WHAT TO READ?

I have been pondering books to read, and books I have read.  Of course I approach this question from the position of being a mom to homeschoolers.  What books should they read before "graduation"?  What books made an impact on me, which are memorable?  In many circles it is said one should have a variety of classics under their belt.  But why?  What makes these titles classics?

So I have been looking at a variety of book lists.  And I have been asking friends what books they recommend, which books made an impact in their lives?  Here are some responses and lists I have looked at:

responses

- the Bible

-  any biography of Eric Liddell, then watch Chariots of Fire

- Through Gates of Splendor

-  The Hiding Place

-  Biographies of missionaries

-  Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli

-  Maniac Magee (Jerry Spinelli)

- The Anne of Green Gables books

-  Lord of the Flies

-  Oliver Twist

-  Gerald Durrell's books

 -  The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living : Creative Ideas And Practical Ways for Making the Most Out of What You Have by Jackie Wellwood

-  Keith Green's biography

-  Stormie Omartians biography

links to lists

-  reading list for college bound students

http://als.lib.wi.us/Collegebound.html

-  40 non-fiction books everyone should read

http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/08/24/40-modern-nonfiction-books-everyone-should-read/

-  1000 good books list

http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html

- classic books to enhance your learning

http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2007/10/12/48-classic-books-to-boost-your-learning-experience/

-  100 classic books collection

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Classic_Book_Collection

-  classic books everyone should read

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/classic-books-everyone-should-read.html

-  books that impact thinking

http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/264.Books_that_everyone_should_read_at_least_once

I am sure I could find hundreds of different reading lists.  But I guess I don't just want just any list.  I want books that will help prepare the kids for their life, the world, their relationships with others, books that aren't just a good story but will make them better people.

I am not much of a novel reader myself.  I prefer books like what I mention above..... that help with life and all it includes.

What books do I want my kids to read before "graduation"?  Hmmm.  I don't know for sure.