Literary Top Ten

My sister-in-law inspired me (I ripped off her idea) to do a post on my favorite authors/books. This is a tough one. I mean, how do you limit it to ten? So maybe I'll make this an open list I can add to. Here goes (in no particular order) . . .

1. Flannery O' Connor. She's best known for her short stories focusing on the South and characters who have unique confrontations with the concepts of redemption and grace. Good, good stuff. My favorite is "Revelation."

2. To Kill a Mockingbird. I love Atticus Finch. He's my fictional crush. (It doesn't hurt that he was played by Gregory Peck in the movie. Hubba hubba.) I love that it's a simple story with complex themes. If someone asked you what it was about, you could say, "Do you want the 30 second answer or the 30 minute answer?" And overall, I love the message that you don't really know someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. People can surprise you with their capacity for good and bad.

3. The Count of Monte Cristo. This plot of this novel could be a master class for all writers. Layers upon layers upon layers of love, hate, deception, betrayal, forgiveness, judgement, mercy, and finally hope. The movie just doesn't come close to touching the book. I know that's usually true of all books turned into movies, but especially this one. Believe me. Read it. NOW. What are you waiting for?! Oh that's right, the rest of my picks. . .

4. Chaim Potok. Let's talk about My Name Is Asher Lev. Brilliant. A young man from an intensely religous family and culture has to confront his community and his parents as he tries to reconcile his dreams with others' expectations for him. These are great themes that resonate well with another intensely religious community. And The Chosen is possibly my favorite of all time. I loved reading it so much, I made the 10th graders I taught read it too. Potok died that year and the day I heard the news, I went into my office, closed the door, and shed some tears.

5. Pride and Predjudice. You knew it was coming. I love all of Miss Jane's works, but only this one makes the top ten list. Her characters are unforgettable. In fact, if I ever have another girl I want to name her after Jane and Elizabeth. If you've only watched the movies, treat yourself to the book. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll cringe (Mr. Collins!), you'll sigh. . .you definitely won't regret it.

6. Shakespeare. I could never pick just one work. Could you pick Macbeth over King Lear? Or Much Ado About Nothing over A Midsummer Night's Dream? Or Sonnet 18 over Sonnet 116? They all pass one test of great literature--it has something to offer every time you read it. EVERY TIME! Wow!

7. Our Town. Play by Thornton Wilder. The older I get the more I like it, love it , really get it.

8. Emily Dickinson. I discovered her in high school and still love her. Indulge me my favorite:
There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away;
Nor any coursers like a page of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot that bears the human soul.

9. The Shell Seekers. If you need something to read while you curl up in bed with your favorite pajamas and a bowl of ice cream, this is it. Pure literary comfort food.

10. Harry Potter. Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun. Stay up all night until you finish and count the days until the next one comes out fun.

There you have it. Ashley, I know there are a couple of repeats here. Our great minds must think alike! What would you add to the list?