Rarely do I think about a book as much as I do this one. It was given to me by a family member several years ago, and it has been my #1 recommendation to others ever since. Essentially, it's about all kinds of love. The love that helps us become ourselves and share a life with those around us. Krauss writes brilliantly, with a language explaining feelings that are often even hard to define within the places we so deeply try to protect. Grab a quilt (and a box of Kleenex) for this one.

Obvious choice here, but well worth it. I loved Blankets because it made me remember what honest art looks like. Words can describe feelings all day long, but sometimes a hand drawn picture of two kids in the snow is equally moving. This story is part teen angst, part young love, and part family challenge. And if you can't identify with any of that, then you should probably go outside or something.

The only way I can think to describe this book is by saying that it is eloquently quirky. It's a compilation of short stories featuring the inner thoughts of a variety of characters. What the author is able to do with her writing is put the reader inside the stories and make them feel as though their actions aren't quite as strange as they seem on the surface. The book is short and an easy read — plus, it always feels good to read a string of validations such as "it's ok to be unsure."

Being that I enjoy kid heroes of fiction, Jacob Green gives a funny and thoughtful look at family. The prose here often reflects the ideas we think, but don't say aloud. And it's enjoyable, because one can always relate to the outspoken. The book is written by the brother of the actor Zach Braff, but don't make any comparisons because the writing shows an individual style and creative work.

It's a classic blanket book and one captures a heroine with true faults and power. Jane is modern before her time, with a story that makes its reader speak a language of the past. There's enough mystery and drama here to keep the reader involved. And of course I would recommend it being read fireside if at all possible.