My Top Reading Picks

While surfing on the internet today, I couldn't find a booklist that Average Joe would read. I found Oprah's book Club picks, and the New York Times Bestsellers, but I failed to find something that the average person would read.

So, being an avid reader myself, I compiled a list of my favorite books. Some of these books haven't been on any best seller list, haven't even been recognized as a good book by any professionals. But, I enjoyed them thoroughly, and maybe, if another Average Joe goes surfing on the internet, trying to find a book they want to read next, they might just give my list a chance.

The first two books on my list are my absolute favorite. After that, there is no order. Happy reading.

1. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb - This book has deeply affected me personally. I connected with the main character, Dolores Price, with her family and her self-image. The connection with a T.V set that is delivered to her house when she is four helps throws her life into serious disarray. She struggles with family problems, obesity and sexual madness. In this story, there is a whale, a lesbian, and a love interest. Surprises await around every turn of the page.

2. Tully by Paulina Simmons - This book is rarely talked about, but I want to shout it out to the world that this is one of the world's most amazing, most enthralling, edge-of-your-seat read that I can imagine. The main character, Tully Makker, is a promiscuous girl that keeps her feelings bottled up. She falls in love sometime in this book, but I'm not telling you with who. This story is about love and loss and accepting a lifestyle that turns out to be what you always dreamed of.

3. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King - Ah, yes, the horror master. King is one of my guilty pleasures on a rainy and dark night. This book is about karma, I think, in a way. Dolores gets away with killing her husband but is accused of murdering a woman who she has taken care of for years

4. In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner - I have read everything by this woman so far, she's an amazing storyteller and spinner of complicated plots. Right now, her newest book, Certain Girls, is staring at me from across the table and I can't wait to pick it up.

5. The Awakening by Kate Chopin - This book is a classic and should be everybody's reading list. Edna Pontellier struggles with some inner feelings about what she should do and what she wants to do with some feelings she has about someone else. The ending to this book is sad and surprising.

These are just a few of my favorites, but I will compile the next list...there will be more to come.