Top 5 Favs

Hey guys and gals!

Curious what my top five favorite books are, and/or my thoughts on those books? No? Well too bad! Here they are:

#1. The best series ever written, and the book that started it all: "Harry Potter AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE"

My review: Although this is NOT my favorite Harry Potter book (Chamber of Secrets has my heart) it is the perfect beginning to a series that means more to me than I can possibly describe. This book started a movement as surely as Tolkien did, it was the opening to a world of magic and Fantasy in our Muggle world. Nothing can top this series for me.

#2. One of the best books I have ever read: "Brave New World"

My review: What can I say about this book, except that Aldous Huxley was a genius far ahead of his time? Brilliance above brilliance. It is a book that speculates on the future of technology, genetics, addiction, humanity, and love. A reality that could very well exist, and a perception of everyday social intricacies.

This book is the culmination of a society that fools itself into thinking it is perfect. It is humanity's perception forced into a system that appears ideal, even to those who are oppressed and devalued. Gorgeously written.

#3. Father of fantasy: "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring"

My review: Gosh, I'm trying hard to keep this short. What can I say about this book that hasn't been said? These books make me hungry for bread, smoke, wood, and adventure. Not in that order. It feels like an old fable spun by an eccentric wizard who can see things you cannot and who might very well be from a time and place long forgotten.

It's a good one.

#4. A beautiful writer: "Oryx and Crake"

My review: This book is more intelligent than me—extraordinarily more.

A Dystopia that is full of Philosophy, Science, and Humanity. I love madmen and their experiences and this book just fits that bill to a T. Although the definition of a madman may be different to you than to me, it is more than an interesting read, and it will force you to reflect on life.

#5. "Neverwhere"

My review: This could very easily be my top choice, and, in fact, it certainly does rank higher than many of the others. Unfortunately, I did very little planning and simply decided on each successive book as I got around to it. Anyway, Neverwhere is a journey through a maze of reality. It is lyrically written at times, clever at others, and a fun ride in between. Anything by Neil Gaiman is brilliant, as any lover of Fantasy ought to know by now. But this one has always had a special place in my heart. Perhaps because it was my first true experience of his work. And you never forget your first Gaiman. If you haven't read any of his books yet, here is a brilliant place to start.