Over the last twenty-something years, I have probably read more than 500+ books and a few of them have stuck with me, living rent-free in my head. Some of these titles have taught me a lot about humanity and the resilience of character. Others have challenged my thoughts on human existence connection, while others I just thoroughly enjoyed.
Here are 5 of my most unforgettable Booktok hits!
- The Outsiders by S.E Hinton
Set in the 1950s, Ponyboy Curtis and his two eldest brothers are learning how to cope with the loss of their parents and a turf war brewing between the Greasers and the South Side Socs. Who will rule the town’s streets? Who’s tougher? And who will live to see the end?
I don’t think I can ever make it to the end of this without being in tears. But to be fair, I’ve cried through most of the most popular Booktok recommended reads.
2. A Child Called It by Dave Pelzer
A graphic memoir detailing the most horrific case of child abuse. Dave Pelzer recounts in graphic and horrifying detail the abuse he endured at the hands of his mother. Seriously I think about this book more often than I’d like but it is well worth the read.
3. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
This book haunts me. Written anonymously, it recounts a girl’s experience with drugs, sex abuse, and suicidal thoughts. It is harrowing. But honestly, I think reading it at an early age saved me from a lot of experiences. I mean, I also didn’t go out. I was at home reading.
4. Holes by Louis Sachar
This is one of my all-time favorite books. I was blessed to meet Louis Sachar for a book signing on the release of the sequel Small Steps at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Cincinnati, OH. I highly recommend Small Steps, as it follows the life of Armpit after his time at Camp Greenlake!
5. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
A book I was assigned to read during my sophomore year of college. A harrowing tale about human design, organ donation, and finding human purpose.
Check out more of my book lists!
2 responses to “The Top Five Most Unforgettable Books (IMO)”
I’ve read ‘Go Ask Alice, ‘Holes,’ and ‘A Child Called ‘It.” I don’t remember ‘Holes’ but I was surprised at how thoughtful and well-written his book ‘There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom’ was when I read it as an adult.
I will have to check out some of his other books. I didn’t realize he wrote so many others.