If you're an avid reader, you might have clicked on this article to see if there were any books you have yet to read. And that's great! However, if you do not consider yourself an avid reader, this article was designed specifically for you! I have listed below, 10 books you should read as soon as possible, if you haven't already. These books are, for the most part, short reads that are bound to get you thinking far past their plot lines. If you have yet to read any of the below titles, I highly recommend them.

1. The 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling

The "Harry Potter" series is my favorite of all time. This series has caught the attention of the young and old since 1997 and for good reason. The books tell the tale of a young wizard named Harry as he seeks to cease the reign of the dark wizard who killed his parents. But that's just a very simplified explanation of the plot line. As you read you learn of Harry, Ron and Hermione during their times at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and cannot help but feel as if the universe J.K. Rowling created is real. These books tell of friendship, love and sacrifice for the greater good. These books are truly books that, once read, stick with you for a lifetime.

2. 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini

The bulk of this book is set in Kabul, Afghanistan from 1963-1981. This book follows Amir, the narrator, and his childhood best friend, Hassan, while they deal with tension in their country and turmoil in their own lives. This is, by no means, a light beach read. From the very beginning Hosseini details how one choice can change an entire lifetime and the value of friendship during the pitfalls of life. But after reading, you can be assured that you have now looked at an atrocious situation from a perspective you might have never before.

3. 'Between Shades of Gray' by Ruta Sepetys

If you love World War II history and want a slightly different perspective than what is normally shown, this is the book for you. "Between Shades of Gray" tells the tale of Lina, a 15-year-old Lithuanian girl, and her family as they are taken by Soviet officials and forced to work for Stalin's agenda. Both heartbreaking and inspiring, this story sheds light on more than just the German war tactics through the eyes of a teenage girl.

4. 'White Oleander' by Janet Fitch

Through the eyes of Astrid, a teenager living in many Los Angeles foster homes after her mother is found guilty of murder, "White Oleander" is a beautiful story of what it's like to sprout from the shadow of tragedy. It also made Oprah's book club, as if you will need any further reason to read this book!

5. 'Gone Girl' byGillian Flynn

Whether or not you've already seen the film, you must read the book. Flynn spins a marvelous tale of a marriage that was never really meant to work and the consequences that will come from it. "Gone Girl" is spectacularly suspenseful from beginning to end-- I read it cover to cover within a matter of days!

6. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell

Who says politics and farm animals don't mix? "Animal Farm" tells the tale of the pigs' rise to power within the barnyard, reigning over all other farm animals. This book is a classic for good reason: it is a short, easy read that leaves you thinking long after you set it down!

7. 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak

This is another World War II story, this time set just outside Munich, Germany, and told from the perspective of Death himself. Death tells the story of a young German girl living with her foster parents during the reign of the Third Reich. "The Book Thief" tells of a brave, young couple of friends as they live their lives amongst utter chaos-- and a little thievery.

8. 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher

This title might turn some heads, assuming you already know what this book is about. Asher tells of a teenage girl who commits suicide and then leaves tapes for various people in her life to listen to detailing the 13 reasons why she decided to kill herself. This book is, on certain levels, juvenile; however, it does force the reader to think of how their actions could be harming those around them.

9. 'The Lovely Bones' by Alice Sebold

Susie Salmon is a 14-year-old girl who takes a shortcut home from school one day, not knowing that it will be her last. "The Lovely Bones" tells of the wonderful heartbreak that comes with life and everything that happens after. As Susie looks down on her family from heaven, she can't help but send her father clues leading to her murderer. Sebold does a wonderful job in detailing how different units of a family deal with loss in their utterly unique ways.

10. 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry

To live in a world with no pain would be marvelous...Or so we think. Jonas is a teenage boy living in a world without color, pain, loss or love. Children do not know their biological parents and do not understand their need to. People have forgotten the many emotions that make us human-- except The Giver. Lowry puts into perspective why we must hurt in order to feel our wounds heal.