Top Ten

I've been trying to cobble together my top ten list of books. I don't know why I feel the need to do this.

1. To Kill A Mockingbird Harper Lee
There is no question about this book being number one. It is everything a novel should be and not one thing more. Did you know Harper Lee never wrote another book after this one? Do you know why? She didn't need to. Someone once asked her why she never wrote another book and she replied, "I already wrote it." Damn right she did. Also, Lee was from Ala-friggin-bama. Take that you yankee elitists.

2. The Grapes of Wrath John Steinbeck
The seeds of all my political ideology were sewn by this book. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today had I not read this book. It's just that damn important.

3. Jane Eyre Charlotte Bronte
Mr Rochester...

4. Pride and Predjudice Jane Austen
Mr Darcy...

5. Gone With the Wind Margaret Mitchell
Mr Butler...

6. East of Eden John Steinbeck
It feels redundant to have two Steinbeck novels in a top ten but there is no way around it. East of Eden is just a great novel. The characters are so real. The story is so effortless in it's complexity. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about this book. It's a sickness really.

7. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
This book should not be read by teenagers. I read this for the first time in eleventh grade. I remember being completely unimpressed. I reread it as an adult and became a convert. You just cannot relate to the longing and love presented in this book until you've had some life experience. It also helps if love has kicked the sh** out of you a time or two.

8. Fortune's Rocks Anita Shreve
Every time I contemplate my top ten, this book immediately comes to mind. I can't explain why. It's just a great read.

9. A Prayer for Owen Meany John Irving
What can I tell ya? I can't even discuss this book without crying just a little bit. It's heartbreaking and life-affirming all at the same time. I know that sounds like a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie but, I promise, it ain't. Also, don't even mention this in the same breath as that giant piece of poop movie Simon Birch that was supposedly based upon this novel.

10. She's Come Undone Wally Lamb; Pillars of the Earth Ken Follett; Bel Canto Ann Patchett; The Stupidest Angel Christopher Moore; Beach Music Pat Conroy;

You see the problem here? I could never narrow it down to ten. If you asked me to make a top twenty list, I would end up with 25.