This is a list of my favorite books that I have read over the years. The list is in no particular order but I hope it has something for everyone. The genres include fantasy, science fiction, young adult fiction, historical drama, and bildungsroman. It includes classics as well as books that are less well-known.
1. The Bell Jar
I have to admit, I love almost anything written by Sylvia Plath (if you like poetry, check her out) but reading her novel The Bell Jar is what introduced me to her. A novel about a young woman's experiences with depression.
2. Marcelo In the Real World
Another novel about mental illness, but this time the reader is led to doubt whether being so-called "abnormal" is such a bad thing. Very eye-opening.
3. The Harry Potter Series
There, I said it. What's not to like about this lovable boy wizard? And don't tell me you've seen the movies; the books are way better. My personal favorite is number three.
4. The Inheritance Cycle
Seriously, no one ever calls it "The Inheritance Cycle" most just refer to the this series by the name of its first book, Eragon. It has everything you could possibly want in a fantasy series-- dragons, monsters, heroes, a love story, and an evil archenemy. Please, please don't watch the movie it is a horrible abomination of an adaptation.
5. Catcher In the Rye
I still can't figure out why this book is so good but it is. I've read it twice. Follow Holden Caulfield (gotta love that name) in his angst-ridden wanderings and secretly agree when he calls everyone "phonies."
6. Ender's Game
I don't tend to read a lot of sic-fi books but this one stands out. I think it's the plot twist at the end (no spoilers). The film adaptation is pretty good as well.
7. Jane Eyre
Again, a genre of book I don't normally tend to read because I find victorian writing styles rather dense, but this is a must read. Once you get through the first chapter or so, you'll be hooked. It's romantic but also sometimes creepy and-- I can't even describe it. Also a pretty decent film adaptation.
8. The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Hobbit
C'mon, it's a classic. The movies are pretty good but they can't capture the beauty of Tolkien's writing and the wealth of detail he provides (the movies are already long enough right?)
9. The Great Gatsby
Another classic. It's one of those books where you can pull out almost any quote and it will be profound. The The narrator is relatable and Jay Gatsby is alluring. The epitomic novel of the "lost generation."
10. The Kingkiller Chronicle
If you like epic fantasy novels, this series is for you. 'Nuff said.
11. Water for Elephants
Delights as much as the circus it describes. OK that sounds like a TV add but it's true. The movie is pretty good as well but I'm a believer in reading books first to get the full experience.
