{Top Books to Read '09} MUST READS

These are the books that amazed, touched, and transformed the way I see/write and even think in some cases! So therefor MUST READS!

1. The Books of Pellinor{the Naming, The Riddle, The Crow, and The Singing}
A fantasy series by Allison Croggen said by some critics to rival Tolkin's writings! While I wouldn't take it quite that far, she is certainly one of the best fantasy writers of our time

The story follows a girl named Meared as she comes to learn she is a Bard, and not just a Bard, but also the Chosen One said to over throw Sharma{love that name, by the way}, the Dark Lord. But in order to fulfill her destiny, one which she herself is uncertain of, she must unlock the riddles that surround her past, present, and future. She must travel all over Annar in search of the answers, but in a land tearing apart from the strain of war and discord, danger lurks behind every bend of the road.

If you like fantasy, originality, danger, traveling, adventure and all the things that come with it, this book is for you! Simply amazing writing and extreme plot twists that will leave you staring at the page for ten minutes, wondering if you really read that... Even my Mum enjoyed it.
Ages 14+ for fantasy violence and plot line


2. From Baghdad, with love: A Marine, the war, and a dog named Lava
A true story written by Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman with Melinda Roth. This was a real eye-opener to the life of a solider in Iraq. Filled with the raw emotions of a Marine on duty and a ray of hope for human decency in the form of a small stray puppy.

{excerpt from inside cover} When Marines enter an abandoned house in Fallujah, Iraq, and hear a suspicious noise, they clench their weapons, edge around the corner, and prepare to open fire.
What they find during the US-led attack on the "most dangerous city on Earth", however, is not an insurgent bent on revenge, but a tiny puppy left behind when most of the city's population fled before the bombing. Despite military law that forbids the keeping of pets, the Marines de-flea the pup with kerosene, de-worm him with chewing tobacco, and fill him up on Meals Ready To Eat.
Thus begins the dramatic rescue attempt of a dog named Lava and Lava's rescue of at least one Marine, Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, from the emotional ravages of war.
From hardened Marines to war-time journalists to endangered Iraqi citizens, From Baghdad, With Love tells an unforgettable true story of an unlikely band of heroes who learn unexpected lessons about life, death, and war from a mangy little flea-ridden refugee.
Incredible read; makes me want to help the export of Marine dogs from Iraq and give them all homes.
Ages: Very mature 15+, maybe even older. Was written for adults. So, caution! For very real, slightly graphic violence, strong language, and strong emotion

3. The Hiding Place
Also a true story. By Corrie Ten Boom
Incredible story of a Dutch family who decide to hide and help Jews during WWII. Their faith in God is amazing and changed the way I see many things.
Eventually caught, Corrie and her sister, Betsey, are taken to a concentration camp in Germany, where, against all odds, they continue to bring God's word to others and grow in Him. This story proves beyond measure that no matter how dark times get, God's Light shall shine through, that He is always there and caring for His children.
An incredible story of forgiveness, faith, hope, and thankfulness, this is a book I think everyone needs to read, especially today.
Ages 13+

Like I said before, these are books that i don't just like{there would be far more} but books that changed the way I see or do things, and books I think that need to be shared. :)
Tell me if you've read one of them and what you thought! ~Gwyn