This might be better than my top five lists because there is a huge difference between books that have a lasting impact and those that I gave five stars. No, I can’t explain why.
Having reviewed so many books, and read so many books, it’s always fascinating to see which ones won’t leave me. While I can simply adore some books at the time, it doesn’t mean I will think about them long after.
I planned to put this out in my ten year celebrations but with this that and whatever now we’re here. This is the list of books that I still find myself thinking about years after. The ones I felt moved by, were beautifully written, had an amazing story or concept, or were unique and intriguing and I’m incredibly glad I was able to read them and surprised they are still floating around in my mind.
Tears of the River by Gordon Rottman
This is a great YA book that is full of action and adventure, a great main character and wonderfully written. Rottman captures imagery very well and I remember feeling tense and anxious as I read some of the action scenes in this book. Karen is a great character and she handles the adventure and stress more than I think I would.
This book broke my heart obviously, and I love it dearly all these years later. It is sweet, full of heart, but also about self discovery. The emotional impact it had on me at the time was profound and I resonated with Kirra’s story a lot so it holds a special place in my heart.
Freak of Nature by Julia Crane
The idea of Kaitlyn is always in my head when thinking about sentient robots and cybernetics and things like that. I always want her abilities to regulate her body and her emotions. It’s an ideal skill to have. The reality Crane created is fascinating and Kaitlyn is a great character to explore it with. Being cybernetic and robotic while also being emotionally human is a great idea to explore.
Lightning Tracks by A. A. Kinsela
I always wanted to go back to this world but I have been unable to see evidence they continued with the series. Fantasy set in Australia with culture and history combined it was beautiful and I long for more.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
What can I say? It’s Alaska for goodness sake. It will never be TFiOS because in my opinion people obsessed over the wrong book. Alaska is my TFiOS and no one will ever take her from me. This book, ugh, my god.
When I find a great retelling or alternate history story I long to be part of that world. I would love a reality where vampires and werewolves were real and simply living in society, helping out the Victorians with security and other services while still having the traditional elements of their mythology. Not to mention the joys of a fully steampunk Victorian era with all that entails.
See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
The creativity of Solomon’s story stays with me always. I find myself thinking about plot points and how unique this time loop story has been told. I love the characters and I love the ending. The characters are wonderful and I am always keen to return to their lives and watch them escape their fates.
Royals by Tegan Bennett Daylight
Another one that has been cemented in my mind for the creativity of the plot as well as a phenomenal execution. It’s mystical, it’s forced proximity, I love that everyone grows and bonds, but at the same time also hate each other a little. It’s the kind of story that draws you in with questions and Bennett Daylight leaves you wanting more.
There’s definitely more I could list, specific books in series that were magnificent or other books that I always go on about. But that is a different kind of great. These ones really stuck with me and that I find myself thinking about surprisingly often. If there are any books that have stayed with you long after you’ve read them, not necessarily five star ones, but those that had interesting characters or concepts that resonated feel free to let me know in the comments.
They, she, he . . . all together, us! Join along in this vibrant board book’s joyful celebration of people and their pronouns.
A trans teen walks the fine line between doing whatever it takes for his acting dream and staying true to himself in this moving, thought-provoking YA novel from the acclaimed author of Stay Gold.
A few days ago, as I was looking up old posts to reference for another blog post, I came across one where I was celebrating my 600th post. It was a wild flashback to 2017 and at the end of the post I pondered where I would be in another 600. I thought to myself, obviously I immediately forgot about that once I posted it and have probably passed that new milestone now, what with the more regular schedule I had been on in past years than those early ones. I checked and what do you know, I was on 1198. You couldn’t have planned this better.
Once upon a time . . . happily ever after turned out differently than expected. In this new, feminist, queer fairy-tale collection, you’ll find the princesses, mermaids, knights, barmaids, children, and wise old women who have been forced to sit on the sidelines in classic stories taking center stage. A gorgeous all-new collection in graphic novel format from a Stonewall Honor-winning author and artist.
