative story of a boy who experiences something incredible and undertakes something impossible. In the telling it questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs."

The Essential Rumi.

Beautiful, beautiful poems about love and faith. Most of my copy is underlined as so much of it resounded within me.

"A comprehensive collection of ecstatic poetry that delights with its energy and passion, 'The Essential Rumi' brings the vibrant, living words of famed thirteenth-century Sufi mystic Jelalludin Rumi to contemporary readers."

Angela's Ashes

MEMOIR

A somewhat depressing, yet uplifting story about Frank McCourt's hardships as an Irish-American-Irish American growing up in extreme poverty during the Depression.

"What is it that transforms a childhood blighted by poverty, death and disease into a story that shines with love and leaps off the page in language of rare energy, music and humor? In [this case] it must be Frank McCourt's soul. This memoir is the best I've read in years, and I'm putting it on the small shelf in the company of the few books I don't lend - lest they're gone when I want them back." - Kathryn Harrison

The Five People you Meet in Heaven

FICTION

A fascinating interpretation of what happens after you die. It will make you think about the people in your everyday life. You never know the impact a chance meeting has on another life.

"A moving flight of fantasy come to teach us the Heaven is where we finally learn what our life was about." - Harold S. Kushner

From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

CHILDREN'S FICTION

I read this book more times than I can count when I was a kid. Not that I ever wanted to run away from home, but I lived vicariously through Claudia and her brother as they lived in the Museum, bathed in the fountain & took quarters from the bottom. It was such an exciting story, and a fun read.

The Hummingbird's Daughter.

HISTORICAL FICTION

Extremely well written and a magical read. One of those books you close and marvel and how the author has a way with words and drawing you into such a magical world.

"The Hummingbird's Daughter is the story of a girl coming to terms with her destiny, with the miraculous, and with the power of faith. This is a tale of a father discovering what true love is and a daughter recognizing that sometimes true love requires true sacrifice."

Bridge to Terabithia.

CHILDREN'S FICTION

I read this was I was very young. Probably 2nd grade. It was the first book I cried while reading. Like, bury my face in the pillow and sob. I remember laying in bed reading this book. Entranced by the story of a young boy and girl who becomes friends and the tragic tale the follows.

Consider this, Senora.

FICTION

The author uses words like an artist uses paint.

It's colorful, magical, and a beautiful read.

What are some of your favorite books? Do you remember the first book that made you cry, or the last book you couldn't put down?

Linking up with Amanda at Serenity Now & over at Tatertots & Jello.