#1 I found The Count of Monte Cristo to be by far the most interesting book on the reading list.  An interesting book captivates the attention of the reader by its theme, plotline, setting, and 'readability'.  By 'readability' I mean how exciting and/or intriguing the book is.  A long or advanced book can still have 'readability,' a dull book, while perhaps having an interesting subject or moments, can not.  An interesting book makes you think, grabs your attention, and makes you want to keep reading.  It keeps you guessing at different points and possible resolutions to the book.  You get wrapped up in the characters and the story and root for some or against others.  

The Count of Monte Cristo was an interesting book for each of the reasons listed above.  It was twisty and gripping and told a compelling story.  I had a hard time putting this book down once I get into it, even after multiple readings.  You feel for the characters in the story, especially the Count, but at the same time question several of his actions.

Over the summer I read several novels from the library, probably considered more on the 'fluff' or just 'good read' side.  I read out of pet/animal magazines at work and The Reader's Digest at home.  I read out of pet equipment sales magazines at work.  I read some essays for AP Gov, as well as a book.  The most interesting of this bunch would probably be the novels, as they talk about humanity and have good stories.  The standard is close to the one set above, particularly since they are both for novels, but this group's standard was probably less thematic in nature and more entertainment geared.

** Sounds like you read quite an interesting range of things! I remember our discussion of the Count in the truck on the way to camp. I am impressed that the novel, old as it is,  is still topping your list of interesting things read! Good for you!

#2 One of the novels I read for the theme of self-discovery was Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.  The main character, Pip, discovers that he has a taste for the fine things in life, and that he tends to love wealth and prestige to the point of selfishness.  Pip was orphaned at a young age and lived with his financially bottom-of -the-rung sister and brother-in-law.  As a young man, he comes into a fortune of money and quickly leaves behind his old life and the strong care and companionship of his brother-in-law.  Throughout the novel Pip struggles with the guilt he feels for skipping out on his brother-in-law and his embarrassment of how far socially below him his brother-in-law is.

This discovery was applicable to me because, being human, I unfortunately understand the concept of selfishness all too well.  This novel shows the harm that can come from it, and teaches a good lesson about loyalty.  This discovery is applicable to all readers I'm sure because everyone has either been selfish or experienced sselfishness in their life.  A lot can be learned from Great Expectations about how terrible it is to be a snob and the consequences of being selfish.

I learned that the sins I commit can start off small, and with seemingly good intentions, but can quickly morph into something much worse.  I learned that I wouldn't go as far as Pip in his selfishness, arrogance, or debt, but that I had made some similar mistakes on a smaller scale.