THE TOP TEN PROJECT

I love books.
I think I always have.
I remember memorizing the words to Little Mouse, the Red, Ripe Strawberry, and the Big, Hungry Bear long before I truly learned how to read. And my mom read aloud to us classics like The Wizard of Oz and The Secret Garden. My second grade teacher read to us everyday after lunch recess--books like Charlotte's Web and Ramona Quimby that not only entertain, but teach as well. Then in high school I had a stream of phenomenal teachers who encouraged risky books. It took me a while to get used to the idea that some books are not written to be liked, but rather to be respected. Over the years, I'm sure we all have books that have had an intense impact on us, whether they be large books with vivid pictures or paperback novels.

The PROJECT: Name your top ten. The ten most influential books to you, personally. (And no fair listing the scriptures--we all love them...)

Here is what I came up with (for the moment, at least):
1. Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney. This is a book that inspires me every time I read it. I love the illustrations and the message.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. I never read this book in high school, though I always wanted to. During my freshman year of college I finally got around to reading it, and was moved by Lee's skill in writing. The character of Scout is so innocently complex- brilliant.
3. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. I actually read this for the first time in a children's literature course I took last year. Though it is not a church book whatsoever, it really gave me a new perspective on Jesus Christ. I suggest it to everyone now.
4. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. To be honest, I hated this book while I was reading it. Looking back, though, this book was the beginning of a completely new chapter in my literary growth. I appreciate it now.
5. Bloomability by Sharon Creech. One of my all-time favorite authors, despite her juvenile target audience. This book is one I can go back to anytime and learn something new every time I read it.
6. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. This is NOT a sci-fi exploration, though it is by Ray Bradbury. I love this book for the way it captures so many vivid scenes. The imagery and experiences are some that everyone can relate to.
7. Small and Simple Things by Marjorie Hinckley. I want to be like her when I grow up.
8. Miseducation: Preschoolers at Risk by David Elkind. I would never have read this if it weren't for Sister McManus and Ed Psych. It really contributed to my philosophy of education.
9. Magical Hands by (I can't remember). This book is sort of a family "epic." It reminds me of my Dad. Not to mention the illustrations are excellent.
10. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. This book eased me, who tends to prefer American Lit, into British Literature. Though I am still partial to American writing, I now definitely have a soft spot for the "mother country."

There are still plenty of books that I have not read that might end up on this list as soon as I get to them. A few titles I hope to read in the near future include:
Man's Search for Meaning
Anne of Green Gables
Little Women
Mere Christianity
Utopia
Jesus the Christ
Catcher in the Rye

Please respond to this post with your top ten picks.

ps. Britt- thanks for the use of your photo