My Top 8 Books of All Time

Welcome to I Rant About Books!

Today I'll be sharing my top 8 books of all time, along with brief introductions and explanations. My criteria for a "good" book are

1. Character

2. Plot

3. Setting

4. Writing Style

No spoilers in this post; I want you to read ALL OF THESE! (This will be kept brief and un-rant-like.)

Before I dive in, I wanted to mention that all of these books are romantic, with the exception of Front Desk.

#8: Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Description Credit: https://socialjusticebooks.org/front-desk/

Mia Tang, the story's protagonist, is a 5th grader when she begins working with her parents at the Calivista Motel just five miles from Disneyland. Front Desk details the family's first year managing the hotel including little daily occurrences, diversity issues and the building of community at the motel.

This book was the only new one I discovered during the COVID 2020 Quarantine. I distinctly remember staying up "late" until 10pm reading Nancy Drew books 1-20, then discovering recordings of this novel, which was way better than those (although I actually like them.)

This is the book that has been on my favourite book list the longest, and for a reason. Although it is a children's novel, it can resonate with readers of all ages. Its captivating style, character, plot, and setting are all remarkable! It hits all categories perfectly; I only wish it had romance.

#7: Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

Description Credit: https://www.bookbrowse.com/bb_briefs/detail/index.cfm/ezine_preview_number/8576/crazy-rich-asians

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home, long drives to explore the island, and quality time with the man she might one day marry. What she doesn't know is that Nick's family home happens to look like a palace, that she'll ride in more private planes than cars, and that with one of Asia's most eligible bachelors on her arm, Rachel might as well have a target on her back.

I first got into this book when I watched the movie adaptation with my friend in the mere 3rd grade. We loved Crazy Rich Asians so much that we watched it in theatres 3 times! So, when I saw the book, I knew I had to read it.

Although I didn't understand the jokes at first, this book is such a delightful read. CRA is funny, romantic, and has some of the best character and setting I've ever encountered. There are so many characters and sub-plots within the family tree, but they all fit together perfectly. The greatest part is seeing how Kwan writes all of the rich people antics. It's absolutely hilarious.

#6: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

Disclaimer: The following description is of Lady Midnight, the first book in the trilogy.

Description Credit: https://shadowhunters.fandom.com/wiki/Lady_Midnight

It's been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses. Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot.

This series is my second favourite of all time, specifically the last book, Queen of Air and Darkness. I love the forbidden romance between Julian and Emma (c'mon that was obvious), but more than that, I love the relationships between the side characters in this series, who get their own perspectives in different chapters. (Cristina, Tiberius, Mark, etc.) Another interesting aspect is the political part of the series, which sheds light on the real world.

Personally, I own a hardcover copy with art in the inside cover, which I think is amazing! The third book is also the only one that has pictures, which really add another dimension. The highlight of this book is the intricately built world and plot that Clare has created, as well as the thoughtful romance.

#5: The Crown by Kiera Cass

Disclaimer: 5th book in the Selection Series; 2nd book of Eadyln's generation

Description Credit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26074181-the-crown

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

First of all, The Crown's main character, Eadlyn, is very spoiled, bratty, and pretentious. Ugh, she does not deserve the crown. My other negative comment is that I wish there was more romance added to the ending of the novel, when I knew what was happening. Now that I have this out of the way, I want to share what makes reading an annoying main character worth the exasperating excruciation. (Is that a word?)

The main reason I enjoyed reading this book was that I did not know who Eadlyn was going to end up with, which I definitely knew when I read her mother's story, which is told in the first three Selection novels. I genuinely loved guessing who her true love was, and most of all, I was elated with the ending! Although this book does not have outstanding marks in my criteria for a good book, the romance definitely carries it on to this list, which is saying something. (The romance is impeccable, duh)

#4: To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Description Credit: https://www.amazon.ca/All-Boys-Ive-Loved-Before/dp/1442426705

Sixteen-year-old Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.

What drew me to this book was the main character's name. Lara Jean Song Covey. Hey, even though her first name is Lara Jean, we both start with Lara, right? (I love how in the book, her only nickname is Large. My name will never have a real nickname.)

To All the Boys I've Loved Before is for people who want a light, romantic, and easy read. This is the sort of book one carries to the beach and reads on a beach towel. For me, this is the first book I pick up when I have nothing to read. No matter how many times I read it, I am enthralled by Lara Jean's sweet personality, loving family, and high school drama.

#3: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Description Credit: https://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/aug/07/fangirl-rainbow-rowell-review

Fangirl is a story of two twin sisters, Wren and Cath, who have grown up without a mother and with a very busy father. Cath is an introvert and very happy to live in her own internet and book world. She admires and loves her sister, who also plays the role of her best friend. Their life together was all rainbows and unicorns until they reluctantly have to come out of their comfort zone because they are moving to college.

I've only read this book one time, but it is amazing! Here's what I said about it in a previous post:

This novel left me thinking about life. Everyone has choices in theirs, and those choices always affect other people. The main character in Fangirl, Cath, is so human in this way. All of her actions have consequences, but, somehow, things have a way of working out. Honestly, most YA books contain this perky but also depressed?? 16 year old brunette who has 3 guys in love with her. This is not that book, which makes it so much more interesting. The highlight of Fangirl is the refreshing language and perspective.

#2: The School for Good and Evil by Somain Chainani

Description Credit: https://www.scatteredbooks.com/summer-reading/the-school-for-good-and-evil-summary/

For children like Sophie, the School for Good has always been a dream. Her pink dresses, perfect appearances, and love for good deeds makes her a shoe in to get taken. For others, such as Agatha, with her pale complexion, dark, greasy hair, and dislike of everyone, the School for Evil seems like a much better fit.

THE MOVIE SUCKS. I had to get that out of the way, because the movie is the worst thing I have ever watched, and the book is my favourite series of all time. To sum it up, better than Harry Potter in every way; amazing character, romance, and plot. There's a reason why I own 3 copies of the first book. I won't add more in case I want to write a whole review later!

(I will gush about this book to you if you reach me in person. I just cannot write, or I will start ranting.)

#1: The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Description Credit: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11870085-the-fault-in-our-stars

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten.

This is my favourite book of all time. Every time I read it, I cry. I'm not even exaggerating; at least one tear falls out of my eye. There's almost no way to describe it, but I will try.

This book makes me regret everything and anything I have ever thought negatively about my own life. Whenever I hear people sarcastically mention that they do not like their own, I think about this book. The Fault in Our Stars just does that to a person.

There's not much I can say without spoiling it, but this book is magic. Utter magic. Sad, Beautiful, Tragic, to quote Taylor Swift.

Thank you for reading this post! I hope you check out at least one of my recommendations. Contact me in the comments section or DM me @lara_murakami on Instagram.

Love, Lara