Are “best” and “favorite” the same thing? If someone asked you “What’s the best book you ever read?” would the answer be the same as for “What’s your favorite?” – BTT
I try to tailor my recommendations to whomever is asking. Bests and Favourites are very subjective. If someone asks me the best book on travelling to certain places, I may offer a travel guide, but my favourite would probably be a memoirs of the same place.
I don’t think I’ve ever been asked what’s the best book I’ve ever read. There are times when I like a book a lot for being well written and beautiful, but it’s not necesarily a favourite. For me, a favourite is a book I really wish to own or reread. For authors, I could say War and Peace and The Death of Ivan Illych are the best of Leo Tolstoy’s work, but Anna Karenina will be my favourite from his works for sentimental and nostalgic reasons.
How about you?
6 Comments
mary ann langan
Stop and see mine.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2013/09/booking-through-thursday_26.html
athena
Thanks, Mary Ann.
Tonia
Yes, best and favorite have different connotations for me as well. Our answers were similar – a book might be considered the “best” by a certain author but it doesn’t mean it will be my favorite.
athena
Hi Tonia! Words are often subjective and relative that way. Have a great weekend!
jessicabookworm
I totally agree! My favourite would rely heavily on how I felt about a book while I would think more about the merits of the books when picking something that’s meant to be the best.
athena
Hi Jessica! I think this applies a lot to non-fiction as well, but same with fiction which is more personal. Hope you’re having a good weekend.