Some Great Books I’ve Read Recently (that I recommend you read too)

Since I want to be a writer, I’ve made it one of my goals to read great books. I love this quote. 

“Don’t waste time reading good books. There are too many good books. Focus on reading the great ones.”

Gregg Harris

Here are a few of my favourite fiction books from this year. 

THE YEARLING (MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS)

As the rest of my family curled up to watch the first Raptor’s game this past basketball season, I pulled this book off the shelf and gave it a try. 

The speaking style in this book is definitely out of the ordinary. But that’s ended up being one of my favourite parts about it, because, paired with the setting and narrator of the story, it creates such a playful and interesting world, that you won’t ever want to leave. 

Although I knew it had to happen, the tragic event that brings the story to a close both saddened and amazed me. Don’t worry, I won’t spoil it. 

The final paragraphs of this book literally sent shivers up my spine– not because they were creepy or anything, but because they so beautifully concluded the story. (But don’t you go skipping ahead.) 

All in all, I loved this book. It is one I will most certainly re-read. 

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (JANE AUSTEN)

I know I have mentioned this one before.

To give a condensed version, I hated it. Until I didn’t. 

It took understanding the book for what it was–not a difficult to understand, way above my comprehension level ballad, but a witty and romantic story– to begin to appreciate it.

Watching the movie didn’t hurt, either.

Once I caught on to how amazing this book is, there was no going back. I absolutely adore the chemistry between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (on a slightly random note, I actually named my goldfish Mr. Darcy). I also love the sisterly love between Jane and Elizabeth. Of course, I can’t forget Mr. Bingley, who I adore as well. And all the amusing proposals!

So basically, this is a great book with an amazing cast of characters (oh my stars how could I leave out Mr. Collins? I guess you’ll have to read it to meet him). Even if you’ve already seen the movie, you should read it. You won’t regret it. 

SENSE AND SENSIBILITY (JANE AUSTEN)

So, after finishing Pride and Prejudice, I may have caught Jane Austen fever. I proceeded to read Emma, and then Sense and Sensibility. 

Maybe it was because I was finally accustomed to Jane Austen writing, but I found this one much easier to understand, and to get through than the others. 

This book took me as its own. It is riddled with tragical romances and SILLY PEOPLE WHO GET IN THE WAY OF EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD AND RIGHT IN THE WORLD *glares at Lucy*.

Oops. Sorry to yell. 

You get the picture. This is a good book. Now go read it. 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS (CHARLES DICKENS)

This is the one I read most recently.

Picking it up off the shelf, I was deeply concerned about what I was getting myself into.

But, although I had to occasionally look up a chapter summary to understand what was happening, I really enjoyed the story.

It was a book I didn’t want to close. The bittersweet ending (mostly bitter) rang in my head for days afterwards, and I was sad to leave the characters.

I think I had become too accustomed to ‘everyone gets married in the end’ from my Jane Austen craze. SPOILER that’s not always how it happens END SPOILER.

If you read this one, my biggest advice would be to read a chapter summary before or after reading each chapter. You’ll pick up on what is happening so much better. It’s not cheating, it’s using your resources to better understand a high level book. (doesn’t that sound fancy?)

Well, what are you waiting for? Go read these books!