My Favorite Reads

Below you'll find some of my favorite books -- these range from books I read over three years ago, to the one I'm currently reading, A Series of Unfortunate Events. I love these books because of the story within, meaning if you're looking for a challenging read, you wont find it on this list!


A Song for Summer by Eva Ibbotson

Ellen is an 18-year-old girl who goes to the Hallendorf School in Austria, which turns out to be full of eccentric teachers and  interesting children. She finds love, of course, but war may be upon them. It has beautiful imagery and it's a wonderful way to 'get away.' 

Broken by Daniel Clay

I bought this book in Virgin Records store in Downtown Disney to read on the plane ride home, and it completely sucked me in. It's follows a young girl, Skunk Cunningham as she observes her outrageous neighborhood after the beating of Rick "Broken" Buckley by Bob Oswald, the father of five promiscuous and badly behaved daughters. 

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

This is such an enlightening classic that I think it wouldn't hurt if everyone would read it. I love Maya Angelou's sense of the world and loved this book because as someone who grew up differently than Maya Angelou, it opens my eyes a different culture and not only that, a different time in the world completely. 

666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce

Who isn't at least a little intrigued by magic and witches? I know I am! This book is about architect Jane Boyle who grew up in Paris and move to New York with the handsome Malcolm Doran after he swept her off her feet. While Jane is learning to cope with her new magical gifts, she learns Malcolm's family has something else in mind.

A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket

I bought this book a couple of weeks ago at the local indoor flea market. This one in particular holds three stories: The Bad Beginning, The Reptile Room and The Wide Window and has some illustrations by Brett Helquist. This is definitely a kid-friendly read, meaning it is so simple that I cannot wait to read it to my child at night before bed. It is quirky and intriguing, and I'm having difficulty putting it down. 

I feel the best way to explain is to quote the short note on Limony Snicket published in the book itself:

"Lemony Snicket was born before you were and is likely to die before you as well. A studied expert in rhetorical analysis, Mr. Snicket has spent the last several eras researching the travails of the Baudelaire orphans. His findings are being published serially by Harper-Collins."

Well, I hope this list has given you some ideas! Feel free to e-mail us or comment with any books you suggest.

-Julia