I LOVE to read. Books can transport me to another place and time and just allow me to forget about any chaos life has brought my way. I love the art of storytelling and if it’s done well, it can allow the reader to fall in love with characters, learn about foreign places or even teach rich world history in a unique and fun way.
Perhaps old fashioned, I still love to read a real physical book that I can smell, touch and have rest upon my nightstand. Cozying up in a chair in my comfies with a good book is the best…throw in a rainy day and a fire in the fireplace…well, now I’m in heaven!
My bookshelves are filled with my favorites and I am constantly sharing my “finds” with friends, lending them out like a “fun-size” library. Who doesn’t love a great book recommendation, especially from someone you know and love? Life is busy. So when we do find time to grab a book, we want it to be worthy of the spare moments we’ve set aside.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
I have a long list of books I’ve read and truly enjoyed, so picking out twelve that I would consider top of my list was no easy endeavor. (Full disclosure: I originally set out to pick my top ten, but just couldn’t do it!) These are books that if they aren’t already considered classics, are well are their way to having the distinction. Interestingly, many I’ve chosen lean towards historical fiction. I’m listing my top two picks and then listing them in no particular order. I do, however, reserve the right update this list as I continue to tackle my “to be read” pile. Okay, here goes:
- Gone With the Wind – Margaret Mitchell
I read this book many years ago while backpacking through Europe with a girlfriend the summer after college. Being over 1,000 pages I was able to fall in love with this beautifully written novel throughout our travels and it has remained my favorite book of all time. Set in the south during the Civil War, Scarlet O’Hara is selfish and vain and courageous and strong…and her life and romance with Rhett Butler captivating. It’s hard for me to imagine someone reading this book and not being totally swept away in this epic story of love and war.
2. East of Eden – John Steinbeck
I can’t believe it took me so long to read this incredible book. It was always on the “to read” list and I’m so grateful I finally did. Steinbeck is a master storyteller making this multi-generational story truly come to life. A Northern California native myself, I especially enjoyed his rich imagery of California’s Salinas Valley having grown up with those colors and smells. Based on the lives of the Hamiltons and the Trasks, Steinbeck draws on the biblical story of Cain and Abel. But it was so much more than just good vs evil. It was about human nature and our imperfections, relationships and life’s choices. A tad longer than average at 600 pages, yet I hated to turn the final page. Amazing.
And now in no particular order ‘cuz I just couldn’t decide…
3. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn – Betty Smith
When I read this book, my husband’s then 85-year old grandmother, Ida, shared with me that she had read the book 50 years prior and it was still one of her favorite books. It speaks to the timelessness of this wonderfully simple yet heart-warming book. It’s about a family living in poverty in the early 20th century in Brooklyn; a coming of age story of Francie the daughter of a hard-working mom and dreamer father struggling to survive. Betty Smith was ahead of her time touching on such sensitive topics as alcoholism and politics while creating lovable flawed characters. A lovely story you’ll want to revisit again.
4. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
I attempted to read this book in the 4th grade having received it as a Christmas present. I just couldn’t get through it and looking back I think it was just a little too early for me to attempt. Having had it line my bookshelf unread for an embarrassing number of years, I thought I’d give it another go. Well, what a gift I’d unknowingly received all those years ago! It’s the story of the four March sisters: Jo, Meg, Amy & Beth home with their mom while their father serves in the Civil War. Louisa May Alcott writes a classic tale about love, character, hard work and the unbreakable bond of family. Just loved it (AND loved the 2019 film version, too!).
5. Outlander – Diana Gabaldon
I have to say, I was reluctant to read this book when recommended by my Book Club. A happily married nurse on a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands with her hubbie Frank in 1945 is teleported to 1743 where she meets and falls in love with sexy highlander, Jaime? Hmmm… But with Diana Gabaldon’s complex plot and rich characters, it didn’t take long for me to be teleported to 18th century Scotland during the Jacobite movement and be completely enthralled by this story. A woman in love with two men two hundred years apart? You have to at least give it a try. Go Team Jaime!
6. The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah
The first book I read by Kristin Hannah was Firefly Lane which I thoroughly enjoyed (and highly recommend). But I honestly wasn’t prepared for the powerful journey Ms. Hannah took me on in The Nightingale. It is the story of two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, in German occupied France during World War II as they embark on two very different paths of survival. I found myself completely immersed in the characters—their strength and resiliency amongst atrocities was painful and heartbreaking yet inspiring. This book was a reminder that there were not just heroes fighting on the front lines, but also those back at home. An incredible book that keeps you thinking long after you turn the last page.
7. Redeeming Love – Francine Rivers
I’d never read a book written by Francine Rivers until Redeeming Love was chosen by my Christian Book Club…and I completely fell in love with her storytelling. Set in the 1850’s California Gold Rush, the book’s author draws you into this beautiful love story of Angel who was sold into prostitution as a child and Michael, a kind, hard-working and faith-filled farmer. The book is sweet and heartbreaking, telling a powerful story of redemption, healing and grace. While interwoven with Christian principles, it will be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christian alike. An easy read you won’t want to put down. (For me, the 2022 movie version didn’t do this book justice.)
8. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
I was late to the party for this literary gem, but oh so glad I finally made it. Written in 1813, it’s the story of the Bennet family and their five daughters’ 19th century courtships, most central being the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy. With humor, wit and clever dialogue, Jane Austen artfully introduces memorable characters as they navigate love and marriage and how first impressions can sometimes be (and often are) wrong. It also gives a great appreciation for the freedom of choice women of today enjoy. This book is a treat.
9. Harry Potter Series (I mean, how can you pick just one?!) – J.K. Rowling
Honestly, I had zero interest in reading a Harry Potter book as the fantasy genre is typically not my jam. It was my kids’ interest in the series that inspired me to give it a try. J.K. Rowling’s writing is just brilliant and I found myself quickly immersed in the enchanting world of wizards. Twists and turns with delightful characters and good vs. evil abound, I enjoyed the entire series tremendously. 7 books with 600 million copies sold, translated into 85 languages. Do I really need to say more? (Mic drop)
10. The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett
While an attempt at a nearly 1,000 page book seemed daunting, Ken Follett’s epic tale of the monk Philip’s vision to build a new gothic cathedral in 12th century England drew me right in. Rather unfamiliar with life in the middle ages, I found the thoroughly researched and detailed history of the time fascinating. Using an extensive cast of characters like Tom, Jack, Aliena & William, he was able to weave a convincing story of ambition, perseverance, betrayal, revenge, loss and love. While certainly not a short read, it was absolutely a compelling one I highly recommend.
And now an unlikely addition, but my childhood favorite:
11. The Phantom Tollbooth – Norton Juster
Perhaps an odd choice, but my 3rd grade teacher read this book to our class and I still have my original copy. Hoping my fond memory of this tale held up, I read it to my own kidlets when they were of similar age…and it was as magical as I remembered. A 10-year old boy named Milo who is always bored finds a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room. It’s about his memorable journey to “foreign lands” teaching him valuable lessons along the way. This enchanting book has delightful play with words and numbers and puns but also offers profound insights and just pure FUN! (Some suggest waiting until the kiddos are 12 or over so they can understand the word play, but you be the judge.)
And maybe the most meaningful for last…
12. Holy Bible
After years of feeling intimidated by this #1 best-seller, I took a bible study class given by Dr. Bill Creasy (now available online at: Logosbiblestudy.com). Dr. Creasy has an incredible gift of bringing scripture to life and I was hooked. Then a couple years ago, I was introduced to the Bible in a Year podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz. 365 sessions walk you through as Fr. Schmitz reads scripture from The Great Adventure Catholic Bible breaking it down in simple and relatable terms. While the editorial leans in to the Catechism of the Catholic faith, it by no means limits its beautiful message to anyone of faith. It’s a great way to start my day and definitely a book to read over and over again, gaining new insight each and every time I read it. With over 6 billion copies sold, I’d say it would be considered a must read.
So, there ya have it. My FAVS. So many others that almost made the list…different genres invoke other titles and summer reads are in a class by themselves…perhaps for another post. For now, hope this nudges you to try one on my list you haven’t yet read. Feel free to leave a note in the comments which books you recommend I add to my bedside stack! Happy reading~
[ PS: Wanna host a Book Club? Check out my post on how to HERE?! ]
Join me for more FAVS and FUN by subscribing to Fun with Fun-Size below. (Be sure to check your spam if you don’t receive a confirmation email!) You can also follow me on Instagram & Pinterest @funwithfun_size
Should you have any subscribing issues and or want to reach out to me directly, email: Shelley@funwithfunsize.com
Great picks!! I too loved East of Eden, Redeeming Love and a Tree Grows in Brooklyn- I’ll have to read a few more of your top 12. Thanks for the recommendations! 📚💖
They’re such amazing reads, I’m so glad you, too enjoyed~ 🙂
Be sure to read Kristen Hanna’s latest book, The Women. It is a must read
Agreed! Read it and loved it! Thanks for sharing~
Love a good book recommendation! Thanks!
Thanks for stopping by~