Books I Love
The Adrian Mole Books by Sue Townsend
My mother and my sister brought the first two books in the series back with me from their trip to England. Since then I've always considered them my favorite books. I haven't yet read the rest of the series but it's on my agenda. These are laugh out loud funny, incredibly well written and so readable.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
I first read this book in 10th grade. I fell in love with it and have read it many times since then. The writing is exquisite, the mood dark, the story interesting and unique. Definitely a page turner.
The Riddlemaster Trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip
I found the first two books in the trilogy in my favorite used book store after I intitially became interested in the fantasy genre. This has become one of my top three favorite fantasy series (along with the Sword of Truth series and the Wheel of Time series-both included on my favorite authors page.) The main characters are fallible and on a such an incredible journey. The ending is a major surprise and the writing is beautiful. I think even if I hadn't liked fantasy I still would have enjoyed these books.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Although I'm not usually a fan of books written in the 1800s I gave this book a go and am definitely glad I did. The story is beautiful and intriguing.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux
I picked up this book, first published in 1910, after we sang some of the songs from the musical in High School chorus. This story of unrequited love and the sadness of the title character hits home in so many ways. You can't help but feel for the Phantom even after all the evil things he does.
Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard
I borrowed this book from my sister and it is now my favorite book of short stories. They are so well written and repeated readings diminish nothing. I still cry every time I read "The Fourth State of Matter." These stories run the gamut from funny to horrifying.
The Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
I have no clue when I first read these books but since then I've read them many many times. Simple yet effective, I still enjoy reading them when I feel the need to visit an old friendly book.
The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
I've always loved Highsmiths dark novels (especially Strangers On the Train) and was pleased to discover that she had written a lesbian novel. Published in 1952 this novel is not only beautifully done but it also has a happy ending.
A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin
I consider this book to be the best of Levins novels. Dark and dangerous, the story follows a man's involvement with three sisters.
Stones From the River by Ursula Hegi
This is the first Oprah Book Club book that I really loved. I can't begin describe how exquisite the writing is, and the story is wonderful to read.
The Nancy Drew Books by Carolyn Keene
I'm not sure when I read my first Nancy Drew book, but since then I've been on a mission to read all of them. I finally fulfilled a lifelong desire this year to own the complete original series. The writing and the stories are simple but the tales of a strong female detective are so appealing that they are great to read at any age.
Othello by William Shakespeare
I read this in 11th grade and it remains my favorite play by Shakespeare. Misunderstanding abounds in this story and as usual the ending is depressing but it is well worth the read.
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
This book was a life changing experience. I first heard of this on the Oprah show and was blown away when I finally read it. Simply written, the philosophy of the role of humans on this earth is astounding. It made me want to be a better person.
Kelly Link
I came across Kelly Links stories in a copy of the Year's Best Fantasy and Horror. She had written an updated version of the old Snow Queen story. This time around the narrator is a strong woman. Her writing is incredible and varied. I've yet to read a story of hers I don't like.
Flannery O'Connor
I first read O'Connors stories in 11th grade when I was looking through my sisters old class folder. Her stories of race and relationships in the south are dark and beautiful.
Honorable Mentions
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
I read this book in high school and I loved it. I think it has one of the most beautiful final few lines of any book I've ever read.
The Rabbit Series by John Updike
I've never been a big fan of Updike but I love his Rabbit series. Following the life story of Harry Angstrom is quite a journey.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This is simply one of the best books ever written for girls.
Into the Forest by Jean Hegland
I first heard of this story from the Chinaberry book catalog. It's an intense and unusual story about two sisters struggle to survive.
Meridian by Alice Walker
I picked this up off of my sisters bookshelf and I loved it. This tale of a young, unstable girl and her journey through the politics of life is beautiful.
Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle
This is the fourth in the Wrinkle of Time series, and my favorite. I love stories based on the Bible and this one is wonderfully done.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
I read this book in ninth grade. I think it was my mother's favorite book when she was young.
Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl
I considered this book my favorite for years and years. I wanted to be Danny. Funny and heartwarming, you can't help but like this little family.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This page wouldn't be complete without the addition of this phenomenal book. I first read this in ninth grade (I think!) and like everyone else, was incredibly touched by the story.
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
This collection of interrelated stories is a classic. The writing is strange and beautiful.
I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb
I read this book after finishing the Oprah Book Club selection She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb. That book was wonderful but this one is much much better.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
Another book I discovered on Oprah, this true story is full of quirky, interesting characters living in Savannah. It is beautifully written and extremely interesting.
Lord of the Flies by William Gerald Golding
This story of a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island is excellent. The story is haunting and sad, and well worth the read.
His Eye Is On the Sparrow by Ethel Waters
I read this autobiography in eighth grade and was touched by Water's struggles.
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden
I think I probably scared my teacher in eighth grade by writing a book report on a lesbian novel. I picked this up in Woodstock and didn't know what it was until I brought it home. This love story is beautifully done.
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka
I read this in school and I loved this story of a man who wakes up one morning changed. The parallel to real life is dead on.
Invisible Man by Ralph Waldo Ellison
I read this book in school, I'm not sure what grade, but it's remained one of my favorites. One man's struggle to be seen is important to anyone.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This is one of my favorite books from when I was young. I always loved the tantrum chapter, and finally figuring out the mystery.
Dean Koontz
I read a Koontz interview once that said he often wrote entire pages of his books in iambic pentameter. I love his horror novels although there are a few I've had to put down because they were too disgusting to read. He goes beyond simple scares to really delve into the minds of ordinary, extraordinary and evil people.
Judy Blume
Blume was my childhood. I read and reread all her novels, finding myself in her characters.
Mark Twain
I love Twain, especially his short stories. He's always witty and right on target.
Dr. William Sears
I read my first Sears parenting book when my sister gave me it as a gift right before I had my son. I love this man, I love his wife, I love his family. They are my type of parents.
Amy Tan
Amy Tan's books are always beautifully written and exciting to read.
Books I Love & Am Not Afraid To Admit
Scarlett by Alexandra Ripley
I love this often dismissed novel. I had read Gone With the Wind and although I liked it, it wasn't one of my favorites. This sequel is the type of book I read and then put down and want to pick right back up. Finally a happy ending!
Teenage Horror Novels by Christopher Pike, R.L. Stine, Lois Duncan and Joan Lowery Nixon
I read these books constantly. I'll take 20 out of the library at a time because they are short reads and so fun! I'm not looking forward to the day when I finally read them all.
home music authors movies tv books quotes poetry photos gemini paintings alexander links contact me