When people ask me what my favorite book is, I draw a blank. I cannot think of a single title, author or even genre! But when I take a minute to reflect, I can think of hundreds of titles, authors, and genres that have stayed with me over the years and newer ones that have more recently touched my heart.
What defines a “favorite” book? Is it by a beloved author? Is it one that a friend or loved one recommended long ago? Is it a story that I could really relate to at the time I was reading it? Does the main character remind me of someone? There are just too many aspects of what makes a “good” book to even make it possible for me to pick a favorite! So I have learned to adapt; what are one or three books that make me smile when I think about them?
One classic title that has long been a “favorite” of mine is definitely Anne of Green Gables and its sequels by L.M. Montgomery. I relate to Anne in so many ways; we both have overactive imaginations, we both would rather be daydreaming, and we both love the people in our lives with a fierce passion. Anne and I both have tempers, we both tend to act before we think, and we both find that people are naturally drawn to us.
One new “favorite” that I stumbled upon this past year was Ohio author Margaret Rogerson’s An Enchantment of Ravens. I’ve long been a fan of Holly Black’s modern faerie tales, but this story, while similar, also took the reader back in time, which was appealing to me as a fan of historical fiction. The story was, in a word, cool. As in, “Wow, that’s so cool!” I can’t give too many details without spoiling too much of the story, but I can say that it was an unexpected pleasure to read. I chose it on a whim after reading the author’s other book, Sorcery of Thorns, which I also really enjoyed. Enchantment was so different yet so similar to anything else I have read. I truly was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. I am so glad it struck me though, because I know I will be reading it again!
-Julie, Library Assistant