It's hard to believe we've reached the foot of the line, the end of the road, the closing of this chapter at Penn State. With freshman year drawing to an end, it is hard to not look back and some of the best moments that have shaped my time here thus far at dear ol' State. The friends I made, the laughs I've shared, and things that changed me to prepare me for the next step in life.
At the same time, I want to look back on some of the most impactful books I've read, and share with you their glory. There are some that made me laugh, some that made me cry, some that did both, some that had me stumped, some that kept me guessing, and some that were just so darn good that it would be a crime against the written word to not share. These were the books that made me love reading, or make me fall back into my obsession (if I ever strayed). So, let us begin...
To Catch A Pirate by Jade Parker
I would arguable say this is my favorite book, which is not a label I give to any old paperback. It was originally my older sisters book, but I read it so many times when I was younger that she let me have it. But then, I lent it to my friend (Katherine Terzo, I'll never forget) and she lost it!! I was devastated, I looked everywhere but I couldn't find it. I had all but given up until my mom (glorious woman that she is) got it for me for Christmas. The book is no longer published, which is why I couldn't find it anywhere, but she got in touch with the author for me, and after explaining my love for the book, she sent me one of her personal (and signed!) copies. I am not ashamed to say I cried like a kid getting a pony on that Christmas morning. No one is allowed to borrow it from me anymore, I even keep it by my bed so I'm sure to not loose it.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
This five book series was my absolute favorite when I was in the 5th grade, and I've read it countless times since then. It is so light and funny, but well written and interesting, so it is the perfect thing to read when I'm between books. It even got me into Greek Mythology, which is one of my favorite things to research now!
Harry Potter by (the writing goddess herself) J.K. Rowling
Okay, does this one really need an explanation??
The Host by Stephanie Meyers
Now I do have to say, I used to love the Twilight saga. I was in love with Edward, I wanted to be a vampire, I even frequently visited the official website that had the countdown clock to the release of the first movie. However, as I got older, I feel out of love with this series (which is always a sad thing), but I fell deeply infatuated with her other book, The Host. It is so different than Twilight, but is is still as wonderful. (And don't worry, it has nothing to do with vampires).
Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE. It is beautiful, it is emotional, and it is the most gut wrenching, yet heart soaring, book I've ever encountered. Coming in at an astounding 816 pages, this is no easy read. I read it the summer going into 8th grade, and I remember hardly leaving my room for 3 days as I tore though this book. I couldn't get enough! You follow so many complex stories that wind in and out of each other in the most enthralling way that you forget you are not there with the character. Just thinking about it now is getting me emotional, let's move on...
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
This book really tore me up. It blurred the line between right and wrong so much, and I was so shocked at the end that it took me a few hours to process what happened. Once I did, it all hit me at once and it was a mess. I sobbed for hours, and for days I was in a near comatose state. Maybe it's just because I'm overly dramatic. Or maybe it's because it is a LIFE ALTERING BOOK. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.
Those are just a few of the hundreds of books that have shaped the way I live my life. Books have so much power, if you let them. They have the ability to pluck you up out of your own world and take you to a different one, one that you can shape in your own mind. Now maybe I love books too much, maybe printed words on paper shouldn't have the ability to move someone as much as they move me, but I can't imagine being without them.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Doctor Who, one that follows me and never fails to make me smile;
"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
At the same time, I want to look back on some of the most impactful books I've read, and share with you their glory. There are some that made me laugh, some that made me cry, some that did both, some that had me stumped, some that kept me guessing, and some that were just so darn good that it would be a crime against the written word to not share. These were the books that made me love reading, or make me fall back into my obsession (if I ever strayed). So, let us begin...
 |
| My very own signed copy! |
I would arguable say this is my favorite book, which is not a label I give to any old paperback. It was originally my older sisters book, but I read it so many times when I was younger that she let me have it. But then, I lent it to my friend (Katherine Terzo, I'll never forget) and she lost it!! I was devastated, I looked everywhere but I couldn't find it. I had all but given up until my mom (glorious woman that she is) got it for me for Christmas. The book is no longer published, which is why I couldn't find it anywhere, but she got in touch with the author for me, and after explaining my love for the book, she sent me one of her personal (and signed!) copies. I am not ashamed to say I cried like a kid getting a pony on that Christmas morning. No one is allowed to borrow it from me anymore, I even keep it by my bed so I'm sure to not loose it.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
This five book series was my absolute favorite when I was in the 5th grade, and I've read it countless times since then. It is so light and funny, but well written and interesting, so it is the perfect thing to read when I'm between books. It even got me into Greek Mythology, which is one of my favorite things to research now!
Harry Potter by (the writing goddess herself) J.K. Rowling
Okay, does this one really need an explanation??
 |
| Via observationdeck.kinja.com |
The Host by Stephanie Meyers
Now I do have to say, I used to love the Twilight saga. I was in love with Edward, I wanted to be a vampire, I even frequently visited the official website that had the countdown clock to the release of the first movie. However, as I got older, I feel out of love with this series (which is always a sad thing), but I fell deeply infatuated with her other book, The Host. It is so different than Twilight, but is is still as wonderful. (And don't worry, it has nothing to do with vampires).
 |
| Via goodreads.com |
THIS BOOK CHANGED MY LIFE. It is beautiful, it is emotional, and it is the most gut wrenching, yet heart soaring, book I've ever encountered. Coming in at an astounding 816 pages, this is no easy read. I read it the summer going into 8th grade, and I remember hardly leaving my room for 3 days as I tore though this book. I couldn't get enough! You follow so many complex stories that wind in and out of each other in the most enthralling way that you forget you are not there with the character. Just thinking about it now is getting me emotional, let's move on...
Stolen by Lucy Christopher
This book really tore me up. It blurred the line between right and wrong so much, and I was so shocked at the end that it took me a few hours to process what happened. Once I did, it all hit me at once and it was a mess. I sobbed for hours, and for days I was in a near comatose state. Maybe it's just because I'm overly dramatic. Or maybe it's because it is a LIFE ALTERING BOOK. I guess you'll have to decide for yourself.
Those are just a few of the hundreds of books that have shaped the way I live my life. Books have so much power, if you let them. They have the ability to pluck you up out of your own world and take you to a different one, one that you can shape in your own mind. Now maybe I love books too much, maybe printed words on paper shouldn't have the ability to move someone as much as they move me, but I can't imagine being without them.
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Doctor Who, one that follows me and never fails to make me smile;
"We're all stories in the end. Just make it a good one, eh?"
