I am a sucker for a good romantic story. Good, believable, subtle, difficult, imperfect, sincere, understated romance. Sometimes this is the main plot of a story, but most often, it’s the secondary one. At any rate, in honor of V-Day, here are my favorite love stories.
For the grown-ups:
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Sexing the Cherry by Jeannette Winterson
Written on the Body by Jeannette Winterson
Possession by A. S. Byatt
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Much Ado about Nothing by Shakespeare
For the teens:
Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan
Graceling by Kristen Cashore
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen
Enna Burning by Shannon Hale
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Song of the Lioness quartet by Tamora Pierce
Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins
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February 16, 2009 at 8:38 am
beth
I’ve only read a couple in the adult section, but most of the teen ones! What does that say about my reading level, huh?
I read Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist over the Christmas holidays, and loved it. “This,” I remember thinking, “is what real teen love is like.” (And I’m so glad you didn’t put Twilight on your list–that’s not what real love is at all, imo!)
February 16, 2009 at 10:35 am
Jim Danielson
I’m going to add Nick and Norah’s Playlist to my to be read list. Like Beth, I’m not happy about the message Twilight might be sending.
February 19, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Yasemin
Since I was 13, Jane Austen has always been my favorite author! I've read P&P more than I can count…I'm happy to see Howl's Moving Castle on your list. I find that book to be so adorable and I think everyone should read it!I agree with the two above me, and I'm glad Twilight isn't present on the list ;DGreat list!!~