Our December guest editor, Marissa Meyer, is all about reading books that inspire her own work. When we asked her to pick three to five of her favorite books of all time, she had a hard time choosing but ultimately picked a couple classics and a few series that YA readers everywhere have loved for years. This is what Marissa Meyer reads.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The classic tale of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, Pride and Prejudice is a novel readers everywhere have loved for centuries. Elizabeth and her sisters must find suitable men to marry, so when she meets Mr. Darcy she thinks he might be her perfect suitor. But the two will have to get over their pride and prejudice toward each other, themselves and the world around them in order to make their relationship work.


Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling

The classic story of young wizard Harry Potter is full of magic, good, evil and unforgettable heroes and villains. This young adult series follows Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione as they decode the world of magic and sacrifice at Hogwarts – an academy for talented wizards.


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Charlie’s life changes drastically when he finds a golden ticket in a Wonka bar, and gets to tour the famous chocolate factory. This legendary children’s book is a household favorite and it’s obvious why Marissa loves it so much.


Spirit and Dust by Rosemary Clement-Moore

Daisy Goodnight has a special talent: she can talk to the dead. Daisy helps the police solve cases and uses her talent for good but when the FBI enlists her to help get to the bottom of a troubling cold case, she’ll meet more trouble than she could have ever imagined.


His Fair Assassin trilogy by Robin LaFevers

At 17, Ismae has just escaped a wicked arranged marriage only to end up at a convent where she is forced to serve the god of Death. If she wants to stay alive, she’ll have to serve as a dangerous assassin taking the lives of others.

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of Marissa Meyer’s Archenemies, available now!