If I had a book for every time I've heard the words “I’m not a reader,” then I'd have my own library. Growing up, I hated reading, or at least I thought I hated reading. I had such a negative attitude toward it after being forced to read chapter upon chapter of textbooks and Shakespeare that it never dawned on me to pick one up for fun. It wasn’t until I discovered that books existed aside from the mandatory ones that I truly allowed myself to consider the idea that reading could be enjoyable. Books have this incredible power that allows you to leave your life and step into another’s shoes as you travel with them page by page. They open doors to places we have never been and make us feel unexplainable emotions as we navigate the perils and adventures with character of a novel. If I could leave one piece of advice with the people I meet in my life, it is that reading is an amazing experience—even for people who claim to “hate” it. Nobody hates reading. They just have yet to find a book that sparks their interest. Everyone can be a reader. If you can fall in love with a TV series, you can fall in love with a book series, too. So give Netflix a well-deserved break, turn to page one, and give it a shot. With this being said, here is a list of books that I find nearly impossible not to enjoy.

1. "Harry Potter" - J.K. Rowling

Let’s start here. Come on, you knew these would be on this list. These books are so addicting, you can't read just one. It’s impossible, I swear. You find yourself completely engulfed in the world of witchcraft and wizardry as you follow Harry on his journey of discovering the wizarding world. As you read these books, you grow with the characters and learn what they learn. You become part of a Hogwarts house, you live the adventure, and love every second of it. Just watching the movies is not good enough. You’ve heard it a million times, and I will say it again, the books are always better than the movies.

2. "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" - Rick Riordan

If I were to credit my love of reading to any series, it would be this one. I love the writing, and Riordan is a genius with his plot twists and character developments. The whimsical tale of Percy Jackson as he and his Demigod friends fight their way through battles is unbelievable. No books compare to these books with their factual Greek Mythology and wonderful characters. The books mature as the characters do, and each one is better than the last. I grew up on these books, getting the new one every year it came out. I cried when I finally read the last book in this series; it was like losing a friend because the marvelous tale had unfortunately ended.

3. "The Heroes of Olympus" - Rick Riordan

When I heard Riordan was writing this series, I nearly had a heart attack. "The Heroes of Olympus" is the aftermath of the last "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" books. It is a continuation with a similar plot and a whole new set of problems. There are the wonderful old characters that the readers loved so much along with a new marvelous cast of characters that opens up a whole new Demigod world. These novels are as witty and well written as the first set, with all the plot twists and character gold that Riordan gave us in his first series.

4. "Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland" - Lewis Carroll

This is one of the must-read classic novels. Carroll’s plot is riveting as you follow Alice through Wonderland, which is absolute mayhem. Alice is a naive girl who chases a rabbit down a hole and discovers an entire world of madness and foolery. She gets into a lot of trouble along the way but makes friends to help her, like the Cheshire Cat. She learns valuable life lessons and discovers a thing or two about herself as well. The characters are hilarious and exciting when Alice encounters them. They move the plot along swiftly and make this a very easy and enjoyable read.

5. "A Song of Ice and Fire" - George R.R. Martin

You may know this series by its counterpart hit television show “Game of Thrones” that starting airing on HBO in 2011. This is the one case where I enjoy the show almost as much as the books. The books are still better, but the show is pretty on point. These are some long books with the lengthiest reaching 1,056 pages, but I can assure you that every page is worth it. Martin uses intense detail as you become absorbed in the lives of the Stark family. It switches chapter perspective as you travel around the land of Westeros. Each book has an unimaginable tale with new events unfolding chapter after chapter. These books never cease to take my breath away as Martin hits you with one shock after another.

6. "Lord of the Flies" - William Golding

Another timeless classic, "Lord of the Flies" is the first and only book I ever truly enjoyed being forced to read in school. The book is set in the backdrop of war in England as the diverse cast of characters crash lands on a deserted island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It has many biblical allegories that boost the character development and make the plot fascinating. It is safe to say this novel is the foundation of many fiction novels written today.

7. "The Maze Runner" - James Dashner

This trilogy by James Dashner is set in a post-apocalyptic world. It all starts with the protagonist, Thomas, waking up in a box knowing nothing but his name. He soon finds out that he is trapped in a maze with 50 boys his age. He doesn't know why they are there or what is wrong, but he knows it is up to him to figure out the secrets to the maze and break the boys out. It is an exciting and extremely fast-paced novel that unravels clues to the plot as it goes. This series that barely gives you time to breathe, so you'll be up reading for hours on the edge of your seat with suspense.

8. "The Wolves of Mercy Falls" - Maggie Steifvater

These books are extremely well written, not to mention absolutely beautiful. It is the only series I have ever seen with colored text. Each book has text written in colored ink that corresponds with its cover art. This is a tale of star-crossed lovers who unfortunately contract lycanthropy. The reader follows Sam, Grace, and their friends through this very mature and alluring plot based on the myth of werewolves.

9. "Gone" - Michael Grant

I was excited that there were so many of these books, because I never wanted the series to end. Though the novels seem like it would take you forever to read, they can actually be read in a snap because the many characters swiftly carry you through the plot. It all starts in Perdido Beach when suddenly, all humans aged 15 and older disappear. A bubble forms around the town, and no one can get out or escape. They start to develop powers ranging in strength. It's a riveting plot that satisfyingly unravels to answer all questions. It's intense to see who rises to power, who saves the town, and who becomes nothing but evil.

10. "Infernal Devices" - Cassandra Clare

This prequel series changed my life. I will never read another series as compelling and tragic as this one. Clare wrote this series as a prequel to another series she wrote called "The Mortal Instruments," but this set blew the original books away. The prequel is riveting and unbearably captivating as you proceed with Tessa, an American immigrant in Victorian Era London, on her journey to discover who she is. It is an amazing fable of love, magic, and surprise. The last book leaves readers absolutely speechless.