Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week a new Top Ten list topic is posted and book bloggers fill in their own choices. I'm a list girl (as in, I don't function without them), so I thought this would be a good choice for me!  I haven't done any memes (and very few reviews) over the past month because I have been crazy busy doing mom stuff.  Now that summer is here, I am hoping that will change some...  Anyway, this week's topic is a great one, so I am glad I chose this week to start getting back into the swing of things!

Top Ten Books Written In the Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

Disclaimer:  The Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games trilogy are obviously part of this list, but since I'm sure they are on just about EVERYONE'S lists, I have chosen to mention them as "duh" choices, and highlight ten (or eleven) more!

1.  Looking for Alaska by John Green (2005)~ When I read this for a book group, I wasn't very excited for it.  Once I started, I couldn't stop reading it.  It was heartbreakingly real and extremely touching.  I think this is one of those rare YA gems that every teen should read.

2.  Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin (2005)~ Another book I read in one sitting.  I sincerely hope the afterlife is exactly like the one in this book, because Gabrielle Zevin's version of it is absolutely beautiful.  I loved the detail and ideas; to this day, it is still one of my favorite books of all time.

3.  Unwind by Neal Shusterman (2007)~ Brilliant, compelling, and thought-provoking.  This book puts a lot a current issues into perspective, without preaching one side or attempting to sway the reader.  This is a book I recommend to everyone, no matter what age, gender, or political affiliation they are.  I rarely find a book that is both entertaining and enlightening, that has strong social commentary without the author's personal agenda coming through; this book is all of that, and I can't wait for the release of its sequel, UnWholly.

4.  Graceling by Kristin Cashore (2008)~  The most beautiful High Fantasy novel I have ever read.  The story is fantastic, but the best part of this book is the world building.  Kristin Cashore builds such a rich, lush, sensual landscape, you can't help but wish you could be there in the middle of it all.  The main character, Katsa, is my favorite female heroine of all time as well; she is strong, smart, and absolutely kick-ass.  This book has set such a high standard for its genre, that I have not been able to help being disappointed by almost every HF novel I have read since.

5.  Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher (2007)~ A compelling novel that really gets the point across... Our actions, words, and even our lack of actions/words can have a profound effect on the lives of other people.  This book will be a required read for my children, and I hope people continue to read it for many, many years to come.

6.  The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (2007)~ Because of reservations, the Native American population of our country is largely isolated from the rest of us (which was the intention of the government when the reservation system was created).  We see their casinos and tax-free cigarette shops, but we don't see how the vast majority live in poverty, often with sub-standard schools, and little opportunity within the reservation.  As funny as this book is at times (Sherman Alexie has a gift for inserting levity  into discussions of the tough stuff), it is extremely eye-opening.  I think this book is so important because I think most of the younger generations have no idea how the Native Americans have been wronged, and continue to be wronged.  To them, the history of the Native Americans is just that, history.  I grew up fewer than 10 miles from a reservation my entire childhood, and had not a clue until I read this book.  It should be read by every American.

7.  EVERYTHING Ellen Hopkins has ever written~  Crank, Glass, Fallout, Impulse, Perfect, Burned, Identical, Tricks...  They are all brilliantly written, achingly real, and they tackle tough issues like few YA authors are capable.  They speak to young people in a way that adults in their lives could never effectively do.

8.  Shine by Lauren Myracle (2011)~ If you have been following my blog long, you know that I loved this book.  It was my favorite of 2011, and I hope it stays on people's radars for many, many years to come. It is a beautiful story about ugly events.  It touched me so deeply that I will never forget it.  (Read my review HERE.)

9.  A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz (2010)~ I love a good Fairy Tale Retelling, and this is my favorite.  It's a brilliant adaptation; Adam Gidwitz expertly weaves together several of Grimm's Fairy Tales without ever compromising any of the cautionary messages of the original tales.  They were sufficiently gory and exciting, with several witty side notes and comments from the author throughout.  I have much love for this book and eagerly await its sequel, In a Glass Grimmly.  (Read my review of A Tale Dark and Grimm HERE.)

10.  Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins (2010)~ Yeah, so I am usually not a fan of Contemporary Romance, but I absolutely LOVED this book (also, Lola and the Boy Next Door).  In fact, I haven't met anyone who has read it and not loved it.  I sincerely hope people continue to love it for many, many years to come!

11.  The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo (2006)~ I tried to stick to books that fit within the parameters of my blog, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention this children's book, because it is one of my favorites for any age.  It is the whole package; touching story, beautiful illustrations, a message that just fills the reader's heart with love. Absolutely timeless!

What do you think?  Have anything to add?