Pollyanna

Author: Eleanor H. Porter

First line: Miss Polly Harrington entered her kitchen a little hurriedly this June morning.

Why you should read this book: Nearly a hundred years old, this optimistic novel challenges the most cynical among us to circumvent fatalistic thinking and find ways to be grateful for what we have. Although she is newly orphaned and sent to live with her strict and humorless aunt, Pollyanna continues to play "the glad game," in which one seeks out reasons to feel glad despite the blackest circumstances. Gradually, her optimism infects the entire town, including its most pessimistic citizens, until the rays of sunshine spread by Pollyanna's attitude are reflected back into her own darkened bedroom.

Why you shouldn't read this book: The glass is always half empty. Always. No exception. Unless it's completely empty.