My friends' favourites- at last!

Penny was my first response.

She is unable to choose only one book and I was delighted to get this list from Penny.  Here is the list along with her comments:
"A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry
I read this on the long flight to Australia in 2002.  I remember discussing it with a flight attendant who was also reading it at the time.  This book touched me deeply and I had a huge 'book hangover' when I finished.
The Winds of War", "War and Remembrance" by Herman Wouk
It's been many years since I discovered Herman Wouk's work.  I read the "Winds" and the sequel twice.  My son also liked these books due to his interest in WW2.  I was quite pleased with Robert Mitchum's portrayal of Pug in the mini-series.
"Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell
I've read this one more than once as well.  I first read it as a teenager and I remember being ticked off at my mother for not recommending it to me sooner.  I was so glad to have read the book before seeing the movie.  I will probably read it again someday, perhaps in my dotage.
"A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving
I remember this as a really great read.  I believe Owen's speech was always in capital letters.  I was a huge fan of John Irving up until the last few books.  I have "In One Person" still on the shelf to be read.  I should read this again as I feel badly that I can't remember the story for the life of me.
"East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
This was an Oprah pick and I read it in 2003.  In my book journal I wrote: "Might just be my favourite book of all time.  Wow-I don't say that very often!"  It would be great to reread it and see if I still feel the same way ten years later.
"I Know This Much is True" by Wally Lamb
I can't believe he's a man because he writes like a woman.  That's how well he knows what women are thinking!  It's a little scary.  Here's what I wrote in my journal: "897 pages, it was great! Awesome book - in my top ten of all time probably.  I liked it so much that I can't start another book right away.  I can't wait for another from this great author with superior storytelling skills".  That's a lot of praise.
Again, I wonder if I would think of it the same way today.

Thank you, Penny!