Growing up my grasp of the language was quite limited, so... ahem. I'm usually embarrassed to share my top books to other people in RL. But here goes!
1. Enid Blyton's works. I don't care how old I am, I will always love her and her books. One I regret losing was The Mystery of the Disappearing Cat. The book held sentimental value to me, and it also introduced me to the world of English literature. No matter what happens, this one will stay top. Nothing you can do to stop meeeeee
2. Of Mice and Men. I read this book so many times. I wish my country would use books like this in our English literature classes. It's a really good book that I wish I had read when I was in high school. Sniff.
3. The Picture of Dorian Gray. I found the ending rather unsettling and that will forever stay with me. Friends tell me to watch the movie but I refuse simply because Dorian Gray is supposed to be blonde with blue eyes. Harrumph! (I'm kidding, I'll get around to it... Someday...)
4. Alex Rider series. I followed it closely when I was in high school, and I remember being excited whenever the newest book was out. Good times.
5. A Dog's Tale. It's not really a novel, I think, and is pretty short. I'd still put it among my top list, though.
Making this list makes me realize I don't read a lot of good literature. I have more fiction in my shelves, but I don't like them enough to include in this list. Most of my books are non-fiction, though. I guess I'll fill in the last 5 with them in a spoiler.
6. Eats, Shites & Leaves; by Antal Parodí. It makes fun of and points out the intricacies the English language.
7. The Violinist's Thumb; by Sam Kean. Science and history of genetics. Good read.
8. How To Disappear; by Frank M. Ahearn. It's an interesting book about exactly how much a stranger can find out about you if they really wanted to. Think relocated witnesses and stuff like that.
9. What on Earth Happened? ... In Brief; by Christopher Lloyd. Natural history stuff.
10. Book of General Ignorance; by John Lloyd & John Mitchinson. It's an interesting read for sure, but don't ask me if everything it says is really true or not. It is interesting to read a different perspective, though.
If it makes people feel better about my lack of culture, I do have a to-read list to fill in that gap! Money issues are just about to leave me and I recently found access to free ibooks! I have Ambrose Bierce and Mark Twain lined up. Then I'm ordering One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest from the bookstore. I seriously can't wait.