I had coffee with a former professor to chat about my future graduate school attendance (I’m getting excited and nervous). Excepting her love of an author I can not stand, she has magnificent taste in books and is one of the few people I know who loves them as much as me. We spent a good deal more time talking about what we’ve been reading and not what I’ll be studying, but that’s one of the reasons I like her so much.
With books on the brain, I started thinking about ten books I’d toss in a backpack if I wanted to go with tried and true favorites and a blend of genres/styles. These aren’t necessarily my favorite 10 of all time (because that would be impossible) but they are all books I’ve read multiple times and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. They’re perfect if you are looking for something to read on a trip or just to mentally get away.
Martin Eden by John Steinbeck
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Harry Potter (the 4th is my favorite but they’re all good) by J.K. Rowling
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson
And if I still have room for one more:
The Chosen Chaim Potok
What books would you throw in your bag?
Kate,
I have three books I could read over and over, teaching them year after year. All are favorites. I can't choose one over the other, they are all excellent. All of the authors are superb at character development. In every case the main character is a young, strong female protagonist, all totally different. In no particular order:
Anne of Green by Lucy Maud Montgomery.
Anne's spunk, drive, and imagination are amazing. I love this book.
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor. I especially love the narrator, fiery Cassie, second oldest child of the Logan family.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. The first time I read this book, I thought, hmmm, do I really like it? But every time I read it, I gained insight into Sal's complex life.