The Top Ten Books And Book Series To Be Thankful For

Jailene Adorno ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
No matter the genre of a book, there are quite a few that have taught us valuable lessons about ourselves and others. Because of this and the spirit of the holidays, here are some awesome books and book series to be thankful for.

1. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Series – Ann Brashares

The friendship between Lena, Tibby, Bridget, and Carmen is so unforgettable. If there’s one book series that readers should be thankful for it’s definitely this one. Ann Brashares does a fantastic job of showing the complicated nature of growing up and having friends around to help you along the way. This series has also made readers wonder which friend they identify with the most. Are they a Lena or a Carmen? Or maybe they see themselves more in Tibby or Bridget.

9. Looking for Alaska – John Green

The character of Alaska Young has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. Between her legendary pranks and her love of books, it’s not difficult to understand why Pudge was so fascinated by her. Whether readers were intrigued by finding a way out of the labyrinth of suffering or seeking a great perhaps, this book went on to teach many about themselves as well as others. Author John Green provided readers an amazingly thought-provoking story.

8. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao – Junot Diaz

As readers get insight into Oscar’s family history and the infamous “fuku,” they get swept away with issues regarding race, gender, love, and culture. Along the way, readers learn more about Oscar while also learning a bit more about themselves. Diaz’s incorporation of social issues within the Latin American culture is truly remarkable. Readers of all backgrounds have enjoyed this book along with its narrator, the famous Yunior, who appears in many of Junot Diaz’s short stories.

7. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Where would readers be without Katniss Everdeen and her selflessness to protect her younger sister? What ends up being an act of kindness, goes on to have a much larger impact on her life as well as many others. Not only did she win the hunger games and save Peeta, but she also brought forth a rebellion against the Capitol.

6. Stargirl – Jerry Spinelli

Readers fell in love with Stargirl for a reason. She was optimistic and nonconforming, but at the same time she had a big heart. Upon her arrival at Mica Area High School, people didn’t really know what to make of her free spirit and fashion choices. However, Leo is the one who goes out of his way to get to know her better. Jerry Spinelli has done a fantastic job of introducing readers to Stargirl and allowing her to steal our hearts away.

5. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

The enigma that is Jay Gatsby is uncovered in this 20s era novel as Nick Carraway tells his story. If the plot line of  Gatsby trying to woo Daisy Buchanan doesn’t draw in readers, then the Roaring Twenties setting filled with flappers, jazz, and bootleg alcohol definitely will. This classic novel is something to be truly thankful for as it tells the story of past lovers reuniting and the consequences that inevitably follow.

4. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

Where do the ducks in Central Park go in the winter? That’s one of the many questions that has stuck with readers after reading J.D. Salinger’s classic The Catcher in the Rye. If readers don’t know the name Holden Caulfield, they are clearly missing out. Not only is The Catcher in the Rye very thought-provoking, but it is also one of the greatest coming-of-age stories.

3. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” Those are the famous opening lines that carry more meaning and representation than readers would think. Lizzie Bennett was that strong female character that readers rooted for from the very beginning. She was strong minded and strong willed. She was not going to be pushed around or looked down upon by anyone, especially Mr. Darcy.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee

Whether you read it in high school or just for fun, the story of To Kill a Mockingbird has captured the hearts of many. It takes on issues and themes about racism, growing up, and being raised by a single parent. And who doesn’t love Atticus Finch?

1. Harry Potter Series – J.K. Rowling

Where would readers be if they didn’t have their favorite team of wizards? What would they do without Harry, Ron, and Hermoine? For years, eleven-year-olds all over the world have awaited their letter from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Harry Potter series has done wonders. It has introduced readers to a whole new world, while also teaching them about friendship and valuable life lessons. J.K. Rowling truly outdid herself with this series for it has become a worldwide success.
Which book or book series are you most thankful for? Sound off in the comments.