Sitting here in this moment, alone in my room at 2 in the morning, I do not feel alone. Smiling back at me are hundreds of books from the bookshelves surrounding me. In just one corner, I can feel Hester Prynne's adoring gaze, and I can almost hear Holden Caulfield's suave attempts. Believe me, I know how lame it sounds. But this is how I think of books. The story doesn't end with the turning of the last page, and the characters live in my heart forever...or at least until I realize it's been too long, at which point I simply reread the book.

Since I can remember, I was the kid asking for a book for my birthday or for Christmas. What once was the Boxcar Children running around in my mind quickly became Scout and Jem Finch. Looking at my shelves filled with treasures, I thought it would be a really fun Hub to write if I grabbed 5 randos off the shelf and attempted to put into words why they complete me so. I hope any passersby will consider reading some of these if they've yet to discover them, or do as I do and reread them dozens of times.

Let's start with my favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut. Now, I was tempted to grab my favorite book, Slaughterhouse-Five, but then I realized that I finished Breakfast of Champions just last week, so it seemed like a better candidate.

To start, how can anyone not be intrigued by a novel that starts with this line: "This is a tale of a meeting of two lonesome, skinny, fairly old white men on a planet which was dying fast." That planet? Earth, of course. Vonnegut has a fabulous way of satirizing mankind in so many ways, and he essentially presents the idea that we are destroying ourselves.

Plotwise, this novel follows Kilgore Trout, who is a hilarious character, and Dwayne Hoover, who deals Pontiacs. The plot only takes places within a matter of a few days, and it culminates in their meeting. Really, though, the book explores the idea that everything in the universe is connected, which I think is a really interesting idea.

This book will sincerely make you laugh out loud multiple times, and it will also make you stop and think about some of Vonnegut's social and political issues. I know some people who say things like, "I don't like to read anything that makes me think," and, well, I just think that's sad as hell.

Oh, and he draws pictures throughout, too. That's just awesome.

Here is my favorite quote from the novel, about the symbol pi in mathematics: "We had tortured circles until they coughed up this symbol of their secret lives." What a hilarious man.

On my bookshelf, I have a few novels by the Bronte sisters..Villette, Jane Eyre..but my favorite is Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights. I read this novel about 2 years ago, and I still find myself thikning about Heathcliff's love for Catherine sometimes. It is truly such a remarkable love story, and it deals with the issue of following one's head or heart, but the novel has so many other interesting aspects, too. For instance, I read it through one time just looking for evidence of whether or not Nelly (the narrator) is reliable or not, and this really taught me to be skeptical of narrator's biases. Also, Bronte really successfully analyzes the idea of being a "double character"...or feeling one way and acting another. I love how she brings such complexity to her characters because they become so realistic. Also, you'll find yourself really empathizing with them...which is always the best way to really feel like you know a character.

If you're looking for a story about real passion, think about reading 330+ wonderful pages peppered with romantic ideas like this one: "[Heathcliff] shall never know how I love him; and that, not because he's handsome, Nelly, but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same." I love the idea that someone else can be more yourself than you. Like they can know you better than you even know yourself. I think that could be true.

Anyway, fantastic novel. Give it a try, if you've yet to do so.

I know I've already written at least one other hub about some aspect of LeAnne Howe's Shell Shaker, but it's so good, and I know SO few people who've read it, that I had to give it a shout out. I'm really into Native American literature, and I think this book gives its reader a really good feel of what Native Americans experienced centuries ago and even today.

The plot bridges the time gap between a Choctaw tribe and a family 200 years apart, and you quickly realize they are ancestors of each other. Howe explores the important ideals of Native Americans, like family, honor, loyalty, honesty, and love. Her writing style is very articulate and engaging, and the story is sure to be unique to any reader.

Since the story is about the uniting of two generations of people, Howe really successfully creates parts of her narrative that tie everything together. She repeats names, phrases, and so many other things in order to fully explore the interconnectedness of family over time and space.

Also, the 3 main protagonists are the 3 Billy sisters, and they're all pretty badass. It's awesome to read through the eyes of such powerful women, and the culture you'll discover here is endless.

I actually met LeAnne Howe when she came to my alma mater, The University of Georgia, a year ago to give a lecture on her newer book, Miko Kings. She was extremely cool, smart, and well-spoken. And funny. She's the whole package, and so is her book. I always get my friends who are looking for a book to pick up to borrow my copy of this one, and they love it, too.

The first book of Ian McEwan's that I read was actually Amsterdam, which is so beautifully risque, and just as well-written as Atonement. Then, a few years ago, long before productions had begun on the film adaptation, I settled down for a cozy read and didn't get up for 9 hours. There are parts of the novel that I think are hardish to get through, but it's still so good that you won't even care.

This is another love story about the durability and endurance of true love, between Cecelia Tallis and her longtime family friend Robbie Turner. The novel encompasses scandals that become immense obstacles for the lovers to overcome, yet they remain faithful to their undying passion.

A plus for some people about this book is one particularly steamy scene...probably one of the hottest I've ever read in a book of real merit.

Plus, in one early section, Robbie contemplates Twelfth Night, my absolute favorite Shakespearean play, and compares himself to Malvolio, whose love is unrequited. Any reference to my favorite Shakespeare and you've really drawn me in.

This book is so beautifully written, and it is truly a work of art. And...don't compare it to the film, which was a considerable piece of shit. You know it's true; the book is ALWAYS better.

I've saved my favorite for last. Though I generally try to avoid answering the question, "What's your favorite book?," Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game is the one that comes to mind most often, even if it is a book intended for teenagers. I don't care who the book's target audience is; it is sophisticated as hell in a lot of ways. Card's writing is great, his storytelling is unbeatable, and his insight into the human psychology is impressive.

This novel, set in the future, follows Ender Wiggin, a 5-year-old who has been chosen to attend military school to, hopefully, become the next great leader who can defeat the "buggers," aliens from another planet who have threatened to return to Earth and destroy everything. Yes, this novel is science-fiction, and it's so effing awesome.

Ender is a genius. Following his thoughts and strategies is so entertaining, and it's amazing how Card has created such a brilliant young boy. This novel makes an interesting social commentary about war, especially considering the nations of the world have finally united- those with common enemies naturally become allies.

Also, Ender's relationship with his sister, Valentine, allows for a really touching side of the story about how important real love is.

This novel is the first of a series, and I have them all. I love love love love love the series, and I suggest it to anyone who is a fan of science-fiction or thinking about giving it a shot. I definitely do not read science-fiction...EVER...and I love this book. I hope someone takes the chance to read it!

Well, those are just a few secrets from my bookshelf, and hopefully they'll find their way onto yours, too.