Now that that's done, I would also like to second The Lovely Bones and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and put in some new suggestions! @fortis and whoever else, feel free to second as many books as you like! And feel free to come back if you think of more suggestions, like I'm doing right now.
Title: Frankenstein
Author: Mary Shelley
Genre: Classic/Horror
What's it about? Victor Frankenstein is a medical man who, in a delirium, manages to create life in the form of Frankenstein's monster.
Why you should read it: It's nothing like the movies! The monster doesn't have a bolt in his neck and he's a very eloquent, profound dude. It's a book that really gets you thinking.
This book would suit you if: It's a short, easy read, and even though it's a classic it's perfect to take to the beach.
Title: Slaughterhouse 5
Author: Kurt Vonnegut
Genre: Historical/Other
What's it about? Billy Pilgrim has become unstuck in time. Between scenes of Pilgrim being observed by aliens, flashbacks and flashforwards, Vonnegut tells the haunting tale of an American prisoner of war in Dresden during the destruction of the German city by allied bombers towards the end of the Second World War.
Why you should read it: Vonnegut based this book on personal experience, he makes several cameos in the story. It's a really harrowing, disillusioning picture of war, and has some really memorable lines. It's fairly short and easy to pack.
This book would suit you if: People with an interest in World War Two would enjoy it, although you'll hate what the Allies did in Dresden forever (or at least I did) so if you're from one of those countries don't go in expecting anything too patriotic. It's also for an older crowd - definitely 16+.
Title: How I Live Now
Author: Meg Rossoff
Genre: Young Adult
What's it about? Daisy is an American who goes to stay with her English cousins for an idyllic summer. That is, until the summer is shattered into a million pieces by the outbreak of World War Three. The story doesn't focus on the politics or the war (we don't even know who's attacking Britain), but rather on Daisy's efforts to get herself and her nine year old cousin Piper home after they're displaced.
Why you should read it: Another really great book about personal stories from war time, but totally different this time. Daisy is a really compelling main character, she's unlikable to begin with and her transformation from bratty American teenager to a fighter and mother to Piper is something very extraordinary.
This book would suit you if: I think it's good for teens especially.
Gender:
Points: 53415
Reviews: 1125