Endless Bliss | Happy Lifestyle Blog: My 10 Most Cherished & Influential Books.

My 10 Most Cherished & Influential Books.

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I recently saw one of my favorite authors, Leila Sales, tweet about how a friend challenged her to name ten of her most influential/beloved/meaningful/favorite books, and after reading her list, it really made me think about what books I would put on my list. It was really hard to narrow this list down, because I love reading so much, but these are my top ten most cherished/influential/etc. books.

10. SLOPPY FIRSTS by MEGAN MCCAFFERTY
I read this book when I was in my awkward teen years, and even though I'm now in my awkward adult years, it's still very relevant. This book is just a laugh out loud novel with one of the most lovable and hilarious protagonists ever! When I was in middle school, I wanted to adopt many of her of personality traits. I could relate so much to Jessica, and Sloppy Firsts was one of my favorite books growing up. I still love it!

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9. MY SISTER'S KEEPER by JODI PICOULT
This was the first novel I read by Jodi Picoult, and it was actually assigned reading for English 3 AP. After reading this first book by her, I was hooked! My Sister's Keeper is such a powerful, heartbreaking book with an unexpected ending. This book made me want to read other novels by her, and this one still remains as one of my favorites.

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8. THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES by SUZANNE COLLINS
I have my friend, Mandy, to thank for turning me on to this series. This is one of the first books that made me fall in love with the concept of dystopian societies. Suzanne Collins really makes you think about what would happen to the world if we all just started rebelling. One thing I loved about this book was the strong female lead. Katniss was really someone to look up to - a big sister willing to sacrifice herself for her sister, a clever person who knows how to outsmart competitors and survive in the wild, someone with a big heart who is willing to put others (even people who were strangers prior) before her own self. I think this generation could use an independent heroine like Katniss.

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7. THE LUNAR CHRONICLES SERIES by MARISSA MEYER
I love Marissa Meyer for so many reasons. She is such an inspiration to me as a wannabe author. Her blog is full of amazing advice, and she always acknowledges my tweets. I feel like that says a lot about her character - she loves her fans, and she takes the time to show that on so many different avenues. Even though tons of people have retold the story of fairy tales, Marissa Meyer took it to a whole new level for me. Her imagination is so vast, and these books make my own imagination run wild! I'm excited to see her career continue to grow. I know I'll always be a fan!

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6. JUST LISTEN by SARAH DESSEN
Sarah Dessen is my hero as far as authors are concerned. Her characters are so real to me because they're so relatable. Anytime I sit down to read (or reread) a Sarah Dessen novel, I get so involved. This book is amazing for many reasons. A girl holding a secret so close to her that she's willing to lose all of her popularity because of it. Creating an unlikely friendship with a person who everyone else is afraid to talk to. Coming out of the darkness with  more strength than she could have ever imagined. And all the while, music is intertwined. This is such a beautiful novel. 

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5. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by JOHN GREEN
Every part of this book made me think about my life. While I've never had anyone close to me suffer from cancer, I feel like the book was about so much more than that horrible disease. It's about finding love in the strangest of circumstances, creating unforgettable friendships, living every moment like it's your last (because you never know; it could be), dealing with life's disappointments, making your dreams (and the dreams of those you love) come true, and making each day magical. There's so much to love about this book!

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4. PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER by STEPHEN CHBOSKY
Even though I jumped on reading this book a little late, I still hold this book so near and dear to my heart. The heartbreaking journey that was Charlie's everyday life just made me want to jump into the book and be his friend. I wanted to be like Sam and Patrick who let this little guy into their group when even his sister wouldn't pay him any attention. I used to be really shy and super awkward (still am sometimes), and while it was never to the extreme of Charlie, I still feel like I can relate to certain parts of his story.

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3. SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS by ANN BRASHARES
I was totally against reading this book when it first came out. I was turned off by the fact that it was about a pair of pants, but of course, I didn't know the real meaning behind the pants. After much prodding from friends, I finally gave in, and I quickly fell in love with each of the characters in the book. I saw a little piece of myself in each of the girls. This book has sparked many traveling things throughout my life, namely a notebook still passed around by people I was close with in college. 

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2. SOMEONE LIKE YOU by SARAH DESSEN
When I was younger, I liked to go to the library and pick books to read based on their covers, usually with no prior knowledge of what the book was about. This book was one I picked up from the school library, and I remember someone taking the book from me and asking if it was good. I pretty much word vomited about how much I loved it, and I wasn't even halfway through. This was during my freshman year of high school. This was the book that made me fall in love with Sarah Dessen, and ten years later (well into my adult years), this is still one of my favorite books by her (definitely top 3, but all of her books are amazing).  

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1. HARRY POTTER SERIES by JK ROWLING
Obviously. If you've been reading my blog for awhile, you know how much I love this series. I even recently got a deathly hallows tattoo. There aren't enough words for the impact that JK Rowling has made on my life by introducing me (and the rest of the world) to this series. This book taught me the power of friendship and love. It taught me to believe in myself even when the rest of the world is against me. It taught me that I can do great things even if I have family, friends, or strangers that don't believe in me and would love nothing more than to kill my spirit and see me fail. It taught me that there isn't a limit to what I can accomplish. There are so many lessons written within the pages of this book series, and the impact its had on my life is insurmountable. 

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What books would be on your list?

69 comments :

  1. Oh before I started blogging I could read books and read book ... I feel like I just have no more time! I will say My Sister's Keeper.. WINNER of a book I cried.. that means it was good! Of course the trilogy of The Hunger Games were amazing. So amazing I had nightmares about being IN the Hunger Games!

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  2. I've read several of these, but I am intrigued by the Lunar Chronicles! I am definitely checking them out! Pinning!

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  3. I was addicted to the Harry Potter series, right along side my kids! :)

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  4. I love Emily Giffin, I think she's one of the best authors. Her books are so funny and light. I also read a few really good books by Sophie Kinsella.

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  5. Yesss to Sloppy Firsts & Someone Like You! I agree with you that, it's definitely one of her top books-- I think I'd have to add This Lullaby to the list as well because that's one I could just read over and over again.

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  6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower and A Fault in our Stars made me cry! I absolutely loved both of those books! And HP. Le duh. I wish I had time to reread them all right now.

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  7. I love The Perks of Being A Wallflower! I finished it only after reading for several hours and I was surprised how I was so succumbed on reading it. I also read The Fault in Our Stars but to be honest I'm not one of its fans. I like John Green's other novel "Looking for Alaska" if you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend you do! :)

    STYLE VANITY

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  8. I love all of these books, especially Perks of Being a Wallflower, TFIOS and of course, Harry Potter. I have loved seeing this on facebook, but it's even better as a blog post! :)

    xo,
    Zoe | La Vie en Zoe

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  9. That Lunar series looks really intriguing... Guess I have something to download at lunch!

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  10. Thanks for inspiring my next post. Love your list.

    http://jadeblyssjourney.blogspot.com/

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  11. I love this list! I loved the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! This is a great post idea!

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  12. I'm slowy reading THE FAULT IN OUR STARS . My all time favorite book series was the twilight series.

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  13. I found Looking for Alaska to be way better than The Fault in our Stars, but I think it was just me.

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  14. It's amazing how similar we are in books that changed our lives! I definitely LOVED Sloppy Firsts. The only ones I haven't read from these are the Lunar Chronicles Series and The Fault in Our Stars (I'm waiting to see the movie).


    I would have to add Tuesdays with Morrie on my list, have you read that?

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  15. I have only read "Harry Potter" books and "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". I think I need to read a few others on your list. I am always looking for book recommendations, so thank you!

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  16. I've read all of these except My Sister's Keeper and I agree this are great!

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  17. hah! I've seriously read all but The Lunar Chronicles and Sloppy Firsts. I LOVED TFIOS, and of course I grew up on HP. If I wrote this list, it would definitely include The Night Circus, The Help, and Water for Elephants as well, I think. Although I have no idea how I would narrow it down

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  18. These are amazing picks! If you like, you're welcome to link up to Quote Me Thursday, a fun link-up for bookish posts! http://www.dailymayo.com/2014/09/10/quotes-about-hats/

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  19. You have books on here that I've read and really loved, which makes me want to check out the other books on your list! I've never read the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series, but I really liked the movie!!

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  20. Nice post; something different from the norm. I need to make more time to read. Thanks for sharing.

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  21. I've read 8 out of 10 of these and I can agree. TFIOS and Perks definitely have a special place in my heart. As does 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher and If I Stay. Beautiful stories.

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  22. I just bought '13 Reasons Why' and I can't wait to read it! I like 'If I Stay' as well!

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  23. I'm really glad you enjoy it! Reading is one of my favorite things ever!

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  24. Yes! Book BFFs! I'm a Gryffindor! Which house are you in?? And of course I've read Divergent too! I loved the first one! The second and third weren't my favorites, but they were still good! Your thoughts?

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  25. I've read the first two books and the last book for Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but I just about the third and fourth at a rummage sale, so I'm excited to read that too. The last book takes place ten years later, which is why I was fine skipping the third and fourth books.

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  26. I love link ups dealing with books! I'm glad you enjoyed these picks!

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  27. All three of the books you've read are on my bookshelf, waiting for me to read them! I've been delaying because I've seen the movies (other than Night Circus of course), but I know the books must be a million times better.

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  28. Yay! I'm glad you liked all of these books too! We definitely have the same taste when it comes to reading!

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  29. I'm always happy to share my favorite books with others. I hope you enjoy reading these!

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  30. Sloppy First was such a good book. I've been wanting to reread it. You should definitely read TFIOS and watch the movie too! Both are amazing! I haven't read Tuesdays with Morrie, but I'm adding it to my to-read list!

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  31. I haven't read Looking for Alaska yet, but it's on my list! I just bought it from a college rummage sale, and I can't wait to read it!

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  32. The Fault in Our Stars is amazing! I hope you enjoy it. I read the Twilight series, but I didn't enjoy it that much. I think that's because I didn't like Kristen Stewart in the movies, and couldn't get past that in the books.

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  33. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Sisterhood of the Traveling is one of my favorite books (obvs). I haven't read the whole series though, but I plan to.

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  34. Yay! I'm glad to have inspired your next post!

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  35. So happy you enjoyed so many of these books too!

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  36. Perks was such a fast and amazing read. I loved it so much! I haven't read Looking for Alaska yet, but I've heard so many good things! I recently bought it at a college rummage sale, and I'm excited to dive into it!

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  37. Both made me cry too! I haven't cried that hard in a book since Dumbledore died! Wahhh! Jon and I are rereading the HP series together (my millionth time, his first time).

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  38. This Lullaby is one of my favorites from her too! I really love all of her books!

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  39. I haven't read anything by Emily Giffin, but I always see her books at the bookstore and am tempted to buy them. Maybe next time I will! I loved the Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella. She's so hilarious!

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  40. Harry Potter will forever be my favorite book series. It's so magical!

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  41. The Lunar Chronicles series is amazing! It's the first books/series by Marissa Meyer, and it's quickly become a favorite of mine. It's definitely a must read!

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  42. Sloppy Firsts got me through so much during middle school. I want to reread it ASAP! The Truth About Forever is one of my favorites by Sarah Dessen too! All her books are so good but the two I listed, The Truth About Forever, This Lullaby, and Dreamland are my favorites. Yes to HP! I just had to name it as one because I can't possibly rank them. I just finished reading A Great and Terrible Beauty, and I want to read the rest in the series!

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  43. You should! Marissa Meyer is an amazing and talented author! If you love fairy tales, I think you'll love the series!

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  44. Me too! I've loved every book I've read by her so far. So talented!

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  45. I just want to read all the time! I try to make it part of my daily routine. My Sister's Keeper was so heartbreaking and so amazing at the same time. Loved it! I can't imagine living through The Hunger Games. I definitely wouldn't survive.

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  46. Hmm, a lot of these I haven't read yet but they sound great! I guess it's a few more books to add to me to-read list! Thanks you for the suggestions :)

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  47. It will be a cold day in Africa when I convince Pai to read Harry Potter with me. Maybe I should start pulling the "If you love me, you'll read it with me."

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  48. You're very welcome! I love reading so much, and these are definitely a few of my faves, but I have so many more that I love too!

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  49. I made it a stipulation for marriage. No husband of mine will have only experienced HP through the movies. Travesty! I do most of the reading, but he enjoys listening while my throat gets dry and I have coughing fits. Hmm. Maybe I'm doing this wrong.

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  50. Ohmigoodness! I cannot wait to check some of these out, particularly The Lunar Chronicles. Thanks for such a good list!

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  51. I loved so many of the books on your list! I'll have to check out the others!

    Emily
    Life of Emily

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  52. The Lunar Chronicles is so amazing! I want everyone to read it because it makes me so happy! I hope you enjoy it!

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  53. I hope you do! I'm glad you enjoyed so many of the books!

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  54. Just Listen has to be one of my favorite books by Sarah Dessen, I love how emotionally deep it gets. Great list!

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  55. I'm loving this post - this is such a wonderful idea that I may totally do in future haha. I've never actually got round to reading the Cinder series or any of Sarah Dessen's books, tho I've been meaning to forever!///



    Perks of Being A Wallflower and Tfios are such classics! Loving your selection ^_^

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  56. It is so inspiring! Aaand, I once read one of the sequels to Sloppy Firsts (I don't remember which...I think the 4th) in a Borders because I had 5 hours to kill, all of my friends were at work and I was 100 miles from home. I read the whole thing!

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  57. I would definitely have to agree with Perks of Being a Wallflower, and A Fault In Our Stars. Unfortunately I would have to disagree with The Hunger Games, mainly because I hate the third book so much, as well as I really can't stand Katniss's character throughout the entire series (the movies make her much more likeable than the books do). One of my favorite books of all time that I have read and reread is The Scribbler of Dreams by Mary E. Pearson. This is one of those books I picked up because of the cover but I fell in love with the modern Romeo and Juliet twist of this book!
    www.myfairdaily.com

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  58. I haven't read the third book in The Hunger Games in so long. I have plans to re-read it before the movie comes out though. I have to admit that I found myself getting frustrated with Katniss a time or two while reading the books, but I just love the concept of her being an older sister and protecting Prim and also taking on all this pressure that was just thrusted on her almost out of nowhere. I've never read The Scribbler of Dreams, so I'll have to check it out!

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  59. I think the 3rd hunger games book basically killed the whole sister protect sister premise for me and that's why I felt that the conclusion to this series so aggravating! I've re-read the series and decided to skip over the 3rd book entirely. I feel the same way about the 4th Twilight book too (1, 2, and 3 good, 4 made me wanna rip my hair out lol).

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  60. GREAT list!! Harry and Hunger games.
    Can we please be best friends now? What house are you in?!
    Have you read Divergent yet? Opinion? :)

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  61. Me too! There's just so many things that happen to her that I can't imagine. I was so invested in Just Listen.

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  62. Ugh. All of these. I have something to say about all.of.these.



    First: I've never known anyone else who read Sloppy Firsts but you just brought me back to middle school. I loved! that book.


    Second: The Sarah Dessen book that changed *my* life was The Truth About Forever.



    Third: Harry Potter would take up seven spots because all seven changed me in a completely different way.



    Fourth: I would have to add The Gemma Doyle series by Libba Bray. I related to hard to the main character to the point where I was in mourning when the series ended.

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  63. Life, Love, + Coffee StainsJuly 9, 2015 at 9:52 AM

    Love love love Jodi Piccoult!

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  64. I see a couple of future reads on this list!

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  65. Love all of those! Haven't read the Lunar Chronicles series though...I'll have to check them out!

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  66. You definitely should! And you should also read The Lunar Chronicles and everything by Sarah Dessen. Both authors are so amazing!

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