My Top 10 Favorite Books

The following is a list of my top 10 favorite fiction books. This list  is based only on the books that I have read. This may change if in the future I'd read something really remarkable.

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

I love this book because it is very refreshing. I can easily  relate to Santiago because I too had a dream once.
But somewhere along the way, I kind of allowed myself to loose it. Sometimes I just kind of drift along with life. This book encouraged me to recapture that dream.

Even if I'm “not there” yet, every now and then I look back on my experiences, and I can say that I am grateful for those, regardless of whether it was good or bad. I feel like I'm a better person for it broadened my horizons and I am more open minded about things and people. I will definitely  remember this literary piece once I've come full circle.

                                                           

2. The Fires of Spring by James Michener

A rags to riches story that tugs the heartstrings. David's story is heartwarming as can be. I wept with him on his misfortunes and cheered for him in his moments of triumph.

3. Chesapeake by James Michener

This is  historical novel spanning a 400 years- from the native Indians who originally inhabited the area to the modern Watergate era. I've learned so much about southern history from this book. The characters are so colorful you can't help but feel what they are feeling. Also the way the landscape is painted is so vivid that you'll be transported back in time while reading it. Its the thickest book that I've read by far. The book was over a thousand pages, but its definitely worth my time.

4. Cider House Rules by John Irving

The story about Homer, an orphan boy, just broke my heart. The story teaches us that no matter how much we wander, in the end, the whisper of coming home is so much stronger. If something is fated for you, you cannot escape it. A movie was made based on this book starring Michael Caine, Tobey Mcguire and Charlize Theron. It was a generally good movie, however the subplots which were omitted were just too important for me to miss.

5. The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

This book contains nuggets of wisdom I can apply in my everyday life, in order to be a better person. It oozes with positivity and urged readers to take action towards goal fulfillment. It encourages to move forward no matter what, while picking up lessons that are thrown at you along the way. It teaches us to acknowledge the things – good or bad – that comes into our lives to be a better you. The line remained stuck in my head goes like, “I will love the sun for it warms my bones, yet I will love the rain for it cleanses your spirit”.

6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

One has to take a grain of salt when reading this. Just keep in mind that this is a work of fiction, so don't let the story get into your head too much. Still this book lets you in the world of art, and there's a lot to learn. I became familiar of the names of the replica paintings I see in the street, and made me see the differences in the details. Tom Hanks starred in the movie version, but usually I liked to get into the character's brain which can be found, or is clearer only in the book.

7. Airport by Arthur Hailey

Its a story about different airport personnel and their rather important roles in trying to work together to keep an airport running for millions of travelers. It depicts how how each character struggled to cope with  the stressful environment of one of the world's busiest airport while dealing with their personal issues on the side. There was a movie made based on this book, but I haven't watched it though.

. The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy

Right after reading this book, I felt like I was just released from some magical spell. You wouldn't notice when that spell was cast, because you were taken in so gradually, page by page, until you're in the midst with the characters. And Conroy has a knack of putting humor in the saddest times of his character's lives. This one was made into a movie too, starring Nick Nolte and Barbra Streisand.

9. The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter de Jonge

I think this one is not the typical James Patterson work. Even if the plot isn kind of heavy, the way its presented is a little bit toned down. Probably because of Peter? I haven't read any of Peter's works other the one also collaborated with James, the Beach Road. Despite the crime storyline, its an enjoyable read.

10. Zoya by Danielle Steele

Though a little bit too dramatic- which is the usual staple of most Danielle Steele books- this speaks volumes of the strength of the human heart. This is one hell of an emotional ride as you are taken to Zoya's highs and lows in life.