10.Flowers for Algernon By Daniel Keyes

Flowers for Algernon is a different type of story. It takes into the life of a mentally retarded man who goes from stupid to genius to stupid. It is an emotional tale of a man and a mouse, and their struggles in an insensitive society.

9.Deathwatch By Robb White

If you’re a fan of thrillers you will love this book. I mean a kid in the dessert being chased by a crazy guy with a gun is quite a premise isn’t it? I can’t even count how many times it seemed like it was all over, but he recovered. The best part is the end where you look back and realize how unbelievable Ben’s story sounds, and then watch his defense slowly gain credibility again.

8.The Time Paradox By Eoin Colfer

The Time Paradox is a quick, fun read. It’s not too long and the subject matter is very mild. Although it may not be Shakespeare Eoin Colfer did a fine job of spinning a fun story with a surprise ending for your enjoyment.

7.Brisingr By Christopher Paolini

To read this book you really have to read the other two books in the inheritance cycle, but trust me it is well worth it. This is a fantastic tale of kings, magic, and dragons. Although all that may seem juvenile, trust me this series is anything but, you must be a serious reader to make it all the way through this book. Also be on the look out for plot twists as there are many.

6.Flags of Our Fathers By James Bradly

This has to be one of the best history books I’ve ever read. It doesn’t just tell you what happened, it allows you to see it through the eyes of actual people. This book follows the life of six marines as the move from boy to man.

5.Animal Farm By George Orwell

Another classic by George Orwell, this also reflects on society, except now in the form of talking animals. I love this book for it veiled metaphors and comparisons to events of Orwell’s time. This book featured Hitler, Stalin, Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, the Gestapo, Nicolas II, Secret Police, United States, Russia, Germany, and Britain, although none by name.

4.1984 By George Orwell

This novel is a timeless classic. The message will be and has been relevant for every society has or will exist. The other thing I love about this book is its multiple meanings. On the face of it it’s just a really enjoyable Si-Fi thriller, but if you are more observant you will see a warning about government and a silent majority. My favorite part had to be at the end which if you really thought about you would realize meant the end of the superpowers.

3.Ice Station By Mathew Reilly

This book although nearly 400 pages seemed to read it’s self. I love this author for his large scale, fast-paced adventures. Although in retrospect the story is completely unrealistic, like France would not be stupid enough to attack a squad of the USMC’s finest, but while your reading it it’s completely believable, in fact maybe it’s happening right now.

2.The Road By Cormac McCarthy

This has got to be one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. The way McCarthy writes, you really learn to listen for a character’s voice. This is not book you could (or should) sleep through, if you want to follow it you need to pay attention to every page. That however will not be a problem because this book is what may call a page turner, like when the man and the boy search for food in an abandoned house only to find the horrors in the basement.

1.The Bear and the Dragon By Tom Clancy

This is my favorite book for several reasons. First of all it is extremely in-depth, there is a lot of detail and character development. The characters in this book are deep and rich, you actually feel like you know them. Lastly the story line is amazing, at first there are several things going on at once, all of them seeming independent. But as you read further you will wonder at how artfully the author ties everything together.