Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Was Forced to Read

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish. The feature was created because they are particularly fond of lists over at The Broke and the Bookish.

Each week they will post a new top ten list that one of our bloggers at The Broke and the Bookish will answer. Everyone is welcome to join. All they ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND add your name to the Linky widget so that everyone can check out other bloggers lists! If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Have fun with it! It's a great way to get to know your fellow bloggers.

The Top Books I Was Forced to Read

1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - When the series first started, I made fun of the first two books. I told my sister she was silly to read them, but she pushed and pushed and pushed until I finally gave in. I ended up loving it...and going to every book midnight premiere.

2. The Shack - A lot of people actually pushed this book in my direction. I didn't think it would be for me, as religious novels tend to leave me feeling a little put-off. This one, however, spoke to my soul, and I swear it's one of the best I've ever read.

3. Anna and the French Kiss - This one is thanks to all of YOU! I swore up and down that I wouldn't read this book. I proclaimed that it was far too "girly" and "petty" to be the type of thing I would like. I ate my words.

4. The Giver - This was actually required reading in school. Generally speaking, I hated required reading because I don't like being boxed into a corner and made to think a certain way. This novel, however, transcended my aversion.

5. Fahrenheit 451 - This, too, was a novel we were required to read in middle school. I think it was my first real taste of a dystopian society, and I was utterly captivated by the fact that something could so irreparably damage our world.

6. Gone with the Wind - I must credit my older sister, Nikki, for pushing this novel on me. I didn't think I'd ever read it, simply because something that's declared to be the greatest love story of all time doesn't really speak to me. This one, however, is gold.

7. Vampire Academy - This one goes to all the bloggers out there, as well! I believe several dozen bloggers told me I was really missing out and, despite my aversion to vampires, I gave it a go. Dang...I'm so glad I did!

8. Speak - I'd read other novels by Laurie Halse Anderson, and I'd seen the movie, but I'd never actually read the book. There is something so magnetic and powerful about this novel, and if it hadn't been for the rave reviews convincing me to try, I would still be missing out.

9. Pushing the Limits - Yet again, I read this book because of the blogosphere. It's not my normal type of read, but when you see the rave reviews abound, you can't help but be intrigued. I loved it, I loved the second book, and I even loved the third...more please?

10. Jane Eyre - For some reason, some of the classics have escaped me. I was encouraged by a good friend to try this one though because she knew of my love for Pride & Prejudice, as well as books such as Little Women. Yeah, she was right. Loved it.