Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder

This book, along with the entire series it is a part of, is something I have read countless times.  I return to them because the stories are so comforting and are a window into what life was like many years ago.  I find Laura's life to be fascinating, and the ups and downs of her adventures with her family are what keep me turning the page to find out what will happen next.  If you've never read this series, I cannot recommend it enough.  Start here, with Little House in the Big Woods.  It tells the story of Laura as a young girl in 1871 living with her mom, dad, older sister Mary, and baby sister Carrie.  It is an autobiography, so it is based on Laura's actual life experiences.  At this point, the family is living in a cabin in the woods in Wisconsin, and it tells about their daily life.  Throughout all of their experiences, good and bad, you can see the way the family is deeply rooted in their love and respect for each other.  When I pick up these books, I feel like I'm visiting an old friend!  Make sure you add this one to your reading list.  The other titles in the series include: Little House on the Prairie, Farmer Boy, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, The First Four Years