"Dracula" by Bram Stoker

After years and years of thinking I would have absolutely no interest in reading the original story of Count Dracula, I proved myself wrong. I loved this book! I sometimes expect older books to be dull, dragging, and hard to get through. Dracula was definitely NOT one of those. I can't decide what I loved more - the story or Bram Stoker's writing style. The two go hand in hand, of course, but I really was blown away by Stoker's writing. It's funny and suspenseful and heartwarming all at the same time.

My one disadvantage with this novel was that I've seen more than one Dracula movie. "Dracula, Dead and Loving It" will always be my favorite and I've been itching to watch it ever since I started reading the book, but I think it would have been even more enjoyable to read if I didn't already know so much about the story. Yes, each movie takes its own liberties here and there, but they definitely stick closer to the original story than Frankenstein ever did!

My point is this: if you haven't ever seen a Dracula movie and you've never read the book, please read the book first! And then have some fun watching the movies and seeing how Bela Lugosi and Mel Brooks adapt The Infamous Count Dracula. I have a new favorite. My list is ever-growing, isn't it?

"The Prince and the Pauper" by Mark Twain

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Mark Twain?

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MARK TWAIN!

Clear enough? I don't know why I still haven't read everything he's ever written because I have never been disappointed with a Twain novel, story, or essay. The man is a genius!

I love Huck Finn and always will, but I think the Prince and the Pauper might be my new favorite Twain characters. How can you not love two little boys who come from completely different backgrounds and get caught up in each other's lives simply because they decide to switch clothes for a few minutes?

I loved this book so much. If you haven't read it . . . what in the world are you waiting for?!