Welcome to another edition of Top Ten Tuesday, a weekly blog linkup hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. This week is a freebie week which means we can choose our own topic. Normally that sends me into apoplexy as ideas either come at me all at once or not at all. But this week, I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
The books I’m talking about today are those books that I consider eternal favorites. Many are from childhood or adolescence, some I acquired in adulthood, but all are books that have stuck with me and refuse to leave my heart. They are also all books that I reread often.
In no particular order, I give you my all-time favorite books 🙂
I first read The Hiding Place in elementary school and was struck then by the Ten Booms’ courage (even when they were afraid) and their faith (even when they doubted) and most especially their protection (even at the cost of their own freedom) of those who couldn’t at the time protect themselves. It’s nonfiction but reads as a story, one that becomes very difficult to put down.
“There is no pit so deep that He is not deeper still.”
This book. I still can’t even find the words to really describe it. It touched spots in my heart I didn’t even know I had. As many times as I’ve read Safely Home over the last ten years, I still can’t read it without crying. I even tried reading it aloud to my husband once & finally just had to hand him the book at a certain point because I was too choked up to speak (which makes reading aloud a bit difficult lol). Safely Home changed me – it changed my career path, it helped break long-held patterns of fear, and it made me a bit of rogue Christian as far as American Christians go 😉 Not bad for fiction.
“Never forget Yesu is King. Never forget your home is in another world. Never forget your father will be waiting to see you again.”
I know The Shack‘s controversial but I’m a big girl in my faith and I can take the controversy with a grain of salt. I also became a bit of a rogue after reading Safely Home (see above) so I don’t have patience for a lot of the controversy anyway lol. I am 100% sure God isn’t a black woman but I also know He will do whatever He needs to do to reach someone. The way this allegory deals with gut wrenching tragedy and suffering in the life of a believer made more sense to me than anything else – including nonfiction – I’ve ever read on the subject.
“Does that mean,” asked Mack, “that all roads will lead to you?”
“Not at all,” smiled Jesus as he reached for the door handle to the shop. “Most roads don’t lead anywhere. What it does mean is that I will travel any road to find you.”
I’ve always liked studying the Underground Railroad and the Civil War. The entire Refiner’s Fire trilogy helped me see these aspects of history from different points of view. The impossible situation Caroline faces in Candle in the Darkness – her father, her cousin, and her fiance fighting for the Confederacy while her heart remains true to the Union and the rights of the slaves she calls her friends – particularly stood out to me.
“If she could begin again and not become so entangled in this long, horrible war, would she watch from the sidelines as a spectator this time? Would she choose differently, take fewer risks?”
i am not but i know I AM is another book that changed my perspective on life. The concept that I could waste my life starring in my own small story or spend it supporting THE Story resonated deeply with me in my late 20s. I began seeing people as part of a story already in progress, a story I was stepping into for a brief moment in time. For a person who reads and reviews stories as a passion, this concept – though written in nonfiction – lodged in my heart to stay.
“We can choose to cling to starring roles in the little-bitty stories of us, or we can exchange our fleeting moment in the spotlight for a supporting role in the eternally beautiful epic that is the Story of God.“
I know I know, Cinderella is just a fairy tale. But it’s my favorite one and has been since before I could read it for myself. I had it memorized and knew when my parents ‘kipped a page! It was the first time – to my recollection – that I fell in love with falling in love. As I’ve gotten older, it’s still my favorite fairy tale but I appreciate it in new ways too. For one, I think it’s a beautiful reflection of The Story. I am also drawn to how many people love Cinderella and collect different versions of it (from other countries, cultures, authors, etc.)
“She left behind one of her glass slippers, which the prince picked up most carefully. She reached home, but quite out of breath, and in her nasty old clothes, having nothing left of all her finery but one of the little slippers, the mate to the one that she had dropped.”
Way back when I first discovered this series, I was in third grade and my social studies teacher Mr. Lohrenz read them to us after recess every day. That was also back when The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe was considered the first in the series, so… when the order of the books was correct 🙂 The beauty and magic of the story mesmerized me, but the allegory woven quietly through the pages sealed this as one of my all-time faves.
“Safe? … Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
The Harry Potter series is currently tied with The Chronicles of Narnia as my all-time favorite series. J.K. Rowling’s creativity knows no bounds, and I remain in awe of her ability to craft such a powerful story across seven books. Honor, friendship, redemption, sacrificial love – these are all themes that come together in the series to reflect The Story in a way reminiscent of Lewis and Tolkien.
“But…” Harry raised his hand instinctively toward the lightning scar. It did not seem to be there. “But I should have died—I didn’t defend myself! I meant to let him kill me!”
“And that,” said Dumbledore, “will, I think, have made all the difference.”
While this is a children’s book, it can be- like all the great children’s books – enjoyed by adults. I discovered Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair and its author Patricia Polacco in college, in my fondly named “Kiddie Lit” class required for all elementary ed majors. It’s a beautiful & fun parable on the importance of reading and what can happen to a culture who forgets this. Polacco’s trademark unique illustrations make the story all the better.
“Now I said that a great many stories are true, though some may not have happened. You’ll have to judge for yourself about this one. But next time you hear about a library being closed, you’ll know that there will be consequences. And if you hear folks say that there won’t be, just have them read this-here book.”
They’ve got new updated covers for the entire O’Malley series now, but I’ve had mine since it came out in 1999 and it looks like a well-read copy of the above. So I’m rather fond of this one 🙂 Danger in the Shadows may have been my first foray into romantic suspense but it certainly has not been my last. In fact, it basically set the standard for my love of the genre.
“Her coping skills were failing when she needed them most. Her hand clenched in the darkness, nails digging into her palm. She could do this. She had no choice. It was only darkness.”
Well, that’s my list of my top ten all-time favorite books! A pretty diverse mix, actually. Nonfiction, historical fiction, a fairy tale, children’s books, allegories, fantasy, contemporary fiction, romantic suspense.
What are some of YOUR all-time favorite books? Do we share any faves?
Great list! I loved the Narnia series and Harry Potter. I have not thought of The Hiding Place in years, but remember it as a great read. My TTT
Thanks, Laura!
Interesting list of books, most I haven’t heard of, but I do love the Narnia books which I read as a kid. I’ve been thinking of reading them again. It’s great to see all the different TTT people are posting today! Here’s my post. http://bedazzledbybooks.com/2016/01/26/top-ten-tuesday-top-10-best-selling-australian-authors/ (sorry, no idea how to do a linky thing!) 🙂
Thanks, Sue! Freebie weeks are my faves bc of the variety in everyone’s posts. I shall check out your post directly 🙂
The Refiner’s Fire trilogy is one of my very favorite historical series, as well. When someone asks me to recommend a good book, I always start there. 🙂 This is a great list of books, some new to me, some old and dear. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Gabrielle! I love that we share some of the same faves 🙂
Oooh. Classics. 🙂 I bet they are really great reads! 😀
They are! 😀
I love that you put Cinderella on the list. That’s cut 🙂 Nice list!
Haha thanks!! 🙂
Pippi Longstockings was one of my favorites growing up. Hoping to get my granddaughter into reading her when she gets a little older.
I like watching true life murder mysteries on TV like you see on Dateline. Two books that made lasting impressions on me were “Fatal Vision” (I’ve read it more than once) and “And the Sea Will Tell”.
My husband tells me the reason I like this kind of stuff is so that I can learn how to get rid of him if he ever gets out of line, LOL.
HAHAHA Gail!!! I love watching those Dateline mysteries too – I will have to check out those books you mentioned. Pippi Longstocking is another great book 🙂
Intriguing list — you’re brave to even try pin-pointing top ten! Safely Home has captured my interest. Oh, and Patricia Polacco — best children’s author ever!!!!!! So many layers to her stories. I want to own one of her illustrations some day.
Oh Kav – you must read Safely Home! You must. If I could require it of all my friends I would lol. Totally agree about Patricia Polacco – one of the very best! Chicken Sunday is another of my faves of hers.
The reordering of the Narnia books makes me angry! Much of the mystery is removed from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe if you’ve already read The Magician’s Nephew. The cover you have here is the one I remember from childhood. 🙂
EXACTLY!!!! And the thrill of The Magician’s Nephew – of discovering secrets, etc. is taken away too.
Awesome list, Carrie. Narnia, DEFINITELY!! and The Hiding Place. And Dee Henderson is great.
Thanks, friend! 🙂
The only one I’ve read on your list is Harry Potter. Well, and maybe the C.S. Lewis. I can’t remember.
oh you must read Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe! 🙂
I’m sure I did. It’s just been soooo long!
Harry Potter for sure! and my friend keeps trying to get me to read her copy of The Shack but i haven’t gotten around to it yet!
Emily @ http://www.rabbitholereviews.com
oh you should!! It’s so good!
You have listed many of my all-time favs too, but a few I’ve never read. I may have to give them a try.
You will have to let me know if you do, Donna 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Great topic you picked! <3
I have the Hiding Place on my book shelf but I haven't read it. My friend named her daughter after Corrie. Someday I'll read it.
thanks!
Hi! I remember reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe so vividly! I am Not… looks interesting 🙂
My TTT
Leslie
it is very interesting 🙂 Thanks, Leslie!
Love your theme! I thought about doing that too. But it just got to be too long! So many of my favorites are here too–Narnia, Harry Potter, Cinderella. Thanks for sharing!
My TTT: https://greenishbookshelf.wordpress.com/2016/01/26/top-10-tuesday-favorite-book-series-ever/
I definitely had to cut myself off at 10 or I could have gone to about 100 😉
Amen! I could too!
It’s nice to come across some new to me books on your list. I’ll have to check them out.
Here’s a link to my TTT post for the week: http://captivatedreader.blogspot.com/2016/01/top-ten-tuesday-10-favorite-indie.html
thanks!
The Hiding Place is also an all-time fav for me. Some of these I haven’t read, so I’ll have to check them out. Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks Tressa! 🙂
You’re braver than I – I’m not sure I could list my top 10 faves, there are so many books I love! But now you’ve got me thinking about it … maybe I’ll have to keep that in mind for a future freebie 🙂 Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia would definitely be making that list!
I keep hearing today how brave I am LOL! Total book addict response 😉
Great list! The Hiding Place looks really interesting – I’ve never heard of it before. Thanks for sharing 🙂
it’s such a great book!
I really liked the Shack! It has so much depth and dimension to it. I feel like I could read it 50 times and I would still learn something new.
Thanks for visiting my post! 🙂
Agreed!! It’s one I reread often for that very reason 🙂
Nice list of books, most of which I have never heard of, but I am glad you enjoy them. Harry Potter is a great choice! My post is of my fave authors.
http://thebestbasicblogger.blogspot.com/2016/01/top-ten-tuesday3.html
I love the HP series so much! The Shack was pretty great too. Awesome list!!
Thanks!
I haven’t read most of the books on this list but i’m glad to see Harry Potter on this list 🙂
Always 🙂
I loved the Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe as a kid!
Yay!!
I LOVED Narnia as a kid, and love Harry Potter even if I read it as a, well, not so much a kid, haha! Great list! 🙂
Lol! Thanks!
Nice list Carrie! I loved The Hiding Place when I read it as a young teen. I think I even did a book report or project on Corrie Ten Boom for class.
Harry Potter would make my list too and I loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I still haven’t finished reading the series and I was thinking of rereading the first three this year. I’m currently rereading The Lord of the Rings which is one of my all time favorites too.
Thanks for visiting my blog!
Reading the Chronicles of Narnia is always a good idea 🙂
Nice list! I did not read most of them (yet) but I do love when Harry Potter is on an all-time favorites list 🙂 And I like that you added some children’s books – I think books read when we were kids sometimes stick with us the longest.
I agree – something special about children’s books 🙂
I loved The Shack. I’ve also read Chronicles of Narnia. I’m not familiar with most of the other books you’ve listed. I currently have Lynn Austin’s THE STRENGTH OF HIS HAND. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
I haven’t read that Austin book yet – I will have to check it out
Great list! The Chronicles of Narnia and Harry Potter are definitely on my list of all time faves, as is The Hiding Place. The latter has been on my mind to re-read, since it’s such an incredible story. Have you ever listened to a recording of Corrie Ten Boom speak on her experiences? I know Focus on the Family aired one and it was powerful.
I have heard her speak on a broadcast of some sort – her voice was precious and her message was so powerful!
interesting list! I love CS Lewis as well. I should try to think of my 10 all times favorites, very hard actually
i had to think of this list a couple of years ago for an article and it was very difficult at the time – now I’m pretty satisfied with it 🙂
certainly a good exercise
I love both the Harry Potter and Narnia series! I re-read them every so often, even if they are technically children’s books… 🙂
the best children’s books are enjoyed by adults just as much if not more 🙂
yes they are!
All time favorites is a fun idea, but it’s definitely hard to narrow that down! Harry Potter will always be a great one though 🙂
it wasn’t easy 🙂
Weirdly enough I nearly bought The Shack on Amazon today on a whim. I think with this recommendation I’m going to go back and make the purchase! Hopefully I love it as much as you did.
I hope you do too! 🙂
Great list! Harry Potter is my all time favorites. I want to re-read them again this year! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
thanks!
😀
I really need to re-visit the Narnia series! I don’t think I’ve ever read the books. I saw all the productions and movies, but I don’t re-call the books at all!
Oh my goodness you must!! 🙂
I really need to, it’s one of those embarrassing things that have been on my tbr list that I never ended up getting to :/ !!
Lol
I’ve seen Harry Potter on a couple lists this week! All-time faves was a popular choice (and one I don’t think I’ve done yet…)
Super fun topic! “Narnia” is one of my ultimate favorites too. It’s such a delightful novel. 🙂
Thanks so much for visiting DUTSM blog, Carrie. As always.
Thank YOU for visiting RIMSP too Rissi 🙂
What a fun topic! Thanks for sharing these. I’ve had The Hiding Place on my TBR for a long time and I just need to read it. Of course, I loved The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe too, along with Harry Potter. Good picks!
Thanks! Let me know your thoughts on The Hiding Place when you’ve had a chance to read it 🙂
Will do!
I remember reading The Hiding Place in school and being completely riveted. Also, Harry Potter … of course. Great list!
Thanks!
I haven’t read any of these except Harry Potter so I clearly need to get my act together 😉 So many great books to look forward to!
Lol!
Nice list. I’ve actually been to the Hiding Place…the Ten Boom house and jeweler in (Museum now) in Haarlem the Netherlands.
oh I’m jealous!!! How incredible!