#10 Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court by John Wooden

This is the only non-fiction book on the list. I graduated from UCLA so perhaps I’m a little biased about this great book. It is an easy worthwhile read that I’m sure you’ll find inspirational.

#9 North and South by John Jakes

This is the first book in an excellent trilogy that traces the lives of two families throughout the U.S. Civil War. Jakes’ second book, Love and War, is also excellent.

#8 Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

A short and easy read. I’ve taught this to 9th graders on a few occasions and I still enjoy it.

#7 How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

This book should be required reading for every high school student in the country.

#6 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

This is a story of revenge that will keep you turning the pages.

#5 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

If you want to read something that is well written and hysterical than this novel is for you. Yossarian is one of my all time favorite characters ever.

#4 1984 by George Orwell

Big Brother is watching you! This is a dark novel. Orwell has written a warning that will echo for generations to come.

#3 The Stand by Stephen King

The Stand is a story of an epic battle between good and evil. I generally avoid Stephen King because I don’t like horror but this one is far too good to pass.

#2 Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

It’s hard not to give this masterpiece the #1 spot. The novel really makes you reflect upon right and wrong.

#1 Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Since it was first published Huckleberry Finn has been controversial. Twain humanized a runaway slave – some people didn’t like that when it was first published. Twain used realistic dialogue including the “N” word – some folks don’t like that these days. The fact is that this book still gets under folk’s skin. During my second year as an English teacher, my principal stopped me from teaching this book. As a result of my principal’s actions, Huckleberry Finn is now my favorite book of all time.