Each book nestled between those worn and weathered spines is a gateway to a different world, a new perspective, and an immersive experience waiting to unfold. Join me as we embark on a literary journey, traversing the realms of my favorite books, where the pages are not merely paper but portals to undiscovered lands of imagination. Just as a well-loved map reveals the paths of exploration, my bookshelf is a roadmap of my literary wanderings. From the dog-eared pages of childhood classics to the pristine covers of contemporary gems, each book tells a tale not only through its words but also through the creases, bookmarks, and annotations that bear witness to my literary odyssey. Here are the top 5 must have books to add to your TBR:

So we all know Disney right? But what if disney stories had a different idea? Authors Elizabeth Lim, Elizabeth J. Braswell and Jen Calonita wrote these stories with a huge "What If" idea in the books. There are a total of 13 books along with a few on the way. A favorite "what if" story of mine was Once upon a Dream "What if sleeping beauty never woke up?" Spoilers ahead by the way, but this book is about sleeping beauty never waking up from the curse Maleificent gave her. through the story the prince falls asleep as his lips touch the fair maiden's, it is clear that this fairytale is far from over. With a desperate fairy's last curse controlling her mind, Princess Aurora must escape from a different castle of thorns and navigate a dangerously magical landscape-created from her very own dreams. Aurora isn't alone-a charming prince is eager to join her quest, and old friends offer their help. But as Maleficent's agents follow her every move, Aurora must discover who her true allies are and, moreover, who she truly is. Another thing that has happened in the story was Maleificent was the protector not the villian who made sure Aurora was safe within the castle walls. my rate of this book is a 10/10 for its thrilling stories.

I love horror books from Stephen King to H.P Lovercraft but my most favorite is a story about a stupid meme that gets shared around by a local high school. A lot of them are reposting and sharing their biggest fear with the meme. When some of the characters, classmates they show up dead exactly the way they feared she realizes this isn’t a joke. When she sets out to try and find the killer she thinks she knows who it is. It doesn’t help that she keeps second guessing herself. Soon her path will lead her to the right killer and her own worst nightmare. The Fear was actually one of the books that was recommended by a social media TBR. After I read the book I instantly became addicted to more of the authors stories she has published. The other book was The Haunting that was recently published in 2023. I would rate this book a 9/10 for its plot.

Edgar Allan Poe was an American writer known for his macabre and Gothic tales, poetry, and mysteries. Growing up I would read some of his books in middle school and even though we had to write a essay about him after. He caught my interest. Some of his most famous works include:

"The Raven" (Poem): This narrative poem tells the story of a man who is visited by a mysterious raven. The poem explores themes of loss, mourning, and the narrator's descent into madness.

"The Fall of the House of Usher" (Short Story): This Gothic tale revolves around the mysterious and eerie events surrounding the Usher family and their decaying mansion. It explores themes of madness, isolation, and the supernatural.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" (Short Story): A first-person narrative in which the narrator insists on their sanity while describing the murder they committed. The story delves into the psychological effects of guilt and paranoia.

"The Pit and the Pendulum" (Short Story): This story follows an unnamed narrator who is sentenced to death during the Spanish Inquisition. It explores themes of fear, torture, and the struggle for survival.

"The Masque of the Red Death" (Short Story): Set in a fictional plague-ridden country, this allegorical tale tells the story of a prince and his attempts to escape the Red Death by hiding in a fortified abbey. It explores themes of mortality and the inevitability of death.

"Annabel Lee" (Poem): A tragic poem about the love between the narrator and Annabel Lee, exploring themes of love, death, and the supernatural.

"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" (Short Story): Often considered the first detective story, this tale follows C. Auguste Dupin as he solves a seemingly unsolvable double murder in Paris. It is a precursor to the detective fiction genre

"The Cask of Amontillado" (Short Story): A chilling tale of revenge in which the narrator, Montresor, lures his unsuspecting acquaintance, Fortunato, into the catacombs and seals him behind a brick wall.

Edgar Allan Poe's works often explore themes of death, madness, the macabre, and the mysterious. His writing style and themes have had a significant influence on Gothic and horror literature.

We all know this teen fiction novel as well as the movie series. The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, is a seven-book fantasy series that follows the life and adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter. The series is set in a magical world parallel to the non-magical world and spans the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood.

The main plot revolves around Harry's discovery of his magical abilities, his enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and his ongoing struggle against the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The series is characterized by its exploration of themes such as friendship, courage, love, and the battle between good and evil.

The books like:

"Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (also known as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States): Introduces Harry to the wizarding world, his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the dark history of Voldemort's attempt to conquer the magical world.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets": Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, discovering a mysterious chamber linked to the school's history and facing a new threat.

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban": Harry learns about his family's past, encounters new magical creatures, and discovers the truth about a prisoner named Sirius Black.

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire": Harry is unexpectedly entered into the Triwizard Tournament, a dangerous magical competition, and faces new challenges that foreshadow Voldemort's return.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix": Harry and his friends form Dumbledore's Army to resist the rise of Voldemort, and the wizarding world becomes increasingly aware of the Dark Lord's return.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince": Harry learns more about Voldemort's past and the nature of his enemy while preparing for the final confrontation.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows": In the final installment, Harry and his friends embark on a quest to find and destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes, objects containing parts of his soul, leading to an epic battle between good and evil.

The series gained immense popularity worldwide and has been adapted into successful film adaptations. The books are celebrated for their imaginative world-building, well-developed characters, and the overarching narrative that explores the growth and development of the young wizard, Harry Potter.

The lastest series I have read that a family member gave me during Chrismas. The Divergent series is a young adult science fiction trilogy written by Veronica Roth. The series is set in a dystopian future society where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personality traits and values. The trilogy consists of three novels:

"Divergent" (2011): The story follows a 16-year-old girl named Beatrice "Tris" Prior, who lives in a society divided into five factions: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (bravery), and Erudite (intelligence). Tris discovers that she is "Divergent," meaning she does not fit neatly into any one faction and possesses qualities of multiple factions. Being Divergent is dangerous in this society, and Tris must navigate the challenges and threats that arise due to her status.

"Insurgent" (2012): The second book picks up where "Divergent" left off, with Tris and her friends dealing with the aftermath of the events in the first book. The society is on the brink of a war between factions, and Tris learns more about the secrets and conflicts that exist within her world. As the tension rises, Tris must make difficult choices that impact not only her own life but also the fate of the society.

"Allegiant" (2013): The final book in the series explores the world beyond the city's walls and reveals the true nature of the society Tris lives in. Tris and her friends uncover a larger conspiracy and face challenging moral dilemmas. The narrative is not only about the struggle against the oppressive faction system but also delves into themes of sacrifice, identity, and the consequences of power.

The Divergent series gained popularity for its fast-paced plot, engaging characters, and exploration of themes related to identity, conformity, and rebellion. The books have been adapted into a film series, with "Divergent" (2014), "Insurgent" (2015), and "Allegiant" (2016).

In the world of literature, books serve as timeless portals, allowing readers to escape reality, traverse new landscapes, and explore the depths of human imagination. As we conclude this journey through the written word, we are reminded that books are not merely ink on paper but vessels of wisdom, empathy, and boundless possibilities.

In each page turned, we unlock the power to empathize with characters, learn from their struggles, and witness the beauty of diverse perspectives. Beyond the tangible covers lies a realm where ideas flourish, minds expand, and the essence of humanity is laid bare. Books are the keys to understanding, connecting, and navigating the intricate tapestry of our shared experiences.