2. Twain, Mark, Huck Finn. You've probably had to read this book at some point in your academic career. If you just skimmed through it, go back and give it another chance. Huck demonstrates the humanity and basic human goodness that is in everybody. Talk about civil disobedience....

3. Farmer, Philp Jose, World of Tiers. This is actually a series of six books, the most recent one released in around 1992. It has to do with alternate universes and "gates" in between each universe. The worlds are run by genetically enhanced human beings known as Lords. A must for the Sci-fi shelf.

4. Peters, Elizabeth, Crocodile on the Sandbank. If you read this book, you'll meet my mother. She myst have been the inspiration for Amelia Peabody, the heroine. There are about 11 books in the series with her as a main character. What originally attracted me to this book was the fact that it takes place on an archaeological dig in Egypt. Besides, everyone wants their own Emerson...(read and you'll see!)

5. Gaiman, Neil and Terry Pratchett, Good Omens. Also referred to as The Nice and Accurate Prophacies of Agnus Nutter, Witch. This is a humorous look at the Apocolypse. (yes, there really is a different way to look at the Apocolypse!) Two angels, one fallen (well, not so much as fallen as sauntered slightly downward) and one not are on Earth for hundreds of years. The time has come and they lose the Antichrist. They have about 4 days to find him. Lots of British humor involved, so watch BBC before reading.

6. Clarke, Arthur C., Childhood's End. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to live in a Utopian society, read this book. Aliens come to the planet and abolish all of the bad things in the world like war, hunger, laziness...a definite winner

7. Shakespeare, William, Hamlet. One of his best works. The question to ask yourself is, "Is Hamlet really mad or is he just reacting to the death of his father like any other human being would?" I wrote a term paper on it... I liked it. My professor didn't. Oh well. Read it anyway.

8. Adams, Douglas, Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Have you ever read a book and giggled the entire way through it? The things that Arthur Dent, just a plain Earthman, endures will keep you laughing for years. When you finish, you'll be amazed to how many references there are to this book in popular culture. You'll see.....

9. Forster, E.M., A Passage to India. I've alwats liked his work. I saw the movie, done by one of my favorite directors David Lean, and I had to read the book. It's about the rule and customs of the British in 20th century India. Since then, I have been much more aware of British policy concerning their empire...

10. Lessing, Doris, The Grass is Singing. Another book concerning the British. This time, it's set on a farm in South Africa. A Black man has murdered a white woman, but it goes so much deeper than just a simple killing. It captures your attention. I first read it in my British Literature II class.

11. Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. This was one of the books that my mother encouraged me to read as a kid. I think I've read and own all of the Sherlock Holmes stories. He never ceases to amaze me...

12. Jackson, Shirley, The Lottery. This was one of my favorite shor stories that I read in American Literature II. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it until I recieved her newest anthology (Thank you, Rob) as a birthday gift this year. If you want to read this short story, click HERE. Her newest work is entitled Just an Ordinary Day. Fabulous. Simply fabulous!