Top Ten Picks: Favorite Reads This Year (so far)

Hosted by Jillian at Random Ramblings, Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme that allows you to explore your top ten picks of book and reading related things.

Whoa. Favorite reads. I am so glad to have an awesome friend that has lent me so many books, several different genres, this year, so that I can actually answer this question. And I'm thankful for having the miraculous self initiative to actually read. Well, maybe its not so miraculous, since I do love doing it ;)
At any rate, let me muster up my top ten favorite books I've read this year (so far). And in no specific order.

1. Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell. The movie adaptation of this book has been a favorite of mine for years now. I would beg my mom if we could watch it-over and over again. Yeah, it that good. Well, reading this book has been epic for me cause I'm actually reading a book that I saw the movie to first, and its not by Jane Austen. ;) But seriously, this is a  really good book-such an easy read, yet so much food for thought-if you look hard enough. 
2. The Unauthorized Autobiography (or The Pony Party) by Lemony Snicket. I had to add this because it was hilarious-in a priceless way, and is definitely one of my favorite books ever. See? I tell you I am in love with humor. We're getting married when we grow up. 
3. Around the World in 80 days by Jules Verne. Besides being proud of myself for having read this classic, short as it was, I found myself delightedly surprised by this book-expecting it to be extremely boring or extremely childish. I found it light, funny, and interesting. 
4. More Love to Thee by George Prentiss. This book made such an impression on me, that I always feel as if I had read it recently. I recommend this biography to Christians and those who know how to take the good and leave the objectional (so far as difference in religion goes). Otherwise, this book deeply touched me-and changed me, I think. Change is not always fireworks or surgery, sometimes its an adjustment of a hair or going under a wave. Or some other smooth flowing thing. ;)
5. I thought it was just Me by Brene Brown. This book, being about shame, power, perfectionism, and taking that out of your life, was a bit hard to read at times, as it dealt with insecurities and my inner self, but it was very good. And yes, life changing. For sure. 
6. The Fascinating Girl by Helen Andelin. An amazing, entertaining, and helpful book, it teaches young girls some things they may not know about bringing their femininity out and actually using it. Very fun, thought provoking, and easy read. Though not for children, I think. 
7. Silent Spring by Rachel Carson. Though it had too much scientific information to keep me from burning my brain every time I read it  for a long period of time, it was extremely thourough, excellently written, and action provoking. Heart breaking, yes. But good things sometimes come out of caring about things other than ourselves.
8. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Very dark and mysterious book, but not totally deprived of cheer, happiness, or etc etc.Basically there's a lot of lessons to be learned and things to be cleared up, and I like that because it leaves room for development. I have trouble in my own writing with doing that, so I think that putting character's in the midst of an un-seemingly epic and transforming event in their lives is a good idea. :) And of course, I was glad to read a classic. :) Yeah, they make me feel accomplished....
9. The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass. This was an awesome autobiography. Definitely inspiring and informing. Completely honest, completely open, reflective, to the point- great read. Definite definite favorite. 
10. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. Last but of course not least, this was a good read, especially as I saw contrasting and a bit contradictory interpretations of Fanny in two different movie adaptations. I wanted to find out for myself what she originally was, so I did. I was not disappointed- a bit pleasantly surprised. IT is a different type-well, all of Austen's books are different in style. But because of all the "scandal" in this one, its a bit separated from the other. But its written from a nice point of view, and I know a lot of people hesitate to read Mansfield Park, but..don't. Unless of course it would be an inappropriate read for you.

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