Book dedications might not always pop out to the reader, but they’re one of the most important, and often very interesting, parts of the book. After all, the author is dedicating a whole entire book, a project that took them a ton of time and effort to craft, to a person or people that mean a lot to them.
I love seeing who authors think to dedicate their books to because it feels like such a special part of the process. Of course, they usually expand to thank everyone that had a part in the book during the acknowledgements. But who’s that one person or group of people they’ve dedicated it to? Sometimes it’s a funny dedication. Sometimes they tug at the heartstrings before you even get into the story. That’s why I love this part of a book! Now here are some of my favorite book dedications I’ve seen.
The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
For all the best doggos who drag they leashes over to my part of the sidewalk, because I give the best pats. Good doggos.
Is it bad to start with the one I think is my absolute favorite? Because oh my gosh, I love Rin Chupeco, and I love this dedication. Super relatable and definitely made me chuckle to myself before starting the book. (Side note: It’s a cliche to say, but we really don’t deserve dogs.)
The Field Guide to the North American Teenager by Ben Philippe
TO MY MOTHER, BELZIE.
I WOULD HAVE MADE A TERRIBLE DOCTOR, MOM. PEOPLE WOULD HAVE DIED.
Thanks to Jess @ The Book Bratz for pointing this one out to me because I must’ve glossed over it in the audiobook or something, but man this one is great. IT’s funny and sets the reader up for the type of humor they’ll find in the book. Plus it’s in all caps? Most dedications aren’t? Why are you shouting at your mother? Either way, I love it and I’m laughing.
The Disasters by M.K. England
To everyone who’s ever felt like a disaster.
Here, have a spaceship!
Now fly.
It’s no secret that this is one of my favorite books, but I really love this dedication, too. Haven’t we all felt like a disaster at some point? This book is for everyone. Here’s some hope. (See my review of The Disasters!)
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
For trans and nonbinary youth:
You’re beautiful. You’re important. You’re valid. You’re perfect.
Three months later, and Felix Ever After is still my favorite read of 2020 (and I have a feeling it’s going to keep that title.) This book is so relatable and entertaining and important in so many ways. I have a review explaining why I loved the book that you can check out, but right now I’m here to say that I love this dedication. These affirmations before this amazing, affirming book? You love to see it.
We Unleash the Merciless Storm by Tehlor Kay Mejia
To the lovers and the fighters,
and every hero who dares to be both.
Maybe it has more to do with my emotions toward Carmen and Dani going into the book, but this one really got me. (I mean, they’re lovers and fighters and they’re so easy to root for and I love them.) I almost didn’t include this one because I couldn’t quite think of how to explain why I like it. I guess it’s really just the poetry of it. Lovers and fighters can exist in the same person, and this is a good reminder of that.
Beautiful on the Outside by Adam Rippon
This book is dedicated to my haters.
You’re not that cute, you hair is uneven, and you look dusty.
Thank you for being my motivators.
I really got a kick out of this one when I first started reading the book in April and even posted a photo of it on Instagram. The sass. The nerve. This dedication just so… Adam Rippon. Gotta love it.
Tarnished Are The Stars by Rosiee Thor
FOR MOM AND DAD
(I GUESS YOU CAN FINALLY READ THIS ONE)
Okay, this one is very relatable!! I think part of the reason I love it so much is because it sounds exactly something I would write as a dedication. So far, I don’t have much in the way of drafts to let people read, but I’m even picky about whom I tell my ideas to. They’re secrets until they’re published!
What are some book dedications that stood out to you?
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