It’s Tuesday- even though it feels like Monday! So, I’m linking up again with The Broke and the Bookish for this week’s topic….
Top Ten Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope Are Still Being Read In 30 Years
1. The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins – I love this series, and I think it is an incredibly well written story that is more than just a simple tale. Although it is a bit graphic for younger readers, I think it should be required reading in high school. I know many people will say this series on their lists as well, and I think that is a testament to how much of an impact this story has on it’s readers.
2. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – This book is another one of my favorites. I did not think I would like it, and it was one that I actually read after seeing the movie. It is a great depiction of life in the south during the Jim Crowe years, and it will make you cry and laugh at the same time. I think it is important never to forget how far the nation has come and how we’ve grown only by the courage of a few, little by little.
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – While there are many books set in the time of the Holocaust, this one is hauntingly told by a unique narrator, Death. It is also the story of a German girl, which I find to be seldom the case. Many Holocaust stories are told from the Jewish point of view. In all the tragedy of the situation, we see the life of this girl and how she is affected by the war.
4. I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak – Maybe I’m cheating by having two novels by the same author, but I’m going with it. This story is told from the point of view of a teenage boy struggling to make it in the city on his own. It’s a great story of doing the right thing, the moral thing, even when you are afraid to. It gives some hope for humanity and our young friends. It is a story of growth and learning, and I think it is one that is important for everyone to read and remember.
5. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (series) by Ann Brashares – while I’m a bit old for the series now, I can’t help but remember how much I loved them when I was younger. The girls were my friends as well, and I felt like I wasn’t alone in some of the struggles I faced as a young teenage girl. I’m so happy that Sisterhood Everlasting was published recently, as it gave some closure to the series that carried me through my high school years. While it is a little heavy compared to the other four books, it was still the last piece of their story, and written with as much love and sisterhood as the others.
6. Crank (series) by Ellen Hopkins – An in-your-face account of meth addiction in teens. Written in prose and in no way sugar coated, this book has been challenged and banned across the country, which should make you want to read it even more. It is harsh and scary and sad, it’s dark and depressing but not so much so that you aren’t thankful for your life and the health of those around you. It encourages you to support those people who struggle but sympathizes with you if you just.cant.take-it any more if you are unfortunate enough to have some one you love in a similar situation. Drug addiction is nothing to scoff at, and this series sheds some light on the horror of that lifestyle.
7. Harry Potter (series) by J.K. Rowling – Do I even need to go into why this made my list? Wonderful world of fantasy that has made great progress with getting people to read who otherwise might not have. A story of good kids battling evil and growing up at the same time. Epic.
8. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher – In a time when bullying has become so prevalent in schools, this book shows the impact it can have on some teenagers. Without getting into a discussion about suicide being selfish and whatnot, we as a society need to understand how important it is that our children are strong enough to stand up for themselves and not feel like death is the only way out. There are many arguments about this book, but I see that as proof that the project is working. For more information, visit
9. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness- Absolutely heartbreaking. While this is considered Juvenile by my local library, it was tragic to large proportions as we see Conor struggling and learning to deal with nightmares, both reality and dream.
