On My Bookshelf, Part 1

"What's your favorite book?"

Every avid reader answers the above question the same: "Um… Uh … There's so many!"

Since I own over half a thousand books and my first choice for a home would be a library, I have hundreds of books that I've read and would call my favorite! So, over the next couple of months, I would like to share over fifty of my favorites.

Let's start where it should always begin, shall we?

The Holy Bible

How can this not be the first book on everyone's list? This book is full of action, mystery, drama, romance, advice, prophesy, letters, kingdoms, and poetry. Not to mention, it has the closest thing to magic – miracles!

With all the wisdom hidden on each page, it would be hard to walk away from reading this book without a changed life. After all, it offers true life – a life with Jesus.

For the Christian, it is full of encouragements. It reminds us that the living God is right by us here and now (Joshua 1:9). It offers a helping hand to those who are down (Psalm 55:22).

Not only this, but it tells Christians what we are to be doing in this life. We are to be reaching out to others (Mark 16:15-16) and living a life for Christ (leaving our sins behind us [2 Corinthians 5:17]).

This is indeed the most inspiring book of all time!

The Chosen by Chaim Potok

During World War II, Jewish teens in America wanted to show the world that they were as active and normal as every other American teen. So, they formed different teams and played against each other.

And that's how Reuven Malther met Danny Saunders.

Together, they learn of the atrocities on the other side of the Atlantic during the Holocaust. Together, they attend college. Together, they struggle with Danny's father.

I love this book so much because it is such a touching story of fathers and sons. Not only that, but you get a profound look into the Jewish religion.

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris

Teens are always depicted as moody, phone-hugging, argumentative brats. What's sad is it's not altogether wrong. Though not all teens are terrors, many have become nightmares.

Laziness and moodiness have become routine and acceptable. Underage drinking and smoking is an overwhelming problem. Teen pregnancy is on the rise.

And why is this? Because of low expectations.

Sadly, many parents don't care what their kids do. Hence, you have "kids" who are still at home, without a job, at age 30.

This is where Do Hard Things comes in. It challenges teens to rise above the low expectations and, well, do hard things. It calls for teens to take on more responsibility.

Full of stories of adolescents who have thrown away the idea that teens are still kids and don't have to do much, Do Hard Things is inspiring for any teen or young adult. It lets every boy and girl that they are not too young to get ahead and start achieving what God wants of them.

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

The former Olympian who shook the hand of Adolf Hitler would soon suffer under the hand of Hitler's allies, the Japanese. Crashlanding into the Pacific Ocean, Zamperini spent 47 days on the open sea in a raft, surrounded by sharks.

Then he was captured by the Japanese and was starved and brutally beaten countless times. Through all of this, he was never broken.

I love this book because it's a true story of redemption. The life of Zamperini proves that no matter how far gone you are, you are not past Jesus' saving grace.

The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt

It's 1967. So many things are going on at once! The Vietnam War. Holling Hoodhood having to read Shakespeare outside of class. Baseball. Oh! And did I mention the Hoodhood family business? According to Holling's father, nothing is more important than that business!

But Holling Hoodhood would disagree. He has bigger things to worry about than the success of Hoodhood and Associates. Holling must worry about his teacher, Mrs. Baker, because he is convinced that she hates him. I mean, why else would she force only him to read Shakespeare out of class?

This book makes me laugh uproariously. When I'm going through a tough time and need a good laugh, this book is my first choice.

How can you not chuckle with Doug Swieteck's list of 410 ways to get a teacher to hate you? Or Sycorax and Caliban, the two hated, evil school pets? Or the way Shakespeare is repeated?

The Veritas Project, V. 1 and 2 by Frank Peretti

If anything weird happens – ranging from sudden illnesses in a high school to random teen disappearances – you can be sure the President will put the Springfields on it. Elijah, Elisha, and their parents will do what it takes to makes sure the mysteries are solved.

In each book, the teens have to face many life issues such as bullying, evolution, and relativism. But as they seek God and wisely heed their parent's instruction, they learn how to deal with each problem one step at a time.

There's only one thing that disappoints me about this series – there are only two books! As far as I know, this is the only book series Frank Peretti set aside for a teen audience. I only wish there were more, for I would have enjoyed getting to know more about Elijah and Elisha!

Hamlet by Shakespeare

So, we've already talked about Shakespeare… Why don't we bring him up one more time?

This is a standard story: A ghost of Hamlet's father approaches him and tells his son the horrible truth. Hamlet's uncle killed him, and Hamlet must now avenge his father by killing his uncle…

Okay, I take that back – this is not a typical story by any means!

I love this story for many reasons. First, I find old English to be beautiful, which makes this story brilliant in my eyes. Second, it proves how dangerous revenge can be. Third, who doesn't love Hamlet's "To be or not to be" speech!

Evidence not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose

Having been a missionary for many years, the Deiblers are living in New Guinea. Everything is going well until World War II comes along.

The Japanese move the Deiblers around to different houses and finally separate them, putting them into two different Japanese prison camps. Through this, Darlene Deibler Rose suffers persecution and learns tremendous lessons in faith.

This is one book that changed my life. It caused me to learn that I need to put more faith in God. Though everything may seem awful at the moment, God knows what is happening, and he is right there next to me, even if it doesn't feel like it.

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin

To win the Westing Game, you must solve the mystery – who killed Sam Westing?

16 people are chosen to play the game. They must discover who among them killed the millionaire. The person who solves the case wins everything belonging to the deceased Westing.

But who will win? Who will be able to put together all the clues? Will it be Doug Hoo, the high school track star? Angela Wexler, the soon-to-be-wedded favorite of her mother? Chris, who can see everything that goes on from his window?

I don't believe I have ever read a more witty and clever mysteries I have ever read. It's one of those books where one second your chuckling, and the next, you're sitting at the edge of your seat.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

What to do? In Mrs. Bennet's mind, there can only be one thing to do! Be sure that all five of her daughters end up in a good marriage with a rich husband.

Some will be easier to marry off than others. Take Jane, for example. She is not only graceful but beautiful.

In fact, Mrs. Bennet is thrilled when she hears Mr. Bingley (who gets 4 or 5,000 pounds a year) is coming to town, and she isn't surprised when he falls immediately for Jane.

When Mrs. Bennet learns Mr. Bingley is bringing along a friend, Mr. Darcy (who gets 10,000 pounds a year), she is ecstatic - until she sees how sullen and proud he is.

If Mrs. Bennet disliked Mr. Darcy, her daughter, Elizabeth, had passionate hate for him. Still, he won't stop looking at her for some strange reason even though he said Elizabeth was tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him.

This is one of the best romance stories I have ever read. I find it funny in places and not over-romantic. The best thing about it is Elizabeth Bennet – the strong female lead – as she learns more of first impressions.

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That's all for today! Comment below and tell me if you have ever read any of the above books! If so, which ones did you like or dislike? Are some of these on your list of favorite books? If you haven't read any on the list, which sounds most interesting to you?