Since most readers tend to also be writers (or people who aspire to write a book someday), I think we all know that wonderful, indescribable feeling of finishing a book that makes you think: Wow. I wish I could write something like that. For me, those are my favorite kind of books. Every reader has different tastes. I find historical fiction the most powerful genre and the genre that most encapsulates the essence of storytelling (wow, dramatic/poetic enough there, Emily? 😉 ), so every book on this list is historical.

#1: THE HELP by Kathryn Stockett

Confession: I saw the movie before I read the book. (How very unbookworm of me, right?) I read The Help in January and I can’t even begin to tell you how much I loved it! Besides the fact that the main character is quirky and bookish and a writer (every character under that description is a kindred spirit to me), this book is a perfect example of how heavy emotion should meet comedy. A Joss Whedon quotes goes: “Make it dark. Make it grim. Make it tough. But then, for the love of God, tell a joke.” Kathryn Stockett wrote a story that makes you really feel everything. Real life is never one sole feeling or mood, so why should a story be? Even where there is tragedy, there is always some humor. For fiction to be as authentic as possible, it’s important to relay that in stories.

Can we take a moment to appreciate that type writer and those glasses? (Side note: have any of you seen “La La Land” yet? I adore Emma Stone.)

#2: A CORNER OF THE UNIVERSE by Ann M. Martin

A Corner of the Universe broke my heart. I’d like to start out by saying that no Newbery Honor book has ever failed me before. If a book I ever wrote received such an award I would DIE on the spot. That’s it. You would never see or hear from me again. Bye-bye, Emily, you have written something marvelously beautiful for the world and NEWBERY HONOR gave you a shiny book medal for it and now you’re dead from the excitement.

So. Keeping that in mind, you can only imagine my undisputed love for this book. I think that having written a middle grade book that deals with mental disorders/illness is SO impressive. It deserves a million and one awards. Writing any genre that approaches those topics well is impressive, don’t get me wrong, BUT approaching them from the perspective of a child is even more so. A Corner of the Universe reminded me that characters with mental disorders should never become their disorder. (It also further reminded me how INCREDIBLE Ann M. Martin is, and if the only one of her books you’ve read is from The Babysitter’s Club, you’re missing out.)

#3: INTERRUPTED: LIFE BEYOND WORDS by Rachel Coker

When I first read Interrupted, I was in that awkward in-between age, where most middle grade books weren’t satisfying me, but finding an appropriate young adult book was a challenge. (Thankfully, this was the birth of for the bookish, so I could find other readers with the same struggle. That worked! 🙂 ) Anyway, I found myself in the Christian Family Bookstore (which is now CLOSING DOWN, how sad!) staring at an array of books with such titles as My Amish Boyfriend. I was beyond frustrated because nothing looked appealing anymore. Miraculously, I picked up Interrupted, and thank goodness for that.

What most amazes me about Rachel’s books is her ability to so seamlessly work in elements of the Christian faith in a book for young adults. And none of it comes off as cheesy, preachy, forced, or boring! I don’t know about you, but I am forever doubting myself when I try to merge my fiction with my faith (I’ve been giving it a lot of thought this week especially, having read Jonathan’s post about it), and Interrupted does just that so beautifully.

#4: SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys

Salt to the Sea follows four teenagers of different backgrounds, pasts, cultures, and personalities. Ruta Sepetys is a superb historical fiction writer, but what wowed me about Salt to the Sea is how each individual was so different. You could read one or two sentences from each chapter and know right off the bat which character was talking – even if you hadn’t read their names at the top of the page. Their voices were distinctive. When I’m writing, I often slip into a pattern of every character being too similar. Salt to the Sea gives such succinct voices and dialogue to each character. I love that!

#5: CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein

I know I’ve mentioned this numerous times on the blog, but Code Name Verity is one book that is METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED! Honestly, I’ve never read such a detailed historical fiction book before. This book felt accurate right down to the brand of socks a character might wear in the 1940s. (That was an example; I don’t recall any brand name socks being named, of course. But if there was, it was specific to the era!) Reading Code Name feels like you’re reading an autobiography rather than fiction, and I think that’s the ultimate goal in telling any story.

Which genre/book most inspires you to write? What have certain ones taught you about writing?

P.S. I’m so proud of the bookish photography in this post! Do me a favorite and pin it or tweet it or share it?? 🙂 (no shame self promo, oops.)

Officially, autumn is one day away. (I *thought* the first day was today but no, my dear friend corrected me… it is tomorrow. *sigh*) I cannot contain my excitement. My fall Pinterest board (enthusiastically titled “(Fall)ing In Love”) has been scrolled through twelve hundred times a day. I’m just a tad excited. (No one remind me that Georgia has remained a stubborn eight-six degrees. On the other hand, the trees are changing colors, leaf by leaf. POSITIVITY, people.)

Fall is my favorite season for about a billion reasons, but one of them is that I re-read a lot of my favorite childhood books this time of year. It’s something about the pumpkin-scented candles burning, the cozy feeling of sweaters and hot tea and the orange-tinged colors outside the window… I dunno. I just feel so nostalgic. 

Of course, I had to compile a list of books that fill the “Ache-For-Fall” Sized Hole In My Heart. They’re a few of my favorite childhood books that I re-read again and again… for good reason. So you should too. You’re welcome.

#1: THE MAIN STREET SERIES by Ann M. Martin

According to the nine-year-old scribblings in the front of my copy (including a “practice autograph” of one future author – keep on dreamin’ Maryanne, Emily – ha!) of the first book, I began this series in October 2010. So it’s a given for me to read this one again in the fall time. I’m a big Ann M. Martin fan (thus why you’ll see two of her series on this list) and her Main Street books will give you the warmest, most pure child-like tingles all over. The best part? There are ten books to keep you busy (be still my nine-year-old-bookworm heart.)

#2: CORNELIA AND THE AUDACIOUS ESCAPADES OF THE SOMERSET SISTERS by Lesley M.M. Blume

To be fair, I didn’t read this too long ago – only last year. I would hand it to my second or third grade self in a heartbeat, but I know I love it every bit as much as I would have then. The first chapter describes New York in all its fall glory (which does indeed sound glorious, even if I myself haven’t experienced New York in the fall. One can only glean so much from books and You’ve Got Mail.) 

Plus, the main character is a darling: a bookish eleven-year-old girl who “surrounds herself with dictionaries and other books to isolate herself from the outside world.” I think yes. As soon as you turn to page one, prepare to find yourself lost in the unimaginable escapades of the Somersets. 🙂

#3: WAITING FOR NORMAL by Leslie Connor

I can’t exactly put my finger on why Waiting for Normal has me thinking fall. Perhaps it’s the warm cover? Or the fact that the main character’s voice has such a sweet, homey sound to it? Or maybe because it’s an award-winning book, which usually equals bittersweet, which equals “curl up on the couch and cry” which equals fall. (?)

(You’ve been forewarned about the “curl up on the couch and cry” part. Waiting for Normal is one of the first books that I vividly remember gut-wrench sobbing over at ten.)

#4: THE FAMILY TREE SERIES by Ann M. Martin

I CRY. These books are my absolute FAVORITE. They follow four generations of girls: Abby growing up in the 1930s, then her daughter Dana in the 50s, Dana’s daughter Francie in the 70s, and then finally Francie’s daughter Georgia in the 90s and early 2000s. Each book is so well-written and put together. Your heart hurts, grieves, laughs, and cries along with all four girls and their families throughout each season of their lives.

I think The Family Tree series (the second book, The Long Way Home, in particular – it’s my favorite one) reminds me of fall because fall is usually a season of change. People start new jobs, attend new schools, buy new shoes… the trees change and somehow it makes everyone feel like it’s a NEW start. This series is all about change. (Honestly, I could write an entire post about these books. They’re that good.)

#5: THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

Ah, a more widely-known novel! The Book Thief is a masterpiece. If you have anything against it, I refuse to hear it. (Yes, technically speaking, as a reader I understand every book has it flaws. BUT THE BOOK THIEF HAS NONE.) Surprisingly, I had never heard of this book three years ago. (Even though at the time it was to be released in film only a few months later.) My mom found this was on sale as an e-book and, it being a WWII historical fiction, bought it for me. I was completely lost in the writing at first – and not in the “sucked into the story right away” part I talked about earlier with Cornelia. I didn’t understand a single thing that was going on. It took some pushing through to get going, but once I understood the narrator’s writing style I was HOOKED.

At twelve years old I had never read anything so beautifully or artfully written. (Now I could say that Elizabeth Wein’s Code Name Verity rivals The Book Thief for top WWII fiction, but we’re talking about The Book Thief.) I was sobbing by only the middle of book, practically DEAD by the end.

I can’t say The Book Thief has any “fall-like” attributes, but I always think about reading it at the start of September, or beginning of the school year. It certainly is a brilliant book to challenge any school-age reader (or adult reader, for that matter. I’m still biased that my parents didn’t read the book before seeing the movie. The movie is gorgeous and well-done but you’ll far more appreciate and grasp the story by reading the book, OKAY.)

“She would remind him of what the sun felt like on his skin.” – The Book Thief

What books do you read in the fall? Any that remind you of past autumns, or is there just a certain type/genre you’re drawn to this time of year? And have you read any of the above books?? TELL ALL.

P.S. If you were wondering, I totally hid behind a bookshelf to get a photo of the little girl in the featured image. She’s just chillin’ in a bookstore in her precious dress, reading a book. 😀 (My future children will have so many photos of them in bookstores, ha!)

Hey, bookworms! It feels like forever ago since I last talked to you. (I’ve been saying that a lot lately, haven’t I?) Of course, there was my workshop recap just a few days ago, but I haven’t been very active in the comment section. Since I’ve been seeing this list floating around both on the book blog community and booktube, I decided to give it a go. These types of “about me” posts are lots of fun. I love getting to know you and see what we’ve got in common in the comments.

1. I’ve been a bookworm since I was little – I couldn’t get enough of those picture books! I should thank my parents for that, because they’re both avid readers themselves and have always supplied me with lots of books.

2. I’ve only recently gotten into audio books, but now I’m addicted. I listen to them all. the. time. (Folding laundry, taking a shower, making my bed — basically anything that requires the usage of both of my hands.) 🙂

3. Historical fiction is my favorite genre. (Ever since I read Kit Kittredge in ’08.)

4. I prefer book covers with no photo; simply a gorgeous font and illustrations and/or curly-cues surrounding the title. Or something simple, like an outline of a photo or a pretty color background.

5. I’m a book sniffing addict. I don’t smell books in public anymore, however, because I got teased as a young child for it. But really. The scent of books? *melts*

6. I love the idea of used or old books books. How many owners had this book before me? Where was it originally sold? Why was it given away? Who scribbled in crayon on the front page? Is the spine worn because it was loved? Was it taken on vacation? Who dog-eared the pages? They’re just neat.

7. Ruta Sepetys, Rachel Coker, Elizabeth Wein, Morgan Matson, and Marie Rutkoski are my current favorite authors. (I’ve been lucky enough to meet two of them!)

8. I’ve attended two author signings: Kiera Cass in May 2015 and Morgan Matson in July 2016.

9. There’s an independent bookstore in my family’s favorite vacation spot in Florida called The Hidden Lantern Bookstore. It’s my favorite!

10. My favorite book-to-movie adaptation is The Book Thief. The producers did such a wonderful, beautiful job of bringing the story to life – in keeping with the same unique tone Markus Zusak wrote in the book.

11. I own around three hundred books.

12. It is my DREAM to own an independent bookshop someday. (I’ve got the location picked out and everything.) I’d love to major in some sort of writing degree and minor in a business degree to work towards that little fantasy of mine. 🙂

13. I love reading aloud.

14. My favorite place to read is on my front porch during a thunderstorm. Otherwise, I love curling up near a window. Natural lighting is key.

15. If I’m already well-into and absorbed in a story, I can zone out any sound around me. It’s a gift.

16. I send fan mail to authors all the time. The first author I admired enough to write to was David A. Adler, author of the Cam Jansen Mysteries, in the first grade. I got a personalized email back! (Unfortunately I never printed the email, and for the life of me I can’t track it down.) Seven-year-old Emily was over the moon. (And told all her friends about it at school.) (To be perfectly honest, seven-year-old and fourteen-year-old Emily haven’t changed much at all.) 😀

17. My favorite fictional character is Maxon Schreave. I don’t think people believe me when I say I’m emotionally attached to this boy.

18. I would certainly call myself an advocate for physical books… but I’m a big fan of my Kindle Paperwhite. (Speaking of, bookbub.com is basically my favorite thing ever. It sends you weekly emails with allllll the e-book steals for your favorite genres – from $3 to free books.)

19. I frequently spill things on my books. By this I mean: I love FOOOOD. I love snacking and reading. So food + books = often messy. I once dropped a cream cheese pie on my hardback copy of Winter by Marissa Meyer. It still smells vaguely of spoiled milk. (I’m clumsy in general, so I probably shouldn’t eat near books, but it’s a habit I refuse to give up.)

“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.” – C.S. Lewis

20. I came up with my blog name whilst brainstorming cute bookshop names. (For that dream of mine, remember? Since then it’s been decided it will either be called Wonderland Books or The Shop Around the Corner.) (Spot that reference, dahling.)

21. I so adore recommending books to people. I try to recommend ones based on what I think the individual would like, and I’m proud to report I’ve converted several friends and family members into book devourers. (Hush devourers is too a word.)

22. The most prized books on my shelf would be Interrupted: a Life Beyond Words by Rachel Coker (personally signed with one of my favorite inscriptions that I’ve gotten) and three of my great-grandmother’s old books I was given. (One dated as far as 1927 in the front, which is so cool. An eighty-nine year old book is pretty amazing.)

23. My favorite part about browsing a bookstore is stroking the spines of books I’ve already read. It’s like saying hello to all of my old friends. It’s also nice to think that they’re there for everyone else to pick up on a whim and love them as much as I do.

24. I take a book with me wherever I go. Even if I’ve loaded a kindle or audio book onto my phone – I never leave the house unprepared.

25. This is quirky, but I pay a lot of attention to the fonts in books. I love love love the font used in Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. (and the paper and cover and dedication page and story and EVERYTHING in that book. it’s the reason for the teardrops on my pillow. READ IT.)

YOUR turn! Do you dare eat while reading? How many books do you own? What’s your favorite genre, above all others? And if your house was on fire and you could take one book off your shelf, which prized copy would it be? I’m dying to know. (ha. dying. because if my house was on fire then i might actually be dying to know… heh. heh.)

 

 

 

P.S. Do take a moment to appreciate my featured image because I am SO PROUD OF IT. The furry thing in the front would be my dear desk buddy Mittens. (Also ignore my messy desk with tape and hair ties and pens and other such writerly things.)

1. (Sometime in the wee hours of the morning.) too early. this light — what IS THIS LIGHT. Go away light.

2. *gasps* THAT CHAPTER. where-?

3. My bookmark is missing, where’s my bookmark, where was I, what

4. Oh, on the floor. Along with the book.

5. I must have fallen asleep reading it and

6. CINDER & KAI OH MAH LORDY

7. Oh, wrong book.

8. I meant: FOUR & TRIS NO.

9. Oh oh oh OH. WRONG SHIP AGAIN.

10. Okay where was I.

11. Have to update on Goodreads: I SMELL TROUBLE

12. *opens app* No. No, no, it can’t be this late already. Nooo.

13. Ugggghhh not school.

14. I mean, I know how to sneak past an out-of-control government with an apple alone if I had to.

15. or stab a guy in the eye with a butter knife.

16. or program an Iko.

17. WHY SCHOOL why.

18. Okay, math.

19. Oh a text message from my bookworm buddy!

20. “Have… to… do… school. Ugh-” 

21. New message: “OMG I just finished that book you told me about and blahblahblah AHHH SO GOOD.”

22. “KFKYFYAE:OL&%HJH WHAT’D I SAY. What did you think of this part – and that – and then the – AHH SO GOOD.”

23. Oh, darn you Algebra.

24. I need a Jess to help me out here. Didn’t she take pre-calculus or some big class in middle school or something?

25. This sucks.

26. Ooh, lunch break.

27. Lemme just —

28. Let’s see if I can –

29. Ugh no reading and eating simultaneously never gets easier.

30. NO SPAGHETTI SAUCE ON THE PAGE.

31. Life as we know it is over.

32. Okay English class! This is good.

33. I mean obvs my vocab is superb from those 100 books I read last year

34. Look Charles I don’t speak English

35. What is this Dickens dude talking about?!!

36. Alrighty so he’s no Sarah Dessen

37. sigh.

38. At least it counts to my Goodreads reading goal.

39. Okay new break: let’s bloooog.

40. Ooh new comment!

41. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh…

42. WHAT. She didn’t LIKE that book?!

43. ohhhhhh no she didn’t.

44. I can’t talk to her. no no no way.

45. Let’s watch a booktuber.

46. Oh, great, another ARC I DON’T HAVE.

47. Grandma, grandpa, mom, dad, cousin, aunt, uncle, FOURTH COUSIN OF MY MOM’S SISTER’S DOG’S NEIGHBOR?

48. Um, mind if I enter you in this giveaway? for a book?

49. Just, um, tell me if I – I mean you – I mean me – win. Just send it to my address, okay?

50. I didn’t win.

51. I WON THIS OTHER BOOK.

52. Oh. Of course it’s the sequel to the book I haven’t even read yet and now I have to buy it.

53. OMG THAT BOOK’S GONNA BE A MOVIE

54. omg that book’s gonna be a movie

55. in German.

56. MOM why am I learning Latin and not GERMAN. What is wrong with you woman.

57. New email from bookworm buddy 1001: Have you read {insert popular book EVERY PERSON ON THE PLANET has read}???

58. No no I have not.

59. Thanks for being the 1,000,000th person to ask. you’re cool like that.

60. DONE WITH SCHOOL.

61. Dad dad dad will you drive me to the library? YAY thanks daddy love you.

62. Why can’t I drive yet.

63. Omg I have 14 books on hold shoot

64. I’m gonna need a bag… or two…

65. Hi librarians! You’re so sweet.

66. I’m going to be such an awesome old lady librarian like them someday.

67. oh my gosh. oh my gosh. Does that girl have THAT book?

68. Should I tell her how good it is?

69. Should I tell her I met the author?

70. Should I tell her I cried in that end scene?

71. Oh no.

72. She’s –

73. Is that chocolate on the cover jacket there?

74. I mean I hope it’s not something else.

75. She’s still checking it out though. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

76. “I-”

77. She didn’t hear me.

78. She’s leaving.

79. Chicken.

80. “Hi, yes, all those books are for me, no I loved that one, oh yeah that one’s overdue, I’m also checking this one out and this one is to return and no I don’t owe any fines”

81. *phone ringing*

82. I BROKE THE RUUUULE.

83. almost done dad. 

84. I DIDN’T KNOW I HAD THAT BOOK.

85. (Back outside) “DAD CAN I READ TO YOU WHAT THIS ONE’S ABOUT”

86. {Resigned, boring} “Sure”

87. “OKAY HERE GOES: blahblahblahblah DOESN’T IT SOUND COOL?”

88. “Mmm, yeah.”

89. Forget you.

90. BROOKE has read it, anyway.

91. She says it’s good.

92. If she says it it has to be true.

93.*begins reading*

94. Holy canoly what purpose in life have I had prior to reading this book?

95. *gets out of car*

96. (nine hours later)

97. It’s midnight.

98. Should probably stop now…

99. Forty-three pages left.

I have a love/hate relationship with book-to-movie adaptions. Sometimes they’re the best thing to have happened since man landed on moon (because they’re OUT OF THIS WORLD HAHAHA) and sometimes they’re the worst thing to happen since squirtable cheese. (But really: cheese in a can. Why?) (Assuming no one who follows my blog has a thing for cheese in a can. No offense, of course.)

But if the following books were turned into films as perfectly as I wanted them… YES. I would be the first in line to buy in tickets. I would be sitting outside the theater for months because these books are epic already. Putting them on a screen with physical people and thrilling theme songs?

the winner’s trilogy by marie rutkoski

This is the latest on the list (I’ve only read them two or three weeks ago) but I am absolutely infatuated with everything about these books! The books are action-packed and romantic, but they also explore somewhat taboo topics. The setting was inspired by the Greco-Roman period, so think slaves and villains and horses and ballgowns. Also: the main character can’t fight. She’s not a Katniss Everdeen or Tris Prior; she’s feminine but still a highly skilled strategist and very sneaky. I love that! I could relate for once. (So here’s to the girls whose primary exercise is carrying towering stacks of books.)

The book trailer alone is so fantastic, can you IMAGINE a movie trailer?!

It also feels historical, which I LOVE. I mean, I can enjoy a dystopian or sci-fi just as much as the next girl, but historical-like books or ones with a medieval feel give me life! All that to say: this book is different, but every bit as captivating as the newest trend in YA and Hollywood. (I also would not protest to seeing the gorgeous gowns featured in the movie.)

super proud of that picture! ^_^

finding audrey by sophie kinsella

I had to close my eyes and imagine this one, but now I can easily see it as a cute film I’d go see. The thing about this one that’s different is it’s not just a “cute book” or film. This story deals with anxiety and social issues and depression. But the talent of Sophie Kinsella is that she managed to combine all of that with humor! The book had me laughing so hard, at Audrey’s hilarious family and her adorable love interest. I think it could be the perfect movie for a girls’ night: a good laugh, a good cry, cute boy, and that girl-power inspiration that leaves you feeling great.

the selection series by kiera cass

The more books I read and the more time that passes since having read these books (almost two years) the more I realize that the books themselves do have some flaws. THAT SAID… I unashamedly adore them. They get a bad wrap in the book world for being cliche or cheesy and whatnot but sometimes you just need a book like that to lighten things up! The boys in this book are sooo fictional (translation: sheer perfection), the clothes would be fab (excuse the fashionista side of me showing, oopsie-daisy), the plot continues to thicken… there are tougher, more emotional parts of the story (The Elite had me sobbing: it’s my favorite) but I also loved all the relationships! Marlee and America and all the girls Mer connects with… GAHHH it would just make an epic movie!

(pssssst. and guess what? it’s being considered to be a movie, YESSS. More info about it can be found here. Keeping my fingers crossed!)

Of course I’m also not gonna pass up the chance to take a picture of my white book when our entire yard is white. Snow, you make every picture look 100 times more beautiful. 

the lunar chronicles by marissa meyer

I see space ships and so many ships (hahaha get it??!) and epic sets and scenery and a killer actor as the evil Queen Lavana (I see Julia Roberts… she rocked it as the evil queen in Mirror, Mirror! Or Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, though I haven’t seen that one. They’re just great for evil queen roles! Anyone else??) and SO MUCH ACTION and bloodshed and plague and intrigue and a whole crew of famous actors. The friendships and relationships in this series are the best part, I think! What Marissa Meyer did well was incorporate SO many people and perspectives and still manage to make the books make sense. So if this were to be turned into a movie, I would want a cast of well-known actors to excite a TON of fans. (Plus how fun would behind-the-scenes videos be with that crew be?!) And I’d need a part two and three and four because these books cover SO much. THE FEELS AHHHHH.

interrupted by rachel coker

I see this being something like the hallmark movie, The Lost Valentine (which is MY GO-TO romantic, “I just wanna have a good cry” movie. EVERY DANG TIME PEOPLE.) Also: maybe produced by Pure Flix or Hallmark. I love the focus on not just the romance or WWII (though both are perfection) but the main character’s faith, and her struggle with Christianity. Annnnd… okay, the romance too. (Have you MET Sam Carroll?!) This book has everything: romance, faith, tears, plot… and it’s historical fiction! Set during WWII, nonetheless. I would cry if I found out it was being made into a movie. And WHY it doesn’t have a billion awards, I can’t seem to figure out. This book is a hidden masterpiece!

code name verity by elizabeth wein

Here’s another WWII historical fiction (because WWII ones are my favorites!) that has so much possibility. It reminded me a bit of the movie Unbroken (which is intense… but amazing, and based on a true story!) because our protagonist is a pilot who ends up in a Nazi imprisonment camp. Except what I adore about Code Name Verity is the main character – whose name isn’t revealed until the end, so we’ll call her Verity – is female, and there isn’t any romance in this book! (*gasp* A young adult book with no romance?! But what young adult would read that?!) This is a story about best friends and how they met, and Verity’s story as a British spy. It’s a Holocaust story but it’s not just this period in history that touches you at the end. The story itself is brilliantly plotted, and every word is well-researched and stunning. I would love to see that translated on the big screen.

have you read any of these books? would you like to see them as movies? and do you have any to add to the list?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Emily, Blogger of For the Bookish, is a romantic. And also that there two days until Valentine’s Day. Which, for Emily, means chocolate and her plans to watch romantic movies. (Because Emily is 14 and right now, it’s satisfying enough to read or watch about adorable peoples. But someday she hopes to spend Valentine’s Day with someone. Or, you know, she could stick to fictional boys and cats – because they’re so much better. She’s not picky.)

In honor of Valentine’s Day this Sunday, I (that would be Emily, who is referring to herself in 1st person now) have compiled a list of my favorite swoon-worthy characters. There are a LOT, I’ll have you know. It was tough narrowing it down so that this post wouldn’t require a part two or three. But here I have it, so keep reading.

maxon & america from the selection series.

They’re my favorite. Kiera Cass is Master Of Writing Romance. (Kiera Cass, is, in general, Queen.) Maxon is positively adorable: dorky, sweet, and a *little* naive, but who cares?! He’s a PRINCE! And he would walk the earth for America and I just adore re-reading scenes with them when I’m missing my favorites. America is feisty and outspoken and keeps Max on his toes! They’re PERFECT.

“Break my heart. Break it a thousand times if you like. It was only ever yours to break anyway.”

And let’s also appreciate how beautiful the dresses on the cover are. 

kestrel & arin from the winner’s trilogy.

These beautiful characters are the newest on the list. (And, as such, the current subject of my obsessions.) They have a forbidden love, but not “my dad hates you so” kind of teenager-y thing. OH NO. Arin is a slave, and Kestrel is his master. This isn’t a historical fiction – it’s sort of a world of its own. When their people go to war? It gets kind of crazy. But I basically live for Kestrel & Arin moments because they’re filled with sweetsweetsweet.

“Arin smiled. It was a true smile, which let her know that all the others he had given her were not.”

audrey & linus from finding audrey.

CONTEMPORARY. Contemporary teenage madness, which I’m usually not a fan of (I’m picky about this genre) but Audrey and Linus are so naive and innocent and I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. That’s all I really have to say. It’s a cutesie teenage thing; super light and ALL FLUFF (yay for the fluff!) but I’ll enjoy it anyway. Don’t judge.

rudy & leisel from the book thief.

This book is far from a romance book; it’s a powerful Holocaust story. But Rudy and Leisel are such loyal and steadfast friends, and… I… can’t say anything else. I’m gonna start crying. I SHIP IT OKAY?!

“Kiss me, Rudy! Rudy, kiss me!”

gabe & sophie from the fairest beauty.

This is my favorite book in Melanie Dickerson’s Hagenheim series because I think it’s her most well-written romance. Gabe is so protective over Sophie and it’s also the most action-packed of Melanie Dickerson’s. (At least I think so.) And I’m also a tad biased because I think Gabe and Sophie are the cutest names for a couple. (Just sayin’.)

who are your favorite fictional couples? (one true pairings – otps – if you will!) 🙂 happy early valentine’s day bookworms!

I have a confession to make: sometimes – only sometimes! – I prefer movies over books. It’s a rainy afternoon and I know I ought to make myself some hot chocolate or tea or something of the sort and sit down and RELISH the amazing bookish afternoon, but but but… I don’t. (GASP.) Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a movie, you know?

So I have compiled a list. This list is the list of my favorite bookish movies. Some of them are book-to-movie adaptions and some are simply books that involve a bookworm protagonist or author, etc. I’m here to help you in case you are having trouble coming to terms with the fact that our poor bookworm eyes can’t always focus on words. (It’s a shame, really, I know.)

*Note: there are many movies (such as… The Giver or Divergent) that aren’t always rainy-day preferred for me. On rainy days I like funny, sad, more bookish movies as opposed to book-to-movie adaptions that involve more action. So bear that in mind while reading. 🙂 There are book-turned-movie films that I enjoy just as much, but these are the ones I’d be in the mood for on a chilly, rainy afternoon.

(Think this is the prettiest GIF I’ve ever seen.) 

becoming jane.

AHHHH JANE AUSTEN. My love for her has only grown within the past four years. I love her books (well, the one I have read, and the others I’ve seen films for – I really need to change that GRR) and I was fascinated by her own life even before that. This movie isn’t 100% accurate on her life, though it is a possibility, as many historians believe she was involved with a Mr. Tom Lefroy. Plus, if you compare the actors (Anne Hathaway and James McAvoy – YESSS) to the actual pictures of Lefroy and Austen, it’s spot-on! (This makes me happy.) Oh and you may recognize McAvoy from another book-to-move adaption: The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe? Mr. Tumnus anyone? (He’s… better-looking in this one, I promise.) XD

miss potter.

Do you know the story behind the famous Miss Beatrix Potter and her little Peter Rabbit?? Do you? DO YOU?? I bet you don’t. (And if you do, go you.) I actually haven’t seen this one in a while, but my goodness the tears. THE TEARS. Grab a box of tissues, some chocolate, and settle in for this adorable story. I’m seriously considering naming my daughter Beatrix one day. (And my son Peter, wouldn’t that be adorable?? BOOKWORM NAMES YES.)

the book thief.

This book is a ten star out of five for me. I feel like it’s something absolutely everyone can enjoy: young, old, boy, girl, whoever you are. YOU NEED TO READ IT OK. And then after you’ve read it, go watch the movie. Of course, there are flaws (that is to say, it’s not a six-hour EXACT replica of the book in movie-form) BUT it is amazingly well-done for a book-to-movie adaption. I read the book a little over two years ago and I reeealllly need to give it a re-read. I was just stunned by Markus Zusak’s perspective and narration. The writing was pure poetry. (Confusing at first, but so is the movie. Even the narration was translated well, I think.)

(As an added bonus: my favorite Emily Watson plays in both Miss Potter and The Book Thief. I like her for her name, of course.) (*Not Emma Watson, even though she’s cool too. Because that’s what Google keeps thinking I mean.)

austenland.

Hilarity and romance. My biggest weakness. (Romantic comedies aren’t the best book genre for me, but 100% for these in movies.) I recently reviewed this book (here) and… to be perfectly honest? … I kind of liked the movie better than the book!! I mean, it’s just even better that Jennifer Coolidge and Jane Seymour star alongside several others. (One of which my favorite actor from a loved movie, Leap Year, which isn’t book-related but plenty cute.) Just… prepare to roll on the floor laughing, alright?!

what are your rainy-day bookish movies?? (i know for sure you’ll remind me of some i missed, so i’d like to hear from you!)