Today is my 30th birthday, so I figured I would write a post to honor the books that defined me throughout my years. I think all book lovers can agree that we have individual books that will always hold a special place in our hearts. So I want to challenge you all to think about what those books are and maybe why. If you’re inspired to do a similar blog post, please let me know, I’d love to read them.
Animorphs Series by K.A. Applegate – I never actually finished this series because it was so incredibly popular in my grade school. When growing up, we didn’t own many books, but I survived off of the books from my library (school and public). The Animorphs series was one of my first taste of reading a series and my first taste at fantasy. Looking back, I wish I would have been encouraged to read this series in order. I would check them out willy nilly or based on the animal on the cover. This series is one that I keep wanting to go back to and finally read it. It’s also the reason why I refuse to have fish in my room. Not even kidding, I used to wonder if my fish was an Animorph.
Nobody’s Daughter by Susan Beth Pfeffer- I read this book in middle school, and it was the first book that made me cry. It’s also one of the most depressing books I read in my early years. I still remember sitting in my desk, trying desperately to hold back tears. It was my first taste at getting a cathartic release from reading. This book taught me that you should always try to choose kindness.
Flirting With Danger by Suzanne Enoch – This was the first romance novel that I ever picked up and as terrible as it sounds I don’t remember much of the plot or the characters. It’s weird to put a book that I read and don’t remember on this list, but it still defined me. This unremembered book opened me up to the romance genre. It wouldn’t be until I got a nook color that I would explore the genre and fall in love, but I am fortunate that the heart handcuffs caught my eye enough for me to spend my lunch money on it. This book was the first time I ever deviated from what my friends were reading. I’m so lucky I took the plunge.
The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan- David Levithan is an author that I am forever indebted to. The Realm of Possibility has so many of my favorite quotes. The characters in this book were characters that I related to on a level that I didn’t know was possible. My best friend handed me this book when I was at one of the lowest points in my life. I devoured it in one sitting, and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. These characters helped me in ways I can’t even put into words. I learned that I wasn’t alone in my feelings and that it was okay to be upset and that sometimes, life isn’t roses, and that is okay.
So, there you have it. These are the books that defined me. They shaped me as a reader and as a person. Nobody’s Daughter taught me to be a better person. The Animorphs Series made it impossible for me to have a fish in my bedroom. Flirting with Danger taught me that it’s okay to read books that others might judge you for reading. And The Realm of Possibility taught me that I am not alone in my feelings of sadness, anger, and fears. So now I pose the question to you, what are the books the defined you?
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Happy birthday!
Thanks!!!!
Happy birthday! I remember Animorphs. And Harry Potter would be on my list as well.
Thanks!!!
Happy birthday! I turn 30 in about two and a half months so we’re close in age. 🙂 So some of these books totally defined me too, namely Harry Potter and Animorphs!
Thanks!!! I think most readers our age would agree on Harry Potter!
Happy Birthday!!! I would say Nancy Drew definitely is one for me 🙂 Did you ever watch the Animorphs show on Ninckelodeon btw? 🙂
I did! I loved it!!!
Happy Birthday. BIG Harry Potter fan.
Thanks!!! Harry Potter rules!
The only books on this list I’ve read was the Harry Potter series, which I adored. But I also went through a very intense Mary Higgins Clark phase, which probably accounts for my love of dark and twisty books. Happy birthday! 🎉
I could defintiely see that! Dark and twisty are fun books to read. I think that is why I love dark romance/erotica now a days.
I’ve been such a huge fan of Karin Slaughter recently. She’s my new queen of dark and twisty. And Helen S. Fields
I don’t read a lot of mysteries but I have heard really great things about Karin Slaughter!
I’m such a huge fan of the Will Trent series. Sometimes they’re a bit gory, but there’s sarcasm, humor, and even some romance!!
I will have to check them out!!
I have a few reviews on my site. Don’t worry, no spoilers!
I will check them out!!
Happy Birthday! Great post and great list of books all these books looks and sounds absolutely amazing and fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing your awesome post.
Thanks!!
Happy Birthday! I would agree with you about the Harry Potter series!
Thanks!
Happy Birthmonth – I hope you have celebrated yourself all month
I definitely tried!
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
Happy Birthday. I’ve only read Harry Potter. It was really lovely to see what books have defined you and why.
Happy birthday, hope you have a great day!!!
Happy birthday. I am a huge Harry Potter fan.
Great post and a belated Happy Birthday. I’m sure the authors of these books would be happy to know that their books have shaped your life.
Happy Belated Birthday! I love that you dented a dryer reading HP 😀 And all the other stories you had as well. My Aunt and I went Walmart at Midnight to get The Deathly Hallows the minute it came out. (It wasn’t a release party, just a line haha) and then we stayed up all night reading it!
Yep! I was in that walmart line for the 6th book! I wasn’t allowed to read it until the next day because we were with family. lol