Top10Picks: Books That Made You Discover Your Love For Reading

Top Ten Picks is a meme here in Random Ramblings where I would be posting just about that -- my top 10 picks! Every week, there will be a different and specific topic given. Then, I will choose 10 of my picks from that given category, create the list, and post them up here!

For this week, the topic is on the books that made you discover your love for reading a.k.a the books that made you into a bookworm.

These are in put in order; according to which ones I read first while growing up.

1. Little Golden Books

- My ultimate favorite collection of stories! The truth is, I might have simply stared at these picture books when I didn't know how to read yet. Nevertheless, I have always loved these ones! These were the books my parents let me and my siblings indulge in when we were little. I don't know how many of these we have at our old house in the Philippines, but I do know there's a lot! In fact, they're probably still there until now. Makes me want to get them all and bring them here...

2. Babysitters Little Sister by Ann M. Martin

- Karen was my favorite female character back then. She had a mind of her own despite her age, and was a very tough little girl who didn't care about what other 'unimportant' people thought of her. She loved her family and friends to bits, was creative, and had lots of bright and unique ideas. She wasn't very wise, but I always felt like she was learning -- to be wiser and smarter -- in every book! Her role model was Kristy too. "She's thirteen and a grown-up and she babysits!" Haha. I always thought she was a good role model.

3. Sweet Valley Kids by Francine Pascal

- Elizabeth and Jessica. My favorite twins! They were complete opposites, but that's what I loved about them! Each had their own specific and special little thin, so I felt like every situation -- and every book, of course ;) -- was always a new adventure.
And yes, I did follow them up to Sweet Valley High and can I just say... I love Jessica, but to me, it was really all about Elizabeth&Todd; definitely my first favorite couple! Oh, I was a tween I think when I read the High series. Go figure.

4. Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

- The crazy thing is, I wasn't allowed to read this one because my mom knew I was a total scaredy cat and the truth is, I'd get nightmares from them! I swear, thinking about it now, I must have been such a chicken! Well, I kind of still am when it comes to horror movies. Haha.
But this one was an awesome series. Every book was different and unique. My favorites were the ones where you can 'Choose your destiny' type of thing. I was addicted to those!

5. Animorphs by K.A. Applegate

- Okay, I have to thank my cousin for this one. When I was around 10 or so -- back when we were still in the PI -- she came to visit us from Detroit, and she brought these books with her! I have heard about them before from school, but have never tried reading them. I remember picking one up -- my sister too -- and we got so addicted to them that we bought the rest of the books for ourselves.
It was a great series with awesome characters. I've also always had a special place for all kinds of animals, so reading about humans morphing into them was a really cool thing for me.
My favorite character was Rachel -- such a strong female character -- and then Tobias. Oh I remember them quite well.

6. Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene :: the yellow hardcover ones

- I was around 8+ when I started reading these. They were a bit of a challenge, since they were more of a 'grown-up' book for me at that time. It was such a great feeling though, when I would finish one. The proud feeling kept me reading more. And the more I read, the more I learn to actually enjoy it. It also helped me a lot by challenging me. Soon, I was reading and writing a lot better and a lot faster. It also helped my vocabulary and grammar for school. That's all thanks to Nancy Drew.

7. A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

- This is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Sara Crewe. Despite her family's riches, she remains simple and down-to-earth. However, at a boarding school, under a cruel headmaster, she was forced to suffer under circumstances she did not at all deserve. Despite this, she still is able to see the good in things and her life. She is bright, smart, and creative, and I always admired her character because of these qualities.
For me, this is a special and an important book because I still remember how it taught me a thing or two. Mainly it taught me about compassion, kindness, and simplicity. It taught me that I should be thankful for the things that I have, and not complain when things don't go my way. This one is a true classic; one I have two copies of and one that I still read every once in a while.

8. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

- If I was going to make a list of my all-time favorite books, this would be included. No doubt about it. The Secret Garden, to me, is simply a classic. I've always loved how Mary Lennox, the main character, changed from being a moody, bad-tempered, and spoiled child to a kind-hearted, caring, compassionate, and empathetic person.
This book also inspired me in so many ways; from the main character, to dark mansions, old libraries, 'secret gardens,' and the moors. Everything about this book, I love! And just like A Little Princess, I have a hardbound copy of this one that I still also read every once in a while.

9. The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery

- I read this when I was 10 or so. What can I say about this one? I just love it. It's simple and beautiful. It's honest and profound. It's just a good story with a very empathetic main character, on a one of a kind and life-changing adventure. Another thing? It's extremely well-written. I'll never forget the poetic prose and the effortless wordplay that it has. And the thing is, the older I get, the more this book means to me. It's just a wonderful story, and it's one I think everybody should try to read at least once.

10. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

- I was twelve years old the first time I read Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone. And the crazy thing is, it's almost as if I grew up with its story and its characters. Maybe in a way, that's one of the main reasons why I love it so much, and why I feel so attached. But I do think that the most important reason why this has always been so special to me is because this was the one that truly made me discover my love for reading. Period. I mean, I've always loved reading, but I think Harry Potter is the one that made me fall in love with it. It was the one that turned reading into a passion of mine -- and at times, even an addiction, if I may so myself ;) In a way, these are the books that truly turned me into a bookworm. And as if that wasn't a great reason as it is, these stories also helped me think outside the box -- be more creative, be more imaginative. I remember writing short stories because I would be so inspired by the HP world, so I guess in some ways, these were also one of the books that helped me discover my love for writing. That being said, how can I not love these books?

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Again, if you would like to join in, all you have to do is:

1. Do a post, listing all your answers. Your list does not have to be in any particular order, and you do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations. If you would like to do so, though feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

Can't wait to hear what you all have to say!