KEZ's top 10 reads

I'm a reader. Actually, I want to be a reader. And by that I mean that I have minimal time to read. I love reading but I usually get caught half way through a book when a big project or exam comes up. The book starts to collect dust and eventually gets put away. I just don't have the motivation to continue...especially when I already forgot the beginning!

But for all of you readers out there, here is a list of my top 10 reads.

1. Where the Red Fern Grows. As a kid, I read this book up in a tree in my back yard so that no one would see me crying. It was such a good book but man was it a tear jerker!
2. Mountains Beyond Mountains. Those of you who have read my How I Fell in Love with Haiti page know the story behind this one. But a quick summary: I read this as a freshman at UF. It opened my eyes. I've read it multiple times since.
3. Following Jesus Through the Eye of a Needle. This was a book that totally changed me...or at least continued to change me. It is the semi-inspiration for my blog title. It's definitely worth reading if you're ever curious about Haiti, missionary life, and what exactly Matthew 19:24 means.
4. Crazy Love. Oh gosh. Frances Chan definitely will put you down, pick you up, and point you to God throughout the entire book. I highly recommended it to anyone who wants to know God better. Thank you A for giving it to me!
5. Harry Potter 1-7. Um DUH! Yes I know its about witches, wizards, and witchcraft - all things non-biblical. It's still awesome. Some of the greatest stories ever written are completely fake - just think of Shakespeare. 
6. To Kill a Mockingbird. I've read this a handful of times. I'm pretty sure I even own two copies of it...somewhere. It's a powerful book that will open your eyes to days of old...and how in some ways, it's not too different from now.
7. The Diary of Anne Frank. To be honest, this was hard for me. I didn't exactly like it. It's difficult to get through and think about. But I think that's exactly why it should be on everyone's reading list. We may never understand fully but at least we can get a small taste.
8. Bridge to Terabithia. Oh wow, another tear-laden book from childhood. It's just so good!
9. The Great Gatsby. You'll be entertained, you'll be confused, you'll be saddened. Interesting story about where you put your faith. 'Tis the American Dream.
10. The Bible. With the majority of my favorite books being "secular" (though it's not really a bad thing per say) I just had to include it. Um yea, I adore my ESV study bible. It's pretty wonderful.