The Ten Best Books Ever Written

I apologize for any books that have not made this list, because there are many books that deserve a spot in this list. Unfortunately, this list only has room for ten and each of these books have been selected for their ease of reading, for their status as a "classic" (and any controversy included over this) but most importantly, for the story itself. Every book on this list is a must read, so if you haven't read it... head to the library!

Of Mice and Men (by John Steinbeck)

The same great mind that brought us 'The Grapes of Wrath' delivered 'Of Mice and Men'. This is a book that can easily be read within an hour, but because it is an older book, the language might be a bit hard to understand. However the story itself is very powerful, and very well told.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (by Mark Twain)

Alongside 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, these are books that every child should read at some point in their life. The language that Mark Twain books are written in should be considered an expression of the time they were written in for historical value, and not as anything offensive. It's such a shame that these books have been banned from schools!

Where the Red Fern Grows (by Wilson Rawls)

Where the Red Fern Grows is a book that will make even a grown man break down into tears. Another classic book that was turned into a classic movie but, as always, the book is better.

Oliver Twist (by Charles Dickens)

Oliver Twist may not be as popular or well known as 'A Tale of Two Cities' or 'A Christmas Carol', but it is heartwarming must read another must read by Charles Dickens. Even if you are familiar with the movie, you might like to know that the book itself has so much more in it. (And how rare that is...)

Little Women (by Lousia May Alcott)

A timeless, timeless classic , Little Women has always been a popular 'coming of age' gift for young girls, and this is a tradition that should last for centuries more. Loosely based on the authors childhood, shared with her 3 sisters, Little Women has 2 lesser known sequels (Jo's Boys and Little Men). In 2005, a newer (Pulitzer Prize winning) book was released (March) that told the story of Mr. March, the absent father in Little Women.

The Da Vinci Code (by Dan Brown)

Although The Da Vinci Code is not yet old enough to be considered a classic... it will be. It has raised a lot of controversy over religious theories and other theories that just made so much sense they turned into a cult belief. To this day, documentaries are aired and websites are devoted to exploring the 'Truth Behind the Da Vinci Code'.

To Kill a Mockingbird (by Harper Lee)

'To Kill a Mockingbird' (and not "How to --") tells the story of a lawyer during the Depression (the original one) in the South, defending an innocent black man against a rape charge. It has been banned due to a racist and "adult" tone to it, but that is just the type of blunt truth that is blurred and overwritten through what is taught in history class these days. It's up to you to recommend this valuable book to your children and grandchildren!

Charlotte's Web (by E.B. White)

'Charlotte's Web' is a story about life, and death that also helps some children recover from arachnophobia.

In all seriousness, Charlotte's Web is an absolutely wonderful story, for anybody.

Lord of The Rings (by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Lord of the Rings is a series of books that existed long before the movies starring Elijah Wood. They even have a cult following larger than Star Wars and Dungeons & Dragons put together. Obviously, the entire series of 'The Lord of the Rings' deserve their place on this list.

Harry Potter (by J.K. Rowling)

The entire series of 'Harry Potter' books put the movies to shame. J.K. Rowling brought this generation a series of books that are guaranteed to go down in history. Sure, the movies are good... but the books are soooo much better. In fact, don't be fooled because the books even contain a bit of subtle humor that will leave even adults sitting up in bed late at night, turning pages by a nightlight. Better yet, if you have only been watching the movies you might be quite surprised to find out how the Harry Potter series will end...

Honorable Mentions:

Once again, I apologize if your favorite book wasn't listed here. Perhaps you will find it mentioned below.

'It' by Stephen King

'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes

'Black Beauty' by Anna Sewell

'Call of the Wild' by Jack London

'Little House on the Prairie' (series) by Laura Ingalls Wilder

'Heidi' by Johanna Spyri

'The Velveteen Rabbit' by Margery Williams

'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' by Ronald Dahl

'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger

'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll