Although it’s not Friday anymore (sigh), I still love the idea of last week’s Friday Fives by Paper Hangover: What are the five novels you wish you had written? It’s a tough one! There’s a big difference between enjoying or loving a novel and wishing you could call it your own. I’m sure I could add several to this list, but my five wish-novels are:

1. The Giver by Lois Lowry
The first book to really make me think. The writing is fantastic, the characters are engaging, and the plot unfolds in a terrifying but realistic manner. Lowry has dozens of wish-worthy novels, but this one tugs at my heart in a very special way.

2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
I almost claimed the whole series but figured I’d better stick to one novel instead. The first in the His Dark Materials series is gorgeously written and compelling, and main character Lyra is one of my favorites.

3. The Commitments by Roddy Doyle
Doyle’s novels all have a wonderful lyricism and vibrancy. I think it’s almost impossible to incorporate music well into a novel (usually the lyrics or descriptions of music fall flat), but Doyle really gets the vibe of soul music. The movie is awesome, too.

4. Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty
Even though it’s full of whimsy, when I first read this I thought “Yes, this is exactly what it feels like.” Moriarty handles everything well, from having crushes to losing/gaining friends to family drama, while still maintaining an enormous sense of humor.

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A novel that truly stands the test of time. It’s a beautiful look into small-town life, the first encounters with violence and chaos, and how there are still people who refuse to back down to prejudice and hate.

You can check out other people’s lists over at Paper Hangover’s post. I found the challenge through Reading on the F Train–great choices there, too! Feel free to blog about your own choices, or share them in the comments.