My Favorite

This week I wanted to discuss my favorite book. Why? When people find out I love books and reading probably the most common question I’m asked is, “What’s your favorite book?” I would bet many of you have experienced the same thing. There’s something about wanting to know a person’s favorite….well, anything. It means a person holds that thing above the rest and that it has some importance to that person. Now, I will say I have several favorite books across several genres, and I’ll bring them up eventually. Today I’m going to talk about the book that is my number one.

Jane Eyre is hands down my favorite book. I was 12 when I read it for the first time, and I was enthralled. I remember being completely caught up in the beauty of the language and the imagery. It was the way in which Bronte wrote that mesmerized me from the start. Each time I read Jane Eyre I fall in love with the beauty of the words and language all over again.

As I’ve read and reread Jane Eyre over the years, the story draws me in more and more. It’s a beautiful, subtle story. Some may call it a love story, but to me it’s so much more than that. It’s a story of a young woman who gains more confidence in herself and her faith. She is bullied and abused over the years, but instead of crumbling she becomes stronger. Some may become bitter and hateful, but not Jane. Instead she somehow becomes more loving and mindful of others.

In my opinion, the character Jane Eyre is one of the greatest literary heroines of all time. Bold statement, I know. I stand by it and always will. When faced with difficulties, Jane remains true to herself and her beliefs. Even when it comes to pivotal matters of the heart, she chooses not to compromise who she is and her standards – no matter the pressure or how painful it may be for her.

Sometimes we expect the hero of the story to lead others into battle or accomplish seemingly monumental tasks. Jane Eyre is the story of a different kind of hero. It’s a subtle hero’s journey, one that is gentle, yet bold. After all, to remain true to oneself is a monumental task. The story of Jane Eyre is a beautiful, monumental journey.