7 Books to Read On #NationalBookLoversDay

Finally. A day completely dedicated to us super nerds whose idea of a perfect day is one spent on the couch with a cup of tea in one hand and a really good book in the other. And maybe even a stack right next to you in case you finish the one in your hand (because there’s nothing worse than not having another book handy).

A whole day encouraging you to do nothing but read?

Here are some of my personal favorites to really get you in the holiday spirit.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

If you’ve always been a bookworm, you loved this book too. And you wanted nothing more than to be just like Matilda. Not only did she have superpowers, but she was polishing off Charles Dickens novels before she even turned six years old. She was intelligent, independent, and she sure did know how to appreciate a good novel.

“The books transported her into new worlds and introduced her to amazing people who lived exciting lives. She went on olden-day sailing ships with Joseph Conrad. She went to Africa with Ernest Hemingway and to India with Rudyard Kipling. She travelled all over the world while sitting in her little room in an English village.”

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell

I try to read this every single summer, because it seriously never gets old. Yes, it’s long but it’s also arguably one of the greatest love stories of all time. Rhett and Scarlett are such vivid characters that you’ll wish you had been a part of their timeless story of romantic survival. Read it more than once and you’ll feel as though you know the characters as well as Margaret Mitchell did.

“Life's under no obligation to give us what we expect. We take what we get and are thankful it's no worse than it is.”

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Yes, this novel is also intimidating – it’s over 900 pages. But I promise you will not be able to put down this spellbinding epic. It’s set in twelfth-century England, but the stories of the lives entwined in the building of the largest Gothic cathedral will have you absolutely riveted. Follett creates incredibly engaging characters in this epic saga of love and power.

“Having faith in God did not mean sitting back and doing nothing. It meant believing you would find success if you did your best honestly and energetically.”

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I’m a huge sucker for World War II novels, and this one certainly does not disappoint. Told from the perspective of “Death”, this novel tells the story of a young girl living under the Nazi regime who develops a strong friendship with the Jewish man who takes hostage in her family’s basement. This haunting story is absolutely unforgettable, with lyrical writing and rich descriptions.

“Usually, we walk around constantly believing ourselves. "I'm okay" we say. "I'm alright". But sometimes the truth arrives on you and you can't get it off. That's when you realize that sometimes it isn't even an answer--it's a question. Even now, I wonder how much of my life is convinced.”

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

The author of the Kite Runner does it again – another beautiful novel that makes Khaled Hosseini one of my all time favorite authors. This novel tells the story of two Afghan women who are brought together under extremely unfortunate circumstances. By enduring the dangers that accumulate in their everyday lives in Kabul, the two women maintain a bond that will surpass all obstacles. This is a strong tale about femininity, heroic acts of self-sacrifice, and love.

“Each snowflake was a sigh heard by an aggrieved woman somewhere in the world. All the sighs drifted up the sky, gathered into clouds, then broke into tiny pieces that fell silently on the people below. As a reminder of how women suffer.”

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

No book list is complete without some Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice is a classic that is meant to be read at least five times in your lifetime. Lose yourself in this comedic romance between the proud Mr. Darcy and the overly judgmental and prejudiced, yet witty and self-confident Elizabeth Bennett. This novel is brilliant, and even boys should learn to embrace Jane Austen…they could learn a few things!

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.”

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

I grew up alongside Harry, Ron, and Hermione. I’ve also reread this series at least ten times – and it never gets old. There’s a reason why these books have sold over 450 million copies worldwide. Every kid wishes they could have gone to Hogwart’s – children and adults alike can still indulge in this fantasy world of love, violence, and the brutal realities of growing up.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?” — Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows