Theres no way to make a story your own quite like reading it. When you watch something, the places, faces and actions are laid out for you -- but when youre reading, your imagination takes over and the characters look however you want them to look, their voices sound familiar and its you who create their world.
Romance novels are especially poignant because they become the blueprint for your fantasies and who doesnt fantasize about love? Whether they provide an escape, a wake-up call or a mission, these books hold a special place in our hearts.
Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte: Obviously this book is a classic, and rightfully so. One of the things that I love so much about the book is that the characters are so flawed and Jane is not beautiful. Romantic stories always seem to describe some simple but gorgeous woman who just hasnt been around enough people to make her realize how beautiful she really is. Reading Jane Eyre makes it easier to believe that we all have can have the romance of a lifetime, no matter how we look or how stubborn and strong-willed we are. Ann, 62
The Griffin and Sabine Trilogy, Nick Bantok: These books were the most romantic gift Ive ever received. When my now-husband I were dating, I lived in North Carolina and he lived in California, and wed mainly communicate by writing passionate letters back and forth (which I still have). These books are written through a series of letters and postcards between two people, who have never met, but fall in love through their correspondence. When you dont see someone for so long, it almost feels like your relationship is the story you make up through your letters at least when people still wrote them. Anyhow, its a must-read for anyone in a long-distance relationship, or really, anyone. Heather, 54
Bel Canto, Ann Patchett: Its a beautiful book that should be read while listening to opera music and sipping a glass of wine. Its the story of terrorists who take over what was supposed to be a gala birthday and the relationships that form between the hostages and their captors. The writing is gorgeous and you feel like youre with the characters, in the house, feeling their restrained emotions and desires. Debra, 57The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks: I read this in one sitting on a (very long) flight and the person next to me thought I was crazy because I was literally sobbing! Everyone dreams of the one who got away, wonders if that person thinks of them and fantasizes about a passionate reunion so this book is the complete package. Noah and Allie always stayed with me and I was so excited when a sequel, The Wedding, came out a few years later and I got to see what became of them and their children. That one made me cry too, of course. Janice, 62The Bride, Julie Garwood: Julie Garwood and her historical romance books are my guilty pleasure. Love just isnt the way it used to be, and after going through a tough divorce, The Bride was a perfect escape from reality. This one is about a feisty young woman forced to marry a callous and hard Scotsman who is rumored to have killed his first wife. They of course end up falling in love but as they do, its funny, sweet and real.
Self Help, Lorrie Moore: I loved her very honest portrayal of her messed up characters and how they muddled through their awkward relationships. They think they know what they want and need based on society's rules and, realizing that it just doesn't work for them personally, they have to figure it out for themselves and hope that at least one other person in the world 'gets' them. I think it was the first time in my adult life that I felt someone who was not a romantic was writing about love and romance. It was real and quirky and so very similar to my own early flounderings. Carrie, 51Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen: I love this book and I feel like its the basis of every romantic comedy thats ever been made. Guy meets girl, the first impression is bad and she refuses to change her mind about him when he starts falling for her. Of course some other guy who wants her tries to keep them apart, but in the end, something happens to make them see each other for who they are and voila! True love prevails. Joanne, 56Gone With the Wind, Margaret Mitchell: Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara made such an impression on me growing up. Because of them, I wanted a relationship full of passion and wit, and honestly, I think I measured all of my romances against theirs. Luckily I found my Clark Gable and I married him. Teri, 67
Twilight, Stephenie Meyer: Im a Twilight Mom and Id proud of it. I first picked up the book because my daughter read it, and it turned out I liked it more than she did. The books are a great break from reality and they made me feel young. The vampire element aside, its so romantic to see Edward and Bellas love evolve from the beginning of the series to the end. I would casually mention the books to my kids friends moms and it turned out I wasnt the only one my age who felt like this! It makes me feel a little saner when Im gushing about two teenagers but I admit, it does embarrass my daughter sometimes. Ellen, 47Those Who Save Us, Jenna Blum: This is my favorite book, romantic or not, but the love in this story is heartbreaking and feels so real. It tells the story of both the mother, Anna, and her daughter Trudy, who doesnt know the real story of her mothers experiences in World War II or who her real father is. Anna, who is German, falls in love with a Jewish man and gets pregnant before he is sent to a concentration camp. I dont want to spoil the ending, but this is an unbelievable story about love and the pain and costs that come along with it. Cindy, 50
