Susan Slusser is a sports journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle who covers the Oakland A's on the baseball beat, has covered the NBA and is an unequalled fan of the NHL.

She is the first woman to be president of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. For me, she is a go-to authority of whatever sport or team she is covering. She is a pro and the term "journalist" is not used lightly to describe her work.

Susan sat down with me on a recent trip to Oakland to talk about her favorite book, "Villette" by Charlotte Brontë. George Eliot said of "Villette": "It is a still more wonderful book than 'Jane Eyre.' There is something almost preternatural in its power."

Yes, Brontë is the author of "Jane Eyre," one of the most-read books ever. Yet "Villette" is continually cited by reviewers as a work that is perhaps even more profound.

"Villette" is an 1853 novel that many say most closely relates to Bronte's own life. I will leave the rest to be described by Susan.

Listen to the passion in her voice regarding this work.

"Whatever my powers - feminine or the contrary -God had given them, and I felt resolute to be ashamed of no faculty of his bestowal." ― Charlotte Brontë

Something tells me "Villette" and "Jane Eyre" are both must-reads.

Carla Hayden, CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, reminds us of a read that amazingly is celebrating an anniversary: "Friday Night Lights" by Buzz Bissinger .

"This year marks the 25th anniversary of Buzz Bissinger's book, 'Friday Night Lights.' It's been called one of the best sports books of all time and inspired a movie and a critically acclaimed TV show," Hayden says. "In a 25th anniversary reissue, it's a good time to reread this book and re-visit Odessa and the players. This new edition checks in on the players who are now in their 40s. The books themes still resonate today: sacrifice, pressure, burden and the love of the game."

Carla, thanks for the update. Can't wait to read the comments by those players who are now part of literary history.

Thanks all for comments and keep reading.

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2015 season is his ninth with the club and 30th covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Orioles and Sarasota County have partnered on the Big League Reader Program, which rewarded kids who read three books in February with tickets to a Grapefruit League game at Ed Smith Stadium in March.

* Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne. © Copyright 2015 Gary F. Thorne. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Gary F. Thorne and MASNsports.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.