North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

Not to be confused with the John Jakes Civil War novel of the same name, this novel is set in Victorian England at the height of the Industrial Revolution. It is a gentle love story between two people from vastly different backgrounds; it reminded me of Pride and Prejudice. If you have a chance to see the BBC adaptation for TV, be sure to check it out.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall begins from and eventually returns to the point of view of gentle Gilbert Markham as he endures what he thinks is an unrequited love of the mysterious and independent Helen Graham. But as the story progresses, a far more interesting tale emerges from the pages of Helen's own journal. In this novel within a novel, we learn of Helen's painful past as the devoted, devout, and often tortured wife of the handsome, alcoholic scoundrel she unwisely chose to marry. ( from http://muruch.blogspot.com/2008/10/anne-bronte-tenant-of-wildfell-hall.html )

It has been a long time since I read this, but, I was thinking about it again and thought it needed a post. I love this book. I thought it was an interesting and well told story! I also love the movie if you get a chance to see it, do!

Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster

If you are looking for a quick short read, I would recommend this story.  It is not quite long enough to be be called a novel, but not quite short enough to be called a short story.  Anyway it is about an orphan girl in the early 1900's that receives money, anonymously,  from one of the orphanage's trustees to go to college.  It is a collection of her letters to her sponsor about her college life and it is charming.  It is a very quick read (two hours, tops) and you can read it for free online here.  I first read this in junior high, remebered it last year and read it online once while my baby napped.  I love it.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

If you haven't read this classic coming of age story yet, you absolutely must.  It is a story of a young Irish girl in Brooklyn at the turn of the century (the last century that is).  I love this book and it is one of my all time favorites.  A gem.

How Green Was My Valley

Set in a Welsch coal mining village, this book is a poetic and nostalgic coming-of-age story. I loved the beautiful language of the book, although it took me a little while to get used to the unusual dialogue. I loved the protagonist, Huw Morgan, who has a very unique and strong voice. He describes his large family, the valley they live in, the community and society they share, so vividly and with such integrity, you feel as if you are seated around the hearth and walking the hills with him. At times it was painful to read of the difficult life the coal miners lived, but I loved to read of the strong community ties, respect for family and God, and just the basic integrity and decency of the characters.

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

If you have never read Steinbeck I can only feel very sad for you.  If you have only read Steinbeck as a school assignment and not out of appreciation for the man's genius or out of sheer enjoyment I am afraid I can only pity you.  Steinbeck is one of my all time favorite authors.  That man is a word magician and the best story teller I've encountered.  I love all of his novels, and when I was first married I think I read almost every one of his novels.  I can't pick a favorite, but East of Eden was absolutely amazing.  It is the modern tale of Cain and Able.  Eden, as in all Steinbeck novels, is California.  It is an amazing story, wonderfully written, and completely absorbing.

Crossing To Safety and Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner

Again, I have read these books several times, but the last time was ages ago and so I don't remember all the details.  But I do remember Crossing To Safety being a very interesting and thought provoking story about the lifelong friendship between two couples.  Wallace Stegner is one of my favorite authors and is such an amazing author.  Another one of his that I love is The Angle of Repose, which I recommend just as highly.  The angle of repose is the angle at which rocks will no longer slide down but remain in place on a slope.  This is a book about a poorly suited couple who spend years finding the angle of repose in their marriage, and also one of their descendents finding the angle of repose in his life. These, in my opinion, are must read books.  They are incredibly well written, and provide some very interesting discussion material.  Be sure to pick them up.

Seraph On The Suwanee by Zora Neale Hurston

I have read this book a couple of times because I love how it is written, and I love the authors message.  It is the story (I hope I don't mess this up.  I haven't picked it up in a few years) of a "cracker" couple.  Cracker for those not from the Jim Crow South is a White Trash white couple.  The husband falls in love with his wife and works hard to provide her with the life he feels she deserves.  They end up living in a beautiful home, and have two beautiful children (that represent the husband) and one child that has mental and physical disabilities that the wife identifies herself with.  Anyway, after a life time of the husband trying to prove his love to his wife, she still can't shake her insecurity.  She simply can't believe that her husband could love her, until he finally forces her to understand.  It is a great story and the message is relevant and important.  I also read Hurston's famous Their Eyes Were Watching God, but Seraph really is my favorite.  Zora Neale Hurston has an interesting history as well.  If you read the book take the time to learn a little about her.

Jane Eyre

Jane Eyre is Probably my Favorite. I love this story so much. I don't know why but I think I like it more the Pride and Prejudice.

A Tale of Two Cities

One of the best of the best. I loved this book. It is unique for Dickens in that there is not really a primary character - London and Paris are really the main protagonists! But the narrative is so compelling. Give yourself a chapter or two to get into it and get used to the language. You'll love it.

Pride and Prejudice

Anyone that loves to read must have at least one novel they have read over and over and couldn't live without. So what is you all time favorite novel and why? I think mine must be Pride and Prejudice becuase I love the story, I love Jane Austen's wit, and of course I love Mr. Darcy. So what about all of you?