Jackie’s Favorite Books
Coming up with a list of my top ten favorite books was a difficult task for me because there are so many books that I love. I have loved reading my entire life so picking from 40+ years of books was not easy.
I will admit that when Kirsten suggested we do a post of our all-time favorite books, I agreed without thinking it through. The funny thing is that I can probably name at least 6/10 of Kirsten’s favorites but, coming up with mine was an ordeal. There are so many books that I love for so many different reasons.
There are books that I read at the perfect time, books that I have related to, books that have taught me something, and books that I connect to on an emotional level. But, let me be clear, finding just 10 books was NOT an easy task.
This is one of the hardest posts that I have had to write. I debated, I changed my mind, and then I called my mother. In the end, I was able to find my top ten books by dividing them into categories like literary fiction, classics, epic reads, and fantasies. These books are my favorites but, after all the debating, I admit that they are not the entire list. Maybe I will have to do part 2. I hope you enjoy my all-time favorite books.
*All-time Favorite Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Jackie’s Favorite Historical Fiction Books
Hum If You Don’t Know the Words
Author: Bianca Marais
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical fiction
More info: Characters from this book appear in If You Want to Make God Laugh
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This coming-of-age story examines the relationship between a black woman named Beauty and a white girl named Robyn in apartheid South Africa in 1976. This novel is a brutally honest and emotionally compelling story, unlike anything I have ever read.
This book begins just before the 1976 Soweto uprising in which thousands of black students marched in protest of the apartheid government. Though the protest was peaceful, police open-fired killing a hundred children.
This historical fiction led to the most amazing discussions with our book club. The characters jump off the page. I was completely absorbed from the first sentence on the first page until the last page of the book. It is a powerful and poignant book.
Trigger Warnings
War, parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I had never read anything about the Soweto uprising. Even though this is a book filled with deep and emotional plotlines, there were times in the book that I laughed out loud. This is the first book from Marais and is a brilliant debut novel.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was a powerful novel that impacted me emotionally on so many levels. At the same time, the book never felt too heavy and I felt compelled to keep reading. I loved the characters and their development from the beginning to the end of the book.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Historical Fiction Books / Jackie’s All-Time Favorite Books / Novels About Africa / Best Books of 2017
Plot
This book is based on the life of Nancy Wake, a nurse and journalist who became a Special Operations Executive during WWII.
She was an amazing woman and I had never heard of her before this fictional biography. It has wonderful characters, a fabulous story, romance, adventure, and the terrifying reality of life during WWII.
Trigger Warnings
Torture, War
Why Jackie loves it
It is so beautifully written, amazingly researched, and absolutely enthralling. I could not put it down. I recommend it often and have never heard anyone not love it.
Find this book in: Historical Fiction Books / 20 Best Books of 2020 / Jackie’s Favorite Books
The Count of Monte Cristo
Author: Alexander Dumas
Year: 1844
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Translated from French
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The first time I read this book was actually before I saw the movie Shawshank Redemption. I read it a bunch of times and loved it. I did not realize, however, that it was an abridged version.
When I was at University, I embarked on a journey to read the unabridged version of this book. I was so amazed at the brilliance and detail that it has been a favorite ever since.
Edmund Dantès is thrown into the Chateau D’If for a crime he did not commit. There, he meets a fellow prisoner who teaches him to read and write, math, languages, and how to fight, all within the confines of their cells before telling him of a treasure. When the other prisoner dies, Dantès escapes and seeks his revenge on those who had him sent to prison. All of this is set in the time of Napolean Bonaparte who is a part of the political landscape of the book.
Why Jackie loves it
There is a reason this classic is still read today. This is the original story of revenge. The writing, plot, and details in this book are unsurpassed.
Find this book in: Best Classic Novels / Books Set in France to Love / Books with Food in the Title / Best Books in Translation
Jackie’s Favorite Mystery
Still Life
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the first book in the New York Times best selling series of Chief Inspector Gamache. I fell in LOVE with the Inspector, the town of Three Pines, a small Canadian village just north of the US, and its residents. Louise Penny CAN WRITE.
The mystery was great (and I didn’t solve it) but what got me the most was Penny’s writing style and reflections on the human psyche. This first Louise Penny book has Chief Inspector Armand Gamache searching a piece of art for clues after its painter, Jane Neal, turns up dead.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best detective books I have ever read. You will fall in love with Three Pines and the people who live there. The wonderful community in this series is the best of what cozy books should be. If you love mystery novels and have not read this series, What are you waiting for?
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books in Order / Best Mysteries of all Time /Jackie’s Favorite Books
Jackie’s All-Time Favorite Fantasy Books
The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Year: 2011
Genre: Historical Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The scene has been set for a magical competition between the pupils of two very powerful magicians. The stage: The Night Circus. The pupils, a man & a woman, are unsure of the rules, unsure of how to win, or when the competition will end.
As the competition continues, the opponents fall in love – a situation that only complicates their predicament. They are never quite sure of the rules or how to win.
Why Jackie loves it
Every word captivated me from beginning to end and I couldn’t put it down. The story was magical- both literally and figuratively and the descriptions are so vivid. This is one of my all-time favorite books. I have read this book a few times and each time, I get something different from the story.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is magic in a way that I never imagined it before. The story has twists and surprises that left me wondering how I didn’t see what was right there all along.
Find this book in: Best Romance Novels of all Time / The Best Carnival and Circus Books / Cozy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels
Find more like this: Books Like the Night Circus
The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
Author: Mitch Album
Year: 2015
Genre: Magical Realism
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This is one of the best books that I have ever listened to. It is narrated by “Music” who tells the story of a magician named Frankie Presto.
Frankie was orphaned and lived with his blind music teacher in Spain before he was sent to America with only his guitar and its size magical strings. Frankie’s music has the power to change people’s lives and every time he does, one magic string changes color. Frankie works with musical legends and eventually becomes a star himself before disappearing from the spotlight.
Why Jackie loves it
Multiple people narrate this book, which is more like a play than a book when you are listening. I loved this book and bought a copy which I lent to an unnamed person who loved it and did not return it. My second copy has met the same fate. Third time’s a charm? The story made me feel like I should have known Frankie along with all the great musical legends.
Find this book in: Full Cast Audiobooks / Books About Music / Magical Realism Book / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
Tress of the Emerald Sea
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Secret Projects #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
This is the book that you would get if The Princess Bride had a book baby that empowered women everywhere to be the heroes in their own story, seek out adventure, and be brave enough to become who they were intended to be.
Tress has grown up on her tiny island with her one friend Charlie, who is also the Duke’s son, to keep her company. When the Duke takes Charlie away and he doesn’t return, Tress sets off to rescue him from the Sorceress who lives on the deadly Midnight Sea. She will encounter pirates, talking rats, betrayal, love, and friendship on her voyage.
Why Jackie loves it
If you love fantasy books of any kind, stop now and make time to read this fantastic book. It earns all the stars! While technically this is a fantasy book for adults, it is appropriate for a young adult or teen audience as well.
Find this book in: Pirate Books / YA Fantasy / Best of 2023 / Adult Fantasy Novels
Jackie’s All-Time Favorite Fiction
A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: A recent Motion Picture Called A Man Called Otto Starring Tom Hanks
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ove is mourning the loss of his wife and is consumed with grief. He decided to end his life. His attempts are foiled by mishaps and interruptions from his new neighbors. While this sounds like a depressing book, I laughed out loud while reading it.
Mr. Backman has a beautiful way of capturing the reader’s interest with wonderful characters who find themselves in hilarious situations. But, this story is so much more than that. As it progresses, Ove is able to have a profound impact on the life of everyone he meets, and at its heart, it is a book about friendship.
But don’t let the description throw you off. At its heart, this is one of the best feel-good books and one of my all-time favorite books! If you have not read it, you should consider it for your book club.
Trigger Warnings
Attempted Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
The love and friendships that develop in this book are almost unmatched, in my opinion. Backman is a master storyteller.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book that allowed me to laugh and cry equally. I loved Ove and his second chance at living life.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction / Books About Friendship / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Novels About Grief
Find More Books Like This in: Books Like A Man Called Ove
All-Time Favorite Books: Middle Grade Picks
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times.
Adaptations
While this beloved series has already been made into an 8 movie series starring Daniel Ratcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Warner Brothers is currently turning into a TV series as well.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud / Books with Magic Schools for Kids
Anne of Green Gables
Author: L. M. Montgomery
Year: 1908
Genre: Classic
Age: 10+
More info: Anne of Green Gables #1
Plot
I was immediately drawn to Anne upon first reading this story. She is smart, precocious, and has a way of making everyone love her while simultaneously finding new ways to get into trouble.
Anne is an orphan sent to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert who wanted a male orphan to help them on the farm. Anne was sent to them instead. She is bright, loquacious, and wins their hearts.
Why Kirsten loves it
I cherish this entire book series and the TV miniseries inspired by it. I vividly remember watching Megan Follows as Anne completely transfixed. I was so enamored, that I remember asking my grandmother to get me the books to read!
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of my all-time favorite books. Something is comforting about this cozy book that makes me read it repeatedly. It is a beautiful book about friendship and found family. Because of this book, I hope to visit Prince Edward Island one day.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Friendship Books / Realistic Fiction / Books with Green in the Title / Fun Books for Teens / Classic Novels / Best Middle Grade Fiction
Jackie’s Favorite Books of 2025
- Sisters in the Wind by Angeline Boulley
- The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
- The Road to Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
- The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry
- Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
- The Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
- Life & Death & Giants by Ron Rindo
- The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau
- The Names by Florence Knapp
- Silver Elite by Dani Francis
Helpful Tip
- If you are trying to choose your next book and are looking for recommendations, it is helpful to see if you have similar tastes in books. When it comes to your reading preferences, you may be a “Jackie” or a “Kirsten”. We won’t be offended either way
- You can look through all of the book reviews to see if Kirsten or I read the book before choosing whether you want to read it.
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Epilogue
What are your favorite books? Have you read any of these? I would love to know whether we have similar reading tastes. If there is a book that you read and you think I will love it, I want to hear about it!
officially placing Hum and Night Circus higher on my list! Great picks, Jackie!!