Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic is: Top Ten Books That Should be Required Reading for Teens.
Once again, I am going to divide my list in two. I will have a list of all the books teens (like me) should read for educational purposes but will actually enjoy and a list of books that teens should read just for fun.
Top Ten List of Books Teens Should Read That Their Parents Actually Want Them To.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - Not only is it beautifully written and will improve your vocabulary, but it also has a great story that will be enjoyed.
Shakespeare - I know a lot of teens don't like Shakespeare, but if you let yourself relax and just go with it, the plays can be a lot of fun. Plus, you will then be able to catch all of those pesky references to them that can be found just about everywhere.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - Know all of those fantasy books you like? They probably wouldn't exist without this wonderful epic.
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy - OK, so maybe this one will not be on every required reading list of classics, but it should be. Maybe you could sneak it in while studying the French Revolution.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott - A lovely story of family and growing up that can be read over and over. (I should know.)
The Count of Monte Christo by Alexandre Dumas - This one can be enjoyed by teenage boys and girls alike with its web of intrigue, romance and a hefty dose of swordfighting and poison.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens - I haven't read this one yet, but I still have a couple of years before I am no longer a teenager. :)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley - According to my mom, this one is required and I am going to have to read it soon.
The Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer - You should know the story long before you become a teenager, but as a teen you should read the original. (Though not necessarily in the original Greek.)
The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder - For its portrayal of real life in the past.
Top Ten List of Books That Teens Should Read Because They Want To.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling - No explanation necessary.
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - This one is for older teens because some parts are rather disturbing, but the story and ideas in it are fascinating.
Redwall series by Brian Jacques - This one is for young teens before they outgrow it.
The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen - This story is about understanding and respecting the past as well as truly appreciating the present.
Delirium by Lauren Oliver - This story tells of the importance of love and free will.
The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare - Because everyone should give the paranormal series a try, even if they don't think it is their genre. If this series doesn't make you like it, none will.
Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Guaranteed to get any teenage boy who spends too much time on his computer to read.
Rafael Sabatini's adventure novels - Everyone loves a pirate and there is some good historical stuff in them, too.
Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce - OK, so maybe there isn't any particular reason to throw these onto the pile, but I love them.
Anything by Patricia C. Wrede - Because everyone needs a laugh now and again.
Frankenstein is great. You should definitely read it. I think one of the keys to really loving Shakespeare is to see it performed.
ReplyDeleteCome visit me at The Scarlet Letter.
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteYay for The Scarlet Pimpernel! =D I had forgotten about it until I read your post. (Methinks it is being overshadowed by Dumas's novels. And how great that you have both the Orczy and a Dumas here?)