My Top 5 Favorite Books of All Time: From Fantasy to Travelogue Memoir

My relationship with reading started off on the wrong page. English is my second language so in grade school, I was in ESL. I hated reading because comprehension was difficult for me; I could read clearly, yet not understand a word I read. 

It wasn’t until my mom — determined to help me practice — endlessly brought home Junie B. Jones and Goosebumps books for me to read. Somewhere along the line, I started to enjoy the experience. I understood more and then gained a better appreciation for the way literature made me feel and helped me escape.

Since then, I’ve jumped into countless worlds, had infinite adventures, and fallen in love with characters one page at a time. And here are five of my favorite books that have kept me tied to the written word..

My Top 5 Favorite Books of All Time

The books I love span diverse genres and topics. I enjoy classics like Lord of the Flies, to newer more fantastical books such as Throne of Glass. I’ve read a plethora of stories, however, these five represent my personal reading brand.

YA Psychological Allegory — Lord of the Flies by William Golding 

Lord of the Flies tells the unfortunate tale about a group of British boys who get stranded on an island. Forced to govern themselves to survive, the book explores themes of humanity, civilization, and chaos.

When I first read Lord of the Flies I didn’t understand some of the metaphors on the page. However the lovable Piggy and my curiosity kept me turning the page. Once I finished the book, I wanted to read it over and over again to chase the reveal and shock at the end. While this is a YA novel, some of the scenes feel disturbing or scary at times. The tension seems appropriate for 14 year olds and older.

Travelogue Memoir — Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail follows Cheryl Strayed’s journey along the Pacific Crest Trail to grieve the death of her mother, ponder her family trauma, and overcome her recent divorce.

I frequently return to this book when I need a pick-me-up. When I’m facing challenges, Strayed’s story gives me courage and resilience — reminding me that even when I’m facing challenges, I can persevere. I would recommend this story to any adult going through difficult times who are open to healing or on a healing journey. 

YA Dystopian Sci-Fi — In the After by Demetria Lunetta

In the After,  a young adult post-apocalyptic novel, relates the story of a teenage girl named Amy who survives an alien invasion. She must learn how to survive in complete silence, alone and surrounded by other survivors and monsters alike.

This book pulled me out of a reading slump in high school. The action-driven plot kept me engaged, and propelled me to every next chapter. I read the book so fast that when I look back, I think it holds my personal speed record.

In the After and its sequel In the End would be perfect for any young adult who is looking to add some action and suspense into their reading lineup. I happily re-read this duo every couple of years.

Fantasy — Throne of Glass By Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass is the first book of eight in the series that follows Caelena Sardothien, an assassin who’s been imprisoned in the salt mines of Endovier. As she battles for her freedom in a corrupt kingdom, her country falls into a deep war. She must decide whether she will stay complacent or fight for what she believes in.

This is a newer favorite on my list. I read the entire series last year and fell head over heels. Every organically flawed character Maas brought to the page filled me equally with love and anger as they made their way through their world making choices — often bad ones. I yearn to re-read this series often thanks to the complexities of relationships and friendships earned along the way.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys world-building fantasies with deep character development. It’s complex in a non-confusing way — for readers who don’t need instant gratification.

YA Contemporary Romance — Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Everything Everything follows Madeline Whittier, a teenager with a rare immune disorder (SCID). She has lived her life inside the comfort and bubble of her home, never leaving or stepping outside. However when an edgy teenage boy moves in next door, her admiration through the window grows as does her desire for more.

While I think teens should read this, I wouldn’t recommend Everything, Everything to anyone over the age of 16. This book doesn’t dive deeply enough into any of the subtopics it brushes upon for an adult to truly benefit from its reading. After rereading this more recently, I’ve discovered plot holes that went unnoticed the first time around.

Despite some of the flaws, Everything, Everything still holds a place in my list of favorites. I was so young and in love with a long-distance boy. We talked every day, even when I couldn’t touch, feel, or kiss him.

I imagined the first third of this story was our love story and I had to include this one to honor my younger self’s innocence, love, and longing which is exactly what Nicola Yoon expresses beautifully in Everything, Everything.

Pick Up a Book and Let Me Know What You Think

Cumulating my top 5 favorite books of all time was challenging! I’d never really given it much thought past Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail  by Cheryl Strayed and Lord of the Flies by William Golding.

Reminiscing on the books that have shaped who I am and books I have new appreciation for was a gift I didn’t know I wanted. I urge you to pick up one of these books — whichever resonates most with you — and leave a comment to let me know what you thought.

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If you’re anything like me, with a never-ending TBR list, check out these other roundups, reviews, and deep dives for more.

• My Six Favorite Fantasy Books of All Time – Book Roundup
• The 10 Best Classic Science Fiction Novel – Book Roundup
• Cozy Fantasy Review: A Dark and Secret Magic – Book Review
• Out of the Silent Planet – Book Review 

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