The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
A rollicking good read that chronicles the teenage protagonists transition from the school on the Rez to the school in town. A coming of age novel, with wacky illustrations and social consciousness.
Oh Pioneers!, by Willa Cather
The classic novel, by the classic author. This book tells the story of the land, and two women who work on the land in Nebraska at the turn of the century. Who knew I could be completely enthralled by a page explaining the nature of grass?
Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austin
Some say this is the perfect novel. Others claim it to be too set in its time period. I think the themes it covers - love, social class, pride - can be applied to any time period. It is a book to get lost in, in that the word choice and scene selection take the reader to an entirely different place.
32 Candles, by Ernessa T Carter
A first novel by a woman who went to my college, this was a perfect summer "candy" read. By candy, I mean it was just fun and light, without the weightiness that can make a book a struggle to get through. And it is pink, which is always a plus.