I’m an avid book reader/collector. I’m always on the prowl for new and interesting books. My official blogging life starts with a post about my top five books. I’d love to hear suggestions from you on what to read next, or if you have loved/hated one of my picks.

She’s Come Undone

She’s Come Undone is an emotional roller-coaster of a book, written by Wally Lamb, about a young woman’s troubled rise into adulthood. It’s so well written and engrossing, I’ve read it so many times that I’ve broken the spine.

House of Leaves

House of Leaves is written by Mark Danielewski, Poe’s brother. Poe made an accompanying album for the book, called Haunted. This book will completely creep you out. It has tons of “research material” that the narrator accumulates throughout the story.

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones is a haunting tale of what happens to a girl after she is killed, written by Alice Sebold. It’s well-written and creepy.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky has written a painfully accurate story about what it’s like to be in love, growing up. It’s an incredibly honest, real, and relatable love story.

Valley of the Dolls

This is a trashy novel by Jacqueline Susann about stardom and drug abuse. It was made into an equally trashy movie. It may be tame by current standards, but back in the sixties it was the definition of scandalous. The movie stars Sharon Tate, who was later murdered by Charles Manson.