Tonight, is World Book Night, a celebration of reading and books which will see tens of thousands of people share books with others in their communities across America (and the world) to spread the joy and love of reading. It’s expected that half a million books will be given away in an effort to get more people reading.

So in this literary celebration, we asked some of our Shelton Interactive team which one book is their all-time favorite and why.  Here are some of the interesting answers we collected.

Amber McGinty, newlywed and Web Director, gushed:

I am still reading this particular book, but I really love The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I like this book for a few reasons:

• The author, Stephen Covey, is extremely skilled at making deep insights concise and easy to apply right away.
• I love the genre of self-help, and this book really helps readers shift their mindset and live better lives.
• I also like that much of the principles taught in the book are Biblically-based, but that it doesn’t come across preachy in the slightest way.

Shelby Sledge, Publicity Director and resident IRL happy-face sticker and long-time book lover, decided (upon 3):

Ok, as I write this, I’m thinking of so many other books that could be on this list. Not only do I like to read, but I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by friends who are far more prolific readers than I am:  @peglouke and @mtalbottweets. They’ve recommended some excellent page turners, but I will say nothing hooked me on reading quite like my high school English teachers, nod to Miss Cargile and Dr. Mills. So, that said, for World Book Night, I can’t just pick one. Here are my top three, in no particular order:

1. “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This American classic is not only beautifully written, but a fascinating look at the roaring 20s. I always get the sense that it’s a snapshot of the over indulgence that eventually led to The Depression.

2. “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee: Another American classic that embodies a time period from the not-too-distant past. Harper Lee brilliantly looks at the social issue of racism through the young eyes of Scout and Jem Finch as they navigate the ugly waters of hatred in the south. As a southern girl, I like this book because it’s a reminder of where we’ve been and serves as a warning to where we don’t want to return.

3. “A Brave New World,” by Aldous Huxley: I was always fascinated with how right on Huxley was with some of his predictions: namely things like test tube babies and technological advances. Huxley looks at what happens to society when the powers that be pre-determine the classes and one’s role in society.

Shelby Janner, digital marketing intern and a writer/fashionista-in-the-making, said:

My favorite book that I can think of right now is “Lord Jim” by Joseph Conrad. I studied it last semester and it’s one of the hardest books that I’ve ever read because it’s so dense, but at the same time very rewarding to read.

Andrea Sanchez, digital publicist said:

I chose The Little Prince because:  It’s a beautiful story that can be read in one sitting. It points out the things adults can get preoccupied with, like rules and numbers, and reminds us the really important things in life like enjoying sunsets and friends.

Katie Schnack, digital publicist and infamous comedienne (in our office at least) seriously said:

Ann Lamott’s “Bird by Bird: Instructions on Writing and Life.” Bird by Bird is so inspirational, wise and funny. An essential read for writers, an excellent one for everyone else!

Susan Savkov, digital PR intern raved:

One of my all time favorite books that I have read the entire series is “Dune” by Frank Herbert.  I love sci-fi and this book really opened my eyes to a whole, new world of other places and people. The concept of good versus evil and one boy’s journey to becoming a man was very compelling. I love that the “Dune” series goes across generations but still carries a consistent theme.

Richard Ricondo, Web & digital marketing coordinator (and Corgi lover), said:

“Brave New World” – Ever since I read it as I child, I was captivated how Huxley could get me to relate to a story that’s quite farfetched. I believe he wanted us to question technology. While such progression might eliminate some of our mental and physical problems, it may cause us to compromise our previously held beliefs, which may in fact be detrimental to the human experience. It begs the question, can science be detrimental? This questions in itself is fascinating and is the reason why I feel this book is timeless.

Philip Loyd, digital marketing intern and occasional bagel sharer, shared:

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. I’m kind of a science fiction nerd, and I LOVE the concept of time travel. Plus you can get this e-book free in the Amazon store! What’s not to love?

Travis Wilson, one of the most hard-working, dedicated digital publicists & biz development people on the block, said, without reserve:

“The Great Gatsby.” It has the best line in a book ever. The last few sentences of “The Great Gatsby” read…”Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but no matter– tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning– So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

And, my all-time, everlasting favorite novel is, without question, “Pride and Prejudice.” An amazingly timeless classic book that “in my book” beats any current romantic novel or rom-com movie, “Pride and Prejudice” is a book that entices the reader with its humor, brilliance, sharp and witty love story. Elizabeth Bennett is a remarkable woman and of course, we all pine over the sensitive, or seemingly insensitive and outrageous (outrageously proud) Mr Darcy. Mark my words – it’s not a novel to be forgotten.

So we are curious – which one book would you recommend to a new reader, wanting to encourage them to read more and experience the joy of reading?