One of the best parts about time off from school is the extra time to read a bunch of really great books. If you're an avid reader like me, then you know what I mean. Summer means late-night reading with the occasional utterance of those famous last words: "Just one more chapter." I've read some pretty enjoyable books so far this summer, and I thought I'd share a few with you. Consider adding these eight books to your reading list sometime in the near future:

1. "Library of Souls"

The third installment in Ransom Riggs' series proves a stunning conclusion to a highly imaginative whirlwind adventure. (If you haven't yet, check out the first two books: "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" and "Hollow City". They're both magnificent!) As with the first two, Riggs utilizes a number of black and white photographs as well as brilliantly-described settings to transport the reader into a world of slightly tangible creepiness. This simultaneously chilling and heartwarming story is a sure page-turner!

2. "The Man in the High Castle"

Philip K Dick really knows how to build suspense as he shapes a world from what could have happened in history. "The Man in the High Castle" describes life in America if the Axis Powers would have won World War II, only America isn't the United States anymore, and life becomes drastically different. It's quite an intriguing read full of suspicion, betrayal and a desire to find out the truth.

3. "Bags"

This is such a wonderfully odd story written by Patrick McHale, the creator behind Cartoon Network's Emmy Award-winning miniseries "Over the Garden Wall," which is equally as delightful. This story briefly traces the experiences of a man in search of his dog. Mild creepiness and incredible wit abound in this short but eventful tale. It even has a soundtrack that you can listen to while you read, available for download here.

4. "Slaughterhouse-Five"

Vonnegut has recently become a newly-found favorite author of mine; and while he's certainly not everyone's cup of tea, I insist that everyone at least read this novel if nothing else of his. Loosely based off of Vonnegut's own experiences in the bombing of Dresden, Germany, during World War II, this story traces the life of a man's life following the war. Interestingly, though, Vonnegut writes in a drily humorous yet melancholy tone and utilizes a non-linear plotline to tell this story, which takes a little bit of getting used to but is totally worth the read.

5. "Watership Down"

In my humble opinion, this book has all the makings of a true literary classic, and while it's not one that I've read most recently, it is definitely one that I want to revisit this summer. Adams traces the journey of a group of rabbits and the adversities they face, weaving in imaginative rabbit folklore along the way. Honestly, no amount of summary on my part can do this story justice, so you'll just have to read it yourself. It'll seriously change your perspective not only of rabbits, but of humankind and yourself as well.

6. "Praying the Bible"

To put it simply, this book has been so helpful to me in my time spent reading God's Word and, now, praying it. Whitney does a beautiful job spelling out the common problems with Christian prayer habits and in turn suggests taking the Psalms as an excellent starting point and using them to guide your thoughts and prayers as you talk with God. I have been so encouraged and refreshed in my time with God lately, and I've so appreciated this book.

7. "The Little Prince"

This is another story that you just have to read, and once again, my summary will fail to do it justice. I read this two weeks ago while I was on vacation, and my heart was both delighted by the imaginative questions of this little prince that travels from planet to planet and ripped apart by the level of emotional upheaval that some of the prince's discoveries caused. It's a fairly quick read, but take your time if you read it. Savor each detail and carefully peruse each of the illustrations. You'll be as delighted and drawn in as I was.

8. "Danny the Champion of the World"

I couldn't complete a reading list without including something by Roald Dahl, who is known as the author of "Matilda" (my favorite!), "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "James and the Giant Peach." Dahl's writing, as I expected, was nothing short of brilliant, clever and quite humorous, and the story's events were made even more complete alongside Quentin Blake's charming illustrations. This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of Danny and his father as they set out to poach pheasants and attempt to outwit the richest, most unpleasant man in the town. This story possesses quite a bit of spark and is also a fairly short read. Great for all ages!

Well, there you have it. Go forth and read!