It probably won't surprise you that I read a lot. Here is a list of books that I've enjoyed and can recommend to students:
- The Crystal Cave (and its sequels) by Mary Stewart
- These fantasy novels tell the story of King Arthur and Merlin in a somewhat different point of view than most Arthurian novels. Merlin takes center stage as the protagonist, and the story of his youth and how he developed his reputation as a powerful wizard is highly entertaining.
- If I Die in a Combat Zone and The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
- If I Die is a mostly-true autobiography, and The Things They Carried is a somewhat-true collection of stories, but both books deal with the author's experiences in the Vietnam War. O'Brien doesn't pull any punches with these books - they are frequently painful or disturbing to read. (As a high school teacher, I feel the need to warn you: there is mature language and content in these books.)
- Anathem by Neal Stephenson
- This is a really mind-blowing science fiction novel set in an alternate universe. Lifelong scholars live in isolated communities (similar to monasteries) that only open their doors every 10, 100, or 1,000 years, depending on the community. During one of these rare times of contact with the outside world, a series of events begins that will change the world - and other worlds - forever. (This is pretty serious sci-fi. If you're adventurous enough to give this a shot, be sure to bookmark the glossary in the back of the book.)