Emily Ring's Top Five Reads
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Set in 1986, this punk-rock romance tells the story of two outcasts who fall in love over comic books and the sounds of New Wave. Prickly, overweight Eleanor is afraid to let anyone new into her life after being betrayed by the people she trusted most. And Park, the only half-Korean, half-Polish Goth in town, doesn't know how to fit complicated Eleanor into his already complicated life. I completely loved this tragic-but-hopeful novel.
Sandman Vol 1, Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman's Sandman is one of the most critically acclaimed comics of all time, and when you read the first volume, you'll see why. Beautiful artwork, compelling characters and staggeringly poignant writing and story lines make Sandman one of the best works of its kind. Even if you don't normally read comic books, pick this one up. You won't be disappointed.
The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
Everything Vonnegut wrote was wonderful, but this is a particular gem. Loopy, funny, sad and fantastic, this is Vonnegut doing all of the things that he does so well. If you haven't read it already, read it now. If you have, read it again.
Matilda by Roald Dahl
I'm not sure that there is a book that captures the perfect magic and mischief of Roald Dahl's writing better than Matilda. This delightful story celebrates a precocious young girl who gets the better of all of the awful adults in her life. It's every kid's fantasy, brought to life.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This book is written for young adults, but if that description doesn't fit you, don't let that stop you. This is a hilarious, heartbreaking novel about two teens who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love. Through the ebb and flow of illness, and a madcap journey to Amsterdam, they learn about the possibilities that life supplies even in the face of imminent death. This is either the most tragic comedy or the funniest tragedy that I've ever read.