Top 10 Favorite Books

 

I was trying to come up with a way to give you more insight about me and realized…I read, a lot. So today I share with you my top ten favorite books. The descriptions are short, and yes there will be an affiliate link to these books on Amazon but with or without your click, these pieces of literature are still dear to my heart.

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

This was my first paid book review and it honestly couldn’t have fallen in my lap at a better time in my life. My marriage was ending, I had lost all hope in life and love. I knew there was something better for me – I never wanted to just be a house wife and this book not only helped me to realize my worth but the proper ways to implement and move forward.

 

 

A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway

I first read this semi-diary for my creativity class in college. It was helpful to look inside a well-known writer and learn where he found his inspiration – usually in the company of women. I fell even more in love with Hemingway and longed to visit his Paris after reading this gem.

 

 

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

Ah, yes. I listed these books in the correct order. For you see, The Paris Wife (which is my favorite historical fiction hands down) was actually written about Ernest Hemingway and his first wife Hadley; from Hadley’s point of view. As Brene Brown, this book couldn’t have been published at a more opportune time in my life. I was newly single and cried through most chapters, this alone aided in healing.

I always say, they’re two sides to a story…I’ve offered you both.

 

Verses That Hurt by Jordan Trachtenberg, Amy Trachtenberg, Christian Lantry, Nicole Blackman

I had quite an obsession with this book when I first came across it as a 18 year old with a new found freedom and poetry constantly swirling in her mind. In school you’re taught the “pretty” poetry, even Emily Dickinson spoke of death with warm, soothing prose. Not Verses That Hurt. This was unapologetic raw, tearing open the wound and crawling inside, hitting every nerve on the way, mind blowing poetry. Still a favorite.

 

 

Nana by Emile Zola

Published in 1880 Paris, France. Emile Zola up to this point in history had been well known for his naturalistic view of the world. When released it was met with praise and uproar; this was the most symbolically complex novels of it’s time. I’m always inspired by Zola’s work and gravitate towards his attention to detail in every paragraph. I will admit, it took a while to read this piece with the 120+ year difference but I will never regret finishing it!

 

 

The Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by Anne Rice/ A. N. Roquelaure

I’m a sucker for anything Anne Rice, so it was no surprise I fell in love with this trilogy. You can keep Fifty Shades of Mr. Grey (unless we’re talking about Dorian Grey!) In 1983 Anne Rice began writing the first installment “The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty” from there she published “Beauty’s Punishment” and “Beauty’s Release” and at number four “Beauty’s Kingdom” This erotic read is not for everyone; but oh what fun it is! This series withstands the test of time for what no holds bar erotic should be.

 

 

The Collected Poems by Sylvia Plath

If I ever had a literary soul mate, it would be a toss up between Edgar Allen Poe and Sylvia Plath. I bought this book as a starving 19 year old who was at a cross-roads with life, love and depression. I remember reading it front to back on the balcony of my apartment in Nashville, TN as passenger planes flew overhead. I smoked like a freight-train and believed I could have it all or nothing with a flick of a switch. “Is there no way out of the mind?” Sylvia Plath. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for gut-wrenching poetry.

 

 

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

If you read this classic in High School and thought it a bore, try reading it again. Walt Whitman was a very talented man, but it took me many years before I was able to appreciate his subtle way with the written word. Like fine wine, this book gets better with time.

 

 

 

 

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

If you haven’t noticed by now, I’m a sucker for history/historical fiction and a damn good story, so it’s only natural I have The Other Boleyn Girl in my top 10. I read this book in 2 days, then read it again. Philippa Gregory has a way with captivating the reader, throwing you right in the middle of Tudor England. Even if you’ve watched the movie; I suggest reading the book!

 

 

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

I started this list with Brene Brown and somehow ended it with her foreward in this book. Amanda F’n Palmer has been such an inspiration in my life. From the moment I saw her on Much Music debuting The Dresden Dolls video “Sing” I was in love, but I digress. Amanda is well-known (in the alternative music world) as being outspoken and using social media to bring people together, having ninja shows, or asking for a place to crash for her band mates. I’ve always had issues with asking for help (stubborn capricorn) but Amanda’s thought provoking literary debut has given me insight and inspiration. Isn’t that what we are all looking for?

 

Now, it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite books and why?

 

Like my list? Hit the share button below to make this girl feel loved!