Writing a book is sort of like raising a child: an author brings it into the world, watches it grow, and sends it out on its own once they feel it's ready. Not to mention all of tears shed on both sides (well... okay, maybe not the book's). A book is just as much a work of blood, sweat, hopes, and dreams as anything else, and I am sure that there is no better feeling for an author than having people read and enjoy their writing.
With all of the books out there to choose from, sometimes its easy to overlook novels that may not be as popular as The Hunger Games or Divergent. Yet the reality is that those books might be just as good or even better reads. So, for all you book lovers out there, here are 10 amazing options that I have read over the years, and definitely feel deserve a little more love and recognition. And for those of you who don't like to read as much, give one of these books a go! Who knows, maybe you'll find one here that you really love...
1. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
A book about human life told through the eyes of an old dog with an even older soul, this story follows Enzo and the years he spends with the Swift family. Enzo's commentary on human beings in their best and worst moments, as well as the way in which they go through their lives will captivate dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike. Real, funny, and beautifully-crafted, this novel will keep you hooked until the very last word.
2. Going Bovine by Libba Bray
This novel is narrated by Cameron, a high school student who just trudges along through the motions of life without ever stopping to appreciate all it has to offer. Yet when he's diagnosed with Mad Cow Disease, Cameron decides to go cross-country to find a cure, journeying in the company of a paranoid dwarf, a Norse god trapped within the body of a garden gnome, and an angel with a constant sugar high (but wait, it gets even weirder!). Hilarious, fun, and surprisingly deep, this book shows us how each moment of life is to be cherished for both its beauty and its fleetingness.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Most of us have either read or at least heard of Khaled Hosseini's acclaimed first novel The Kite Runner, but what some of you may have never come across is his second book, A Thousand Splendid Suns. Set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, this novel follows two women, Mariam and Leila, who band together during the most horrific of times. An incredible story about the strength of friendship, this novel gives us an entirely new and different perspective about the effects of Taliban rule as seen by the women who lived under it.
4. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
When I was first instructed to read this book for my 12th grade AP Literature class, I was more than a little bit confused (as was the store clerk at Barnes and Noble, who directed me to the children's section with a strange look when I asked about the novel). But I soon came to realize that The Little Prince was more than just a children's book; rather, it tackles deep and difficult notions of love, friendship, and growing up, conveying them in the truthful way that only a child could. It now proudly sits on my shelf at college, and I definitely recommend this touching read to everyone.
(Special thanks goes to Mrs. Vitvitsky for introducing me to The Little Prince back in high school!)
5. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly
Move over, Disney fairy tales! Here's something a little more hardcore and a lot more realistic (-ish)... The Book of Lost Things expertly mixes fantasy with reality, following David, a young boy who is trying to cope with the devastation of his mother's death. Simultaneously set in World War II England and a mysterious forest, and filled with dark fairy tales and characters that you'll hate to say goodbye to, this novel is a captivating coming-of-age story (with a twist!).
6. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Revolving around music and the spirit of 1980s America, A Visit from the Goon Squad follows a huge cast of characters both forward and backwards in time as they experience adulthood. Nostalgic, funny, and set to the beat of punk metal and rock n' roll, this book definitely keeps you glued to your seat until the final note.
7. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Yes, this is a picture book. And yes, it will take you 7 minutes max to read. But honestly, if you haven't read it at least once before, do it. For your soul. And if not for your soul, then do it because I said so! A story revolving around a tree and the young boy she loves, this little book speaks volumes about the power of true kindness and everlasting friendship.
8.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
This story follows Annemarie Johansen, a young girl living in Copenhagen during World War II. Annemarie and her family are hiding away her best friend Ellen Rosen, who is Jewish, from the Nazi Party. You'll follow these two girls as they flee to the safe haven of Sweden, and you'll see the unbreakable power of true friendship, as well its ability to transcend any kind of difference, on every page.
9. I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
As amazing as Zusak's novel The Book Thief was, I am the Messenger definitely takes the top spot as my favorite work by him. Told through the perspective of Ed, a teenager living in Australia who no one, including himself, thinks will ever amount to anything, this story picks up once he finds the first anonymously-sent ace card in his mailbox. This card, along with the ones to follow, have addresses and riddles listed for places Ed is to visit, and names of people he has to help. Funny, poignant, and incredibly touching, Zusak spins a story about the complicated beauty of life, and how through saving others, we can also save ourselves.
10. The Complete Works of Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson
No matter how old you get, you'll never quite reach the age where you're too old for Calvin and Hobbes. Revolving around the adventures of six-year-old Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, Watterson writes of and illustrates so many aspects of life that we adults may take for granted, but that a young child will always have something to say about. A classic collection of stories that everyone should definitely read.
There you have it! 10 books that definitely deserve a little more love and recognition, and 10 books that have the power to change the way you see life. So next time you're in a bookstore or a library, step away from the Twilight series, and try to find one of these books instead. It'll certainly be worth your while.
