“To Kill a Mockingbird” (1960)

Author: Harper Lee

Plot: Told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout, “Mockingbird” is the story of a black man accused of raping a white girl in the South during the Depression.

Importance: Lee’s only novel uniquely explores a Southern racial issue with elaborately descriptive style and an engrossing, intricate story. It’s slow and sleepy, riveting and profound, all at the same time.

“The Prophet” (1923)

Author: Kahlil Gibran

Plot: A young man about to leave town is asked for advice by the townspeople, who see him as a prophet. He provides his thoughts on love, friendship, teaching, pain and time, among other things.

Importance: Gibran’s novel, though fiction, is the book I live by. His writing is poetic and almost biblical, with serene and wise views on personal issues.

“Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim” (2004)

Author: David Sedaris

Plot: The book, a collection of essays and memories, provides smart commentary on everything from Sedaris’ Halloween memories as a child to outrageous customs in other countries.

Importance: It’s laugh-out-loud funny. Sedaris’ brand of humor is sarcastic and dry, yet still evokes emotion. It’s easy to feel a certain rapport with Sedaris through his stories.

“Tuesdays with Morrie” (1997)

Author: Mitch Albom

Plot: Albom, a journalist living life in the fast lane, reunites with his dying college professor. The two talk about life’s issues, including money, death and marriage. Albom and Morrie meet every Tuesday for their informal “lessons.”

Importance: The true story of the student and teacher gives insight into the important things, similar to that of “The Prophet,” and Albom does it all with simple grace and powerful descriptions.

“The Glass Castle” (2005)

Author: Jeannette Walls

Plot: The book, a memoir, tells the story of Walls’ upbringing and her family’s struggles. The family never had a permanent home and dealt with money problems, alcoholism and family conflict.

Importance: Though the book is relatively new, it’s an instant classic. Walls tells her emotional and powerful story matter-of-factly and without looking for pity, though she easily deserves sympathy. The characters are strong and memorable, and it was a book I thought about and wanted to get back to when I wasn’t reading it.