I always cry when I hear the Tara’s Theme.. This book is truly an incredible piece of writing. I know a lot of people finish the book thinking Scarlett got exactly what she deserved, but I didn’t. I think Rhett was just as much to blame as Scarlett was. Therefore, I love this book. Read Wuthering Heights if you liked this; same basic romance theme.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:34PM

Different than the others on this list. A peek into Afghanistan, yes. But really, a story of dealing with guilt. It is incredible.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:29PM

If you haven't read the Harry Potter series, you have major issues.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:16PM

This book is drastically different than any other book on this list(it is closest to Lord of the Flies). However, it's a beautiful (and horrible) book about the Vietnam War.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:15PM

My favorite along with Wuthering Heights. Better than the movie (although the movie was amazing). I'm a yankee, so to speak, and I still loved it. Definitely worth reading.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:14PM

Again, an easier read. But I love Beauty and the Beast, and this is a wonderful telling of the original tale. Don't expect to run into Mrs. Potts or Lumiere, though. :)   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:13PM

Whatever you do, don't read the end before the beginning. Then, once you've finished it, go back and read it again. This book is an incredible piece of literature.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:12PM

Yes, it's a beast of a novel. However, I recommend this over the abridged because the it is simply better. Reading the last page is wonderful, if for no other reason than the fact you just finished a 1462-page book. A plot summary would take me an hour to write, but it is essentially the story of Jean Valjean's life.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:12PM

A bit of an easier read than the others, but worth it. Makes you think.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:11PM

Very satisfying. A tale of revenge; and all Dantes does is sit back and watch everyone else cause their own downfall.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:10PM

"Be with me always-take any form-drive me mad! only do not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! it is unutterable! I cannot live without my life! I cannot live without my soul!" -Heathcliff. My favorite along with Gone With the Wind. The story of the passionate and all-consuming love between Cathy and Heathcliff.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:09PM

Just read it. The story of Jane Eyre's life; her life as a child in school and her romance with Mr. Rochester.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:07PM

If you liked the Keira Knightley movie, the book is even better.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:06PM

The Twilight Saga is the cliched rambling of a pathetic teenage girl. Meyer uses many elements from the classics (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice, Dracula, etc.) as well as Ann Rice’s Vampire Chronicles. Almost nothing is original. Also, her writing style is grating if you’re used to reading these classics. Go read Wuthering Heights; same basic (and I mean basic) ideas, but written with more complex characters, a stronger female protagonist, more passion, and beautiful language.   posted Nov 8, 2009 at 5:00PM