I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

Around ten years ago, when I began delving into reading more seriously and keeping track of the books I read, I came across most of the books on this list. It's worth noting that my ratings may seem a bit skewed, as not all of them are rated with the highest five-star rating. This is because I have specific criteria for my ratings. Even if a book deeply moved me and evoked strong emotions, if I didn't find the writing style or storyline compelling enough, it could still receive a four-star rating. On the other hand, there are books I've given five stars to that I can't recall what initially appealed to me. Ratings, in my opinion, are subjective, and I acknowledge that I can't always be completely logical or critical when assigning them. Naturally, I have my biases towards certain genres or tropes. 

Out of the 343 books on my shelf, I have selected 15 that have earned either a five-star or four-star rating. These books represent the cream of the crop, so to speak, and truly reflects my personal taste in literature. 

Let me now introduce you to the top five books on my list. These are the ones that immediately come to mind whenever someone asks me for a favorite book.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

The allure of the English people and countryside has always captivated me, and this book beautifully captures that essence. The characters lead a romanticized existence, exemplified by the Mortmain family residing in a dilapidated castle while still embracing a seemingly carefree lifestyle. Cassie, the story's narrator, holds a special place in my heart with her strong-willed, clumsy, and loving nature. She endeavors to fix everything, from her father's writer's block to her sister's love life. Above all, this book portrays Cassie's journey from adolescence to womanhood, as she gradually discovers the joys and complexities of falling in love for the first time.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

Within this book, numerous interconnected stories unfold, featuring two primary narrators: Leo, a solitary 80-year-old man, and Alma, a 15-year-old girl who grapples with the recent loss of her father. Witnessing her mother's silent anguish inspires Alma to embark on a mission to mend her mother's life. Thus, she embarks on a quest to find Alma, her namesake, who also happens to be Leo's first and last love. The masterful skill with which Krauss intertwines these narratives is truly remarkable. The resulting tapestry is intricate, evoking a sense of sadness and profound emotion. Leo's struggles resonated deeply with me, as I empathized with his fear of fading into obscurity and being forgotten. His story moved me to tears, and I felt a deep connection with his sentiments.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple

This book has captured my heart with its delightful humor and distinctiveness. I have yet to encounter any women's fiction outside the realm of romance that exudes such an enjoyable and idiosyncratic vibe. The story unfolds through the eyes of Bee, a 15-year-old narrator, whose mother mysteriously vanishes following a catastrophic incident in their neighborhood. Determined to locate her mother, Bee embarks on a journey that uncovers a multitude of revelations from her mother's past. As Bee delves deeper, she comes to realize the true extent of her mother's architectural talents and the sacrifices she made to care for their family. It was through this process that Bee truly understood and appreciated her mother. While the plot may seem far-fetched, it possesses an undeniable charm and wit that I found immensely appealing.

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis

This book stands out in its own right; it defies the conventions of a typical revenge thriller. Within its pages lie a compelling blend of heart and grit, capable of challenging one's moral compass. Alex, a resilient young woman, is fueled by anger and self-destructive tendencies. She fiercely confronts the degradation of girls through hurtful words and rejects the objectification of young women. Alex despises the societal expectation for men to mistreat women from a young age and resents the tendency to blame women when they fall victim to predators. As a result, she fights back with unwavering determination. The intensity of Alex's anger is so all-consuming that I felt emotionally drained while reading this book. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a quote resonated with me and restored some perspective: "Violence begets violence."

The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie

The Jane Marple series holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favorite mystery series, surpassing even Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. Among the series, The Moving Finger stands out as one of the first books I delved into, despite being the fourth in terms of publication order. However, each story within the series can be enjoyed independently, so the order isn't a strict requirement. This particular installment employs the intriguing poison pen letter trope as a driving force behind the plot. The mysterious death of a woman in the quaint village of St. Mary Mead, seemingly driven to suicide after receiving one of these malicious letters, sets the stage for a captivating investigation. As is customary in Christie's works, you will be skillfully led astray, only to discover the shocking truth by the story's conclusion. What elevates this installment for me is the captivating character of Megan. Her subplot adds a charming English flair to the narrative, making it a standout element and contributing to its status as one of the best in the series.

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I have categorized the next 10 books on my list based on their shared tones and characteristics.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte ✤ Emma by Jane Austen ✤ Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster

The first category of books that I adore comprises beloved classics with young women as narrators, who possess strong wills and distinctive personalities. These remarkable characters serve as the driving force of the stories, evolving and gaining new perspectives on life as the plots unfold.
What makes these classics truly captivating is the journey of growth and self-discovery that these young women embark upon. Through their narratives, we witness their transformation, as they navigate various challenges, confront societal expectations, and forge their own paths. Their experiences allow them to develop multifaceted perspectives on life, revealing the complexities of their individual journeys.
These young women narrators offer readers an intimate glimpse into their thoughts, desires, and aspirations. Their strength and resilience serve as empowering examples, inspiring readers to embrace their own individuality and strive for personal growth. Their stories provide a valuable exploration of identity, autonomy, and the pursuit of happiness.
Moreover, these narratives often reflect the social and cultural context in which the young women live, shedding light on the constraints they face and the limitations placed upon them by their respective societies. Through their evolving perspectives, readers gain insights into broader themes of gender, class, and societal expectations.
Overall, the presence of strong-willed young women as narrators in classic literature enriches the reading experience. Their growth and development throughout the books offer a captivating and relatable journey, allowing readers to reflect on their own lives and aspirations. These narratives serve as timeless reminders of the power and resilience of young women and their ability to shape their own destinies.

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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee ✤ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon ✤ Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

In this next collection of books, we encounter child narrators delving into adult themes. I am particularly drawn to these books because they offer a unique perspective through the innocent and unfiltered voice of a child. This narrative approach provides a refreshing view of the world, allowing readers to witness complex adult themes through the lens of a young, untarnished mind.
What I find truly captivating about these narratives is the juxtaposition between the child's innocence and the profoundness of their thoughts. Children often possess a remarkable ability to observe and question the world around them, sometimes offering profound insights that adults might overlook or take for granted. This interplay between the child's innocence and their contemplation of weighty subjects adds layers of depth and complexity to the storytelling.
It is worth noting that some readers may criticize the use of child narrators in these books, perceiving it as a manipulative technique to elicit emotions from the audience. However, I personally don't share this concern. I appreciate the exploration of adult themes through the child's perspective, as it encourages readers to reflect on their own preconceived notions, challenge assumptions, and reevaluate their understanding of the world. This narrative approach invites empathy and invites us to consider different angles of complex issues.
In summary, the books featuring child narrators grappling with adult themes offer a captivating reading experience. The combination of the child's innocent viewpoint and the depth of their thoughts creates a thought-provoking and meaningful narrative. While some may be skeptical of this approach, I am genuinely drawn to and enjoy these narratives for the fresh perspective they bring and the opportunities they offer for introspection and empathy.

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The Sign of Four by Arthur Conan Doyle ✤ The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin ✤ The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino ✤ Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

And to conclude, I would like to highlight the books in my favorite genre - Mystery. Regardless of whether it falls into the category of a classic, a middle-grade book, a contemporary fiction, or even incorporates paranormal and urban fantasy elements, I am always drawn to mystery novels. Reading a mystery book feels like engaging in a captivating puzzle, where I eagerly attempt to unravel the intricacies of the plot and identify the culprit. I find it fascinating to be led astray and consider it an added thrill if I make incorrect assumptions about the villain in the story. What particularly intrigues me is when a mystery novel challenges my sense of morality and prompts contemplation on whether murder can ever be justified, especially when directed towards an inherently wicked individual. The genre continually keeps me engrossed and stimulates my intellectual curiosity.