Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter is arguably the most popular book series of my generation. Many of my friends have read the books, and several have watched the movies. I have watched the movies, but not read the books. I feel like I need to read these books to better understand the movies and because they have had such an impact on my generation.
Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini
This book was referred to me a little over a year ago by my mother. I made a mental note of it, but never had time to read or access to the book. Now, I've seen it become a bestseller that is described as a "modern classic." As always, my mother was right. I want to read this book because it is popular and my momma told me to.
Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy
Tony Dungy is the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, an NFL football team. I always admired his personality and the manner in which he conducted himself, on the field and off the field. This book is a great way for me to simultaneously learn more about his football life and personal life.
A Thousand Splendid Suns, by Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns is written by the same author as Kiterunner, the book my momma suggested to me. I stumbled across this book after seeing Kiterunner, and it seemed just as interesting as Kiterunner itself. So I decided to add it to my list, because momma is always right. In all seriousness, though, history intrigues me. This book tells the story of the recent history of Afghanistan, so it interests me.
It's Not About the Bike: My Journey Back to Life, by Lance Armstrong
I always admired Lance Armstrong for his story of overcoming cancer and never giving up to do what he loves and be once of the best bikers in the world. Originally, that is why I chose the book. Now, he has been charged guilty of using performance enhancing drugs, and I am even more curious to see if there is anything regarding that subject in this book.
Treasure Island, by Robert-Louis Stevenson
Many years ago, I read the abridged version of Treasure Island and loved it. Now that I have grown and my reading level has advanced, I am capable of now reading the unabridged version. The childhood memories in combination with the fact that it is a classic made me decide to add this book to my list.
The Natural, by Bernard Malamund
This is another classic book, but this one is about baseball. I will admit, I read this book many years ago when I was around eight years old. I loved the book. But when I got right to the last twenty or so pages of the book, I lost it! I reached the very end just to not finish it. So I added this book to my list out of reminiscence and the desire to finally finish the book.
Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
This book has much of the same story as Treasure Island, only I liked this book even more. The abridged version was excellent, but that was many years ago. I enjoy stories of shipwreck and improvisation to overcome natures dangers. Robinson Crusoe uses every bit of wit and skill he has to survive, and that type of story is one I would love to have on my list.
Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss
I promise this is the final book in this pattern of pre-read books. Again, I read this book about ten years ago, but it was the abridged version. I would really like to go back and read the full version. This book has a similar storyline to Robinson Crusoe, but it is an entire family instead of just one man, so there is more dialogue and interaction.
Geeks, by Jon Katz
This book is on my list because the title caught my name. It is about two "geeks" who get rich and famous, if memory serves me correctly. This book gives me hope because I too am somewhat a "geek" and would like to think that someday I too could become rich and famous. This book should be fun as well as relate to me, and that is why I chose it.
