Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Recent Favorites

I HATE the concept of committing to a favorite anything and books are no different. I could never single out ONE book and confidently label it as my all time favorite. But today I'm going to make a list of ten of my favorite books I have read since I started blogging- which was in 2013.

Hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish

 

1. The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath

Is anyone surprised with this pick? This is in my top ten of favorite books of all time, and always will be. Plath is an amazing writer, and I promise you, she understands everything you are feeling and has put it down into words somewhere. I love her work.

2. The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood

Again, is anyone surprised? I talk about this book all the time because it horrified me. I always think about it and I'm itching to reread it, even though I just read it about six months ago. Atwood is a genius and I need to read more of her works. Which of her books should I read next? 

3. Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen 

I can't believe it took me until last year to read this! This was my first Austen and now I can't get enough of her! I love the characters and humor of this novel, along with how well it translates into film. Lizzie is fierce and independent, and everything I love in a heroine.

 

4. Midwinterblood, Marcus Sedgwick 

This is another one I always talk about, but this book really blew my mind! I had never read anything like it, and it's another one I can't stop thinking about. I also plan to reread this one soon. I haven't heard it talked about very often, and I would love for more people to read it. Segdwick is a great author and I have loved everything of his that I have read so far!

5. Papertowns, John Green 

This one didn't become a favorite until I reread it in 2014 for my literature class. I liked this book the first time around, but I didn't notice how well constructed and just how meaningful it was until the second read. It is by far my favorite John Green book. 

6. The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak 

I love the characters in this novel and how unique the narrative voice is. This book is a testament to the power of love, humanity, and books. What more could you ask for in a book?

 

7. Ariel, Sylvia Plath

I love, love this poetry collection. It is so haunting and powerful. I would give my left arm to write half as well as Plath.  

8. Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton

I read this one a couple years ago in a literature class at my community college and was immediately enamored with it. The plot is so simple, but this short novel is such a great character study and is really unforgettable. Shocker, I'm hoping to reread this one this year as well, and I can't wait to share my thoughts and love for this short novel with you guys. 

  

9. Bridget Jones' Diary, Helen Fielding

This book is so funny, and so true! I read this novel right before I moved out on my own and I love Bridget and sympathize with her in every way. If you are a single girl living on your own, Bridget is your soul sister!  

10. Grasshopper Jungle, Andrew Smith

I think about this book all the time! The more I think about it, the stronger and more unique the themes become. I love Smith's writing and how natural his protagonists' voices are. There are a few of Smith's works that I need to read yet, including his latest release, but I am hoping to get to them soon.