I decided to give ya’ll a list of five of my favorite books that I have read and why they left such a profound impression on me. I haven’t been able to do a ton of reading this year as I’ve been preparing my own novel (while working a full time job and being a single mother), but some of these are from when I was a child/teenager as well and I STILL remember how I felt when I read them. That says A LOT about a book. Here we go!
1. A Wrinkle In Time
Madaleine L’Engle
This is one of the first books I ever remember reading. I think I was in sixth grade (25 years ago, eek!) and it was definitely the first fantasy book I’d ever read. I loved how it made my imagination sore and the struggle between good and evil put me on the edge of my seat. I did enjoy the recent on screen adaption of this book featuring Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, and Mindy Kaling (just to name a few).
2. A Child Called It
Dave Pelzer
Based on a true story, this book truly broke my heart. I was young when I read it as well, but probably fifteen or sixteen. I couldn’t believe the horrific childhood this person had and the abuse that ensued. Specifically, I couldn’t understand why a father wouldn’t help his child because my father had always been my protector. I remember feeling so deeply disturbed by that. Nonetheless, it gave me a good appreciation for the childhood I had!
3. The Shack
Wm Paul Young
I decided to read this book when I saw a movie adaption was coming out. (I do this often!) Wow! What a soul shaking book! It gave me a new appreciation and understanding for God and the love he has for us! Somewhat of a “fantasy” book, if you will, although it’s a very real subject, it allows you to experience what it’s like to have a relationship with God but as if he were walking the Earth as a human. An easier way to understand it, I think. I don’t know how Wm. Paul Young did it! Obviously with the help of his Creator! 😉
4. Redeeming Love
Francine Rivers
This book was adapted to the big screen just last year and, of course, as soon as I heard there was a movie coming out, I HAD to read the book. Whew! Another soul-shaker but an amazing love story! This book just shows how God is always working for our betterment even when we’ve made plenty of mistakes and don’t deserve it. Not to mention, how he is writing the perfect love story for here on Earth. Uhh, and I swooned over Michael Hosea! Can I get me a man like that?! Although this is a book about pure love, it still has some steamy scenes in it!
5. Bridge To Haven
Francine Rivers
Another Francine Rivers book because, well, she just knows how to grab the soul and shake it! This book takes you on the journey of a girl who gets caught up in her abandonment issues and tries to take life into her own hands instead of letting God heal her hurt. She winds up getting hurt further and further until she finally realizes God is all she needs and the people who have always loved her never gave up on her. It shows the power of prayer and letting God take the reigns! Ugh, I felt so much for the main character in this book. I could feel her brokenness from the beginning and I just wanted to comfort her and tell her she is enough the whole time I was reading. But she gets her happy ending! Another soulful book from an amazing author!
That sums up my list! It seems I have a lot of religious type books and I know a lot of people shy away from that but for me, it feeds my soul AND entertains me. Trust me, if you like romance, Francine Rivers and Debbie MacComber can give you romance…and in a pure way! I do read all kinds of books, even the steamy erotica romance books. I like period pieces too, like Jane Eyre and Little Women. I plan on reading the Bridgerton series by Julia Quinn and I’ve got one book done on that series, as well the Mark of Lion series by Francine Rivers. So much reading, so little time!!
Leave a comment and let me know you thoughts on my list and/or suggestions on must reads!