Everyone has a favorite book. Whether it's a picture story from childhood, the first chapter book you read, or a huge tome about Incan civilization between 1429 and 1503 you read in college, some volume crashed more loudly and brightly on your horizon than any other and you never forgot it.
And likely never will forget it—the books that affect us most lodge somewhere between our emotions, intellect and soul, a place not easily ignored or closed off. It's no surprise that so many books are universal favorites: beauty and wonder are universal, and it stands to reason that a book that appeals to one person on those levels will make its way into the hearts of many others.
The categories we've included here represent some of our favorites, though they have broad appeal. Half of modern literature is based on the legends of King Arthur, Jane Austen has a rabid following, and the Lord of the Rings continues to enjoy a revival despite Peter Jackson's film adaptations.
We hope you have or will experience these books and authors for yourself. Lesser-knowns like R. M. Ballantyne and G. A. Henty are ripe for rediscovery, while Anne of Green Gables has never gone out of style. We've selected series and authors that represent a Christian worldview, or at least who honor virtue, so that your family can enjoy the stories without worrying about content.
Review by C. Hollis Crossman
C. Hollis Crossman used to be a child. Now he's a husband and father who loves church, good food, and weird stuff. He might be a mythical creature, but he's definitely not a centaur. Read more of his reviews
here.
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