The Princess Bride by William Goldman

The Princess Bride held the title of "my favorite book" for close to a decade. It was the first time that I really got the concept that life isn't fair -- I read this as a teenager. You can't imagine the pressure that was released with this statement, when you feel that the world is against you and ITS NOT FAIR. Well, duh, life is what you make of it, life owes you nothing. ​

It may have been the commentary more than the story that stole my heart. Don't get me wrong, I loved Wesley and Buttercup - I still haven't given up hope for Buttercup's Baby!! - I loved the humor of the story. But it was the advice. The voice of a father that I didn't have in my life, but so desperately needed, that sums up why this book was my favorite. When I became stronger and knew my own mind and didn't need the voice of a man in a book to build me into a person, this book slipped down my list. 

Among Others by Jo Walton

Why did I love this book ... it's hard to say. I felt a kinship to Mor due to mutual family circumstances. I felt close to her through her love of books. I wanted her to find herself and was comforted by the end of the story. Also, I love this book, because I want to know more. I want to read the books that are mentioned and then I want to read Among Others again. 

Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

Such an excellent story. This is a book that you have to work for. I suggest taking one chapter a day and taking your time to enjoy the novel. It's really wild and satirical.

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn

Perfectly fucked-up. The descriptions are incredible. I have a very clear idea in my head about how each family member looked, walked, ate, and breathed in some cases. Definitely grotesque, but well worth the read. 

Let Me In by John Ajvide Lindqvist

I read this book after watching the Swedish filmed version of this novel, which I felt was the perfect combination. The movie was great, but left me with a bunch of questions. The book satisfied those questions. This is such an unusual novel, on the surface it is about a "vampire" and a little boy, but under the surface it is more about a first love. 

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Atwood is a fantastic author. This was the first dystopian novel that I've read. I read it in my third year of college, in a class that was both listed in Literature and Women's Studies. I don't recall the reactions of my classmates, but I do know this book shook me. My grade school education existed in the halls of private Christian schools. When I moved onto a non-religious college, I was a bit sheltered. There was so much that I didn't understand of the world. Let's just say, I would not be friends with my college freshman self. I began to reject my upbringing and jumped at any opportunity for reading material that would help open my mind. Enter The Handmaid's Tale, this novel was decades before its time. The book is set in a very strict dystopian future, where women's rights are completely stripped from them. 

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore

V for Vendetta is completely amazing. It was at the beginning of my "relationship" with Moore, yet it solidified my trust in him as an author. Moore is wild. He will take you to completely insane places, but any chance for a  moment similar to Evey reading Valerie's letter in her cell is well worth the trip. 

The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

There should be no surprise here.