I know so many of you may chuckle at me, because I’ve talked about a lot of these so many times.  I can’t help it.  I feel like this is calling for my favorites, and so I have be honest.  These are an array of my favorites.

Top 5 Tuesday was started by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm!

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

I never know if this is technically a contemporary book, since it takes place in the 80’s.  It feels contemporary when I read it though, maybe because I was a kid then.  I’m going to count it.  I loved this story.  I loved the the originality of Eleanor, and the purity of love between them.  It’s my favorite book by Rainbow Rowell.

Carry the Ocean by Heidi Cullinan

Yes it’s true that this is a romance novel, which would be fine because I love romance, but Carry the Ocean was even more than that.  Emmett and Jeremey loved each other, but they learned to support each other through their disabilities.  Plus, Emmett was such a special character.  Honestly, if you like realistic contemporary with heart, please read this.

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

I’ve already said a lot about Jellicoe Road, but just for a recap, this is my all time favorite contemporary read.  Of all time.  It has the best cast of characters, and the most fascinating story.  Everything Melina writes is special, but this one really speaks to me.

Beard in Mind by 

It was hard to choose between Beard in Mind and Beard Science, but even though it was hard to not pick Cletus, I decided to go with Beard in Mind because it’s the all around story.  Shelly Sullivan really brought home this story.  She’s a phenomenal character, and the way Beau learned to understand her was beautiful.

Friday Brown by Vikki Wakefield

I’ve read Friday Brown once, and I’ll probably only read it once and yet I still bought it.  Any book that can destroy you to the extent that I was wrecked by Friday Brown has to be something you love.  It is one of the most emotional books ever.