Favourite versus best

Reactor asks Do You Distinguish Between “Best” and “Favorite” Books? Of course I distinguish between best and favourite. It's wild to me that there are people who don't make that distinction, as in the quote in the article. People of exceptional taste I suppose. It also makes me a bit sad because it suggests something very pristine. I always make a very specific distinction between my favourites and the things I believe are the best. With the proviso that 'best' translates to 'best to my mind' on still-subjective ideas like craft, or merit. What we love is so specific to who we are. I can say 'my favourite' with authority because I am the sole expert in my taste and preferences. I don't think anyone can say The Best with authority, but they sure do. Many of my favourite books are my favourites because I imprinted on them when I was young. And later favourites are in that vein. I can see a direct link between the dense mythology of Watership Down and the snippy epicness and lifelong…