Thanks to MoonCatBlue for blogging about this topic. While I was typing this out, more than one title in Spanish came to mind (i.e. Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez), but for the sake of time/translations (plus patience quotient), I decided to go with all English titles (although there are more than two titles here that have been translated to more than one language).
Okay, so, the 15 books that come to mind without really over analyzing my choices are as follows:
The Trumpet of the Swan --One of the first books I understood in English. I was in primary school and I distinctly remember that the words in English were no longer a labor to read, but they came alive.
Where the Sidewalk Ends-- My primary teacher would read the book to us when it was the end of the day or when it was rainy outside. I can still read this book and laugh...and I'd like to think I am honoring my teacher by reading this book to my students now. A favorite of mine and one that I read to my students.
The Diary of Anne Frank-- I read this as part of a class and then I read it again, for my own sake. One of the messages that resonate with me, that in spite of everything, Anne believed in humanity.
The Indian Fan-- When I was in high school I don't know how, but I read this book. I've read several times now. I'd like to think I'm a bit of a Drusilla. Someone who is not necessarily the center of attention (nor wants to be), but knows she has the ability to survive and despite the circumstances, enjoy her life.
Wuthering Heights-- High school as well. I remember I typed an essay on this book. I got an A+ on it. It was titled "Vengeance is not sweet, but sour with a twist of lime".
Go Ask Alice-- A mother of one of my junior high school friends gave this book to me. She said she gave it to me so I would not have to be another Alice. My friend and I were far removed from the lifestyles in the book, but in reading the book, the idea stuck with me that no matter who you are, you can have that moment of weakness that will have so many negative ramifications on your life.
The House on Mango Street-- This is in college. This is when I was aware that I did not have to choose between one culture or the other in my writing. I became aware that I could write about both and although that may not be the norm, it was no longer a choice I had to worry about.
Dreaming in Cuban-- Also college. I like the different characters having an opportunity to voice their opinions via chapters. I not only saw it as a gem as far as storytelling, but I also was looking at it from an analytical perspective. It made think of my own writing as well.
The Silence of the Lambs-- On a cold, dark fall day I decided to sit at the LA Public Library and read this book in one seating. I read it all. It gave me goosebumps to the point where I had to look up to make sure the library had not gone dark on me. I could very well hear the doctor say, "Hellooo, Carmen".
Where the Wild Things Are-- A childhood favorite. I also read it to my students. Personally, I was ecstatic when a line (That night a forest grew) was used to title one of the episodes of Showtime's Dexter. I got the symbolism.
She's Come Undone-- Another book I read in one seating. I like books that captivate you, hold your attention, and don't let go.
Romeo and Juliet-- We had one of those postmodern English teachers in high school. Someone who taught not only how to write, but how to write well. Someone who did not adhere to the way of doing things. I remember that after reading this play, we were asked to go and see the film starring Leonardo and Claire. See, now you can calculate my age.

We had to write an essay on both and for me it was not an assignment, I just kept on typing.
Native Speaker-- If I could write one book like this, I would be done. I would be able to live out my days in peace.
The essays written by Thoreau-- I think back to those idealistic, high school days.
There is a Nightmare in my Closet-- My kids (students) like me reading this one to them over and over.