April 22, 2011

Top 10 Books Everyone Should Read! (Guest Post by Jennifer Archer)

I could easily name 100! Without stopping to analyze or over-think, I quickly wrote down the titles that came to mind first, and came up with a mix of classics, titles that were published several years ago, and newer titles. Here’s my list:

1. THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zusak—This story emphasized to me that not all Germans during World War II were sympathetic to the Nazi agenda, and that many of them suffered, as well. I learned a lot from the point of view of a German girl whose family hid a Jewish man in their basement. This is a beautifully-written book with a unique twist; ‘Death’ narrates the story.
2. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee—If I’m not mistaken, this classic was first marketed as a Young Adult novel when it was published in the 1960’s. This is one of the great American novels. It honestly and vividly captures a place and time in American history – the Deep South during the 1930’s. Although it deals with heavy issues such as prejudice, violence and hypocrisy, the story is told with warmth, humor, and mystery and the characters are so real they jump off the page.

3. A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle – This book might be marketed to readers slightly younger than the YA audience, but I think it speaks to every age. I love the uniqueness of this story about teenager Meg, a highly intelligent social misfit, who travels through space and time with her younger brother, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe, the most popular guy at her school, in search of Meg’s missing father. Meg is truly a take-charge, resourceful female character! A wonderful read for anyone who has ever felt as if they don’t “fit in.” Which is pretty much everyone, right?!

4. GO ASK ALICE —originally published in the 1970’s, this supposedly “true diary” of a teen girl who succumbs to drug addiction is still relevant today. I first read it when I was sixteen, and I’ve never forgotten it. Some of the language and cultural references are a bit outdated today, but “Alice’s” story is still as gripping as ever.

5. SPEAK by Laurie Halse Anderson—The story of a girl who stops talking after suffering a personal tragedy. Sparsely written and powerful. I couldn’t put the book down and read it in one sitting.

6. SANG SPELL by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor—I had completely forgotten about his book until asked for this top 10 list! For some reason, it sprang to mind and now I can’t wait to read it again. Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is a wonderful writer, and this book is quite different than most of her other works. Sang Spell, which was published in the late 1990’s or early 2000, is one of the most mysterious, haunting, intriguing stories I’ve ever read. It’s about a boy who is hitchhiking to his aunt’s after the death of his mother, when he is mugged, then taken to a community that seems lost in time. Ultimately, this is a story about healing.

7. HATCHET by Gary Paulsen—This has become a classic. A great adventure that had my heart pounding and made me wonder again and again, ‘What if this happened to me? Would I survive?’


Through Her Eyes8. HOLES by Louis Sachar—One of the most clever books I’ve ever read. The movie is great, too! 

9. A CERTAIN SLANT OF LIGHT – Laura Whitcomb—This novel is only a few years old. I love a good ghost story, and this one has a unique slant.

10. THROUGH HER EYES by Jennifer Archer  -- A favorite of mine for obvious reasons!



Such an awesome list! Thank you Jennifer!!
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1 comment:

  1. I've read a few of those on the list and the rest are on my TBR list for obvious reasons :)

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