The best book dedications ever written
Désirée Worrall-Bélanger
Why dedications matter
One of my many bookish habits is that, when I go browsing at the bookstore, I’ll often read the dedication instead of the synopsis to decide if I want to buy a the book or not. Yes, there are books with really short dedications that don’t quite give me a sneak peek of the story (in those cases, I’ll turn to the synopsis). However, there are *some* stories with dedications that stop you in your tracks. Perhaps it’s because it makes you feel seen, or makes you laugh out loud… or maybe you’re just really curious about the cookies and ice cream thing (anyone else who’s read *Butcher & Blackbird* just because of that?)As someone who enjoys going into a book knowing very little about it, I find that dedications are the perfect little hint to what’s at the core of a story. Take these, for example:“For anybody who could use a break” in "A Psalm for the Wild Built" by Becky Chambers“This one is for the wild child. The passionate and indulgent. Those who burn with big emotions and dreams, afraid no one can really see you behind the flames. May you never burn out or fear destruction, but surround yourself with the strongest kindling.” in "In Your Dreams" by Sarah Adams.“For the lost and forgotten ones. And the believers who hold on tight.” in "Good Spirits" by B.K. Borison.These are just a few of *thousands* of beautiful dedications I’ve seen amongst my collection. I’m curious to hear about the best book dedication you’ve ever read.Readers pick their favorite dedications
On the Fable for You feed, readers shared hundreds of dedications from their favorite books. Here are a few from the comments!Christiona D highlighted this dedication from “I Feed Her to the Beast, and the Beast is Me” by Jamison Shea."TO THOSE WHO FIND FREEDOM IN BECOMING A MONSTER WHEN DENIED THE SPACE TO BE HUMAN"
Lily Ani highlighted this dedication from "Hunted" by Meagan Spooner.To the girl who reads by flashlight who sees dragons in the clouds who feels most alive in worlds that never were who knows magic is real who dreams This book is for you
Amanda S shared this dedication from "Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross.For anyone who sought a different realm through a wardrobe door, Who wrote a letter and is still waiting for a reply, Or who dreams of stories and bleeds words.
Thea spotlighted "The Little Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry for its inspiring dedication.“To Leon WerthI ask children to forgive me for dedicating this book to a grown-up. I have a serious excuse; this grown-up is the best friend I have in the world. I have another excuse: this grown-up can understand everything, even books for children. I have a third excuse: he lives in France where he is hungry and cold. He needs to be comforted. If all these excuses are not enough, then I want to dedicate this book to the child whom this grown-up once was. All grown-ups were children first. (But few of them remember it.) So I correct my dedication:To Leon Werth When he was a little boy”
Anna Grace picked the dedication from "Holding Up the Universe" by Jennifer Niven.“for Kerry, Louis, Angelo, & Ed, who help hold up my universe and for all my readers everywhere, who are the world to me.”Keep reading on Fable
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Désirée Worrall-Bélanger