12 books that have stayed with me over the years

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
I read this book in middle school and it has stayed in my mind since then. The characters seem to come to life, and the unique story line keeps you wanting to know what happens next. It's a story that explores both the theme of racism at the time and the theme of learning to love after significant loss. This book has stayed in my mind all these years because of the relatable imperfections of the characters and the love that they find in the most unthinkable places. This is a beautiful story.

The Giver by Lois Lowry
I also read this book in middle school. I don't remember many details from this book, but I remember it bringing up some incredible notions about conventionality and the beauty of the world. This book is difficult to describe in words, but it is wonderful and the images created by the author have remained in my head for many many years.

The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson
Another book I read in middle school. This has to been one of the neatest books I've ever read. The premise of this book is that a disease wipes out everyone in the world over the age of 12. The book begins after this catastrophe and children are left on their own to take care of themselves. As a pre-teen myself when I read this, I loved to imagine being the girl and finding a place to turn into a place of refuge and fill with food, water, etc.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
A story about love and sacrifice and forgiveness and regret. Full of powerful messages.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
This novel is disturbing. But I was completely engaged the entire time and was constantly waiting to find out what happened next. The characters are in situations, some of which I can't imagine ever being in, but I found myself relating to their thoughts and worries easily.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
One of the saddest books I've ever read, but also one of the best. Hopefully you have read this and understand what I mean.

The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Similar to to Of Mice and Men in it's deeply saddening ending. This book brings up several important lessons. One of these is to not become consumed with money and material things, when, underneath it all, all you really want to protect is your family.

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Glass Castle is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read. It is based off of Jeannette Walls's childhood--growing up with hardly any money, often being homeless, and living with parents that are, well, kooky. I think of this book quite often.

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
I thoroughly enjoyed it because it gave the reader a look into the thoughts and pains of the Confederate and Union generals and soldiers during the Civil War. More so, I enjoyed this book because the characters were fascinating and honest, and I found myself wanting to be their friends.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles
I read this book a couple of years ago. I loved the simplicity of the book and the central friendship between the two boys at boarding school. With the war serving as a constant backdrop to the story, tension existed among families and friends. And as the story came to a close and poor Finny died at the end, I cried.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
One of my best friends at camp told me that I had to read this book. It is one of her favorites and since I enjoy her taste in other things, like movies and music, I decided to read it. I finished it in about three days. Interestingly, Holden's adventures in the book last about three days. I found this neat because in most books I've read, the story takes place over weeks, months, or years. Holden's narration throughout the book is full of detail and silly anecdotes that made me feel like I was on the journey with Holden. Overall, (if you really want to hear about it), Holden is hilarious, and it was so much fun to listen to his thought process.

The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
The books in this series are hardly literary masterpieces, but I was enthralled with them when I was younger. In the books, three siblings struggle to survive after the death of their parents in a house fire. Their only living relative they have (who gains legal custody of them) is an evil man named Count Olaf. These books are filled with misery, suspense, and sadness--every book has a depressing ending--but they are unique and fun.

I'm sure I'm forgetting several books that have meant a lot to me...! (824)