One and Done

With my 'what makes a book 5 stars to you' post fresh in my mind (read the lovely here), it got me thinking about the question no book person wants to be asked...What is your favorite book? Um, pardon  me? You want me to pick JUST ONE BOOK!? I've read hundreds and loved dozens and you want me to narrow down my love of books to just ONE? Why are you so cruel?!

Ok, little dramatic but we all know thoughts similar to that outrage go through our heads when people ask. Then the inevitable question comes from me of, 'Well, favorite book in what genre?' Because that makes a difference! I can narrow down a favorite book in every category but my favorite book of all time? Well that's a little bit more difficult. And because this all got me thinking from what's your favorite book to what book would you recommend to everyone? What book do you love SO MUCH that you wish everyone would read and love it as much as you?

AND because I am a mean, mean friend, I had to not only look at what book I would choose, but I had to pose the same question to my best blogging friends. While some of their picks surprised me, a few I could see coming from a mile away... *wink*

Cass' Pick?
Nowhere But Home by Liza Palmer

"If I could make everyone read one book in the world it would be NOWHERE BUT HOME. And why you ask?! Because it's gorgeous. And because on some level, everyone can relate. Whether it's to the relationship or the family aspect or to the food, or the hardship , or the underlying aspect of not fitting it, there is something for EVERYONE within Liza Palmer's heartwarming story. So do yourself a favor... READ IT. "

Find Cass at Books With Cass

Hannah's Pick?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

"I wanted to be really cool and not totally predictable... but it's not going to happen. I have to be true to my first book true love: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I doubt anyone is surprised by this pick, but I just can't help it! It's got so much to recommend it: the writing and wit, the characters and their relationships, and one of literature's greatest love stories. But my favorite thing about it? I find more to love every single time I read it. I push Pride and Prejudice every chance I get!"

Find Hannah at So Obsessed With

Betty's Pick?
The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher

"If I could choose 1 book that I wish everyone would read, it would be The Opportunist by Tarryn Fisher. She created a story of two people who love each other so much that they resort to lies, betrayal, and manipulation to get what they want and attempt to right their wrongs. The writing it phenomenal and hit me like a truck. Human emotion and behavior is expressed in such a raw, naked way. There were multiple "WTF, THESE PEOPLE ARE FREAKING INSANE" moments, yet there was so much truth hiding behind all of the lies and desperation! Olivia expresses thoughts that most people would never even admit to thinking. This book inspired deep thought about what it means to love. Is true love possible if you can’t let down the walls and be vulnerable enough to let someone love you? I have been through a lot in past relationships and this book brought those buried emotions to the surface. I was sobbing when I finished! I probably need therapy. It affected me and I am thankful for that."

Find Betty at Book Rock Betty

Rachel's Pick?

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

'I have to admit, it was really tough for me to answer this because I feel like I go through phases with the books I push. Even then, I think I'm more of a suggester than full-on pusher. But I remember after I read Me Before You, I was tweeting and chatting about it and basically wanted everyone to read it. I just fell so in love with these characters and their story. Almost everything about this book was not what I expected (I cried so much!) and I've consistently recommended this book ever since.'

Find Rachel at hello, chelly

Alexa's Pick?
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

"While there are plenty of books I could recommend to readers (Matilda and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe among them), within the past two years, I've come to realize that I have formed the habit of insisting that people read Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. It's not a perfect fantasy novel, I'll admit that, but there's just something so readable about Celaena's story! I enjoyed meeting the characters, exploring this new world and getting swept up in the plot's twists and turns. "

Find Alexa at Alexa Loves Books

Estelle's Pick?

God-Shaped Hole by Tiffanie DeBartolo

"This was just a random pick I made from the "new writers" section at B&N, and I had no idea it would have such an impact on me. Girl meets unexpected boy through a personal ad comprised of music lyrics. Despite family drama, career challenges, they fall totally desperately in love and start to plan their lives together. Even at 16, I knew that this writing was so real and so raw. I loved watching these two have so passion for one another, even at their worst. After being surrounded by fairy tales, this book really opened me up to how falling in love may be the first thing but there is significant work to be done after that happens. It was sexy, quote worthy, and even after all these years, still holds up and feels just as meaningful. I don't know if you could say that about many books. (P.S. Tissues required.)"

Find Estelle at Rather Be Reading

My Pick?
Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

While I cannot lie, it took me a little while to come up with what book I wanted to choose for MY OWN post! I hemmed and hawed (spelling?) between this book and two others. And I LOOOOOVE the other two books that were contenders but when I really thought about it, there really wasn't any other choice for me besides THE Harry Potter. I mean, gun to my head if somebody asked me my favorite book it's always going to be HP. The progression, lessons, writing, characters, EVERYTHING is simply amazing to me and the brilliance that is JK Rowling cannot be touched. I grew up with Harry Potter and the lessons it has taught me are priceless. I have the entire series in multiple editions. I hope to read them to my kids one day and if there is one book that I wish everyone could love as much as I do...it's Harry Potter. If you can read and love Harry Potter half as much as I do then...all is well.

What about YOU?! 

If there is only ONE book you could recommend to everyone, what book would it be?