Big Book Love

Published Friday, August 2, 2019

While large books can sometimes be intimidating, there are many that are worth the long read. Below are some of our favorite big books. We'd love to hear about your favorite big books in the comments section below!

The Stand
by Stephen King

King’s seminal work, loved by many as the ultimate story of good vs. evil. This book has attracted and held the attention of millions of readers for years, way beyond the typical boundaries of horror novel readers. I was so drawn in, I read it in one sitting, staying up till 3:00 am to finish it on a work night!
Complete & Uncut 1st U.S. Hardcover Edition – 1990 (1153 pages!)
- Cary

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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
by J.K. Rowling

The series as a whole is one of my favorites of all time. However, this is my favorite book of the seven--by far. This volume has a much darker tone than the previous novels and delves more deeply into some of our most favorite character’s personalities (and their true intentions and motivations). It is a compelling read and never feels like it’s dragging. The Harry Potter series has something for everyone. So if you haven’t read them yet, give them a try! It is a wonderful series and I cannot recommend it enough! (607 pages)
- Devin

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Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
by Doris Kearns Goodwin

It studies both Lincoln and his cabinet during the Civil War. It's long, like quite a few history books, but the writing really brings all the character's to life and the pacing is fantastic. If you've got an interest in Abraham Lincoln's administration, Team of Rivals should be on your to-read list. (944 pages)
- Jason

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The Mists of Avalon
by Marion Zimmer Bradley

I have loved this book since I read it in junior high. It is easily my favorite book of all time. I re-read it every year. It is profound and inspiring in ways that no other book I've read has ever been able to do. It is the first book that ever made me cry. The story is sweeping, the characters are very well developed, the setting is enchanting, and above all you really care about what is going on and what the characters are going through. Their struggles and their triumphs make for enchanting and encapsulating reading. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who loves heartwarming and heartbreaking emotion, sweeping fantasy, gripping drama, and emotional depth. (876 pages)
- Jake

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The Priory of the Orange Tree
by Samantha Shannon

I did not read this one in a day. It’s a bit of a beast at 830 pages but it’s worth every second. I ended up switching to the audio version about 200 pages in so my life didn’t fall down in shambles around me. Thumbs up for narrator Liyah Summers! Priory is a bit of a slow start and could probably be condensed but I loved the creativity of the world, the complexity of the characters, and the dragons. Did I mention that there are dragons?
- Amanda

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The Historian
by Elizabeth Kostova

I know I've mentioned this book before as one of my favorite reads of "all time," but it's also a behemoth at 720 pages.

This book is worth the long read and is highly recommended because it seamlessly interviews three stories--a tale between father and daughter, the father's backstory, and the daughter on the quest to find her family, as well as Vlad III's library, the real-life Dracula. The narrative patiently builds the atmosphere and suspense of the story, and tells real-life historical moments, to draw the reader in.

This book is a mix between realistic and supernatural fiction (it includes vampires), but even if supernatural isn't a reader's first choice, it's still a wonderful read for those interested in Gothic-like literature, history, or family sagas.
- Allie

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Anna Karenina
by Leo Tolstoy

It may sound silly, but something I really enjoyed in this book was the description of farming and rural life set in 19th century Russia. I also enjoyed reading about the characters – their families, daily lives, and struggles. The author made the characters very human and believable, and this made it worth the long read to me. (864 pages).
- Lisa

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Lincoln
by Gore Vidal

If you would like to know more about Lincoln as a person and not just some historical figure, I highly recommend you read this book. Gore Vidal did impeccable research and the book is well written. He intertwines fact with fiction to help us understand "the Lincoln years". (672 pages)
- Sally

Les Miserables
by Victor Hugo

I always wondered about this classic and never pursued it until one day when I was in the mood to read some rich, impressing writing. I was not disappointed. Hugo brings the heroic Valjean, the innocent Cosette, and even the devious Thénardier to life. Readers will find themselves swept away in their stories. Everyone can benefit from reading Les Miserables, for Hugo discusses aspects to which everyone can relate: justice, redemption, forgiveness, pursuit of happiness, sense of duty - the list goes on. While it took a little over a month to read, it was definitely worth my time! (1,463 pages)
- Tirzah

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The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family's Quest to Bring Him Home
by Sally Mott Freeman

This nonfiction book is based on 10 years of research and it shows. It's extremely well written and interesting. It reads like a novel and I loved learning about these 3 brothers. (609 pages)
- Dawn