Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new perspectives, and leave a lasting impact on our lives. As a book lover, I often find myself discussing my favorite books with friends or recommending them to others. However, there are some books that I have enjoyed but rarely talk about. These hidden gems may not be as popular as some of the more well-known titles, but they have left a lasting impression on me.

Here are my top ten books that I have enjoyed but rarely talk about:

1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
This enchanting novel follows the story of two magicians whose rivalry plays out in a mysterious, magical circus. The imagery and writing in this book are simply stunning, and I found myself completely captivated by the world that Morgenstern created.

2. “The Sparrow” by Mary Doria Russell
This thought-provoking novel follows a group of Jesuit priests on a mission to a distant planet. The book explores themes of faith, culture, and the consequences of first contact with an alien civilization.

3. “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows the life of a young Dominican man living in New Jersey. Through Diaz’s vivid writing and unique storytelling style, the reader is taken on a journey through Oscar’s life and the history of his family.

4. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
This non-fiction book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African-American woman whose cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research. Skloot weaves together the story of Henrietta’s life with the ethical questions raised by her cells’ use in research.

5. “The Power of One” by Bryce Courtenay
This coming-of-age novel follows the life of a young boy growing up in apartheid-era South Africa. The book is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and it left a lasting impression on me.

6. “Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro
This haunting novel follows the lives of three friends who grow up in a boarding school with a dark secret. Ishiguro’s writing is subtle and understated, but the story he tells is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking.

7. “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls
This memoir tells the story of Walls’ unconventional upbringing in a family plagued by poverty and dysfunction. Walls’ writing is raw and honest, and her story is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

8. “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
This powerful novel follows the story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany who discovers the power of books and storytelling. The book is both heart-wrenching and beautifully written, and it has stuck with me long after I finished reading it.

9. “The Snow Child” by Eowyn Ivey
This retelling of a Russian fairy tale follows a couple living in 1920s Alaska who long for a child of their own. The book is magical and atmospheric, and Ivey’s writing brings the Alaskan wilderness to life.

10. “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
This powerful novel follows the complex relationship between two friends in war-torn Afghanistan. The book is both heart-wrenching and beautifully written, and it offers a glimpse into a world that many of us may never fully understand.

While these books may not be as widely discussed as some of the more popular titles, they have all left a lasting impact on me as a reader. Each one has challenged my thinking, touched my heart, and reminded me of the power of storytelling. If you’re looking for a new book to read, I highly recommend checking out one of these hidden gems. Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite book.