On My Bookshelf

These are just a few of the books currently residing on my bookshelf. When I say few, I do mean few. My bookshelf takes up a whole wall all by itself. Fiction titles seem to make up the most of them, especially fantasy fiction, although I'm a lover of Young Adult novels too. The books listed here are just some of my timeless favorites that have an invluence on my own writing style.

Like any reader, I always have my nose in a book and am always on the hunt for something new to read. For an up-to-date list of my reading activity, you can catch me on Goodreads.

The Magic Kingdom series by Terry Brooks
I have to credit Mr. Brooks for instilling the love of reading in me. His novel, The Back Unicorn, was the first "big" book I ever read on my own. I can still remember exactly how the story enthralled me as I lay on my bed, unmoved for hours while reading, seeing a story play out for the first time. 
The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
When I first read Eragon, I was sure I was in love. These are the first set of books that I ever put myself on a waiting list for. And it was such an encouragement to me when I learned that Mr. Paolini was homeschooled like myself. These books, this author, are true inspiration for me. 
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
I just love this book, simple as that. This is one of those books that evokes the What if? question and I love books that do that. After all, what if air travel had become more popular than any other? What if there are flying cat-like creatures undiscovered in the world?
The Hunger Games (series) by Suzanne Collins
I just got into these books the week before the movie came out. I spent nine hours straight reading to finish the first book before going to the theater that weekend. While the movie was great, the book was better!
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
I was probably in the fourth grade the first time I read this book. It was sort of weird to me then, but since, I've found myself returning to it over and over.
Frindle by Andrew Clements  

I loved this book because it teaches that a little idea can spread like wild fire and that one person can stand on something they believe in and come out a winner.