I've read many books throughout the course of my days. During my high school years, it would be rare to find me without a novel in my hands (and a spare stored away in my bag...I never knew when I might finish the one I was holding). Of these many books, I left some without a second thought. On the other hand, a few books remain with me. I mean, really with me. They changed the way I look at the world and I believe they helped me to be a better person.

It's definitely more than these eleven that I choose to list. But these books are very special, and I think that every person should take the opportunity to read them.

1. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

It is a truth universally acknowledge that...this book has meant a great deal to me. I can spend hours wondering what life would be like living in nineteenth century England, and I am not ashamed to admit that I scour the internet devouring fanfiction on the famous Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. In fact, I wrote an entire article devoted to what this book has taught me in my first 19 years. Read it here. Follow the flaws of humanity as they do their best to overcome themselves.

2. "Gone With the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell

While being a captivating fictional story, "Gone With the Wind" is laced with historical facts. I learned a great deal about the Civil War. I learned the devastation that befell the South during the Reconstruction. I learned that everything doesn't fall into a persons lap just because they want it to. Scarlett O'Hara is the world's biggest brat, and she remains so for over 800 pages. It isn't until those last moments when Rhett Butler decides to walk away from her that she understands the severity of her stubborn will. However, she won't think about it until tomorrow.

3. "A Fairy Tale Retold" by Regina Doman

This is a series of books, and they each focus on a different fairy tale. They also each focus of a specific lesson. Each of the main characters needs to learn something about themselves, and about the people around them. My favorite book is "The Midnight Dancers." It is based off of the "Twelve Dancing Princesses." This young daughter makes a huge mistake that puts her sisters' lives at risk, and endangers one of her friends. It teaches you not to trust a pretty face who tells you what you want to hear. It teaches you that actions really do speak louder than words.

4. "The Belgariad and Malloreon" by David Eddings

To begin, I honestly do not understand how these books have not been made into movies. Seriously, I do not understand.

So this is two book series that are the same book series. Confused? So was I.

The first five books are called the Belgariad and they follow a group of characters as they set out to restore the Rivan King to his rightful place on the throne. The second five books are called the Malloreon, and they, well, I don't want to spoil it for you.

This is the funniest book series I have ever read. The wit is impeccable and the characters are original. They find themselves in extreme situations, and have to use real intelligence to get themselves back to safety.

Also, there's a lot of magic, action, love, and two prophecies. Rating is 10/10 a definite must read for everyone.

5. "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis

Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. These four names have been in my mind forever. It began by watching the BBC mini-series from the 1980s, then reading the books, and then seeing the newer movies. Obviously, these books are heavily laden with Christian themes. Who else could Aslan be but Jesus? The White Witch is the devil. And the visitors to Narnia are us humans who are doing our best to lead good lives and make it to Aslan's country in the East (aka: Heaven). Sometimes we might fail, like Edmund, but Aslan will be there to help us find our way again.

After reading these books I looked in my closet daily for a new world to explore. To be honest, I sometimes still do.

6. "The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

This book should not be taken with the same lightness as the "Chronicles of Narnia," but it had just as much of an impact on my life. It follows a demon as he does his best to make sure that his human goes to hell. It is the reverse job of a person's Guardian Angel. It shows how even the smallest of things can have a ripple effect in your life. Even the smallest wrong can begin a chain that leads to more and more sin.

This is not a book for young children to read, but teenagers and adults can greatly benefit from its ideas. Really, the significance of this book is not the story itself, but how you think, feel, and act after you set aside the pages.

7. "Gallagher Girls" by Ally Carter

These books are pure pre-teen fun. They are basically the modern day version of Nancy Drew (and I love Nancy Drew!). It follows teenage Cameron as she struggles to get through school, boys, and understanding her mom. Did I mention that she goes to a school for spies? The first books in the series are lighthearted and funny, and you can easily laugh at the way the Gallagher Girls go to great lengths to appear normal. That's hard to do when your lipstick might burn a hole through the wall, though. The last few books are a bit more serious, and you realize that the main heroine is really the key to an intense and complicated plot.

8. "A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens

I was forced to read this book sophomore year. I complained, I moaned, I yelled about how much I detested opening up its musty pages. I wasn't looking forward to the test and paper that I had to do once I finished reading. Then I read the last three or four chapters. These chapters shed a new light on the story. I realized how all of the plots intertwined. I was extremely upset when I finished the last page. I wanted more, but there was no more to be had. It was the worst of times...for me.

9. "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

This book made me laugh and cry and question the world that I live in. The 1960s weren't that long ago, a little over fifty years in the past. I understand that racism is still a part of the world that we live in today, but it was really bad only a few decades back. I grew to love these women that were called the "help." I admire Aibileen's strength and I laugh at Minny's bravery. Who can forget how she fed Miss Hilly a piece of her sh*t pie? (My eyes bugged and jaw dropped when I realized what was going on.) The fact that Skeeter didn't stand for what was going on around her just because it was normal shows me that I, too, can make a difference. I am kind; I am smart; I am important.

10. "The Last Song" by Nicholas Sparks

This is a lot more than a story of teenage romance. It is more than a story about an angst-filled daughter rebelling. It is more than a movie starring Miley Cyrus before she cute and dyed her hair. This book is all about forgiveness and telling the truth. It is about how a person shouldn't keep secrets from their family. It is about loving someone despite their flaws.

11. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte

(Note: read the quote on the photo. It sends chills down my spine every times that I do.)

This book is my all time favorite book in the entire world. It is not about attractive people: Jane is described as plain and Mr. Rochester is just ugly. And they are filled with flaws (say hello to the crazy wife hidden away in the attic). Jane Eyre is me, when I read this book. She has no idea what is going on around her, and gets herself into situations that are far out of her control. She shows fear, she shows strength, and she makes a commitment to following her heart. She is independent and everything that a woman should aim to be.