Top Ten Tuesday: Thanksgiving Style -or- Lola through the ages

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish 

This week's topic is: Authors and books to be thankful for

1. Dr. Seuss: I grew up on his books. My parents never read much themselves, but wanted me to be a reader. They would take me to the library every week and order books through scholastic at school. It all started here, with Dr. Seuss.
2. The Baby Sitter's Club series: This was a staple growing up. A few of these books were assured a spot in my library bag every week!
3. The Goosebumps series: Another staple when I got a little older. I actually own the entire series. Recently, my parents dug out this series for me. It's definitely one I'll keep for my kids some day!
4. The Harry Potter series: Ok, somewhere between middle school and high school my reading streak ended. I'm not really sure what happened. However, this series first came out when I was in high school. When I finally gave it a shot, I was hooked. Reading became part of my daily routine again. For that, I will always be grateful! 
5. Neil Gaiman: Gaiman was my first introduction into science fiction. I can't imagine a better introduction! His writing is original, witty, and engaging. I'm still a huge fan to this day!
6. Margaret Atwood: One of my all-time favorite authors! Her bold, feminist writing astounds and inspires me! I need to read more of works!
7. Alice Hoffman: When I moved away for the first time, Hoffman's books kept me entertained and distracted from being alone in city where I didn't know anyone. I will always be grateful for that!
8. Chuck Palahniuk: I read a lot of Palahniuk's work as well when I was first on my own. Another great source of entertainment. His bold writing style isn't for everyone, but I certainly enjoyed it!
9. Stephanie Meyer: Ok, it pains me to add Meyer to this list, but she is essential. I was still new to my new home and my boyfriend of 3 years had just left after a week long visit. He was moving across the country and we basically said our goodbye's at the airport. I was beyond sad. I actually picked up a few of the Twilight books at the airport bookstore on my way home. They were a great distraction and my first introduction to YA literature.
10. Rachel Caine: Caine was my journey further into YA. I gobbled up her Morganville Vampire series quickly and then moved on to her adult Weather Warden series shortly after. Caine's writing is certainly much better than Meyer's. Her stories have a lot more depth. I haven't finished the Morganville series since it went to hard cover and larger paperback formats. I plan on reading the rest of the series if it becomes available in mass market paperback format like the rest of the series I own.

Wow...that was kind of an emotional journey that led me to where I am today. Anyways, what books and authors are you grateful for?