I can’t narrow down my favorite books to fit on this website. I drink books like they are water and I need them to survive. Because I do. So here are 5 that with their gorgeous language and stunning stories absolutely slayed me, broke my heart, and left me with severe book hangover when I was done.
The Man I Love (#1 in The Fish Tales series) by Suanne Laqueur
This book nearly killed me. And when I say it gave me a book hangover, I mean for months afterward. These characters, GOD what they went through! First true beautiful love. School shooting. Utter brokenness. Holy emotional hurricane. I did not survive.
The Brothers K by David James Duncan
One of my favorite books of all time. Family, love, war, religion, HEARTBREAK!!!!! This book had me laughing out loud and bawling openly. I have one word for you, Irwin. Do not read without tissues.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
I mean, who writes a book narrated by Death? Markus Zusak, that’s who. I know this book isn’t for everyone, but it had me under its spell on the first page. WWII, Nazis, human cruelty, so much death. And survival.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
I don’t always connect with books written in verse, but this isn’t just a book, these aren’t just words on a page, holy cow! The words soar and race and dodge across the page like stones skipping across the water. Brilliant wordplay. Love. And again, heartbreak.
Lady Luck by Kristen Ashley
Yes, I absolutely had to put one of my favorite contemporary romance authors on here. I discovered Kristen Ashley a few months after my mom died from cancer. Her books are raw, gorgeous, heartbreaking, beautiful love stories. Lexie and Ty in Lady Luck, WHEW! Everything was against them. And that scene when Ty thinks Lexie betrays him…GAHHHHH!!! IT BROKE ME!!! I was in pieces on the floor. I think I threw the book. How in the hell could Kristen Ashley fix this? Guess you’ll have to read it to find out.
