The Books We’re Most Thankful For

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Deadline: Thursday, February 22nd

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Reading the right book at the right time can change everything. It can open up new worlds, help you understand something that might not have made sense to you before, inspire you when life is difficult—maybe even change your life entirely. As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re reminded of all the things we appreciate the most—especially books!

Here are some of the books that we at Writer’s Relief are most thankful for:

 

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The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith

“The stories are full of warmth and kindness, and always cheer me up.”

 

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

“I got to experience so many magical adventures with the characters, and it instilled a strong love of reading and writing at a young age!”

 

Fans of the Impossible Life by Kate Scelsa

“I’ve always loved Young Adult, but this was the first novel I read (YA or otherwise) that had EVERYTHING I wanted in a book: down-to-earth and gritty representation of everything (race, sexual orientation, mental illness, abusive family/friend relationships, etc.); experimental narration (it alternates between first-, second-, and third-person chapters); and heartbreakingly beautiful writing.”

 

Holes by Louis Sachar

“I read it when I was around nine years old, and it was one of the first books that really enticed me and planted the seed that made me want to be a writer. So I’m definitely thankful for that.”

 

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Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

“A gorgeously written book that is evocative of a time lost to economic practicality and shifting social mores, as well as an incisive exploration of religion and class in pre-War England. It’s the only book I make a point of reading every year, and it’s always like visiting an old friend.”

 

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Born on a Rotten Day by Hazel Dixon-Cooper

“It offers a funny/borderline raunchy take on astrology and allows me to use my sign as an excuse for my behavior.”

 

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On the Road by Jack Kerouac

“It lays claim to honor ‘the free spirit’ even in oppressive times.”

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The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman

“It’s the first book I read by Alice Hoffman, who has been one of my favorite authors since. I’m thankful for all of her books (and am eagerly anticipating her new release next month), but this particular story of love, tragedy, courage, pain, and strength, mixed with a dose of magical realism, is a wonderful read.”

 

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Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neal Hurston

“I’m thankful for this quote: ‘mourning oughtn’t tuh last longer’n grief,’ because it reminds me that I am not in control of every circumstance and trial that is presented to me, and that letting go is essential to moving forward.”

 

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Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

“This book introduced me to the whimsical, yet critical, world of Vonnegut. For me, the appeal is in the way Vonnegut takes our confusing and divisive habits as humans and gives us something to laugh about. This book holds a special place in my heart for its zany charm and sharp critique.”

 

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The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis

“I’m thankful for this book because the description of Aslan singing Narnia into existence fills me with joy every time I read it.”

 

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The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

“This book has an epic cast of characters that you become enchanted with. A war rages across the Shattered Plains with ten high princes fighting separately for wealth. The main characters are a soldier who’s now a slave, a girl trying to return her family’s wealth, and a lord who’s on the brink of madness. The novel is told from different perspectives and the settings are in-depth and immense. Brandon Sanderson has a way of making a dense novel feel like a non-stop action ride.”

 

A Death in the Family by James Agee

“I read it the year I lost two grandparents.”

 

The Book of Virtues edited by William J. Bennett

“I received this book for Christmas when I was in my single digits, and I specifically remember one story: ‘The King and His Hawk.’ Genghis Khan and his favorite hawk find a trickle of water coming from a spring, and each time he goes to drink it, the hawk knocks away his cup. Khan kills the hawk the fourth time this happens, but soon discovers a dead, poisonous snake lying in the water’s source. The story and its moral have stuck with me since then. ‘I have learned a sad lesson today, and that is, never to do anything in anger.’ ”

 

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Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

“I grew up loving the book and still go back to read it as an adult. It’s incredibly refreshing to read for the incredibly imaginative world and characters. Additionally, growing up it was inspiring to read about a young protagonist taking control of her life and mastering the world she entered.”

 

Let us know which book you’re most thankful for in the comments!

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1 Comment

  1. rodney burke

    One of my favorites is Roget’s. It’s been a great help as I grow older and expand my vocabulary. Also the Perry Mason Series by Earl Stanley Gardner and the Shell Scott books by Richard S. Prather.

    Reply

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