My favorite books to transport you and leave you speaking the language

Why am I passionate about this?

To the world, I am of no special consideration; I am no expert in this area. But what I do know is how to be entertained—what makes a good story and how to tell one. What I can offer to you is the same transporting passion and devotion that leads to a deep love for the craft of storytelling. I strive to create that same fire that so ignites the reader’s heart with each passing moment—the kind that leaves that wonderful lingering burn far after the final page is turned—the kind of literary marvels that so awakened me. 


I wrote...

The Ember Within

By Elisabeth B. Golson,

Book cover of The Ember Within

What is my book about?

The Ember Within, the first installment of The Stoneclad Chronicles, takes us on an epic adventure where we learn the amazing power of faith, the humbling reality of self, and the sacred bonds of family. Do we dare chase after that which we cannot see? Is the burning within a desire for good or evil? Darkness or light? The burning has begun. The ember pulses within. The Stoneclad is waiting.  

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of The Fellowship of the Ring

Elisabeth B. Golson Why did I love this book?

It is a series that is altogether other-worldly. The lengths Tolkien went to imagine and create a world of this caliber speaks a mere shadow of what you actually read. I strive to bring these depths to reality in my own series. As a reader, I need to be fully transported, and this series does just that like no other work of fiction can. It is the original by which I rate all other works. Read it, and be transported. Soon, you will realize that your barista doesn’t speak Elvish. 

By J.R.R. Tolkien,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked The Fellowship of the Ring as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

This brand-new unabridged audio book of The Fellowship of the Ring, the first part of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings, is read by the BAFTA award-winning actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.

In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power - the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron's evil dominion.

Thus begins J. R. R. Tolkien's classic tale of adventure, which continues in…


Book cover of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Elisabeth B. Golson Why did I love this book?

In the same way that the Tolkien’s world of elves and wizards takes control of the mind and tongue, the world of witchcraft and wizardry encapsulates similar elements yet in a whole new light with the new language of muggles and incantations and the swish and flick of a wand. I once tried to explain Dobby, the elf, to a friend who had only understood elves from TLOTR series. I laughed, imagining our pint-sized elf shooting down dark wizards with Legolas’ bow and arrow. However humorous, a real truth lies within these pages. What makes our little friend stand out, is the power that comes in that small frame. These truths lie scattered throughout this story, and though hidden behind fictitious witchcraft and wizardry, the truth of light overcoming the dark prevails. 

By J.K. Rowling,

Why should I read it?

36 authors picked Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Galloping gargoyles ... 2022 is the silver anniversary of J.K. Rowling's magical classic Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone!

The boy wizard Harry Potter has been casting a spell over young readers and their families ever since 1997. Now the first book in this unmissable series celebrates 25 years in print! The paperback edition of the tale that introduced us to Harry, Ron and Hermione has been updated and dressed in silver to mark the occasion. It's time to take the magical journey of a lifetime ...

Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping…


Book cover of The Count of Monte Cristo

Elisabeth B. Golson Why did I love this book?

Bonjour mes amis et bienvenue sur l'île de Monte Cristo! I have read and reread this book in all the different platforms: print, digital, audio. And each time, I find myself completely immersed in the multitude of plots, characters, twists, and adventures. Some might find they need a road map to keep everything together. And to them I would say, welcome to reality in a fictitious world! How expertly Dumas brought this world of pirates, love, treason, and vengeance to life! The many plots drive the story in a truly radical and miraculous way, keeping its reader glued page after page. 

By Alexandre Dumas, Robin Buss (translator),

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked The Count of Monte Cristo as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The epic tale of wrongful imprisonment, adventure and revenge, in its definitive translation

Thrown in prison for a crime he has not committed, Edmond Dantes is confined to the grim fortress of If. There he learns of a great hoard of treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo and he becomes determined not only to escape, but also to use the treasure to plot the destruction of the three men responsible for his incarceration. Dumas' epic tale of suffering and retribution, inspired by a real-life case of wrongful imprisonment, was a huge popular success when it was first serialized…


Book cover of The Chronicles of Narnia

Elisabeth B. Golson Why did I love this book?

This is such a beloved classic for so many reasons, but the one that stands out the most is the ingenious mingling of fantasy and reality. How quite literally, a set of siblings are transported to another time, with other creatures and languages, another world. I love how, from the beginning, we watch and grow along with the characters. It is a treasure we do not always get with a single novel. It is why this series leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of readers through generations. 

By C. S. Lewis, Pauline Baynes (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

12 authors picked The Chronicles of Narnia as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Don’t miss one of America’s top 100 most-loved novels, selected by PBS’s The Great American Read.

Experience all seven tales of C. S. Lewis's classic fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, in one impressive paperback volume!

Epic battles between good and evil, fantastic creatures, betrayals, heroic deeds, and friendships won and lost all come together in this unforgettable world, which has been enchanting readers of all ages for over sixty years.

This edition presents the seven books—The Magician's Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy; Prince Caspian; The Voyage of the Dawn Treader; The…


Book cover of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Elisabeth B. Golson Why did I love this book?

This series inspired me more than anything else I have ever read to create for myself. It is the defining text for my own series. Peterson so expertly mixed unforgettable characters and seat-edging adventure with spiritual truths that resound no matter the age or intellect. It is a story that perfectly teeters the balance of fun and imagination with real truths no adult could deny. Once again, the world so captivates its readers that one walks away wondering if toothy cows might indeed graze the nearest pastureland.

By Andrew Peterson,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

After living for years under the occupation by the evil Fangs of Dang, the Igiby children find a map rumoured to lead to the lost Jewels of Anniera - the one thing the Fangs will do anything to find. The family is thrown headlong into a perilous adventure, uncovering truths about who they are that will change their world forever.

Repackaged with new illustrations, this is the opportunity to discover the Wingfeathers.


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Book cover of The Complete Eldercare Planner: Where to Start, Which Questions to Ask, and How to Find Help

Joy Loverde

New book alert!

What is my book about?

Trusted for more than three decades by family caregivers and professionals alike, this comprehensive and reassuring caregiving guide offers the crucial information you need to look after your elders and plan for the future.

Being a caregiver for aging parents, close friends and family, and other elders in your life is an overwhelming experience, whether you are one who has stepped into this role without warning or one who is also contemplating their own care plan. Now in its fourth edition, The Complete Eldercare Planner will help you navigate today’s complex caregiving landscape while addressing your unique needs.

By Joy Loverde,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Complete Eldercare Planner as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Trusted for more than three decades by family caregivers and professionals alike, this comprehensive and reassuring caregiving guide offers the crucial information you need to look after your elders and plan for the future.

“The most complete resource between two covers.”—Woman’s Day
 
Being a caregiver for aging parents, close friends and family, and other elders in your life is an overwhelming experience, whether you are one who has stepped into this role without warning or one who is also contemplating their own care plan. Now in its fourth edition, The Complete Eldercare Planner will help you navigate today’s complex caregiving…


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Interested in good and evil, wizards, and revenge?

10,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about good and evil, wizards, and revenge.

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