Top Ten Picks: Books You Have to Read at Least Once

Top 10 Picks is hosted each week by Jillian @ Random Ramblings. This week’s topic is books you “have” to read at least once in your life. Make sure to stop by Jillian’s blog to see her list!

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry

This was one of the first dystopia books I ever read. I was a wee kidlet at the time, but it left a haunting impression that I have never been quite able to shake. I have since re-read this book several times. I consider it a classic that everyone should read (at least once).


2. The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I have found that people either love or hate Rand. I personally had no aspirations to read any of her works until a close friend recommend and then proceeded to buy a copy of Fountainhead for me. True, it takes a while to get into Rand's writting, but trust me, this book is worth it.


3. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

Okay, okay, bear with me here. :P Once you have read The Fountainhead, you should really read Atlas Shrugged. Rand's writting is much less raw and the characters are more relatable. Plus, this is Rand's mouthpiece, so to speak. Her meaning is made quite clear, and it actually changed the way I precieve certain life situations. It was a very memorable book for me.


4. The Shining by Stephen King
Ah, the master storyteller himself, Stephen King. The Shining is my favorite horror novel by Mr. King. I was completely scared out of my skin while reading this. Also, I have never been able to look at hedged topiaries the same.


5. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Another great storyteller, Niel Gaiman. :) I have read many of Gaiman's works, but American Gods is by far my favorite. I loved how Gaiman wove Norse mythology throughout the story, while maintaining a modern theme. If I had to recommend only one book of Gaiman's, it would definitely be American Gods.

6. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

A feminist classic. I absolutely love Atwood's voice. The Handmaid's Tale captures Atwood at her best. If you haven't read any of Atwood's works, start here. An other great book by Atwood is Oryx and Crake, which I would definitely recommend as a close second.

7. Night by Elie Wiesel

I read this for a religion class I took in college. I was so moved, then I eventually went out and bought my own copy to read and think over without the pressure of the classroom. Night is a book that everyone should read. Try to ignore the Oprah sticker. I do.

8. A Wrinkle in Time by Madelieine L'Engle

This is a wonderful introduction to science fiction. I first read this in 6th grade and absolutely fell in love with it! I have since purchased the box set of the series and have re-read A Wrinkle in Time and read the second book, A Wind at the Door. I plan on finishing the other 2 books in the near future.

9. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Okay, so by now I am sure that you getting the feel that I rather enjoy dystopian novels. To that effect, you would be correct. :P Collins' has created a wonderful piece of fiction that is horrifically not that too-far-off! If you haven't read this book yet, you must do so immediately!

10. The Harry Potter Series by J. K. Rowling

I must credit the Harry Potter series. J. K Rowling has created a wonderfully magical world in which anything is possible. I had set aside reading for quite a few years until I decided to pick up The Scorer's Stone. From there, it was true love. I fell in love with the series, as well as reading, again. I would love to see Rowling write another series in the future.