As a book reviewer, I have the pleasure of receiving numerous books from publishers and authors to read and provide my honest opinion on. While I have read and reviewed countless titles over the years, there are a select few that stood out to me so much that I knew I had to add them to my personal library. In this article, I will share the top ten books I received for review that I loved so much I ended up buying a copy for myself.
1. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
When I first received a copy of “Circe” for review, I had heard great things about it but wasn’t sure what to expect. However, after reading this captivating retelling of the life of the Greek goddess Circe, I was completely blown away. The beautifully written prose, the intricate character development, and the feminist perspective all contributed to making this one of my favorite books of all time.
2. “Educated” by Tara Westover
“Educated” is a powerful memoir that tells the story of Tara Westover’s journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. This book moved me to tears multiple times, and I found myself unable to put it down until I reached the last page.
3. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, “The Nightingale” is a heart-wrenching tale of two sisters and their struggle to survive and resist the horrors of the war. Kristin Hannah’s vivid and emotive storytelling drew me in from the first page, and I knew I had to have a copy of this book on my bookshelf.
4. “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
“The Hate U Give” tackles important and timely issues of race, police brutality, and activism through the eyes of a teenage girl named Starr. Angie Thomas’ powerful and thought-provoking writing left a lasting impact on me, and I knew I needed to own a copy of this book to reread and share with others.
5. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
“The Book Thief” is a haunting and poignant story set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death himself. Markus Zusak’s lyrical prose and unique storytelling style make this book a one-of-a-kind reading experience that I couldn’t resist adding to my personal collection.
6. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
“Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” is a charming and heartwarming novel about a socially awkward woman who learns to navigate the complexities of human relationships and self-acceptance. Gail Honeyman’s witty and endearing writing won me over, and I knew I had to have this book on my shelf to revisit whenever I needed a pick-me-up.
7. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
“Where the Crawdads Sing” is a mesmerizing and atmospheric novel set in the marshes of North Carolina, blending mystery, romance, and coming-of-age themes into a compelling narrative. Delia Owens’ evocative descriptions and vivid storytelling kept me captivated until the very end, prompting me to purchase a copy of this book for my personal library.
8. “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
“A Gentleman in Moscow” is a charming and elegant novel that follows the life of Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in a luxury hotel in Moscow during the Bolshevik revolution. Amor Towles’ delightful prose and rich characterizations made this book a joy to read, and I knew I had to own a copy to savor the story again and again.
9. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
“The Night Circus” is a magical and enchanting novel that tells the story of a mysterious circus that arrives without warning and is only open at night. Erin Morgenstern’s lyrical writing and imaginative world-building transported me to a place of wonder and delight, making this book a must-have addition to my personal library.
10. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
“The Song of Achilles” is a breathtaking retelling of the Iliad from the perspective of Patroclus, the beloved companion of Achilles. Madeline Miller’s lyrical prose and nuanced portrayal of their relationship touched my heart, and I knew I had to own a copy of this book to revisit the beauty and tragedy of the story whenever I pleased.
In conclusion, these ten books are just a selection of the many titles I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing over the years. However, their impact on me was so profound that I couldn’t resist adding them to my personal library to treasure and revisit for years to come. If you have the chance to read any of these incredible books, I highly recommend doing so – they are truly special works of literature that deserve a place on any book lover’s shelf.