Kim's Bookshelf
These aren't necessarily the "best" books ever written; they're simply the books that stayed with me. Some made me laugh, some made me cry, some made me think, and a few kept me turning pages long after I should have gone to bed.
For the Little Kids
The Yellow Bus - I recommend this book to adults just as often as I recommend it to children. It made me smile, it made me cry, and when I turned the last page, it gave me that wonderful hug-the-book-to-your-chest-and-sigh feeling. That's one of the highest compliments I can give a book.
At The End of Holyrood Lane - I love how this story gently reminds us that courage doesn't mean facing our fears alone. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is ask for help.
Orris and Timble - I am a sucker for gentle stories that celebrate quiet friendship and reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can mean the world.
The Rabbit Listened - Even as adults, we need a reminder that sometimes the greatest kindness is simply being present for someone.
The Day the Crayons Quit - Who wouldn't love getting letters from their crayons? It's such a clever idea! Every crayon has its own personality, and by the time I finished reading, I couldn't help but wonder... what are my pens thinking?
Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story - This book had me smiling from beginning to end. It's full of clever jokes and puns, but what I love most is that underneath all the fun is a sweet story about friendship and finding where you belong.
The Substi-Tooth - This one made me smile. When a little boy loses his tooth at the beach, he comes up with an inventive way to make sure the Tooth Fairy still finds him. It's a sweet story about determination, creativity, and never giving up.
In the Middle
Harry Potter - Believe it or not, I didn't read Harry Potter until just a couple of years ago! I finally decided it was time to see what all the excitement was about... and completely understood why generations of readers have fallen in love with the series. It's never too late to discover a favorite.
Not for Kids
Firefly Lane, Winter Garden, & Between Sisters - If you looked at my bookshelf, you'd quickly see I'm a huge Kristin Hannah fan. Firefly Lane is my all-time favorite book because it's such a beautiful story of enduring friendship. Winter Garden and Between Sisters are two more favorites. I love how Kristin Hannah writes about hope, healing, friendship, family, resilience, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Every one of her stories has stayed with me long after I closed the book.
A Man Called Ove & Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - These two books have so much heart. Both feature protagonists who don't quite fit society's expectations, yet they become the very people you're cheering for. They reminded me that some of the most memorable characters are the ones who see the world a little differently.
The Book of Lost Friends & The Things We Cannot Say - Although both are works of fiction, they're rooted in real historical events. They're stories of desperation, hope, resilience, and survival that stayed with me long after I turned the last page.
The Midnight Library - This is one of my favorite books because I think we've all wondered, "What if?" We've all looked back and thought about the road not taken. This story reminded me that the life we're living, if we choose to embrace it, can be beautiful.
The Dresden Files - Ten years ago, I would have told you I didn't like fantasy. Then a friend convinced me to read The Dresden Files, and I was completely hooked! Who can resist a wizard who advertises in the Yellow Pages? Harry Dresden is witty, loyal, and always seems to find trouble (well... maybe it finds him). The books are packed with action, humor, and heart, and they pulled me into a genre I never expected to love.
Dungeon Crawler Carl - If someone had described this series to me, I probably would have said, "No thanks!" Thankfully, I listened to the recommendation. Carl and Princess Donut are one of my favorite duos in fiction. Honestly... who doesn't love a talking cat? The books are outrageous, hilarious, surprisingly heartfelt, and impossible to put down.
Gone Girl & The Woman in the Window - These books had me saying, "Just one more chapter!" Both are packed with suspense and unforgettable twists. In The Woman in the Window, you know something is amiss, but you just can't figure out what. Gone Girl keeps you wondering who you're supposed to be rooting for. I couldn't put either one down.