When I was a teenager, every time I read an exceptionally
good book, I would exclaim, "That makes my best books list!" So, eventually,
I really did start a Best Books List, and soon the highest praise I could
give a book was to call it a "lister" or "near lister." The original list
has long since been misplaced, and most of the books have ended up simply
noted in my journal as a lister. As you can imagine, it's a massive project
to go through over 25 years of journals to create an actual list, but it's
a "someday" goal of mine. For now I will start with the first books that
come to mind, and edit/update the list as I find/remember/read more. I
have a rather arbitrary way of deciding how a book rates. Obviously 5 stars
(* * * * *) is a lister. Four stars (* * * *) is usually a lister, but
sometimes a near lister. (I also keep a list of "honorable mentions" that
don't quite make the cut but are still worthy of mention.) Three stars
(* * *) is either not a lister or a near lister, depending. I read very
few books that fall below three stars, because I firmly believe life is
too short to read a lousy book. Anyway, this is starting with the first
listers that come to mind...
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The Sword of Shannara (Terry Brooks)
Have to give special mention to the book that sparked my love of fantasy!
-
The Elfstones of Shannara (Terry Brooks)
-
The Wishsong of Shannara (Terry Brooks)
-
Danger in the Shadows (Dee Henderson)
-
The Negotiator (Dee Henderson)
-
The Truth Seeker (Dee Henderson)
-
The Protector (Dee Henderson)
-
The Healer (Dee Henderson)
-
The Rescuer (Dee Henderson)
-
Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers)
This book defies description. It's technically a historical inspirational
romance, but it's more--way more!
-
Shadow Moon (George Lucas and Chris Claremont)
-
Shadow Dawn (George Lucas and Chris Claremont)
-
Shadow Star (George Lucas and Chris Claremont)
-
Cordelia's Honor (Lois McMaster Bujold)
Previously published in two volumes as Shards of Honor and Barrayar.
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