November 20, 2016

Reading has been an enormous part of my life since the very moment I learned to read. Those learning moments are blurry memories, but I remember them, nonetheless. I picked up reading words just as anyone would.It was the reading comprehension that I had a problem with; a problem that wasn't recognized until I was in second grade when my mom sat me down, had me read a passage of a book, and asked what it meant. I had no clue. Moving forward with the new awareness, my elementary school years passed, and I became stronger in my comprehension. And so lies the origin of my relentless love for reading.

I have compiled a list of some of my favorite books, and I hope that anyone looking for a new read finds this list helpful.

1. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

I read this in my junior year of high school, and fell in love with it. The use of language, imagery, and outstanding character development makes it both educational and enjoyable.

2. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene

I began reading this novel about a week ago, and even though I still have forty more pages to read, I have put it in this list because the raw tone and absolutely phenomenal thematic structure grant it such a status. Especially for those who have a Christian faith, please consider putting this on your reading list. Truly, it is a wonderful demonstration of what living in a world without Christianity is like.

3. The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

I don't read a lot of Stephen King only for the fact that I am not a fan of horror and gore. This book was introduced to me by my dad, who assured me that it was different from other King novels. King wrote the book for his daughter as a fairy tale story, but it can be read by anyone who loves a clever and exciting story.

4. The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

I read this book for the first time in seventh grade. The second time was last summer, and the story was just as fantastic as the first time. The story follows a young girl, Charlotte Doyle, who is taking a voyage to the Americas. Her character development is brilliantly written as she goes from a poised, well-trained, and high standing lady in society to a woman of great zeal and understanding of the harsh world she is thrust into.

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

This timeless novel was also a part of my reading list during junior year of high school. It's a great summer read, especially if you want a story with a bit of everything: excitement, adventure (hence the title), issues to ponder, humor, and a great demonstration of American literature.

6. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

This piece of Gothic Literature is vibrant and engaging with a dark mystery of a great hound. If you've read and loved other classic mystery stories, then this one is sure to fit into your reading genre. I experienced this thrilling story in eighth grade and have recommended it profusely since.

7. The Lord of the Rings (the Trilogy) by J.R.R. Tolkien

I know, I'm cheating by putting all three books under one, but how could I not? The story has to flow together. Despite the fact that these books can become rather dry in some parts, I have it in my top favorite because of the absolute genius of the secondary world that Tolkien created. The linguistics and the thrilling creative narrative that he wrote is absolutely stunning.

8. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I recently read this book, and I admire Brown's genius work. Although I did not enjoy his other works such as The Da Vinci Code, The Lost Symbol captured my love for a mystery story with thrills, chases, ancient symbolism, and original plot development. Every turn of the page surprised me more and more, and I couldn't stop reading. Brown beautifully scatters the pieces of the story, and then slowly brings them back together, leaving the reader stunned and amazed.

9. Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

This was the book where I really found my love for fantasy. I've read it several times (mostly in my middle school years), and I adore the story. It is action-packed with a narrative that creates an omnipotence for the reader as well as a refreshing presence of true humor. A MUST read.

While there are SO many more that I could list, these are definitely at the top. Also, if I tried to list all of my favorite books, you would probably be reading this for several days.

Happy reading!

Always,

Frances McKinley