As the winter months creep up, the lazy days of summer reading seem to slip away. Is this because I am busy? Or is this just an excuse I am making for myself? If I can find time to watch an episode of "Friends" on Netflix, I most definitely have the time to read. I often forget the power of a great book. Investing ourselves in a story allows us to escape reality for a little. Reading feeds the soul and expands our minds. It is a magical way to foster the imagination.

I encourage you to go on a date tonight. Go on a date with a book. Light some candles, make some tea, grab a blanket, and remember, don't judge a book by its cover! Who knows, maybe there are many more dates to come!

Here are just a few likely suiters.

(The Rebel) "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

This is a book I recently re-read. A group of school boys survive a plane crash and attempt to re-build society. The book shows the savagery that is within even the most civil human beings. The book has been banned in many schools because it represents humans as being nothing more than animals. It is a great read with symbolism and sparks open ended conversation about mankind.

(The Artist) "The GoldFinch" by Donna Tartt

The book follows the story of a young boy who magically survives an accident that kills his mother. He holds onto a small painting that reminds him of her after practically being abandoned. The painting draws him into the world of art. This book will have you up all night, engulfed in the energy and characters. It is a long book, but it will keep your attention throughout the entire story.

(The Vegan) "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

I am not kidding when I say that this book not only changed the way I eat, but it changed my life. I will admit, I am a crazy foodie, and a lover of all things organic. We are living on a treacherous landscape of fast food, organic farms, factory farms, and global super markets. The author swears that after reading, dinner will never look quite the same. *disclaimer* Do not read if you are sensitive to what goes into that McDonalds Hamburger you are about to eat.

(The Mystery Date) Now I have two suiters for you if you are into the mysterious type.

1. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn

I am currently reading it and it is a great book. However, I refuse to look up the ending so I guess you will just have to read it yourself to find out.

2. "Girl On The Train" by Paula Hawkins

There is not much I can say about this book without spoiling anything, but it is a murder mystery that will leave you literally on the edge of your seat. Once you get past the fist few chapters, you will not be able to put the book down. I read this book in three days.

(The Free Spirit) "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch-

The story follows a girl named Astrid. Her mother is a beautiful poet send to prison because of a crime of passion. Astrid is sent to a number of foster homes. Her mother teaches her lessons about life through writing while Astrid teaches her mother to love.

(The Magician) Every single one of the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling

Read them in order, read them backwards, read them over and over again. They will never ever get old.