As I am writing this article, I am sitting in one of my favorite places since I was a child. No, it is not Disneyland, it is Barnes and Noble! If you know me well enough, this does not come as a surprise. I know, it is kind of lame that while the world is filled with so many beautiful places and experiences, a bookstore is where I choose to spend my quiet time contently. Since I have not had the chance to travel or have any unique life experiences, reading has been the way I put myself in another person's shoes, how I revert to different points in time, and travel anywhere in the world. Reading has definitely played an important part in giving me the open-mindedness and sensitivity that is often acquired through a lifetime. Here is a list of the top 10 books that have allowed my mind to roam free and allowed me to understand various perspectives. I hope you will take some of these book recommendations and let them influence your life, like they did mine. Enjoy!

1. "The Circuit" by Francisco Jiménez

This is the first inspirational autobiography of Fransisco's harsh journey migrating from Mexico to the united States, the struggles of working in the California fields, and his journey towards becoming successful

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2. "A Child Called It" by Dave Pelzer

This is another inspiring autobiography of how Dave Pelzer survived inhumane abuse by his mother. This is definitely the type of book to pull at your heartstrings and make you thankful for your family.

3. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

This novel is very popular and everyone might know the basic plot of the book. However, if you have not read this book dealing with race, compassion,and strength you should definitely devote some time to it!

4. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

While the movie was great (sorry to be that person), the book was better. This novel deals with the internal struggles of an introvert including making friends, dealing with family issues, and drug use.

5. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini

This is a novel inspired by the author's childhood in Afghanistan during the rise of the Taliban Regime. This novel shows a loss of innocence, the meaning of friendship, and provides a real look into the lives of innocent people in the Middle East.

6. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan

This book tells the story of Esperanza, a wealthy Mexican girl, whose father gets killed one day. Her family is forced to come to the United States to start from nothing, working hard in the fields.

7. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell

This is an interesting fictional book telling a political story by using farm animals. The book is intended to have a deep historical and political meaning while using animal as a representative of political leaders.

8. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

This is an autobiography telling the life of Maya Angelou, an African American writer and poet. This coming of age story deals with racism and rape and is an empowering book for anyone who reads it.

9. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

This popular book is set during the Nazi's reign under Adolf Hitler in Germany and gives a real perspective into the diary of a young girl during this violent and oppressive time in history.

10. "Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt

This is a fictional book about a family who, after drinking from a spring, has the ability to live forever. After the main character, Winnie Foster, finds this out she is intrigued and wants to live forever as well. However, the Tuck family explains how living forever is actually a curse and the best thing is to make use of the time we have.