For as long as I can remember I have loved reading with a passion. I always have a list a mile long of books I want to check out. Escaping into a good book is one of my favorite pass times. Through books I can be magically transported to other worlds both fictional and realistic. I also get to take a look into the minds of different characters and see things through their eyes. Second best thing next to reading for me is when I get to share a great book with someone and they love it as much as I do. It makes me extremely happy to pass on a piece of great literature.

The following is a list of my personal favorite books that I have read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

1. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

What it’s about: A teenager named Clay comes home one day from school to find a mysterious package addressed to him. Inside he finds a series of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah who recently committed suicide. As Clay listens to these tapes he walks a difficult mile in Hannah’s shoes and is enlightened as to what led to her tragic decision.

Why you should read this book:Thirteen Reasons Why is one of the most powerful books I have ever read. The story is one that can be best described as haunting. I mean that in a very good way. Once you finish it just sticks with you. It also delivers a great take away message without being “preachy.”

2. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

What it’s about: The reader follows the main character Charlie as he goes through the ups and downs of his first year of high school.

Why you should read this book: This is such a wonderful coming of age story I can barely put it into words. The three main characters Charlie, Sam and Patrick are so special, and I think everyone needs to experience them. In addition, the story is told through a series of letters which gives it a unique perspective and style.

4. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

What it’s about: A group of aliens known as the Garde seek refuge on Earth after their home planet of Lorien is attacked. Almost a decade later, the same vicious alien race that invaded their home has found the Garde and it’s up to them to save Earth and find a way to restore Lorien.

Why you should read this book: This is the first installment of one of the best book series I have ever come across. It’s a great read for anyone who’s a fan of sci-fi. The storyline of the Lorien Legacies series is highly captivating with intriguing characters, drama and action in each book.

5. Beastly by Alex Flinn

What it’s about:Beastly is a modern twist on the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. Kyle Kingsbury is spoiled and downright rotten to the core. He finds out too late that the latest victim of his cruelty is actually a witch and ends up being cursed. To reverse the magic he has to find love and seal it with a kiss. Just when things look most bleak he meets Lindy, a young woman who just might be the one to save him.

Why you should read this book: It’s a wonderful reimagining of a classic fairytale most of us are highly familiar with. With the story of Cinderella being so popular and frequently used in modern retellings, it was refreshing to see a different story used for once. While it shares many common traits with Disney’s tale as old as time, it does have its own original points that make it worth reading.

6. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

What it’s about: Detective Hercule Poirot finds his services needed when one of his fellow passages on a train is found murdered. Poirot is recruited to investigate and figure out who the guilty party is.

Why you should read this book: This book, and basically all the work of Agatha Christie, is perfect for anyone who loves a good whodunit story. I originally read Murder on the Orient Express for a class and it is without a doubt the best book I’ve ever read for school.

7. Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn

What it’s about: In a serendipitous twist of fate, main characters Nick and Norah meet and wind up spending a crazy magical night on the town together. In the course of their night the face many ups and downs and in time help to mend each other’s broken hearts.

Why you should read this book: This is a charming love story that can appeal to the romantic side in anyone. This book was my rock when I read it because at the time I was going through an awful break up, but Nick and Norah helped me heal by showing that it is possible to find love again after heartbreak.

8. The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

What’s it about: Three young children, Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire, tragically find themselves orphaned when both their parents perish in a fire that has also consumed their family home. The Baudelaire’s are placed in the care of a guardian named Count Olaf. The children quickly learn however that Count Olaf’s intentions with them are far from honorable and that he’s only after the large family fortune they're meant to inherit.

Why you should read this book: I hold these books very near and dear. I started reading them when I was in the fourth grade and over a decade later my love for this series has not faded one bit. Filled with murder, mystery and dashes of humor this is a fantastic read for any book lover. Beware though this series is quite long containing 13 books in all. Trust me when I say however that you won’t be sorry you took the time to read these amazing books.

I hope you take a chance on these books and find you enjoy them just as much as I do. Did I list one of your favorites? Please feel free to let me know and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.