So here's the long version of my facebook list.
Basically, the idea is to list the ten books that have been most influential in your life. As a former speech and debate competitor, a list was not really enough for me, so I wrote a blog post. :-) Instead of a list, I made a list with the reason(s) why that book was chosen.
So, without further ado:
1: The Bible, by the Author of the Universe. No explanation really needed, but really now. If God had written any other book, it would be on this list as well.
(The rest of these are in no particular order)
2: Inkheart, by Cornelia Funke. This book was probably one of the first "young adult" books I ever read. I love the emphasis on imagination, but the way she doesn't sugarcoat everything about life. Dustfinger is just about the loveliest tragic character ever written.
3: The Water Mirror, by Kai Meyer. This series is hauntingly beautiful. Mermaids, living stone lions, Lots of Venice :) It's just lovely all around.
4: Not Even a Hint, by Joshua Harris. I borrowed this book from my sister Faith at my birthday in January. Since then, I have read it 3 times through, several times going back through parts. If you don't like his other books(can't really blame you, honestly), this one is still worth it.
5: A Single Shard, by Linda Sue Park. This lovely little book is probably the best elementary children's book I've ever read(sorry CS Lewis). I really recommend all of her work, but this one's the best. I wish the character's dedication to quality inspired me more than it has so far.
6: Finnikin of the Rock, by Mellina Marchetta. This book. I don't even know where to start. The whole series is so deep. Not as in, Screwtape Letters, but as in really exploring hard issues. Slavery, politics, courage, character and virtue, and really focusing on what true love is. It is not an easy series to get through though. A lot of disturbing violence and some sexual themes. It definitely has left an impact though.
7: The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman. I feel like this book gets a bad rap because of the author's views on religion. Which. . . has to be taken into account, but if you found a different word to use instead of church like he does, there's nothing really wrong with it. (The church in his book is basically a government.) This one(and the series) is really about finding your place in the world, and accepting that what you want doesn't always work out.
8: Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch. This is a children's picture book. It makes me cry. I am completely unashamed.
9: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by JK Rowling. The whole series has to be included. I don't know if the author is a Christian, but she has a very Christian outlook on death and grief. Lots of good quotes from the books. Lots of good examples of sacrificial love, emphasis on character. Just good books.
10: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, by Philip K Dick. I like this title a lot actually. The whole book talks about what it is to be human. Hard thoughts after reading it. It inspired the movie Blade Runner. I don't recommend that unless you just love Harrison Ford. Otherwise not worth it. But the book is good.
So there's my 10. If you want more details or my opinions in greater depth, I'd be happy to give them. Ask and ye shall receive.
