The Bibliophile's Bookshelf

This week’s theme is Thankful/Thanksgiving. I’m altering it a bit to Books I’m Thankful to Have Read.

I have read many books over the years and there have been some that I am so glad to have read, either because it was a wonderful story, it educated me about something, or it made me feel better about life.

Here’s my Top Ten:

The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh

I love most retellings I read, but this one is one of my favorites. It’s a retelling of 1000 and 1 Arabian Nights and Blackbeard. It was a lot of fun to read. While only being a duology the world is amazing and the romance throughout is spectacular.

Embassy Row by Ally Carter

I read this series most recently and while I love all of Ally Carter’s books that I have read, this series was probably my favorite. It still held some of the lightness of Ally Carter’s other books, but it dealt with big topics.

The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall

I was struggling with some anxiety issues when I read this series. It kept me engaged and I loved it! I was on vacation when I read this book and I had people come up to me with their young kids telling me they loved the books! A wonderful series with fun, unique characters.

The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer

This is the series that got me into reading. Some of my friends read it with me in elementary school, so I always had somebody to talk to about it. Now I get to watch kids my sister’s age read the book and love it, too!

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

One of my favorite books ever, even though the sequel series broke my heart. This book explores creativity, family, friends, and more. A middle grade dystopian series that is very engaging.

Lovely War by Julie Berry

Lovely War tells the story of two soldiers and their loves as they navigate WWI. However, it is told through the perspective of some of the Greek gods. If I recall, the Greek gods include Aphrodite, Hades, and Apollo, though Hephaestus and Ares are involved as well. The main theme of this book is the power of love, though it is told in an unique way.

Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

This book is very eye opening. It tells the story of what happens when we run out of water. My state has a book competition for 3rd through 12th grade. Dry was one of the high school books a few years ago and that’s why I read it. As I was reading it, I very aware of how much water I drinking and there was a part of me that wanted to conserve water. Super eye opening and I can’t recommend this book enough!

Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Before this book I hadn’t really read holiday books, despite my undying love of the holidays. This book had me laughing out loud constantly and sent me on a mission to read as many young adult holiday books I could get my hand on.

The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

One of my favorite books, it was a little confusing in the beginning, but I grew to love them. I was also hesitant to read the sequel series, but I loved those too. All of the characters are amazing, and the story is unique and engaging.

Racing in the Rain: My Life as a Dog by Garth Stien

I got the young adult version of this book when I was in middle school or high school. I adore dogs; I have four! So, this book spoke to me. I have also watched the movie a few times, and it makes my sister and myself almost cry ever time.

To all of you out there who celebrate Thanksgiving, happy Thanksgiving!

What books are you thankful for?