Book Fair

Over the years, it was impossible for me to have one favourite book because I have read so many. During my youth, my interest in reading increased, exposing me to various genres such as fantasy, mystery, horror, thriller and historical fiction. Since I am a history buff with a huge imagination, many of my favourite books were set in various time periods, written in different eras or had fantasy/fairy-tale elements to the story. I started becoming interested in dark novels when I was 17 years old. My aunt recommended a dark, puzzling, historical mystery novel that I ended up purchasing from the book store. After reading just a couple of chapters of The Name of The Rose by Umberto Eco, my love for mystery and dark literature began. After The Name of the Rose, I started exploring more dark, mystery, thriller and gory literature.

Once I entered Grade 11, I finally came up with my top 10 favourite books. The more I read, the more I was able to figure out which books I loved, which ones I liked and which ones I did not favour as much. The ones I loved and liked were books that I treasured and wanted to remember for the rest of my life. It wasn't until later on in my teens that I started valuing the beauty of rereading novels. I did not think that rereading was very necessary as a child, because I thought that I would becoming bored of reading the same story repetitively. However, I stopped thinking that way! When I read a story a long time ago, I would forget many of the details especially when it was a story I loved. So I wanted to reread some of my favourites, so I can remember the story for the rest of my life. Some books I don't mind reading only once, and I have quite a few of those books to be honest. Some books I have read only half of because it was either boring or just not my cup of tea.

I want to show you my top 10 favourite novels that I think you will enjoy, regardless of age, gender, culture, disability or spoken language. If you can't determine your next read or need some reading inspiration from a true book lover, feel free to read this blog!

1. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

I remember receiving this book as a 20th birthday gift from one of my cousins who is also a bookworm. My stepmother read this book at one point and loved it. During my teenage years, she developed a passion for Holocaust-based novels that she would download on her iPad. Once I heard her say that there was a blind girl in this novel, I figured it would be an ideal read for me. I kept this book on the shelves for two years, until I decided to delve into this interesting read in the Fall of 2019. What I valued most about this novel is the character Marie-Laure who has a vision impairment. Throughout the story, she refused to let her disability hinder her from doing activities such as reading books and going for strolls. Her father was a locksmith at the natural museum, but had an additional role in the novel- Marie-Laures biggest supporter. He would create wooden puzzles for her to use alongside scale models to help her get around the city. She would read classic books in Braille. She and I could relate to each other in the novel, since we both refuse to let our disabilities interfere with our daily lives. This will make an awesome addition to your home libraries, if you really love historical fiction and books that include characters with disabilities.

2. Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

After one of my family friends kept persuading me to read this book, I finally purchased this book at the local bookstore. Every time she would annoyingly coax me to read such a sweet book like Anne of Green Gables, I did not think I would be interested. However, I began to fall in love with Anne of Green Gables after reading the first couple chapters in Grade 7. What I love most about Anne of Green Gables is: the Canadian culture and the mood of the story. The setting is very serene and I can always visualize the colorful flowers, the quaint houses and the overall town of PEI. Anne Shirley is a very intelligent character, which is one of the reasons why I relate to her more than many of the characters. She's been through adversity, but was able to overcome it successfully. For young women, I think this would be a meaningful story to read. If you like classic novels, this would be a perfect book to add to your wish lists!

3. For the Winner by Emily Hauser

This was one of the best books I have gotten lost in during quarantine! For someone who is fascinated by Greek mythology such as myself, it was such a thrilling and intriguing read. Asides from the setting, the time period and genre of the novel, I thought this book was completely relatable to me. The protagonist was very passionate about gender equality and refused to let her gender meddle with following her passion such as hunting. She's been neglected and abused, but her life got better when she was adopted. Her life was an emotional rollercoaster, but she was strong and willing to live life to it's fullest. I also care about gender equality and being able to live life to it's fullest, despite the gender, age and different qualities I possess. This is another awesome read to add to your wish lists, if you love fantasy and Greek mythology-based novels! People of all genders and ages will enjoy this!

4. Worlds of Ink and Shadow by Lena Coakley

I read this twice. The first time I read it, I was in high school. Another time I read it was in the winter of 2020, which was two months before the pandemic took over the world. I really like this book, because it discussed the childhood of the Bronte sisters. I liked learning about how their journey to authorship began, and it started at a very young age. Their natural abilities to create characters and bring them to life with their own imagination was really inspiring for me as an author myself. For anyone into classic literature and authors such as the Bronte sisters, please consider adding this book to your wish list! This is a perfect book for teenage girls and young women, looking for something inspirational to read!

5. Emily of New Moon by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Out of all of Lucy Maud Montgomery's books I have read over the years, Emily of New Moon is definitely one of my favourites! I loved this book, because it was about a young writer. When I read this amazing tale, I would remember my early days of amateur writing. I would not write for pay or anything too serious. I always had a diary handy, so I could write whatever I wanted. Emily and I can relate to each other, when it comes to being a young writer and having a wild imagination. She's very intelligent and ambitious, just like I am! I totally recommend purchasing or downloading this book, because any girl will fall in love with this meaningful and sweet story! Regardless of age, any girl or woman can read this book and really experience the life of a young writer!

6. The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman

Who doesn't like ice cream?! Who doesn't like to visit the local ice cream shoppe during the weekends or holidays?! Us Canadians definitely love to eat ice cream, even in the winter! This book discusses a Jewish-Russian immigrant who develops her own ice cream empire which leads to her financial success later on in the story. The character went from impoverished to financially successful. Her troubling past and her past financial instability did not stop her from climbing the ladder to success. It motivated me to see how someone in challenging circumstances can move on to creating a better community and being around people to support her wishes. Best of all, it takes place in New York which brings me back to my childhood memories in Manhattan! All the delicious flavours are explored and my mouth watered in every part of the story! For all ice cream lovers and history buffs, I recommend this book to you!

7. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowlings

Out of all the trilogies and series I have discovered and read, Harry Potter will forever be my favourite book series! Back in my day, many of the students, my friends and a few kids I attended overnight camp with read at least one or two of the Harry Potter books. Due to the high degree of popularity, I did not think I would enjoy Harry Potter since I was mainly interested in the least popular fantasy novels such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

After so much talk of the Harry Potter books on social media platforms, I decided to investigate the Harry Potter series. I did not know whether I would enjoy the books or not, so I decided to visit my local library to borrow the first Harry Potter book in lieu of purchasing it at the local bookstore or Amazon. If I did not like it, I could always return it and not have to worry about wasting my own money.

After reading the first few chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in the spring of 2015, I proved my whacky imagination wrong. I loved Harry Potter and finished it within three weeks. It was not too complicated for me to understand, and it was indeed very engaging and intriguing. The wizards, the ancient Hogwarts castle, all the different characters, the setting, and the dark moments in the novel caught my attention. After enjoying Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, I continued reading the series until finishing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I have no issue rereading all the seven Harry Potter books, even when I was in my late 30's or early 40's. If you haven't read Harry Potter and would like to give them a shot, it's not too late to do so. Add them to your reading or rereading wish lists!

8. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women was one of the first classic novels I have read during my childhood. After my cousin bringing me a vintage copy of Little Women, I started reading the novel in the spring of 2010. I was only 12 years old when my love for classic literature started, which is not a very typical interest for a 12 year old child. Many 12 years olds in my day did not read classic novels such as Little Women. They were mainly focused on contemporary reads like various YA cheesy-romance novels or high school- themed books like Rules that many of the elementary school classmates enjoyed.

When I was in Grade 6, I spent recess sitting around and reading Little Women, since I did not have many friends. Reading was an escape for me, since recess was a nightmare for me. When I read books at recess, I did not feel very lonely since I was immersed in all of the characters. Little Women was such an inspiring read for me, because all of the characters had something different to add to the table. The four March sisters had unique interests and abilities, despite how close they were as a family. The setting and the time period (e.g. The Civil War in The States) was also really interesting to learn about. After reading Little Women, my passion for history increased and I started reading more classic novels. My volunteerism and love for the community increased, since there were scenes of volunteerism and community contribution in the story. For all girls and women, this is a perfect book for you. Please add this to your rereading or reading wish lists!

9. The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rowlings

The Yearling will always be one of my favourites, regardless of how old I am! The story gives me a really good message that I will remember for the rest of my life: be kind to all humans and animals, regardless of the circumstances. Animals need love and support, just as much as humans do. The book takes place in Florida, which brings me back to every excursion I had over the years. My grandma lives in Florida and my family goes regularly, so I have a lot to resonate with, regarding the setting. Reading this book can take me to rural Florida, which is one of the parts of Florida I want to visit in the future. This is a perfect book for all animal and nature lovers, even if you are an adult! Consider adding this to your rereading or reading wish lists!

10. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, was in fact one of the first classic fantasy novels I read when I was 15 years old. Every time I see a copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, I think of my early high school days of me spending long hours in the library. During my long lunch hours at the hgih school library, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was one of the books I enjoyed and read in Grade 9. Some days, I would not want to go to class so I can continue reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It was like a vacation without going on a plane and carrying a heavy suitcase. I had the opportunity to visit all of the places in the story, meet the whacky characters and explore the events that were happening in the story, such as the Lobster Quadrille, The Mad Hatter's Tea Party and The Caterpillar. It was not only a puzzling and engaging read, I also thought it was an amusing read that made me smile everyday. It was very comical and whimsical at the same time. Any fantasy lover will love this book, even if you are an adult! I recommend consider this book!

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