These are in no particular order…
The Confessions of a Shopaholic series by Sophie Kinsella
These are the type of book that I can read a hundred times and never tire of; they make me laugh.
The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot
One cannot help but become engrossed in the tale of a modern-day princess who, regardless of her royal status, battles strong insecurities that leave her unable to feel that she is equal to her peers. Of course, it also features a legion of humorous and embarrassing moments to laugh out loud at.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite book is, this title is what I respond with. Although it may not still be my absolute favorite book, it is the last “favorite book” I remember having (this was in the fourth grade). A classic fairytale, but not really, it’s more like Cinderella with a plot twist that includes an insane fairy godmother with good intentions who gives a “gift” that’s really a curse, both an evil stepmother and an evil uncle, a talking snake, and trolls.
Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya
This realistic portrayal of today’s India, where people who have everything money can buy live across the street (literally) from people who don not know whether they will have food tomorrow is a bleak, yet realistic account that makes you think…about so many things that I cannot possibly write them all down.
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
By far my favorite school-ordained read, this novel interested me for reasons I cannot put into words. The contrast between the genius son o f a Hasidic rabbi who wants his son to succeed him as rabbi and a Jewish boy whose religious strictures at home are far more lax who actually wants to become a rabbi result in a tumultuous and fascinating relationship.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
This story is the most emotionally touching one I have read in a long time. It is centered on a young girl whose mother was possibly murdered by her father, whose father is physically abusive, and whose best friend is her African maid. Without her father’s knowledge the girl and her maid escape to, what for them, is a refuge. What they find is that no matter where they go, no place will ever be their utopia.
The Wizard of Oz series by L. Frank Baum
I have read all fourteen of these novels at least twice because they are so dramatically captivating. Baum writing style leaves no reader behind during his many different journeys though Oz.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe series by C. S. Lewis
Like with the Wizard of Oz series, these novels are enthralling and simply must be read.
Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
This inspiring story about three orphaned girls who are determined to “put [their] names in history books]” without having any of their credit go to men (as was common in the time, 1936), proceed to do so. When I read it as a child, it reinforced in my mind the idea that I could do and be anything I wanted to.
The Odyssey by Homer
After spending a month reading this with Dr. Allison, this epic is honestly impossible to forget.
Oedipus Rex
Truly one of the most tragic tragedies I’ve ever read.
“War is Kind” by Stephen Crane
A unique and sarcastic message from the battlefront (580)
Neha, what an interesting and varied list. At first it seemed as though you mostly read novels featuring an assortment of shoe shoppers, but the further I read, the more interesting your list became. The inclusion of Oedipus and a short poem by Stephen Crane surprised me, but in a good way, as it's clear both made a strong impression on you. Thanks for your list.
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