CPL's Book a Week Challenge discussion

Let's talk about our ultimate favorite books- the ones you reread, the ones that stick with you long after they are finished, the ones that bring you comfort. What are your favorite books? Do you know what makes them your favorite?

I can narrow my favorites to 10 books (I know, shocking for a bookworm). We all know I am a huge Tolkien fan. I try and reread the 5 books every year- Silmarillion, The Hobit, and The Lord of the Rings. I love how immersive Tolkien's writing is; I get carried away to Middle-Earth every time. He also has such a way of balancing the pain and sadness with hope. I'm actually starting my reread now and they are for me the perfect antidote to the current world.

Also on the list of ultimate favorites are Pride and Prejudice (the one that started my love of classics and the best romance ever), Crown Duel (if only I was half as brave as Mel), The Count of Monte Cristo (revenge, conspiracy, romance, this literally has it all), A Countess Below Stairs (this book is just so full of hope; we all need to be like Anna), and Carry On (this book just makes me happy).

What are your ultimate favorites? Tell us about them!

My favorite books. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: adventure, mountains, beautiful writing, mountains, courage, conflict, humor, mountains (very important for someone who grew up in Florida), and a surprising amount of hope for a book whose ultimate theme is death.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice- great book, smart, witty, great setting and time, and come on, it's got Sherlock Holmes(!).

Mercedes Lackey's Valdemar books- characters with and without magic trying to find their place in the world and be who they are.

Dorothy L. Sayers' Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries (especially the ones with Harriet Vane)- smart, witty, with an incredible sense of place and time.

Elizabeth Peters' Amelia Peabody mysteries- I love that family (and who doesn't love the title The Last Camel Died at Noon?)

I forgot Harry Potter! Just shows how discombobulated I was this morning.

My favorite book of all time is Animal Farm by George Orwell.