I have always loved book dedications, how they can be sweet, clever, funny, as simple as a name or the maniacal musings of The House of Hades. Even if it doesn’t mean much to the reader, it is a beautiful way to show love. And sometimes it can act as a way to draw you in even before page 1. And so, here are a few of my favorites.
A Quiet Kind of Thunder - Sara Barnard
As someone who has always been one of "the quiet ones" this one made me melt.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - J. K. Rowling
Until the very end, over and over again. I had a discussion in one of my English classes about how stories no longer belong solely to the author as soon as they have a reader. This dedication brings forth that idea that all of us now have a piece of Harry with us.
Aurora Rising - Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I loved how this one acknowledged that you may still be looking for your squad.
A Court of Frost and Starlight - Sarah J. Maas
Was it just me who pictured reading this book on a balcony at Starfall when I saw this dedication?
Insurgent - Veronica Roth
Whoever Nelson is, he sounds more than worthy of a book dedication.
Timekeeper - Tara Sim
This one is actually still on my to-read list but I am so looking forward to discovering who or what the characters are searching for. This one really exemplifies how dedications can make that emotional connection for readers before they even get into the story.
Symptoms of Being Human - Jeff Garvin
I feel like I should add this message to any piece of writing I ever let out into the world.
Aristotle ad Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe - Benjamin Alire Sáenz
One of my favorite quotes of all time is from Six of Crows - "If you can't beat the odds, change the game". I wonder how Ari and Dante would get along in the Dregs.
The Paladin Prophecy - Mark Frost
They tend to be the ones who feel found in books.
Knightley Academy - Violet Haberdasher
The format and wording of this dedication is just so beautiful to me. It is plucky and heartfelt and makes me think this author's life is as adventurous as Henry's.
You Will Get Through This Night - Daniel Howell
There is a beautiful vulnerability in this dedication, especially to someone who has followed the parts of his journey that he has made public in his online presence. He is here in part because of his followers and I am where I am today in part because of him as well.
In Deeper Waters - F. T. Lukens
Another wish for those who may relate to the author or characters.
Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge
I have generally gotten nothing but encouragement for my writing but there are certainly a few individuals that stand out that I could put in this dedication for myself.
Serious Moonlight - Jenn Bennett
This one made me cry the first time (and several times after) I read it.
Any Way the Wind Blows - Rainbow Rowell
It was difficult to get this list down to this number already so it is difficult to pick a favorite but this one might just take it.
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