Welcome to a bit of my bookshelf. I love to read, and I love to know what other people read and enjoy. Below are a few of my favorites. If you have a favorite book that you would like to recommend, please email me. If you wish, write me a paragraph and tell me why it's your favorite. FAVORITE CLASSICS Even though I'm an English teacher, I'm not hung up on the classics. Too many English teachers think if it isn't a "classic," it isn't great literature. But after all, who determines what's a "classic"? A bunch of stuffy English teachers! Having said all that, "classics" sometimes do get a bum rap, and sometimes English teachers do too. Click the link to see some classics that I've really liked. GENERAL FICTION To me, a well written novel is one of the greatest expressions of the human mind. I read a lot of novels that don't fit any particular category. Often they aren't well known because they don't have cozy, well defined spots on bookstore shelves. Click to see a few favorites. NON-FICTION For ten years or so, I've kept a reading journal, and I'd recommend that to anyone who likes to read. One thing I learned (that surprised me) is that I read about 80% novels--because I love them so much. But I also read a broad smattering of non-fiction. Click above for some recommendations. YOUNG ADULT NOVELS Over the last twenty-five years, I've raised two boys, had four "little brothers" (through the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program) and done a lot of middle school tutoring, particularly with reluctant readers, mostly boys. Consequently, "young adult" fiction has become something of a hobby. I am constantly amazed at how much good fiction is out there for "young adults." And make no mistake, a good "young adult" novel can be enjoyable for older adults too. DETECTIVE NOVELS For the last ten years or so, I've taught a course in the American detective novel. (How lucky can a person get!) I could list a whole bunch of favorites, but I've settled for only a few.