Well, I’ve got a list of books here that are no waste. In fact, these are books that will change the way to think, the way you read and the way you view reading for pleasure. In that it may actually bring you some. I’m not selecting these books for their literary merit or their fantastic use of the English language. These are books that struck something in me, pulled at heartstrings, made me feel something. And I think that evoking such emotion is the only criteria for a great book.

In our desensitized world, when someone can make you feel so much with only paper and ink, I believe that’s an achievement.

1. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita was published in 1955, and when you read it, you can understand why there is so much hype surrounding it. It tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a man who claims he can never love adult women, only children. He calls them “nymphets” and one day stumbles upon the perfect nymphet, Dolores Haze. The book chronicles his love for Dolores, but what I found to be fascinating was how you eventually sympathize with Humbert, even though nowadays his picture would be plastered all over “Dateline.”

2. My Friend Leonard by James Frey

I know, I know. Oprah hates James Frey. Even with the scandal, this book is amazing. And if you haven’t heard the scandal, here’s a summary: this book (and it’s prequel A Million Little Pieces) is in the biography section of your local book store and James Frey has admitted that some details are fabricated or exaggerated. Now, I’m not going to get into the politics of biographies (even thought 10% can be fabricated!), because I think this scandal takes away from this beautiful work. It may be fiction, but it is still a great work of fiction. The fact that it may not be 100% true, heck, may not be true at all, does not make me falter in my love for it. My Friend Leonard is so REAL. You can’t help but get wrapped up in the book and feel for the main character (James).  And Frey’s writing is so unique and different. He doesn’t use puncuation (less confusing than it sounds) and often repeats words or phrases for pages on end. He is refreshing and his books, true or not, are inspiring and raw.

3. Heavier than Heaven by Charles Cross

Now this one is more of a general selection, more than the specific book. Heavier than Heaven is one of my favorite books ever, but it is the biography of Kurt Cobain, and if you’re not a Nirvana fan, then it’s really not that great of a read. Still a well-written book, but it doesn’t strike you in the same way. So I am highly recommending you read a biography of someone you admire or are a fan of! I think you appreciate a person’s work so much more when you know about their life before fame and how they succeeded. In the case of Kurt Cobain, many people see him as a god and this book knocked him off his pedastal for me. It’s a fascinating book and Charles Cross is an exceptional writer.

4. Everything is Illuminated by Jonathon Safran Foer

This book mixes fiction and non-fiction elements and makes you feel so much emotion you think you’re going to burst. The book rotates between three stories: one told in Nazi Ukraine, one through letters and one in the modern day. The story revolves around a writer (coincidentally named Jonathon Safran Foer) and his search for a mystery woman in his grandfather’s past. He is penning a novel, which is the story told throughout the book in Nazi Ukraine and as he uncovers clues about the mystery, they become incorporated in his novel. This one really makes you think, and Foer’s beautiful writing style complements the emotions of the story perfectly. It’s also a bit educational and helps you truly understand the emotions involved in such tragedies as the Holocaust.

5.  The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffennegger

One of the best love stories I have ever read. Period. The relationship between main characters Clare and Henry is so real that you can’t help but get completely wrapped up in it. Just like any couple, they have their hardships, but their relationship is particularly strained. This is a must-read and one of my favorite books ever. I bawled like a baby at the end. That’s all I’m going to say.