What to Read?

I really enjoy reading fiction when I find the time, but I'm a bit picky about what I like to read. I prefer a thought-provoking book - like Les Miserables or The Giver. I also really want to care about the characters like Anne in the L.M. Montgomery series or Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird.

While some may not see the value of reading fiction and only stick with more serious titles, I'm not one of those people. I'm much more touched by a beautifully-written story. Jesus taught in parables for a good reason. Stories speak to people. I feel like I've definitely learned things about the world and people that I wouldn't have learned apart from reading fiction.

It's usually hard for me to pick books though. I tend to stick with classics or young adult fiction because in the past I've had several unpleasant experiences with just picking up a title at the library or bookstore and getting home to find that the content was not what I'd bargained for.

During the last few years, I've also read some Christian fiction. I've liked some of those too and am up for additional recommendations. (I've read Redeeming Love, a few Beverly Lewis and River Rising.)

My favorite book in general is probably Jane Eyre. I think Jane is an admirable heroine because she gives up personal pleasure to follow her moral convictions. The story also deals with real human issues: loneliness, charity in poverty, faith and loyalty. Other favorites are the Screwtape Letters, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Persuasion. I also like collections of short stories. One of my favorite short stories is A Rose for Emily by William Faulkner.

I recently found a couple of sites that offer book recommendations. One is Book Army and the other is Which Book. I haven't played with either much at all but they look like they could be good tools.

Read any good books that I should read too?