Two Books (3 Technically, but you know, whatever)
The first book,
The Oscillation by @AuthorSME , is the book that brought me to SH years ago. I picked up, and it was the only book I read here, back when it wasn't even completed yet (I had a different account then). It was the only story that truly kept my attention no matter how often I needed to put it down; Often, coming back during breaks, and lunches, only to pick it back up. It's the book that made me fall in love with SH as a whole just through it's story, and writing alone. It encouraged, and inspired me to write, and post my own stories here. It's a fascinating read that pulls you into its world of creatures, and monsters, and mysterious abilities. It makes you want to befriend its characters, and cheer them on. They're unique, and wholesome, and they stand out without needing to grandstand in any particular way. It's words just flow. It makes you believe in the fantasy. I admired that aspect about it. It's why the flow of a story is very important to me whenever I'm reading, and (though I'm personally still learning) I wish I could one day match the passion of this story, and its creativity. I would recommend it to anyone.

That said, the second book (and why I said technically above) is
The Oscillation by AuthorSME, (
lol). This is the
Finalized Printed Version of the mentioned book above. I haven't read this version, but it is the edited, and published version of the original 1st draft. If you choose to pick up, and read this book, I would say to click this version. It's how the Author truly envisioned their story through their editing, and through their hard work, through their blood, sweat, tears. -And I would like to honor that vision. The reason why I put the draft version first is to show that you don't have to be perfect the first time around. You don't need to hold yourself to some impossible standard, and that it's okay to be vulnerable. SME could have easily deleted the original after completing the final product, but didn't. I admired that decision. I'm very thankful to this author for bringing me to SH, maybe not directly, but they did, and I'm glad to call SH my online home. I truly enjoy it here. I'm also very proud of this Author for achieving their goals with this story. It's been a while, but Congratulations on a job well done SME. Seeing how far you've come has always made me smile.

Third, and not least in any way, is
The Beast World Calls My Name by @AliceMoonvale . So far, the book is incomplete; Unfinished, with only a few chapters, but to say that there is '
little content' because of its length, would be a lie, and a gross misconception, because there is plenty to read, and hold dearly, not just with its characters, but with the world being presented within its pages.
It's a simple story of a sweet girl, a bit of a work in progress, but good natured nonetheless. She yearns for comfort, and belonging, but finds herself amidst a love triangle of complete opposites in a land that doesn't even understand her. It's endearing, and funny, but wholesome, and adventurous. There's love, and chaos sewn between every chapter. The author brings a certain charm with their words that make you want to keep reading. It's not a story that leaps into your face, with action, or thrills, but instead pats your hand, and tells you things will be alright...
even when there's someone plotting to murder you within the story.. lol.
For fair warning, there are a small amount of discrepancies within the story, moments the characters fumbles around, or did things I personally wouldn't have done if I were placed within the story. These moments were silly, but cute. At the same, even back when I read The Oscillation for the first time, seeing those same minor discrepancies, the sentences with missing words, or the insignificant spelling mistakes, I'm reminded that
this imaginary world,
these characters I'm reading, and the words I'm currently enjoying, came from someone; They imagined, and manifested
this world. I'm reminded that there is a person behind this book, writing, and sweating, and crying, and just trying their hardest to create something they consider worthy of something, of love, of admiration.. the same exact way I feel, when I write.
I've had the honor of reading through some of Alice's responses here in the forums, and even had a few discussions with them; Reading about what goes on through their mind while writing, how they feel, what makes them write, why they write; It's fascinating (You all are).
Being surrounded by so many aspiring authors is a dream; It's almost wild to see how many of you still care about writing to begin with.
This being the most recent book I'm currently reading, and fully enjoying, keeps me grounded in anticipation.
I can't wait to see it grow, and I'll be upset (and proud) when I finally get to see it completed.
Like the pride I had when I saw AuthorSME finally able to press their Completed button.
Like the anticipation I have when I can finally see you all get to press that button.
-and hopefully, when I finally get to join you in pressing my own.
I just really like books, and I'm very proud of this community.