Top Ten Tuesdays 2/7/12

I'm a day late, but the stomach flu is not conducive to heavy blogging (or anything for that matter.)  Since I'm late making my list, I got the chance to read a few that other people posted.  This week, Top Ten Tuesday's calls for a list of books for book haters.  What would you throw at someone who claims to not like reading? 

1. Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson This is a YA novel, which makes it perfect for a proclaimed non-reader.  The writing in this novel is simple, but completely powerful and effective.  I managed to read the entire thing in one sitting, which I would imagine to be appealing for a non-reader. 
2. Me Talk Pretty One Day - David Sedaris David Sedaris always has, and always will end up on my lists.  His books are hilarious.  Anyone who claims to dislike reading will reconsider their claim when this book has them laughing so hard they're about to pee their pants.
3. The Lovely Bones - Alice Seabold This choice is very similar to Speak in that the narrative is from the perspective of a young girl.  The writing here is a bit more polished, and the story is gripping enough to keep anyone reading.
4. Gone With the Wind - Margaret Mitchell This book can be terrifying due to its size, but anyone who starts reading won't be able to put it down.  Margaret Mitchell manages to throw everything into a single novel: history, society, love, hate..... Everyone should be able to find something they enjoy about this book.
5. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee No doubt, this will end up on many people's lists this week.  A classic must read that brings to light the humanity we are capable of.  If someone reads this and still claims to be a non-reader, they will at least walk away wishing they were capable of enjoying books.
6. James and the Giant Peach - Roald Dahl Of course I couldn't compose an entire list without at least one children's book.  These books are easy to read, they remind us of the imagination and joy of being little.  All of Roald Dahl's books are fun, but this one is especially light hearted.
7. The Stranger Beside Me - Ann Rule Generally, I don't read a lot of true crime, but I do think that Ann Rule does a good job of turning true events into a "story".  If you ever start drifting while reading this, you just have to remind yourself that it actually happened, and you won't be able to put it down.
8. The Giver - Lois Lowry It's likely that the majority of people of my generation had to read this at some point during their middle school years.  If you not, read it.  If you did, read it again.  This dystopian story keeps you in the dark and then hits you over the head with reality about 1/2 way through. 

I'm cutting it short this week.  I'm going to use the sick excuse.

Peace