All good things must come to an end, and this blog hop is one of them. Let's close this off by ranking my books, and then we'll announce our overall winner.
This ranking is mostly based on the impact each book left on me, so of course you may not agree with my order (in which case you can always leave a comment to challenge it). But that's why rankings are personal, anyway.
5. 13 Reasons Why- Jay Asher This book was wonderfully disturbing. Entrancing. Hauntingly beautiful. It made my list of best books for those reasons, as well as the message it left that every one of us could make a difference: even with what, to us, may be the most insignificant of actions. However, when compared to the others, I just didn't have that personal connection that the others dragged out, kicking and screaming. But it's still a wonderful book that I know I'll be re-reading in future. Well. Re-re reading? |
4. Cinder & Ella- Kelly Oram Yes, I ranked this one higher than 13 Reasons. Yes, you may disagree. But it's still #4 on my list, because it made me fall in love with fictional characters. Again. Ellamara herself was so real. Relatable. Like another sister- one who actually shared my love of books. And Cinder was just so very, very cocky. Self-assured. Sure of his place in the world. Except when he wasn't. And when he wasn't, the impact was devastating. The influence didn't stop there. Come on. Kelly Oram made me cheer for the "Evil Stepfamily". HOW CAN YOU MAKE ME CHEER FOR EVIL STEPFAMILY. For that reason alone, she deserves this spot. |
3. The Fault in Our Stars- John Green Those who know me personally will be flabbergasted that this book isn't my top choice. After all, don't I own the movie poster? Didn't I almost fall out with my best friend over it? Haven't I been shoving it into every available and not-so-available hand and tearing up at the thought of some parts ever since I read it? Yes. Yes I have. But I also know that as brilliant, as moving, as many tears and laughs as I have shared over this book, the two that topped it, in the years to come, will have more of an influence over my life. |
2. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking- Susan Cain This book is about me. It's the only book- fiction or non-fiction- that I've ever read that I can honestly say that about without some qualifiers. I first read it because I'm an introvert, and I wanted to share it with the introverts among my students. But now, I just want to share it with everyone, because this book is about me. And you. And everyone: whether you're an introvert, an extrovert, or someone who doesn't even think about personality types and the impact it can have on how we work, play, and live. It pulled me out of a spiral of believing I needed to change so many things about being me; told me that it was okay to be who I was, as long as I found a way to make my voice heard. This book started me on the journey to re-connect with who I really am. Maybe it can do the same for you. |
1. Paper Towns- John Green I agonized for a long time over which book should hold this spot, and it came down to Quiet or Paper Towns, mostly because of one thing. Quiet deals with me, and who I am. Paper Towns deals with my relationships with others. While both issues are points I struggle with, the repeated metaphors of seeing a person as they truly are, and not as I imagine them to be, has helped me in this area more than John Green may have intended. You see, I read this book in the middle of an argument with a friend. Doing so helped me see that it was partly my fault, for seeing things and believing things that just weren't true. It helped me look at the views I had of others- and the views they likely had of me. It helped me then, and it still helps me today to try to see people as they truly are. Seeing as dealing with people is one of my weakest areas, I'll always be grateful for the message this book contains. |
Final note, and a winner!
Having this Hop has taught me so much about blogging, and about the books I've read in the past that still haunt me today.
For that reason, today we're joining Stuck in Books' Favourites Giveaway Hop. Until then, wishing you all the best in all the lives you choose to wander through.
- Semoy
For that reason, today we're joining Stuck in Books' Favourites Giveaway Hop. Until then, wishing you all the best in all the lives you choose to wander through.
- Semoy