The Ideal Bookshelf

Catcher in the Rye: One of my favorite novels of all time. Part of that is due to the honesty Salinger incorporates through Holden Caufield. In real life (and in this novel) good and bad guys don't exist. There are just people who make decisions...some good, some bad. The realist nature of the novel is what makes it my favorite.

Pride and Prejudice: I forget all my cynical thoughts and fall in love with Mr. Darcy when I read Pride and Prejudice. Every time I start it I think they’re too different! There’s no way! She might as well marry Mr. Collins! Why won’t she just kiss him already! But then I get goose bumps when they finally end up together (I’ve read this a few times and don’t get tired of it).I get furious when Mr. Wickham is revealed for what he truly is. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of Pride and Prejudice; it lets me take a break from my pessimistic attitude and enjoy a good love story. 

Hard Love: This novel is one of the few that makes me cry. It’s written by Ellen Wittlinger, and it describes the relationship and growing friendship of Marisol and Gino. It’s difficult to describe and it sounds stupid when you do, but I’ll try. Gino slowly falls in love with Marisol, but TWIST, she’s a lesbian. Gino knows it her sexual orientation from the start, but he can’t stop himself. I guess I like it because even though their relationship is impossible, I sympathize with both of them. The pursued and the pursuer.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Yes, I know it’s a step down as far as quality goes, but I’ll always love Harry.

A book I haven’t read yet: This is kind of cheating, but truth be told, I’ll always want a new book. So If I could have one book on my shelf that changed every few weeks to a new book, I’d be content.