Lately I've been on a little kick revisiting some of my favorite novels. Reading other author's beautiful words sets my imagination crack-a-lackin'! Here are my favorite 5 amazing novels to read, and a few quotes from each. Just a little taste!
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand
The Fountainhead emphasizes themes of Ayn Rand's philosophy, Objectivism. But, even if you're not into the philosophy, the novel is full of vivid, multi-dimensional characters. Protagonist Howard Roark is excellently drawn, and as much as you may disagree with his methods, it's hard not to root for him to win!
Favorite Quotes from The Fountainhead
- If you want my advice, Peter, you've made a mistake already. By asking me. By asking anyone. Never ask people. Not about your work. Don't you know what you want?
- Don't worry. They're all against me. But I have one advantage: they don't know what they want. I do.
- To say "I love you," one must first know how to say the "I."
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Where the Red Fern Grows doesn't have the heavy philosophical overtone of the previous novel, but boy, does it pack an emotional punch. On the surface, this is just a simple story of a boy and his dogs. But when you dig deeper, you see themes of honesty, loyalty, compassion, and strength of character.
Favorite Quotes from Where the Red Fern Grows
- There is a little good in all evil.
- It's strange indeed how memories can lie dormant in a man's mind for so many years. Yet, those memories can be awakened and brought forth fresh and new, just by something you've seen, or something you've heard, or the sight of an old familiar face.
- People have been trying to understand dogs since the beginning of time. One never knows what they'll do. You can read every day where a dog saved the life of a drowning child, or lay down his life for his master. Some people call this loyalty. I don't. I may be wrong, but I call it love -- the deepest kind of love.
We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates
We Were the Mulvaneys is a somber novel following the tragic demise of a "perfect" family after one of the children is raped. Though not exactly a fun read, this book will grip you like no other. It was published in 1996, and was a feature on Oprah's Book Club.
Favorite Quotes from We Were the Mulvaneys
- In that way you recall, suddenly, sharply, in daylight, a trace of a dream of the previous night -- but even as you recall it, it begins to fade.
- Did you know, Marianne: how by breaking the code that day, you broke it forever? For us all?
- It simply fell from him, like a heavy overcoat he'd shrugged off, no longer needing its warmth or bulk to protect him.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Bel Canto is a PENN/Faulkner Award winner. This novel is the fascinating fictional account of a birthday party held hostage by terrorists. It speaks to the unshakable bonds we humans have to each other.
Favorite Quotes from Bel Canto
- It was never the right time or it was always the right time, depending on how you looked at it.
- It makes you wonder. All the brilliant things we might have done with our lives if only we suspected we knew how.
- Love was action. It came to you. It was not a choice.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Giver is a 1993 children's novel. But even adults can take something away from this dystopian / utopian world. It challenges the reader to think, "How much is too much in trying to remove risk from our lives?"
Favorite Quotes from The Giver
- I feel sorry for anyone who is in a place where he feels strange and stupid.
- There was nothing left to do but continue.
- Of course they needed to care. It was the meaning of everything.
I hope you all enjoy these novels as much as I did!
-S