Our Town

Written by: Thornton Wilder

First line: This play is called "Our Town."

Why you should read this book: This classic play presents small town life in three acts, reminding the audience that life is a miracle and every day is indescribably precious, especially when it seems prosaic or scary. George Gibbs and Emily Webb fall in love in the usual way and take it to the next level, just as their parents and everyone around them expects them to do. Only through Emily's death in childbirth does the miracle of her ordinary life become clear to her and to the audience, who, when properly primed, should leave the theater in tears, determined to make the most of every moment.

Why you shouldn't read this book: Too busy living life to its fullest.