Corrina Taylor
Staff Writer

Today there are so many books to choose from, sometimes when I walk into the library I find myself aimlessly walking around in search of the perfect book. What qualifies as the perfect book? There is no such thing, but there are books in my opinion that have come close to perfection.

#5 – The Maximum Ride Series

The Maximum Ride Series has captivated its audience for years. Written by the beloved James Patterson, the story takes the reader into a world of adventure consisting of the hardships of orphaned children. These are not just regular orphans; these children grew up in a lab and were a part of a scientific experiment that crossed the genes of humans with birds.

Patterson takes us into the world of Max, Fang and Angel and the twists and turns that their lives make. This book is an easy read that is sure to keep one interested throughout the book and eager for more. These books are well written and include a lot of action and drama to ensure the reader is never bored.

#4 – The Dream Merchant

Some are frightened off by the daunting 640 pages and never give the book a chance. Once the first page is read, the reader is immediately sucked into a story beyond their wildest dreams. Isabel Hoving has an incredible imagination and shares it with us through main character Josh Cope who accepts a job at a company called Gippart. Gippart is a trading company that uses methods that are less than orthodox to advertise their products.

Josh and his coworkers enter human dreams in order to sell their products, and everything is going well until they become trapped and are forced to find a way back home. The story gets confusing at times, and there are points where it feels like you have stumbled into Inception. Readers will not be disappointed by the ending of this book and will become captivated with this incredible story.

#3 – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

Ever since the release of the movies, Sherlock Holmes has had the appearance of a young and physically fit man capable of beating anyone in a fistfight and solving his problems with the use of guns and major explosives. The original Sherlock was nothing of the sort. He was a tall and clean-cut man with an addiction to cocaine and a brilliant mind. He used science and logic to solve his mysteries while undercover in one of his many superb disguises.

There are many key differences between the book written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the movies seen on the big screen. The books go into much more detail and always keep the reader at the edge of their seat curious as to what Holmes could possibly do next.

#2 – Interview with a Vampire

Vampires. Such a controversial topic in today’s age, people are either fantasizing about sparkling men rescuing damsels in distress or they are disgusted by the hype. This is because they have not read about one of the original vampires. He does not sparkle or go to high school, he is a tortured soul with a heart of gold searching for a way to make his life right and his name is Louis.

Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice is the firsthand story of Louis and his tale as a vampire starting with his transformation done by wicked and a malicious vampire named Lestat. Together the two raise trouble in New Orleans and transform a young girl, Claudia, and adopt her as their own. Problems arise when Claudia sets out to kill Lestat forcing her and Louis to escape and travel the world watching their backs for Lestat and desperately searching to find others like them.

It is a chilling tale that will give any reader a whole new perspective on vampires; they will no longer seem beautiful and charming, but disconcerting and malevolent. Interview with a Vampire will always hold its place as my second favorite book because of its dark story of recovering one’s soul.

#1 – The Count of Monte Cristo

Last but not least, my favorite book of all time. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Not many high school students would see a book over a thousand pages written in old English and think “what a great book for me to read.” This book is a challenging read; I am not going to sugar coat it. It took me a long time to read and even after I did, I had to reread it to fully understand everything. It was also one of the most fulfilling books I have ever read.

This is a story of love, betrayal and revenge. Edmond Dantes was a simple sailor who fell into some good luck at the expense of his best friend (Fernand) and an enemy (Leclare). The two conspire together to get him sent to Chateau d’If, a prison for those falsely accused. It is in prison he meets an unlikely companion and contrives to escape. Upon his escape he fervently plans his revenge on those who have wronged him.

Though this book is difficult it teaches a valuable lesson about forgiveness and letting go of the past. It will always stay at the top of my list because of how much the story has impacted me. So the next time you find yourself wandering through the library remember to keep your options open and be willing to read new things including some of the books I have listed. Don’t judge a book by its cover. It might change your life.