My Top Twelve Books

There is a book challenge to list 10 "stick with me for life" books going around Facebook that I have enjoyed reading. BUT, when I was challenged to do it, I decided to extend my list to TWELVE! :-)

I decided to share my list here on my blog so that I can find it again and have a more concrete record of it.

My list changes all the time, but these are the books that speak to me now. {I am not including scriptures on this list, but they would top any list I could make!}

Here is my list, in random order:

~ "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens-- This book changed me in so many ways. I even wrote an article about it here.

~ "Howl's Moving Castle" by Diana Wynne Jones-- I identify so powerfully with the main character, Sophie! I read this one at least once a year, just to be with these favorite characters in a world I adore so much.

~ " Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë-- This is a book that seriously affected my life, my soul . I read it at age fourteen, and the character Jane's life decisions impacted me so much, that I made decisions that lead me down my life's path.

~ " Persuasion" by Jane Austen-- This is my favorite read of all time. The reason? Captain Wentworth's letter. To those women who have read it, you know what I mean!!! (If you haven't read it, READ IT! TODAY!!)

~ " Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe-- This book affected me in a very personal way. I have Confederate ancestors that I love, that served and suffered in the U.S. Civil war. And I have ancestors that owned slaves. This book helped me understand the evils of slavery in a way I never could have by reading a dry history book. It also reaffirmed my testimony of Jesus Christ. There are many who look down upon the character of Uncle Tom, but to me, he was the true HERO of this book. He knew who truly owned his soul. And he was devoted to that One True Master. His nobility of character to stand up to his evil slave owner and declare His love and devotion to Christ give me chills just to think about it.

~ "Falling to Heaven" by James L. Ferrell-- After reading this book, I understand more fully about the Atonement of Christ, His love for me, and what true humility does for each of us. I will never be the same.

~ "The Spark" by Kristine Barnett-- As a mother of two autistic kids-- and eleven others-- I find this book invaluable to my efforts in raising and educating our kids. it also helps me see that there is genius not just in autism, but in motherhood, as well.

~ "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek-- Because of this book, I can never again do anything without examining my reasons WHY I do what I do. That thought brings me back to center when I get too distracted. (Which is ALWAYS. )

~ "A Thomas Jefferson Education" by Oliver DeMille-- Our entire homeschool and family culture is what it is because of this book. It impacts my life every day.

~ " Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo-- I can't see any way for a human being to read this book and not come away from it a better, more loving, more forgiving, more righteous person. There are few books I have cried so much over. My heart hurts in ecstasy just thinking about it.

BONUS BOOKS:

~ "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle-- My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Oler, read this book out loud to us in class, and it fueled my love of fantasy forever. I identified with clumsy, grumpy, flawed Meg so much! (Except she was good at math, and I still am not.) I also attribute this book to my love of freedom and liberty. (And maybe even my dislike of public school! LOL!) I am reading it aloud to my kids right now, and they are loving it, too.

~"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare-- Reading this play in high school made me fall in love with William Shakespeare. And since Shakespeare is such a huge part of my life now, I'd say it's pretty monumental. The scene where Macbeth realizes the weight of sin and the consequences of all he's done, overwhelms me every time. (Especially when performed by Patrick Stewart, here.)

What are YOUR Top Ten-- or twelve-- books? And why? I'd love to hear about your list!

Love,