My Top 10 Favorite Books!

So I've been thinking, and I realized that a lot of you probably aren't avid readers like me. I'm not surprised. However, I also thought about the idea that maybe some of you are looking into possibly becoming a book lover. If that is the case, I would first like to say WELCOME! Don't worry, reading is so much fun, but in order to make it fun, you have to start by finding what interests you. For me, that is mostly romance and young adult books. I'm not super into action novels or just regular adult novels. That doesn't mean that I only read Y/A romance novels... I read just about everything and when you get to my number one on this list, I think you'll find that it isn't romance!

With all that being said, sit back, relax, and take a look at my top 10 books and series... EVER! Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite book awaiting you on this list!

(This is my pic that I took when I first read the book in 2014)

#10 Fangirl: By Rainbow Rowell

Let's start out with a light hearted book! I read Fangirl back in 2014, and I was immediately engrossed by the laid back story that was unfolding in front of my eyes! Fangirl is about a girl named Cath who is currently a freshman in college. She is very self kept and usually stays in her room reading books and writing fan fiction about the books she has read (hence the name fangirl). Cath's sister Wren is the complete opposite, and convinces Cath that she should try to get out more and experience college life. That's when Cath meets Levi. He's sweet and cute and everything that anyone would ever want! From there, there's a bunch of sappy love stuff... you get the gist!

Anyway, this book made it into the top 10 because it was such a quick easy read and it made my heart flutter. It also held a special place in my heart because of my own love for books and my worry that when I went off to college I would be the same as Cath. (I wasn't YAY).

#9 Again, But Better: By Christine Riccio

By now, you all know my love for this book! I just finished it last week, and it fell into all of the right categories to make it a contender on this list! For starters, it reminded me so much of fangirl which automatically made it go straight into my heart. With that being said, these 2 books have their differences.

Again, but better is about a college junior named Shane Primaveri. She is a pre-med major, per her parents request, but what her heart really yearns to become is a writer. She lies to her parents and goes to study abroad in London, with a major in journalism, and an internship with a travel magazine. During her time abroad, Shane wishes to make some friends, have her first kiss, and just make this experience better than her previous college experience. She sets off to complete these to-do's after meeting her flat mates, Sahra, Babe, Atticus, and Pilot. The group goes on all kinds of crazy adventures through out London and abroad, and Shane has to deal with all kinds of family drama, and also has to battle with her heart. Don't worry, this book isn't the most lovey dovey, and it has a mega awesome plot twist at the end which is why it made it to number 9 on my list.

#8 Eleanor and Park: By Rainbow Rowell

Surprise surprise, another Rainbow Rowell book is on my list! Eleanor and Park is absolutely fantastic! Not only was it a great love story, but it was just a great read in general and it left me wanting so much more! For starters, this book takes place in the 80s, which right away had me begging for more (Because, you know... I'm an 80s QUEEN!) Anyway, it follows both of the main characters, Eleanor and Park. Neither one of them quite fits in and truth be told, there are tons of family issues trapped inside of this book. It takes place over one school year, and tracks Eleanor and Park as they listen to music, and laugh, and start to fall in love. If I'm being honest, this book made me feel so many things when I first read it in my sophomore year of high school all of which were warm and cozy and all around good! After reading this book, all I wanted to do, was travel back to the 80s, and find myself an amazing 80s boy to fall in love with (ugh as if).

I would 10/10 recommend this book if you are a hopeless romantic like me, and if you just want something quick, easy and relaxing to read... especially on the beach. This would be an awesome book to take with you to the beach with you this summer!

#7 The Great Gatsby: By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Okay, if you haven't read Gatsby yet... where have you been! Either you

a. just ignored it in high school when it was assigned to you to read in 11th grade,

or b. you haven't hit 11th grade yet. I which case go ahead and read it anyway, or wait and make sure you absolutely don't skip this book when it is assigned to you in class! I read this book 4 times in high school, and it still continues to stay near and dear to my heart every single time I reread it.

This book is narrated by a man called Nick Carraway, who is recounting his time living in the West Egg. After his move, he reconnects with his cousin Daisy, and her husband Tom. He also lives next to a man who throws extravagant parties almost every night of the week named Gatsby. There is something off about Gatsby though... nobody has ever seen him. His identity is hidden to his party guests. One night, Nick finally meets Gatsby, and that's where this story really picks up. Gatsby often speaks of his past and it is soon found out that he longs for Daisy, who used to be his love. Get ready for a wild ride with this one... filled with love triangles, adultery (Hester Prynne anyone? Don't worry, a Scarlett Letter isn't on the list) and LOTS of alcohol!

If you have never read the Great Gatsby, I highly suggest it! Especially if you are in your 20s and beyond.

#6 Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Where do I even start with this book? It was so good! (Like so good that I've read it about 5 times). This book follows 2 main characters, Aristotle and Dante (not the philosophers I promise) as they make their way from childhood into young adulthood, which is such a scary time. Both boys feel kind of lost, but they couldn't be more opposite. Ari has tons of family issues and is jealous of Dante's seemingly perfect life. But truth be told, there are some secrets that neither one of them know about. Not only is this a coming of age novel, but it is a coming out novel as well. Both boys begin to develop feelings for the other, but they don't know how to speak to eachother about how they are feeling, because of fear of judgement.

Honestly, this book holds up every time I read it and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is struggling with those feelings as well, or anyone in general, who just want's a quick book to read.

I became so attached to these characters and I hope that if you decide to pick this book up, that you love it at much as I did.

#5 Looking For Alaska: By John Green

Where do I even start? This book was AMAZING! It's been a really long time since I've read this one (aka 2012), but I'm going to try to do my best to give you a good summary, and give this book the justice it deserves.

Looking for Alaska is about a boy named Miles, who leaves his home in Florida, to go to a school in Alabama. During his time there, he meets this mysterious girl named Alaska, and he is immediately intrigued by her (As was I). The story follows the 2 characters throughout the school year, while they cause all kinds of trouble, and become really really good friends. (I just realized that that summary did a terrible job at making this book sound good, but just trust me, it's amazing!)

Also, if this doesn't sound like your cup of tea, all of John Green's books are fantastic and I highly recommend them. He is an amazing author!

#4 The Hunger Games Trilogy: By Suzanne Collins

Again, if you haven't read these books where have you been! These where the talk of 2011 and 2012! Plus, there's 4 movies that go with them so seriously, get on it!

I was obsessed with the Hunger Games back in 2011, and I am proud to say that these books have almost made it into the top 3 on my list!

I'm pretty sure you all know what these books are about, but if you don't, here yah go.

The Hungers Games takes place in a futuristic, dystopic society where a very very rich group of people, called the Capital have taken over the United States, and separated them into 12 districts. Each of these 12 districts is known for something different, and has their own responsibility to keep the capital up and running.

Every year, the capital holds something called the Hunger Games, where they select a male and female representative from each district to be sent into some sort of world, and fight eachother to the death. The last person alive is crowned the Victor, and they go on to live a lavish life.

During the 74th annual Hunger Games, our main character, Katniss Evergreen, volunteers as tribute when her younger sister, Prim is selected to fight in the games. She fights along side the bakers son, Peeta Mellark (swoon).

This book is SO good and definitely worth the read! It will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time, and the best part is, when you're finished, you will have an amazing movie to enjoy afterwards!

#3 The Divergent Trilogy: By Veronica Roth

Starting the ranking at #3 is Divergent. This is another series that makes me concerned for you if you haven't read. Divergent was never as big as the Hunger Games, but it too had 3 movies that followed the books and were talked about by everyone in 2013. Lucky for me, I hopped on the bandwagon before the movies were announced, way back when Divergent was the only book that was published.

Like the Hunger Games, Divergent takes place in a dystopic society that is separated into different factions (yes factions is a word). When teenagers turn 16, they get tested to see which faction they belong in, based on their traits like bravery and honesty etc. If one falls under multiple different categories, they are called Divergent and are seen as dangerous.

Our main character, Tris, takes this test and discovers that she is divergent. However, she chooses to change factions and moves to Dauntless, which is the tough faction. They are all about fighting and danger etc. While she's there, Tris meets a guy named Four (one of my favorite book characters EVER!) Four has a twisted and wild background and is haunted by his past.

That's pretty much all I can say without giving spoilers, but the series follows the 2 of them adjusting to their lives and *cough cough* there might be some love going on... idk.

#2 The Harry Potter Series: By J.K Rowling

Rowling in at #2, is the Harry Potter series (get it... Rowling... like J.K. Rowling? Like rolling. Get it? No? Okay.)

This is another series that if you haven't read, WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! Harry Potter has been the talk of the past 2 decades! (and it has 8 movies)

I'm sure you all know what Harry Potter is about by now, but for those of you who don't, listen up... please... you need to hear this because you need Harry Potter in your life!

Harry Potter is about a boy named... Harry Potter (obvs) who has been living with his terrible aunt and uncle since his parents died when he was just a baby. He finds out that he is a wizard when he turns 11 and is greeted by a giant named Hagrid, who brings him a birthday cake, and comes to share the news that he is a wizard. Obviously Harry doesn't believe this but is whisked away by Hagrid into the wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry where he finds out that his parents were murdered by an evil wizard named Voldemort.

Harry then starts school at Hogwarts and makes friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. The 7 books follow the trio through their year of schooling at Hogwarts and into adulthood.

These books are fantastic and are so fun to read. I do not care if they are labeled as children's books, they are meant for everyone! So please, pick up Harry Potter if you haven't, you won't regret it!

#1 The Mortal Instruments, Infernal Devices, and Dark Artifices: By Cassandra Clare

Okay, listen I know this is technically 12 books, which is more than my entire list but I couldn't help myself! If we're getting technical all of the characters in these series overlap, so it's kind of like reading on big long book.

But honestly, are we surprised that these topped the list at #1? Cause I know I'm not!

The Shadowhunter books have been my favorite books since 2012, and I am not about to leave out half of it just for the sake of a dumb list. Although if you wondering which is my favorite... it's the Infernal Devices (but the Dark Artifices is coming in at a very close second).

One reason why I had to lump all of these together is for that reason specifically! My favorite series is the second one, and although you don't need to read the mortal instruments to read it, you should probably read them first just to understand what the heck is going on! SO yes, you need all of these books at the top of my list, because without one whole series, my number one pick would be ruined!

I just did a post about all of these books specifically (non spoiler of course) if you want to check it out, but if not I'll give you a quick run down.

These books are about people called Shadowhunters, who fight demons and monsters to help protect normal humans. There are also other creatures like warlocks, and vampires, and faeries.

The mortal instruments, is about a girl named Clary, who finds out she is a shadowhunter after her mom hid it from her for 16 years. She is very quickly pulled into their world and trained to fight all of these monsters. (that's a very short summary please go check out my other post to read about these!)

The Infernal Devices take place in the 1800s and follows a warlock named Tessa Gray after she is shipped to London and finds out she is a warlock. While in London she is living with 2 charming men named Will and Jem, and they teach her everything she needs to know about the Shadowhunter world. Plus there is the most epic love triangle of all time so that's a plus!

Finally, the Dark Artifices is about 2 teenagers named Emma and Julian, who already know they are shadowhunters. Emma is trying to figure out who killed her parents, and Julian is trying to get his older siblings back from the faeries who took them.

Like I said, these are very vague descriptions of these books, but my previous post does a pretty good job at bringing more depth to them. I highly recommend these books if nothing else! They will keep you busy for weeks, and you will immediately be hooked on the worlds and characters as soon as you pick them up! (Side note: read all of the books in published order not by series so that you don't spoil yourself!)

With that, my top 10 favorite books of all time list is concluded! Be sure to check out my other blog posts to keep up with all things me.

Until then,

Lindsey