FAVORITES SO FAR

Yes, this is another book post.

Why, you might ask, in the prime of summer, when the sun is shining and the nights are long, would I dare to pen such a travesty?

Well, there are several reasons, dear, kind reader.

I, am incredibly pale. Like excessively pale. Sunscreen is my scent of choice June through August, and yes I know that you can read outside, but smudged screens and finger-printed pages? No thank you.

Reading is the funnest thing I do. In a life filled with feeding dogs, loading the dishwasher what seems to me an impossible amount of times, and sweeping up enough dog hair to create a new dog, reading is my favorite reward at the end of the day.

Finally, I have no other ideas. After a week spent as a camp counselor, my brain is fried, and this is what we’ve got to work with 😂 Book boyfriends.

So, now that we’ve got that out of the way, I warmly welcome you to My Favorites So Far.

I know, it’s odd to do a favorite books list halfway through the year, but here we are. Plus, when December rolls around, some of these beloved titles might be passed over due only to the fact that I cannot foresee anyone reading a thirty-plus recommendation list. Accompanied by in-depth explanations.

And, Bonus Jonas, now I’ve already got a blog planned out for the end of the year. My Favorites So Far, Part Two.

Okay. I‘ve rambled enough. The sleep deprivation is really starting to show.

Here’s the list, in chronological order, of course. What do you think I am, a monster?

Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan

Though one of my favorite authors, I’m not sure Rick Riordan has made any of my last book lists. Which is a shame, and proof of my fears listed above.

Riordan is great at crafting adventure novels that suck you in. Fast-paced, witty, and educational. I learned so much about the world at sea, including which way starboard is. Riordan is also know for creating characters that are incredibly relatable, and I especially appreciated his specific representation of a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

A book that fits right in with the summer, but will leave you aching for the next installment, I would highly recommend Daughter of the Deep.

The Espionage Series by A. L. Sowards

I am a sucker for romance, but a historical, Latter-day Saint romance set in the backdrop of World War Two? Did Sowards write this book especially for me?

I found myself falling almost immediately in love with Peter, shocker, and tempted to throw the book at the wall each time he and Genevieve were ripped apart. With incredible substance, mystery, and the discovery of a new favorite song from this era, I throughly enjoyed stepping back in time.

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis

You know when a book series is really good, and has lasted generations, and creates a world of wonder, and has had multiple movie adaptations made about it? And then you don’t read them because you‘re. dumb, and end up being incredibly late to the game?

Well, don’t worry, because the game will wait for you.

The Chronicles of Narnia has become a permanent member in my favorites of all time. I laughed out loud throughout all of the books, all the while wishing and hoping and praying I could step into the story and hang out with the creatures and people that live inside it’s pages.

However, I am most grateful for the added understanding Lewis gave me on my relationship with my Savior. This series gifted me a different look into who my Savior is, what He does for me, and proclaimed proudly but subtly the truths of His gospel. Those are things I can never repay Lewis for.

The Giver Series by Lois Lowry

I vaguely remember an elementary school teacher lovingly reading this book to her class, but apparently fourth-grade Ellie was not having it. Luckily, twenty-six year old Ellie is much humbler, recognizing that her younger brother is far superior than she, and always has great recommendations on his shelf.

Thought-provoking. Heart-breaking. Real and raw. I became so attached to the people in these stories, finding myself fully invested in even the smallest of side characters. (Justice for Einar!) Each had a purpose, and each had their own unique power, just like all of us.

Though I rarely see what is to come in a book, (which makes me a fantastic consumer, btw.) I really never saw how this story was going to end. Lowry’s train of thought races far beyond my own, and I found myself racing to follow it. Reaching the last page was exhilarating, but also incredibly bittersweet.

Sunkissed by Kasie West

Told you, we got a living contradiction over here. Lover of romance books, fearer of marriage.

My favorite thing about Kasie West books is that you can always trust them. The reader goes in knowing that they will be placed in the safe arms of a sweet, clean first love. No uncomfortable scenes here.

I find myself falling for almost all of her males leads, but Brooks by far takes the cake. Angsty rockstar trapped at a summer camp? Is there any better way to start the summer?

The answer is no.

Suns Will Rise by Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell

The last in the System Divine series, this set of books take a futuristic twist on the beloved tale of Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. That’s not where the fresh spin ends, though, as the story is told through the eyes of the youth, rather than the elder characters.

Star Wars meets the French Revolution, Suns Will Rise was the perfect conclusion to this trilogy. Heart-racing suspense, an ending I thought I had guessed, but could not have been wrong about (again, shocker), love, despair, change, hope, and the importance of books? Say no more.

Plus, my favorite character did not die, which I am very appreciative to the authors for. I might have had to protest had things been different.

So, those are my Favorites So Far from 2022. I’d, recommend them all, obviously. They are the best of six great months of reading.

Stay tuned for part two. 😉