Mattoon Public Library discussion

What was the best book you have ever read. On the top of my list is Invincible Summer. I read it in 6th grade and it is now out of print. But even all these years later, I still remember it.

I have 2: The Great Gatsby and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Those are both good books. I find that all my favorite books are ones that I read before adulthood.

Casual Favorite: "Take a Thief" by Mercedes Lackey

School Required Reading: "The Only Alien On The Planet" by Kristen Randle

I read both of these books in 8th grade, and they both really changed my outlook on subjects. The first is still my favorite book ever, but I have yet to forget the second.

"Cheaper by the Dozen"... Long before they butchered it with a movie, I read this book voraciously as a 12 year old and again as a young adult.
Also, "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler"... This book has always sparked my imagination. E. L. Konigsburg was one of the best! I recommend either of these for kids 10 and up who are looking for novels that treat kids as intelligent readers.

'The Giver'. Read it as an adult and was so enthralled with its story that it compelled me to read continuously from then on so as to achieve in every other book since, the same feeling I had been given prior. Simply magnificent. The story is simple but powerful and the ending is masterfully crafted as to leave the reader with much satisfaction but still a bit of mystery!

I can't really say which "one" was the best book, but in different variety of types... Redwall series, Star Trek (TNG/Voyager), StarGate (from the original movie) and Stargate (SG-1/Atlantis). And some classic Sci-fi like War of the Worlds. They bring out the adventurer in me, esp. when I'm not physically able to head out anywhere because I am needed as a father and husband. After Oct 13th 2015 I will have three girls and my youngest son to take care of. I'm very greatful for the library being there to help grow their minds.