December posting meme #3

[elvenjaneite]

 ilip13 asked: What are some books that have stayed with you? Why?

 

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: A part of me is always unflyable, stuck in the climb. I actually was a hipster E. Wein fan, but CNV hit me harder than anything since my first read of A Tale of Two Cities at age 13. The way the story unfurls, the narrative structure, and above all the characters are just amazing. 

 

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery: The Blue Castle is a delightful zinger of a book that definitely rewards rereading as an adult! I first read it as a teenager and it quietly made me aware of a certain kind of longing for freedom. As a bonus: rereading The Blue Castle together was the impetus for the formation of my beloved librarian book club! <3 

 

All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor: This is the first book I remember reading about characters whose cultural background was very different from mine. I loved the everyday details of the sisters’ lives (the library! The button game! The broken cookies!) and the warmth and affection that shine out from the story. 

Comments

[jo_lasalle]

I don't read a lot of YA, but Code Name Verity also left a lasting impression on me. The structure and the reveals were so clever. (And "what to do for your fingers if you're lost at sea" has carved a very deep groove in my brain...)

[elvenjaneite]

Very fair!

[katharhino]

These are such good picks. I love all three! And Blue Castle would be one of mine too, one of those books that has sort of become part of my emotional worldview if that makes any sense.

[elvenjaneite]

Yes, it does!

[drpanda99]

I've had Code Name Verity around my bookshelf for years! I really should get around to reading it, especially if you've loved it so much! =D

Also yes for L.M. Montgomery, a classic Canadian pick! I haven't heard of The Blue Castle before and I love the books with themes around freedom and growing up and choice, so this sounds up my alley. These books sound wonderful; thank you for the recommendations! =D

[elvenjaneite]

I hope you enjoy them!