good book?

Question

what are some really good books for a 17 year old girl who loves reading? (we've been out of school 18 days and i've read 9 books.) I'm going to be in college English next year, if that helps any. I like lots of different kinds of books the only thing i dislike is science fiction. I like books that will stretch my mind, and others that will make me experience different emotions. any suggestions?

Answer 1

I usually pick a novel from the top 10 list published in the paper every weekend for a current novel

I also recommend working your way through the past winners of the Pulitzer and Giller prizes.

Check out the New York Public Library's "Books of the Century"

Answer 2

I've heard good things about pride and prejudice. never had time to sit down and read it though. There's also the Other Boylen Girl by Philippa Gregory, and Queen of Camelot by Nancy Mckenzie. Both are historical fiction. They aren't necessarily a very challenging read (at least not for me) but they have great story lines, and plots with interesting twists. There's also Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It's a russian author, but still a good book that's read by many. Hopefully this and everybody elses oppinions will give u some good reading through the summer.

Answer 3

The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The Once and Future King by T H White
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Dive From Clausen Pier Ann Packer
The Pact, Plain Truth, Tenth Circle, My Sister's Keeper, Perfect Match Harvesting the Heart all by Jodi Picoult.

Answer 4

Try Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte. This really is a wonderful book.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde is also an interesting book. If you don't know what it's about already, I suggest just reading it, and finding out like that.

Charles Dickens is my favorite fictional author, and I highly reccomend his work, but it can take some perseverence to finish.:-)

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is also wonderful, and it really held my attention.

Have fun!

Answer 5

Your mind will get a good workout with anything by Joseph Campbell. A lot of College English classes use Hero With A Thousand Faces in their curriculum (so if you get started now, you'll have a jump on the class). Campbell is a good companion to the classics. He discusses how myth and belief are intricate parts of the human psyche; we all need something to believe in. He's a Christian, BUT he doesn't proselytize. He tends to be shelved in Mythology or Religions, but he should be shelved in Modern Philosophy. He uses a historical perspective on religions, psychology, and even modern movies (Star Wars) to exemplify his theory.

Suggested Campbell:
The Power of Myth
Myths to Live By
Hero with a Thousand Faces.

Answer 6

Try "The Scarlet Letter" by: Nathaniel Hawthorn, "A Brave New World" by: Aldous Huxley ( this is not really a science fiction novel, it is a satire, what it does is project the future through a cynical point of view that criticises the present). You can also try "Pride and Prejudice" By: Jane Austen.

Answer 7

Have you read all of Hemingway, Dickens, Steinbeck, Salinger, D H Lawrence, Bronte, Hawthorne? Have you checked to see if the English Department of your school has a reading list on their website?
Good luck in school - read some chick lit this summer too! Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series is light and fun.

Answer 8

Woman in Red by Eileen Goudge
The Heart Shaped Box by Joe Hill

Answer 9

How about The Divine Comedy? Dante will certainly stretch your mind and draw out different emotions. Plus, since you obviously read very fast (!) the 3 parts should keep you busy for awhile. Inferno is my favorite.

Answer 10

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
The Heart of Darkness by Conrad
The Sweet Hereafter (I've forgotten the author.)
The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Amy Tan's Joy Luck Club
East of Eden by Steinbeck