I love reading non-fiction books, but sometimes, novels win, especially if they’re series, bringing back my favorite characters. It doesn’t matter what genre they are, romance or suspense or even kid’s books — I love getting updates on what my favorite fictional characters are doing! Sadly, some series are done, but some are still going… here are 7 book series I love…
First book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Price: $15.75 at amazon.com
Not long after his untimely death in 2004, Steig Larsson’s publisher released the first in this book series featuring an anti-social hacker names Lisbeth Sander and her semi-accomplice, a disgraced journalist named Mikael Blomkvist. The first book is fascinating, the second book is even more riveting… and my copy of the third hasn’t arrived yet! I can’t wait to read it…
First book: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
Price: $17.81 at amazon.com
This trilogy will make you think twice about everything you think you know about L. Frank Baum's Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The first book, which is the most thought-provoking and compelling, tells the truth about the misunderstood, shockingly green Elphaba, and why we all think she’s so, well, wicked. It’s wildly clever, imaginative, and brilliant. The other two books in the series are interesting, telling the story after Elphaba’s death, but not as good as the original book.
First book: Confessions of a Shopaholic
Price: $10.08 at amazon.com
This series is delightful, following the (mis)adventures of an admitted shopping addict, Rebecca. She writes a financial advice column, so you’d think she’d be a careful budgeter, but no. Throughout the series, which is still on-going, Rebecca’s moved from the U.K. to New York, gotten married, met a sister she never knew she had, and had a baby. Now, in the latest book, she has a mini-shopper in tow. I can’t wait to read it!
First book: Griffin and Sabine - an Extraordinary Correspondence
Price: $13.57 at amazon.com
This book series is actually split in two series, each with three books, for a total of six books, detailing the unusual connection and romance between two artists, Griffin and Sabine. What I love about this series is the way the information is presented, with very little actual prose. Instead, the reader gets to snoop, sneaking peeks at hand-written postcards and letters between the characters. There’s something deliciously naughty about reading someone else’s mail, and this series capitalizes on that.
First book: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Price: $16.49 at amazon.com
If you haven’t heard of or read this book series, chances are, you’ve just come out of hiding from under a large, remote rock. This book series is so wildly popular, it’s broken all sorts of international records, and made its single-mom author a millionaire. The books follow the life of outcast orphan Harry, who is actually a young wizard, from his wretched life in his uncle and aunt’s care to his seven years at wizarding school. The material is very complex and clever, and the story gets more mature as the characters age, and by the end of the last book (there are 7) you’ll wish Ms. Rowling could write about Harry in wizard college, if there is such a thing.
First book: The Gunslinger
Price: $12.24 at amazon.com
If you’re a fan of horror fiction, then you’ve probably already read everything Stephen King has written. He’s a genius, not just in the horror genre but in any writing, and this series, which details the adventures of Roland and his friends as they seek the Dark Tower and Randall Flagg (the worst bad guy EVER), is brilliant. Every book is engaging, and once you start, you will not want to stop reading.
First book: Diary of a Wimpy Kid
Price: $6.61 at amazon.com
Yes, I know this is a book series aimed at pre-teen kids. I know it’s supposed to appeal to junior-high students, but you know what? It’s hilarious, and I’m not ashamed to admit that I can’t wait for the next book to arrive in stores this fall. The titular wimpy kid, Greg, keeps this journal (not a diary!) describing his life, his family, and his friends. The line drawings are what makes it memorable and funny. Read the first one, and you’ll see what I mean!
Those are my favorite book series, and I’m so glad that some of them are still going on! I sure wish J.K. Rowling would write another Harry Potter book, though… and I wonder whatever happened to Glinda and Boq from Wicked? Which of these book series are you addicted to? Or is there another set of books and characters you can recommend, too? Please let me know!
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