What is your all time favourite books?

[Tasha, Moderator]

What book do you consider to be the BEST you have read?

[Tasha, Moderator]

If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon... it's an old book but it was one of my top favourites... I even liked the made for TV movie of it. I think I was about 12 or 13 when I read this one!

[Lindsay, Moderator]

My favourite is Prestor John, by John Buchan. I've read it so many times, and it's comforting knowing that I will read it again, and again. I look forward to sharing it with my kids, the same way my dad shared it with me.

[Amber]

I consider the best book I ever read as one that I'll go back to time and again or one that really reached me, mind and soul. IF a book wants to reach my best shelf it has to have wonderful memorable characters, The author needs to weave the story so flawlessly that I fell like I'm there and that I know these people.

Here are some of my favorites:
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince the whole series is wonderful
The Time Traveler's Wife
Of Mice and Men
Jane Eyre
The Notebook
Blue Diary

[Lindsay, Moderator]

I've never heard of Blue Diary before, though the synopsis didn't say much about the plot. What is it about? I would definitely give it a shot after reading The Dovekeepers. Wasn't a fan of Practical Magic though. Hard for me to believe they're by the same author.

[Florence (Lefty)]

Hi, these are a few of my favorites. Have so many - I've limited to five. Chosen just from books that I've read recently:

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

Rebecca

No Great Mischief

[Lindsay, Moderator]

Rebecca is one of my favourites too, Florence! I really loved Extremely Loud, too. Haven't heard of the other ones, but I'll be sure to check them out. Thanks for sharing! :)

[Florence (Lefty)]

You're welcome!
No Great Mischief is written by a Canadian Author:)
I'd never heard of Prester Johnuntil I read your post - looks interesting

[Lindsay, Moderator]

It was an old school book in the 50s, and I'm sure most people would take one look and pass on it. This is one of the first books my dad gave me (his old beautifully bound copy from school), and so for me, it will always have the memory of the first time I read it. It might not even be that good... lol

[Florence (Lefty)]

Lindsay wrote: "It was an old school book in the 50s, and I'm sure most people would take one look and pass on it. This is one of the first books my dad gave me (his old beautifully bound copy from school), and so..."

Doesn't matter, it's the memory that counts!
I know you'll relate to this
"http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/..."

[Lindsay, Moderator]

Exactly! For me, this is the scary book from my childhood, but I'm actually debating reading it again. If I can find it, that is.
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...

[Lindsay, Moderator]

Wow. I just ordered it from the library.

Another one of the classic go-to books from my youth is The Day of the Triffids. Sci-fi at its best!

[Florence (Lefty)]

Lindsay wrote: "Wow. I just ordered it from the library.

Another one of the classic go-to books from my youth is The Day of the Triffids. Sci-fi at its best!"

That's what's nice about libraries - they don't let the classics die. Day of the Triffids was pretty scary as well as being great Sci-fi.

[Sarah]

I don't so much as consider the twilight series the best books i've ever read, but the characters are the best so far. But I like If I die

[Amber]

Books from your childhood are the best because that's what starts the love of the written word. One of my favorite kids kids books was A Little Princess and I remember my mom reading to me and my sister both The Princess Bride and The Clan of the Cave Bear.

[Amber]

Amber wrote: "I consider the best book I ever read as one that I'll go back to time and again or one that really reached me, mind and soul. IF a book wants to reach my best shelf it has to have wonderful memorab..."

Lindsay, the Blue Diary is about a man who as a teen commits a horrible crime. Guilt caused by his actions puts him on a new path for life. He marries has a son and the becomes a pillar in the community. Until his secret is discovered. Then we find out how your past can haunt you and those you love.

[Lindsay, Moderator]

Coupled with Alice Hoffman's writing style, and I'm sure it's amazing! I will most definitely give it a shot!
The Princess Bride is one of my favourite books, but surprisingly, I didn't discover it until I was in my 20s. I had grown up with the movie, and was totally clueless about it being based on a book.
Clan of the Cave Bear is one that I had, for some unknown reason, avoided. I've been hearing a lot about it recently, so I think I'll have to break down and read it.
Sarah, I read the Twilight series before it was popular, and I admit freely that I enjoyed the books. :)

[Tasha, Moderator]

Does anyone remember The Sweet Valley High Series with the twin sisters?? I used to love those books!

[Florence (Lefty)]

Amber wrote: "Books from your childhood are the best because that's what starts the love of the written word. One of my favorite kids kids books was A Little Princess and I remember my mom reading to me and my s..."

Amber, I've only watched the movie The Princess Bride- about 10 times (love it) but never read the book. The Clan of the Cave Bear I remember really enjoying, read it so many years ago.

[Lindsay, Moderator]

Tasha wrote: "Does anyone remember The Sweet Valley High Series with the twin sisters?? I used to love those books!"

I SO remember those books! I think I read most of them, but then, of course, the series took off with the girls to college. I had already outgrown them by then. I volunteer at the Children Hospital Book Sale here in Winnipeg, which is a HUGE sale, three times a year. I usually get put in the kids section, so often get to sit next to the Sweet Valley table. Not once has anyone bought one from me though... I guess they're a little outdated.

[Elisabeth]

The best book I have ever read is AN ACCEPTABLE TIME by Madeleine L'Engle. It's one of the five books I have ever read more than once and I adore it. (The other four belong to the same series!)

But, the best book I have read this year and closely following AN ACCEPTABLE TIME for the coveted title is THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas. That thing woke me up in the middle of the night because I couldn't stop thinking about it. No book has EVER done that...

Then there's THE CAPTIVE series by Erica Stevens. I'm obsessed with that. The third book releases January fourth and that means I have to wait until next year for the solution to the ginormous cliffhanger. @_@

[Gina]

So far the best books i have read are the McKinnon Ranger Series by Pamela Clare,

[Arah-Lynda]

Oh my...so many books, so little time. I guesss I will just have to keep reading until I can decide on which one is best. Perhaps it will be my next one. Anyone read Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald? I think Amber is right about books from your childhood instilling lasting memories. I remember one called The Water Babies that I have been searching for years to try and find again.

[Lindsay, Moderator]

I read a book in grade 8, that will probably stay with me until my last days, but I can't remember the title of it to save my life. Maybe you guys can help me out with it?
It was Sci-fi, told from the POV of a young teenaged girl. She lives on the moon, which has been colonized. Of course. Her father is traveling to Earth for work and she tags along on the shuttle. She can't stand the feel of gravity though, so her father moves her to the community on the ocean floor, where she can spend much of her time in the water. Hijinx ensues.
Sound familiar to anyone?

[Florence (Lefty)]

Arah-Lynda wrote: "Oh my...so many books, so little time. I guesss I will just have to keep reading until I can decide on which one is best. Perhaps it will be my next one. Anyone read Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Ma..."

What a great book recommendation Arah-Lynda. I'd not heard of Fall on Your Kneesbefore, must check it out.

[Arah-Lynda]

Florence wrote: "Arah-Lynda wrote: "Oh my...so many books, so little time. I guesss I will just have to keep reading until I can decide on which one is best. Perhaps it will be my next one. Anyone read Fall on Y..."

Oh great. I do hope you enjoy it Florence.

[Kris]

Tasha wrote: "If Tomorrow Comes by Sidney Sheldon... it's an old book but it was one of my top favourites... I even liked the made for TV movie of it. I think I was about 12 or 13 when I read this one!"

I liked it too lol (book and movie)....so long ago:)

[Kris]

Florence wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "Wow. I just ordered it from the library.

Another one of the classic go-to books from my youth is The Day of the Triffids. Sci-fi at its best!"

That's what's nice about libraries -..."

That's by John Wyndham I Think? He also did on called "The Chrysalids", also sci-fi. It was one of the best books I read in High school, I remember my assigment was to write an additional ending chapter for it. Shhhh don't tell but I think I still have that book:)

[Florence (Lefty)]

Kris wrote: "Florence wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "Wow. I just ordered it from the library.

Another one of the classic go-to books from my youth is The Day of the Triffids. Sci-fi at its best!"

That's what's nice ..."

in tiny tiny font...Not a whisper:)

[Lindsay, Moderator]

There's no shame in loving a little classic sci fi! Say it loud and proud! lol I still have all my Wyndham books. I pick them up at the used book sales whenever I see one I don't have. They generally go for .50 so how can I possibly resist!?

[Florence (Lefty)]

Lindsay wrote: "There's no shame in loving a little classic sci fi! Say it loud and proud! lol I still have all my Wyndham books. I pick them up at the used book sales whenever I see one I don't have. They general..."

Lol! Okay, on that vain I'll come clean and announce I like Patricia Cornwell and Nora Roberts books alot. Mind candy I know, they're both so great at what they do. And my brain wants mind-candy sometimes.

[Lindsay, Moderator]

I was a huge fan of Patricia Cornwell for years! All of a sudden, her style changed, and I haven't been able to read any of her books anymore. I get my forensic fix with Kathy Reichs. :)

[Florence (Lefty)]

Lindsay wrote: "I was a huge fan of Patricia Cornwell for years! All of a sudden, her style changed, and I haven't been able to read any of her books anymore. I get my forensic fix with Kathy Reichs. :)"

Thanks for the heads up on Kathy Reichs, I'll check her out. Can you jump into more rececent books in the series ? 1st published 1997

[Lindsay, Moderator]

I would recommend starting at the beginning, just to be able to follow the character development through the series, but the criminal plots can generally stand alone. She does also have a YA series, Virals, which aren't realistic. They tend to lean more towards sci fi.
As a quick warning, my dad was also reading her forensic series, but found her to be too graphic. I studied forensics so found that her descriptions were actually helpful. All depends on the perspective. Some of the books are pretty gritty though.

[Florence (Lefty)]

Lindsay wrote: "I would recommend starting at the beginning, just to be able to follow the character development through the series, but the criminal plots can generally stand alone. She does also have a YA series..."

You studied forensics? That's fascinating. I've no problem with graphic descriptions, as long as not gore for gore's sake if you know what I mean. Thanks for the feedback, forwarned - and the heads up on the Viral series, doesn't really appeal to me - I'll try her 'Temperance Brennan' series instead.