I love books. I escaped in books growing up, and they are a way for me to have moments to myself now.

Here are my favorite books that fall into the “can’t put down” category.

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Modoc by Ralph Helfer

This is my favorite book.  It is based on a true story about the relationship between a man and an elephant. It’s based in the early 1900s, and spans over several decades and through several adventures. It talks about traveling, the circus, family, and everything in between. There is a sad and serious undertone, but it is a very touching story.

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The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

I love historical fiction, so there is no surprise this is one of my favorite books. Many of Steinbeck’s works are considered American classics, but this is the best in my opinion. This book is based around the Great Depression and what families endured during that time. This to me shows human nature at it’s core when people have power and when they are desperate or have nothing to lose but have everything to gain. I love this snippet from Goodreads “tragic but ultimately stirring in its human dignity.“

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North and South Trilogy by John Jakes

I can’t read just one of these. They are a packaged deal. I read these every summer in high school, and a couple times since. My favorite era in the Civil War, and this historical fiction takes that time and envelopes you with all the emotions. It is based on two families that are friends but are divided by the politics of war. Jakes does a good job connecting you to the characters and tells a fascinating story of defending their principles.

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

If you are not as enamored by elephants as I am, you may not find this one as fascinating as I did. I wrote my review here. This is one that I recommend to anyone who asks for a book recommendation now. It is brilliantly good!

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The Shining by Stephen Kin

I hate scary movies, a deep “make me have nightmares” hate. But for some reason, I am enthralled by the actual novels. I remember reading this for the first time in high school way into the wee hours in the morning to find out what this little boy is seeing now. Stephen King has a reputation for suspense, and this is one of his most well-known stories. This story follows a little boy’s ability to see things in a haunted hotel when he and his parents (the hotel caretakers) get stuck there during a storm. Scary but riveting. To this day I have never watched the movie though because even though I know the plot, actually seeing it in film with make me pee my pants in fright.

Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

This series needs no introduction. While I may seem old to be so in love with these books, I was in 9th grade when I read the first book. The last one came out the year I graduated from college, so I felt like I connected with the characters as I was growing up myself, obviously with a little less magic and death threats. What I love about these is the stark imagination it takes to write these intricate stories, and the longevity of the enterprise is impressive. I love that these books got millions of kids (and adults) to read again long before the movies came to being. These are fantastically written, and I read them through every few years. They are comfort reads for me. They are so much fun!

Luckily, I have friends who are as obsessed as I am.

Apparently I love historical fiction and supernatural reads.

What are your favorite books?