Book List Extraordinaire
Every serious reader or writer has a book list, the must-reads and re-reads, filled with the kind of book you open up when you’re having the worst day of 
your life, because after an hour of reading, you’re smiling and laughing, and the world is bright again.
Often I ask other avid readers what they’re reading, and sometimes I regret it. Trashy blockbusters or middle-school level verbage makes me realize what a terrible book snob I am. But more often, a suggestion brings me something new and delicious to read; then I’m glad I asked!
My list might be either of these scenarios for you. I hope you like my favorites, but I am not offended if you don’t. Literature is as nearly as personal as religion or politics. What’s life-changing or engrossing for you might be a tedious textbook for someone else.
So at the risk of being criticized or grossly misunderstood, I am putting forth in print my list of favorite books. This will be a lengthy list, because I don’t have a favorite 10 or 20. Probably a favorite 100. But at least no one can say that I’m not willing to share it. I will have to update regularly, due to increased reading and anything that I might have I forgotten to mention. That’s where it will get tricky–what to leave off and what to add! This list represents books that need to be read and re-read. (Strictly in my opinion, of course.)
Feel free to send me your suggestions!
LITERATURE, FICTION & NON-FICTION:
Pride and Prejudice
To Kill A Mockingbird
The Help
The Screwtape Letters
The Pearl
A Christmas Carol
Animal Farm
Julius Caesar
A Tale of Two Cities
Little Women
The Great Gatsby
The Old Man and the Sea
Romeo & Juliet
Macbeth
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
Gone With the Wind
Sarah’s Key
Night
The Three Musketeers
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
The Gifts of Imperfection
The Happiness Project
YOUNG ADULT & CHILDREN’S LITERATURE:
The Book Thief
The Giver
Treasure Island
The Diary of Anne Frank
Johnny Tremain
The Bronze Bow
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Narnia series, especially The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Secret Garden
The Kissing Hand
The Little Princess
The Tale of Despereux
Charlotte’s Web
Stuart Little
Guess How Much I Love You?
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House series
Number the Stars
Anne of Green Gables series
The Hunger Games trilogy
CHRISTIAN LIVING & INSPIRATIONAL:
The Bible
Get Out of That Pit!
Breaking Free
Father Hunger
The Search for Significance
Experiencing God
Parenting with Scripture
Shepherding a Child’s Heart
Sacred Marriage
The Jesus I Never Knew
The Five Love Languages
Lies Women Believe
Praying God’s Word
Parenting with Scripture
