12. Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. 303 pages. 2.4.09.*

Stevenson's classic treasure hunt is a story that will always be remembered in cultural history. Generations of readers can easily relate to Jim's adventures, and will find it easy to navigate through the narrative itself, despite evolving vocabulary, speech patterns, and usage. Full of charming characters such as Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins, adventure, treasure, pirates and intrigue, Treasure Island is a treat for all ages.

13. Sophocles. Oedipus Rex. 37 pages. 2.9.09.+

Rereading - and teaching - Oedipus Rex as an adult was an interesting experience. While I am always a bit wary of translations, the text itself (as translated by Robert Fitzgerald) is rich with literary devices, and the use of foreshadowing is especially poignant. Sophocles adeptly leads his audience through a series of emotions, guiding responses and perceptions with ease. One characteristic of the play that I found most thought-provoking was the removal of violence. While I'm sure this was done in part to accommodate the logistics of the ancient Greek stage (how would you show someone hanging, for example), I can't help but feel it was also done in order to allow the audience to focus on the emotionally-charged consequences as opposed to the gore that is Oedipus' fate. A wonderful work.