1. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
These are classics! I seriously cannot get enough of them– I read them over and over and over and love them every single time. I am just finishing up the series for the first time this year, and– no joke– after book 7 is over, I will start again on book 1.
Must-read: everyone, all ages
2. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
This book is seriously one of the best-written young adult books I have ever read. In my life. Period. I love so many things about this book: the language, the characters, the structure, the humor. It gets a 10 out of 10 from me.
Must-read: anyone who loves YA or a clever, quirky romance
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
A Printz honor book narrated by Death himself, this is “just a small story really, about, among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.” I love books that are about the joy of words– and it’s even better when you mix in unforgettable characters and gorgeous writing full of incredible imagery.
Must-read: YA lovers, people who love words, anyone interested in Nazi Germany and the Holocaust
4. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger
The brilliance of this story is in the masterful writing. Every single page will leave you in awe, plus the story is so real and deep, and it makes you think about things like miracles and family and loyalty and guilt.
Must-read: lovers of literary fiction, adults who want a great story, parents
5. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This book is richer than chocolate. It has magic and competition and romance– and it avoids all cliches. It is a sensory extravaganza.
Must-read: people who love Harry Potter and are ready for magic from a grown-up perspective, anyone who values great imagery
6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
TIME’s 2012 book of the year! This YA book will make you laugh and cry and think. It’s a cancer book– but not one of those cancer books.
Must-read: people who love YA, philosophy, and incredible characters
I’ll leave you with those six for now. As I think through this list, I feel full. They are that good.
JACKIE LEA SOMMERS 
1. I need to read The Night Circus.
2. I admire you for narrowing your book list down to 6 books. That’s an impossible feat.
3. Aslan. ❤
YES YOU DO! You are going to LOVE The Night Circus! I think it was Elyse’s favorite read of last year. It’s unbelievable.
for some reason, I did not quite enjoy The Fault in Our Stars as much as I thought. Maybe because of all the hype about it, I’m not sure. But I am looking forward to reading the ones of the list that I haven’t yet!
Oh I’m bummed you didn’t love TFiOS! I thought it was marvelous, of course, especially for the characterization of Augustus Waters. Brilliant!
If you read any of these other books, please let me know what you think!
Jackie, I have to confess that I haven’t read any of those, even The Chronicles of Narnia—-yet.
Tina, they are all so incredible. Each one of them is like biting into a berry!
My students have been raving to me about The Book Thief (one just loaned it to me) and The Fault in Our Stars is next on my to-read list, so it’s affirming that you condone both of them. 🙂 I love, love, love Peace Like a River – one of my very favorites. I really like Narnia, of course, but I haven’t heard of Jellicoe Road or The Night Circus – will put those on my list.
And I agree, limiting oneself to 6 books is a feat of willpower and sacrifice. 😉
You will LOVE these books! They are each so, so delicious.
And yes, limiting myself to just 6 books is an usual act of willpower for me, but these are all books that get 10/10 stars from me! There are a lot of books I love … but these are ones I LOVELOVELOVE! Ha!
Our creative writing prof had us make up a list of 10 books/authors we loved/wanted to write like. (He’ll then use that list to give us additional suggestions.) All 6 of these titles were on my list. Just sayin 😉
Hahaha yes!!! Love that! We have good taste. 🙂
I’ve read all of these! I feel so accomplished (and acquainted with wonderful characters).
Nice! You get five stars for good taste!!! 🙂
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