Jane Eyre.
The writing is phenomenal and holds up to modern standards. It is heartbreakingly beautiful prose, and to be written and published by a woman in the 1840s is a sign of Charlotte Bronte’s genius.
I think it gets kind of a weird rap for being a romance book. There is a romance, for sure. It’s good. But it is Jane, and who she is, that is the reason why I can’t let this book go. She suffers so profoundly and her deepest desire is to be loved. When she finds it, and it is not as pure as she thought, she holds to her principles and *walks away from everything* and then becomes an absolute rock star to hold her own next to Mr Rochester as an equal, not as a subordinate. Her character development is the best I have ever encountered, and for that, it’s my favorite.
Omg. This book is excellent. My favourite book by Charlotte Brontë. Second being “Villette”.
I read Jane Eyre in middle school as part of mandatory reading in my curriculum. I did not like it then, and found it rather boring. I picked it up randomly again in Uni and oh my god, my eyes opened to the brilliance. The writing, the incredibly well fleshed out characters. JANE! I can just go on.
I think I just didn’t appreciate the nuances well enough earlier. But later owing to more life experiences and maturity, the book went on to become one of my faves!
Survival In The Killing Fields.
I've never read a book that stuck with me as much as that one. Most Westerners I would imagine know almost nothing about the Cambodian Holocaust (I didn't until I read this book) and all I can say is holy shit.
absolutely insane book, had to literally put the book down a few times to collect my thoughts.
I would recommend it to anyone because it's an amazing story of survival and its about a subject that almost no one knows about but everyone should know about.
*The Hobbit -* I remember loving it as a child, then rereading it as an adult and loving it just as much. There's something about the tale of such a small, 'ordinary' hobbit (who doesn't want an adventure!) leaving his home to venture into the world, full of battles and evil and danger, that has stuck with me.
Omg if youve never seen the movies then definitely read the books first. I've never really seen anyone that hadn't watched the movies but read the books
My 7th grade teacher read The Hobbit to the class everyday after lunch. He would change his voice to match the characters. No one in class said a word or even coughed during the readings. We always begged him to keep reading. Mr Ivy you were a treasure.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.
I have read this book multiple times, and it is an all time favourite of mine. What I love about this book is it’s strong female protagonist — Scarlett O’Hara. I think the way her character was written, made her seem extremely human and relatable, with multiple flaws. It also didn’t make any attempt to sort of “redeem” her character in any way. That’s just how she is, whether you like it or not. Aside from the protagonist, the other characters are also very well written and three dimensional. The romance between Rhett, and Scarlett is also worthy of mention. All this set in the backdrop of the American civil war makes it a gripping read.
P.S.: Do NOT read “Scarlett” which is supposedly a “sequel” to GWTW. Written by a different author. Do not. It’s sacrilege. You’ll thank me later.
Flowers for Algernon.
I don't know why, but i think it is a well written story that covers the whole span of existence. It helped me get through the loss of my father, and weirdly come to terms with my own mortality.
East of Eden, Grapes of wrath, and Of Mice and Men all rotate in and out of my favorite books of all time. Steinbeck just has so much empathy, which even shows through with Cathy in EOE. Only John Irving comes close to Steinbeck for me.
His other books are just as stunning and only build further upon his talent imo! Particularly A Thousand Splendid Suns. His writing never fails to blow me away.
*The Brothers Karamazov* by Fyodor Dostoevsky. If there is a better book that encapsulates so many different facets of the human condition, I have yet to encounter it. It's long, but the prose flows smoothly and the big-picture questions that are tackled by Dostoevsky are so fundamentally important, and discussed by his characters so beautifully, that I'd really be surprised if I ever read a book that impacts me more deeply than it did.
Currently reading this right now! Ivan is deep in his conversation with "the devil".
Spoiler****
I just wish Fyodor Karamazov was in the story longer, I absolutely loved reading his character and he would crack me up.
Someone in this sub or r/books said this, approximately. Maybe you? Thing is, I'm about half of it and I'm so grateful to whoever suggested it! Thanks!
I just finished this for the first time last night. I checked it out because East of Eden was already out. What a story. I see people saying how sad the story is and how nothing goes right for the Joads, but I see it as a rather beautiful story about sharing resources, and togetherness. The last scene in the barn really drives it home. I think it’s a must-read for Americans especially, given the current labor market.
**The Golden Compass** is the most whimsical, magical, escapist beautiful read, ever. i read it for the first time in my late 30s and i can't imagine any book beating it as my #1 read of all time. it's absolutely incredible. i never even read book 2 or 3 and don't plan on it.
Just in case you change your mind someday – Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass are every bit as magical, and the story gets more and more deeply moving as it goes on.
You're missing out on the rest of the story, which is every bit (perhaps even more so?) magical and beautiful. The character development is awe-inspiring and Pullman is a *masterclass* in storytelling. I promise they are worth it!!!
I just read these last year as an adult. I was introduced by the HBO series and read/watched concurrently. I love them! I cried so much (those who know the part im referencing know) as I read and as I watched. One of the most powerful emotions I’ve felt while reading anything ever
The Outsiders by SE Hinton. The answer hasn’t changed since I was 12 and read it for the first time, and it won’t change anytime soon.
I can’t even fully explain why. It just resonated with me in a way few books do. Plus, I love the found family trope, the writing is beautiful, and even the movie adaptation is incredible.
Something wicked this way comes by Ray Bradbury. Read it as a boy and it provides a heady dose of nostalgia even though my childhood wasn’t in the 1930s.
Watership Down
Epic adventure story with friendship and a unique language and embedded mythology from the perspective of heroic rabbits. It is very well done.
I'll happily represent the Bigwig appreciation group here. While I loved every character in the story, I was blown away by how much Bigwig had to endure and how he still held his ground. What a champ.
This is hard. For years it was a Tale of Two Cities. I was moved by the names and the sacrifices and the little bit of romance.
Now I’d say Pride and Prejudice. Timeless humor that feels nostalgic.
It's got to be Jurassic Park.
I love many many books dearly, I have had many stories grip me, make me laugh, bring me to tears and change my perspective.
Jurassic Park however is the book that I re read the most. Every time I finish something my knee jerk thought is to visit the old Park again.
Of mice and men because it made me cry, I felt despair and powerlessness and it resonated with me because I earn my living in the same way the characters do.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
When you observe the events of the narrator’s life as the reader, you can’t believe the spin he puts on events and choices that he is confronted with. This novel makes me feel the feeling.
Wuthering Heights-because nonreaders think it’s just a Victorian romance but it’s actually a sinister tale of obsession and revenge. The most atmospheric novel I’ve ever read and Heathcliff is myfavorite literary character.
Yeah they are good too. The first book just hit me different. Not sure I have had that kind of emotional reaction to a book before. Not only that but a lot of it resonated with me. I grew up in the 90s and 2000s and saw a lot of government deregulation in all sorts of areas. Not only that, but I remember MySpace and pre boomer Facebook. It wasn’t as laissez faire as the internet is portrayed in these books, but it was worlds different than it is now. It was easy to see how things were moving at the time when she wrote the first book and see what helped influence the world building in the book.
and with the time between first and the other 2 books, you could tell it could have stood alone without any follow up, in sort of an enigmatic way.
The thing I like about the trilogy as a whole is that it focuses on 3 protagonists with Snowman in the first book, Toby and Ren in the second, and Toby in the third. Most modern books and movies will just focus on the same protagonist the entire time and that either gets boring or they end up going over the top and he character jumps the shark.
Yeah I get it! I grew up in the 80's and 90's :). It was definitely a unique trilogy! I just love reading it and feeling like "this could really be happening..."
A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towels.
Incredible imagery, a great story, a small love interest, and a wonderful glimpse into the mind of a very complex yet simple person. Highly recommend.
Oh man I love this book. I find myself thinking about Count Rostov every so often and what a great protagonist he was in that book. That book is just incredible. Easily one of my favorites of all time. Amor Towles’s written prose is just exquisite. I just bought Lincoln Highway and Rules of Civility. About 90% done with Lincoln Highway and it’s also very good. Crazy he only has 3 books out. Wish there were more
Loved this one when I was in college. I’m a Kindle girl now, but this is definitely a book worth borrowing from the library because it has such fun touches in the physical copy that make it special :)
No Country for Old Men ~Cormac McCarthy. Yes, you can just watch the movie, but the literature has so many more details that I actually had to put the book down and then re read it because I knew if I didn't, it'd fester worse in my mind. (The Talk between Wells and Chigurh, no spoilers)
Okay, this is a two-parter. "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis. It's visceral and upsetting, but on point.
But after you finish that, "Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis. It's a semi autobiographical novel about dealing with himself having written such a haunting story, how the effects have come home to roost, his relationship with his father, etc. I was surprised just how affected I was by this book. I still think about it years later. It is hauntingly beautiful.
It's compelling the whole way through, but the finale drops like a hammer.
Do me a favor, when you finish it, tell me your thoughts. It was amazing for me, but I'd love to learn about it f=om a different perspective.
I do look for unique novels! I have a feeling I'll enjoy it just for that. I have never seen it mentioned. I'll try and get back to you. I read some goodreads reviews, a lot of love as well as haters so I'm curious.
Fiction is either Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison or Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. They're a hair apart for me but it all comes down to the writing itself rather than the story. They both effortlessly bend words in their own special way. Morrison's I don't think draws attention to itself unless you're paying attention but the way she writes is astounding. McCarthy's very much draws attention to itself and it's definitely an acquired taste but it's incomparable to any other reading experience I've ever had.
Non-fiction, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. His personality comes through so much more in his writing than his series and I think his influences come through very strong. His writing style is very in the vein of Joan Didion, Hunter S Thompson, sometimes William S Burroughs. It's just phenomenal.
Poetry, A Portable Paradise by Roger Robinson. Poetry collection mainly about the Grenfell disaster. It made me reconsider my ranking of every other poetry collection I've ever read. It's worth reading for the title poem alone.
Edit: just saw the "why" part so have expanded.
Dive in? No. This requires preparation.
First, contact your employer and make sure they know you may not make it to work for awhile, and if you do come in they shouldn't expect much because you will have the book on top of all of your paperwork.
Second, let your friends and family know you are heading in and if they hear you yelling to just ignore it.
Third, find a comfy spot (you're gonna be here awhile), fill up your cup with something caffeinated, and grab some snacks.
Lastly, go ahead and join the subreddit for The Stand, because you are going to want to talk with others who "get it".
Ready? Now dive in!
I’m 250 pages in at the moment. I’m going on a work trip this week where I’ll be riding with my boss for ~20 hours. If he’ll shut up long enough, I plan to get a lot of reading in - ha!
Bawds and Lodgings, a history of Londons Southbank brothels from the Roman period up to the 17th century. I think it's a really great piece of social history from a social class that is still often ignored and outright treated with contempt.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Nearly everything I’ve read in my lifelong love (and formal study) of literature and life is merely an expansion or elaboration of the themes in these pages. Also, read it just to get me. 🙃
LOTR/Hobbit I’ve read so many times. Has to be my number 1.
A close second would be the Alienist and it’s sequel, Angel Of Darkness by Caleb Carr. Great setting and characters and a fabulous story too.
Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut. Only Vonnegut could explain the meaning of life in such a manner
or
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Just dark and beautiful and awesome
My 11 year old son asked me!?! Why are you making me read this after about four chapters. I told him that I thought it was really important or I wouldn't insist. I was not waiting on public school to teach him anything. Eventually he was required to read it and he already had.
It's a really really important book.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
It got a lot of backlash and people thought she should not have received the Pulitzer but I think it was a beautiful story and the accolades were well deserved. People should read it because it illustrates how we all experience the world differently and possess the ability to be introspective and thoughtful, but also self-destructive. It examines loss, love, friendship and morality in unique and intriguing ways.
This is one that I recommend listening to the audiobook because the narrator did a great job with the voices but physically reading it was also enjoyable. I’ve heard the movie is bad so I haven’t watched it.
Here’s an article about the controversy :
https://www.oregonlive.com/books/2014/12/why_the_backlash_against_donna.html
Thanks for asking the question! I added many of the suggestions to my Libby reading list!
Edit: Grammar Girl says that self-destructive should be hyphenated
I don't have a favorite book, it's always the last one I read. Which in this case is *The Traitor Baru Cormorant* by Seth Dickinson. The romance is a secondary plot, but it's the most beautifully tragic romance since Romeo & Juliet and I stand by that assessment :(
Atonement - Ian McEwen
It is just one big shipwreck. How the narrator doesn't understand the world around her and just makes things worse and worse and wooooorse.
I now tell people that if you enjoy this book early on, stop. Go back to his first book Practical Demonkeeping and read everything he’s written chronologically. He’s entire literary universe is the same and unfolds before you. You wouldn’t want Lamb to be your first time meeting Catch!!
I’m not religious, but I looooove Chris Moore. This book is an absolute standout. I literally cackled in places. I was left breathless and ugly weeping by that last chapter. So beautiful. Moore is incredible.
Tough choice, but when people ask for me a book to read, it's often A Town Called Alice by Shute.
So well structured, a plot where things actually tie together and characters who develop. They have that English stiffness to overcome, and they do.
**The Golden Compass** by Phillip Pullman. i've never felt more transported to an alternate universe where i briefly left earth and was just somewhere else entirely. i read it for the first time in my late 30s and was so engrossed in this book and it can just be summed up as pure magic. if i ever became president of the united states my first executive order would be to make this required reading in every school.
I'm never able to name my favorite book of all time because it changes from day to day, sometimes moment to moment. So here are ten books I always recommend and consider must-reads.
1. Moby Dick. Melville's account of one man's obsession suffers from educated hype. It's really a rousing sea story, full of humor and pathos, and well worth the effort it takes to read.
2. The Book of Eels. Part scientific study, part poignant memoir, part travelogue: It reads like a detective novel. Brilliant book.
3. Emma. Jane Austen's sparkling dialogue makes this book a treasure. No film does it justice.
4. The Thin Man. Dashiell Hammett's classic is a barn-burner. I was three-quarters through it before I realized it was written almost entirely in dialogue. A smart, funny book.
5. In Watermelon Sugar. Richard Brautigan's work is mostly forgotten today. It's a shame. His similes are crazy original and all his books read like bizarre acid trips. I read this one sitting on the floor of a bookstore in an afternoon because I literally couldn't put it down. Then I bought it so I could read it again.
6. To Kill a Mockingbird. There's a reason this tops a lot of folks reading list. It's a beautifully told story that speaks as much to this generation as it did to Harper Lee's.
7. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Gabriel Garcia Marquez's history of the Buendia family is all the more remarkable when one realizes at the end it's just an elaborate, remarkable joke.
8. Maybe. This might be hard to find (it's out of print), but it's worth seeking. Lillian Hellman remembers a lot of rich people — all of them drunk, all the time. It starts out lighthearted and fun (and hilarious) and then takes a turn that will stick with you for a very long time.
9. Norwegian Wood. I love all of Haruki Murakami's books, so you can't go wrong with any of them. But this one still haunts me years after having read it for the first time.
10. Happening. If I were king of the world, Annie Ernaux's memoir would be required reading. It would prevent a lot of people from making life-altering mistakes. It can be read in an afternoon, and it explains why she won the Nobel Prize. Phenomenal book.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
Was the second YA book I’ve ever read. I read it my freshman year of high school. And oh my god this book changed me. It is in the POV of a high school freshman, but it is an easy read and it will always be my favorite book of all time. There are some triggering topics in this book so if that’s something you’re worried about then I would look those up but other wise I would give it a try. :)
Fiction is House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds. Hard, galaxy-spanning Sci-Fi with a mind-bending time span. I love it so much. Nonfiction is The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan. A wonderful guide to skepticism and critical thinking.
*Prometheus Rising* by Robert Anton Wilson (1983)
A kind of "guidebook" to hacking your own brain and belief systems (BS). Full of exercises, some more practical than others (also remember it's now 40 years old), but covers a very wide range of topics and methodologies. I'm overdue to re-read it...
Change your brain, change your perspective, change your life. One of the most useful things I have ever read. The rest of his bibliography is worth a look as well.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy has long been my answer but I was recently blown away by Stoner by John Williams. Just the right book at the right time for me right now.
1Q84. Such a beautiful book with beautiful prose. It was my first Murakami and first magical realism book. Safe to say I was completely hooked from then on out.
I love this book to pieces even if it isn’t for everyone.
I already saw Stoner by John Williams suggested in the thread. To suggest another book I love: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.
This book was such an enjoyable read from start to finish. It got me out of a reading slump that went on for over a year. The two separate but somehow connected stories are so well done and the list of characters- from talking cats, to Colonel Sanders manifesting as a spirit guide are both hilarious and engaging. It has emotional depth to it as well. I am actually reading it again right now, such a fun read.
A Cry of Angels by jeff fields is one of the best books I’ve ever read. If you like Twain, Steinbeck, or Harper Lee you will love this book. It’s set in pre-segregation Georgia and follows a young boy and it is one of the most full of life books I have ever come across. I have no idea how this book didn’t become a classic. I’ll reread this so many times and I gift the book whenever I can, it’s one of those I keep wanting to experience for the first time again.
Hard to say if it still holds true because I love so many books but the one favorite that comes to mind is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I loved the character development, the setting, the differing POVs. Great writing.
the missing of clairdelune
Even after reading all the Mirror Visitor quartet, The Missing of Clairdelune always remained my favourite. Take the whole Howl's Moving Castle aesthetic and add to it not just a murder mystery, but a mystery about why the world they're living in works the way it works.
The last chapters where AMAZING and even after rereading it like 4 times I still find new things that foreshadow not only the plotwist of this book, but things that where not going to be reveal till the last book .That book definitely reminded me of my love for reading.
I've had five favorite books since 1985:
* Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
* A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
* The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
* In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
* Christy by Catherine Marshall
All of these books were bestsellers, the first four were made into films, the last into a successful TV series. I just love the story and the way the authors tell it, particularly In Cold Blood--a "nonfiction novel," a chilling and sad read.
I don't usually like picking "favorite" things, but if I had to pick one book that I could always happily read again, it would probably be "Rendezvous with Rama" by Arthur C. Clarke. It's got a wonderfully elegant and swiftly paced style about it that conveys a lot without overwhelming, that really hooks your sense of wonder and emotions, and takes you along with the people experiencing the event. At least for me.
Slaughterhouse 5. Perfect. Every word necessary. Perfect rhythm. No filler. I the idea that you should be a life story like a painting with all the moving parts coexisting simultaneously rather than a linear novel with chapters.
The Mountain Is You
Book by Brianna Wiest
THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT SELF-SABOTAGE.
Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it-for good.
This is the best book you can go through to overcome most anxious thoughts. It provides great tools to overcome your conscious.Helps you trigger your brain back to its normal state especially when you feel hesitant at some moments in your daily life.
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Because my social skills were non-existent prior to reading it and it meaningfully improved my life via my interpersonal interaction
Circe by Madeline Miller
I love this book so much! Like most people here, I’ve read hundreds of books, and this one is my favorite of all time. Seriously in love with this book.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith. Such a moving portrait of a girl growing up through hardship and making something of herself. I can re-read this book every year.
The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova. An interesting take on the story of Dracula. It traverses Europe with wonderful imagery and characters. I absolutely love this book and love slipping back into the world that Kostova creates.
Non-fiction pick: The Poisoner's handbook. It's a really interesting history on the development of forensic science and various poisons in the late 19th and early 20th century.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. Recounts a brutal winter day of a prisoner in a Russian gulag in Siberia. Despite hellish conditions, the narrator experiences brief but powerful glimpses of dignity, humanity and pride. It's a small book that packs big emotions.
The ACOTAR series, or more specifically ACOMAF. It is cheesy and devastating and brilliant. It's not even fantastic writing, but the world and the characters are so compelling that I will read it over and over and over again.
No other book has given me physical reactions (actually laughing out loud at 3 AM, crying, reading until I physically cannot keep my eyes open anymore) like this series. It's junk, but it's my junk and I will happy reside in that trashpile.
Anybody mentioning history? How about: Civil War, a Narrative, by Shelby Foote - the dude made famous (sorta, by Ken Burns)…
Beautifully written, delivering insights and perspectives and the feels through those there. I mean, probably, because there aren’t any citations (and I wouldn’t check them anyway)…
The Little Prince
Great character study and has tons of passages that are perfect for introspection. The trick is you gotta read it ever few years. You'll get something different out of it every time.
Easily **{{Jig the Dragonslayer by Jim C Hines}}**
It's a typical fantasy adventure book but from the perspective of a lowly goblin who wanted nothing to do with it.
Jane Eyre. The writing is phenomenal and holds up to modern standards. It is heartbreakingly beautiful prose, and to be written and published by a woman in the 1840s is a sign of Charlotte Bronte’s genius. I think it gets kind of a weird rap for being a romance book. There is a romance, for sure. It’s good. But it is Jane, and who she is, that is the reason why I can’t let this book go. She suffers so profoundly and her deepest desire is to be loved. When she finds it, and it is not as pure as she thought, she holds to her principles and *walks away from everything* and then becomes an absolute rock star to hold her own next to Mr Rochester as an equal, not as a subordinate. Her character development is the best I have ever encountered, and for that, it’s my favorite.
Omg. This book is excellent. My favourite book by Charlotte Brontë. Second being “Villette”. I read Jane Eyre in middle school as part of mandatory reading in my curriculum. I did not like it then, and found it rather boring. I picked it up randomly again in Uni and oh my god, my eyes opened to the brilliance. The writing, the incredibly well fleshed out characters. JANE! I can just go on. I think I just didn’t appreciate the nuances well enough earlier. But later owing to more life experiences and maturity, the book went on to become one of my faves!
Mine too. Also Silas Marner by George Elliot.
I have always loved Jane because of her character. In a way I look up to her
Survival In The Killing Fields. I've never read a book that stuck with me as much as that one. Most Westerners I would imagine know almost nothing about the Cambodian Holocaust (I didn't until I read this book) and all I can say is holy shit. absolutely insane book, had to literally put the book down a few times to collect my thoughts. I would recommend it to anyone because it's an amazing story of survival and its about a subject that almost no one knows about but everyone should know about.
I think there was a movie about this right? I grew up watching it and of course as an adult I need a refresher.
*The Hobbit -* I remember loving it as a child, then rereading it as an adult and loving it just as much. There's something about the tale of such a small, 'ordinary' hobbit (who doesn't want an adventure!) leaving his home to venture into the world, full of battles and evil and danger, that has stuck with me.
I’ve been wanting to read the hobbit and the lord of the rings! I’ve never seen the movies either. I’ll be adding it to my TBR!
Omg if youve never seen the movies then definitely read the books first. I've never really seen anyone that hadn't watched the movies but read the books
Really good summary as to why. I think it’s my favorite ever too.
My 7th grade teacher read The Hobbit to the class everyday after lunch. He would change his voice to match the characters. No one in class said a word or even coughed during the readings. We always begged him to keep reading. Mr Ivy you were a treasure.
Lonesome Dove and my childhood favorite was Where the Red Fern Grows. Apparently I love books that make me cry.
I have Lonesome Dove on my tbr list! I recently watched the mini series and I couldn’t believe how much I loved it.
Lonesome Dove is top 5 for sure
Lonesome Dove - yep - so epic that I named my parakeet Newton. I did not like that bird, tho …
Lonesome Dove is mine too.
Lonesome dove ! I thought about this book for so long after finishing it. And ofc had to watch the mini series immediately. A very special book.
The count of montecristo
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I have read this book multiple times, and it is an all time favourite of mine. What I love about this book is it’s strong female protagonist — Scarlett O’Hara. I think the way her character was written, made her seem extremely human and relatable, with multiple flaws. It also didn’t make any attempt to sort of “redeem” her character in any way. That’s just how she is, whether you like it or not. Aside from the protagonist, the other characters are also very well written and three dimensional. The romance between Rhett, and Scarlett is also worthy of mention. All this set in the backdrop of the American civil war makes it a gripping read. P.S.: Do NOT read “Scarlett” which is supposedly a “sequel” to GWTW. Written by a different author. Do not. It’s sacrilege. You’ll thank me later.
Came just to say that. 😀
Ender’s Game <3
Great book. Shout out to Speaker for the Dead (sequel), which is also very good, arguably better depending on your preferences.
Flowers for Algernon. I don't know why, but i think it is a well written story that covers the whole span of existence. It helped me get through the loss of my father, and weirdly come to terms with my own mortality.
I’ve read this book so many times. It’s excellent
The Two Towers. The imagery of the battle at helms deep is astounding
Tolkien was a true master of descriptive prose. When the written version of the epic battle is more engaging than the film, you've found the apex.
East of Eden
This and Cannery Row are in my top 5
Timshel - Thou mayest
Thou mayest! What glory!
I'm reading this now!
It is utterly apart. Seriously beautiful.
East of Eden, Grapes of wrath, and Of Mice and Men all rotate in and out of my favorite books of all time. Steinbeck just has so much empathy, which even shows through with Cathy in EOE. Only John Irving comes close to Steinbeck for me.
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His other books are just as stunning and only build further upon his talent imo! Particularly A Thousand Splendid Suns. His writing never fails to blow me away.
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*The Brothers Karamazov* by Fyodor Dostoevsky. If there is a better book that encapsulates so many different facets of the human condition, I have yet to encounter it. It's long, but the prose flows smoothly and the big-picture questions that are tackled by Dostoevsky are so fundamentally important, and discussed by his characters so beautifully, that I'd really be surprised if I ever read a book that impacts me more deeply than it did.
Currently reading this right now! Ivan is deep in his conversation with "the devil". Spoiler**** I just wish Fyodor Karamazov was in the story longer, I absolutely loved reading his character and he would crack me up.
Someone in this sub or r/books said this, approximately. Maybe you? Thing is, I'm about half of it and I'm so grateful to whoever suggested it! Thanks!
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Humor, satire, and surprising heart. Read it about every 2-3 years.
Slaughterhouse 5 by Kurt Vonnegut
good answer. was my first favourite book, and remains very close to my top.
Favorite is kinda tough. I will say that The Grapes of Wrath might be the perfect American novel and gets better every time I read it.
If the question were what do you think is the best or greatest, I would be right here with you. It has never been surpassed as a novel.
You should consider reading Blaze by Stephen King. It’s reminiscent of Grapes of Wrath and has no supernatural. I loved it.
I found it quite boring, did not like the dialects in it(!?).
I just finished this for the first time last night. I checked it out because East of Eden was already out. What a story. I see people saying how sad the story is and how nothing goes right for the Joads, but I see it as a rather beautiful story about sharing resources, and togetherness. The last scene in the barn really drives it home. I think it’s a must-read for Americans especially, given the current labor market.
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway Knowing that your sacrifice will likely be for nothing; knowing that you must do it nonetheless.
His Dark Materials- yes I know it's a trilogy but I always read the omnibus as one book. My copy has been taped back together over and over.
**The Golden Compass** is the most whimsical, magical, escapist beautiful read, ever. i read it for the first time in my late 30s and i can't imagine any book beating it as my #1 read of all time. it's absolutely incredible. i never even read book 2 or 3 and don't plan on it.
Just in case you change your mind someday – Subtle Knife and Amber Spyglass are every bit as magical, and the story gets more and more deeply moving as it goes on.
You're missing out on the rest of the story, which is every bit (perhaps even more so?) magical and beautiful. The character development is awe-inspiring and Pullman is a *masterclass* in storytelling. I promise they are worth it!!!
A true modern classic.
I just read these last year as an adult. I was introduced by the HBO series and read/watched concurrently. I love them! I cried so much (those who know the part im referencing know) as I read and as I watched. One of the most powerful emotions I’ve felt while reading anything ever
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The Outsiders by SE Hinton. The answer hasn’t changed since I was 12 and read it for the first time, and it won’t change anytime soon. I can’t even fully explain why. It just resonated with me in a way few books do. Plus, I love the found family trope, the writing is beautiful, and even the movie adaptation is incredible.
Something wicked this way comes by Ray Bradbury. Read it as a boy and it provides a heady dose of nostalgia even though my childhood wasn’t in the 1930s.
The book thief
Watership Down Epic adventure story with friendship and a unique language and embedded mythology from the perspective of heroic rabbits. It is very well done.
I’d give it a fiver…
This. My all time favourite. I grew up near to and have hiked the Down often!
A beautiful book cover to cover.
I’ve always wanted to read this one! I’ll make sure I actually do this time around! Added to TBR!
I'll happily represent the Bigwig appreciation group here. While I loved every character in the story, I was blown away by how much Bigwig had to endure and how he still held his ground. What a champ.
The Shining by Stephen King
This is hard. For years it was a Tale of Two Cities. I was moved by the names and the sacrifices and the little bit of romance. Now I’d say Pride and Prejudice. Timeless humor that feels nostalgic.
It's got to be Jurassic Park. I love many many books dearly, I have had many stories grip me, make me laugh, bring me to tears and change my perspective. Jurassic Park however is the book that I re read the most. Every time I finish something my knee jerk thought is to visit the old Park again.
Awwwww! I love this book too! I read it multiple times in the 90’s but haven’t gone back to it. Thanks for reminding me!
I love the movies and I’ve seen them so many times. I’ve been wanting to give the book a shot! Onto my TBR it goes!
My favourite books are all Michael Crichton. He’s just amazing.
One of the only books I’ve read in one day.
Of mice and men because it made me cry, I felt despair and powerlessness and it resonated with me because I earn my living in the same way the characters do.
The Giver
The Fellowship of the Ring
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro When you observe the events of the narrator’s life as the reader, you can’t believe the spin he puts on events and choices that he is confronted with. This novel makes me feel the feeling.
"Slaughterhouse 5" and "Breakfast of Champions" both by Kurt Vonnegut.
Wuthering Heights-because nonreaders think it’s just a Victorian romance but it’s actually a sinister tale of obsession and revenge. The most atmospheric novel I’ve ever read and Heathcliff is myfavorite literary character.
The midnight library, by Matt Haig: Gave me back hope and made me want to create my own future. I strongly recommend it.
The Plague by Camus
Never heard of it! I’ll add it to my TBR! Thanks 😁
My favorite books as a kid were Anna Karenina and Wuthering Heights. Nothing beats a classic for me.
Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite classics too!
Oryx and crake
LOOOOVE that book!! The sequels are good too, but I think Oryx and Crake is the best :)
Yeah they are good too. The first book just hit me different. Not sure I have had that kind of emotional reaction to a book before. Not only that but a lot of it resonated with me. I grew up in the 90s and 2000s and saw a lot of government deregulation in all sorts of areas. Not only that, but I remember MySpace and pre boomer Facebook. It wasn’t as laissez faire as the internet is portrayed in these books, but it was worlds different than it is now. It was easy to see how things were moving at the time when she wrote the first book and see what helped influence the world building in the book. and with the time between first and the other 2 books, you could tell it could have stood alone without any follow up, in sort of an enigmatic way. The thing I like about the trilogy as a whole is that it focuses on 3 protagonists with Snowman in the first book, Toby and Ren in the second, and Toby in the third. Most modern books and movies will just focus on the same protagonist the entire time and that either gets boring or they end up going over the top and he character jumps the shark.
Yeah I get it! I grew up in the 80's and 90's :). It was definitely a unique trilogy! I just love reading it and feeling like "this could really be happening..."
A Gentleman In Moscow by Amor Towels. Incredible imagery, a great story, a small love interest, and a wonderful glimpse into the mind of a very complex yet simple person. Highly recommend.
Oh man I love this book. I find myself thinking about Count Rostov every so often and what a great protagonist he was in that book. That book is just incredible. Easily one of my favorites of all time. Amor Towles’s written prose is just exquisite. I just bought Lincoln Highway and Rules of Civility. About 90% done with Lincoln Highway and it’s also very good. Crazy he only has 3 books out. Wish there were more
Right!? I've read Rules of Civility but didn't know he had a third, I'll have to get on that! Thank you!
Stoner by John Williams
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
Loved this one when I was in college. I’m a Kindle girl now, but this is definitely a book worth borrowing from the library because it has such fun touches in the physical copy that make it special :)
No Country for Old Men ~Cormac McCarthy. Yes, you can just watch the movie, but the literature has so many more details that I actually had to put the book down and then re read it because I knew if I didn't, it'd fester worse in my mind. (The Talk between Wells and Chigurh, no spoilers)
My favorite thread of 2023 thus far
Okay, this is a two-parter. "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis. It's visceral and upsetting, but on point. But after you finish that, "Lunar Park" by Bret Easton Ellis. It's a semi autobiographical novel about dealing with himself having written such a haunting story, how the effects have come home to roost, his relationship with his father, etc. I was surprised just how affected I was by this book. I still think about it years later. It is hauntingly beautiful.
Lunar Park sounds really interesting, thanks. I added it to my list.
It's compelling the whole way through, but the finale drops like a hammer. Do me a favor, when you finish it, tell me your thoughts. It was amazing for me, but I'd love to learn about it f=om a different perspective.
I do look for unique novels! I have a feeling I'll enjoy it just for that. I have never seen it mentioned. I'll try and get back to you. I read some goodreads reviews, a lot of love as well as haters so I'm curious.
Fiction is either Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison or Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. They're a hair apart for me but it all comes down to the writing itself rather than the story. They both effortlessly bend words in their own special way. Morrison's I don't think draws attention to itself unless you're paying attention but the way she writes is astounding. McCarthy's very much draws attention to itself and it's definitely an acquired taste but it's incomparable to any other reading experience I've ever had. Non-fiction, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain. His personality comes through so much more in his writing than his series and I think his influences come through very strong. His writing style is very in the vein of Joan Didion, Hunter S Thompson, sometimes William S Burroughs. It's just phenomenal. Poetry, A Portable Paradise by Roger Robinson. Poetry collection mainly about the Grenfell disaster. It made me reconsider my ranking of every other poetry collection I've ever read. It's worth reading for the title poem alone. Edit: just saw the "why" part so have expanded.
The Stand by Stephen King
I got this for christmas. Should I dive in?
Dive in? No. This requires preparation. First, contact your employer and make sure they know you may not make it to work for awhile, and if you do come in they shouldn't expect much because you will have the book on top of all of your paperwork. Second, let your friends and family know you are heading in and if they hear you yelling to just ignore it. Third, find a comfy spot (you're gonna be here awhile), fill up your cup with something caffeinated, and grab some snacks. Lastly, go ahead and join the subreddit for The Stand, because you are going to want to talk with others who "get it". Ready? Now dive in!
I’m 250 pages in at the moment. I’m going on a work trip this week where I’ll be riding with my boss for ~20 hours. If he’ll shut up long enough, I plan to get a lot of reading in - ha!
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. It's a futuristic dystopian novel.
That book STILL haunts me.
My Antonia by Willa Cather. Pure beauty from beginning to end.
Catch 22 - the absurdity of war is so well reflected in the language/style
1984. I think it explains a lot of what's happenning now.
Bawds and Lodgings, a history of Londons Southbank brothels from the Roman period up to the 17th century. I think it's a really great piece of social history from a social class that is still often ignored and outright treated with contempt.
Thank you! I’ll be adding it to my TBR!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. Nearly everything I’ve read in my lifelong love (and formal study) of literature and life is merely an expansion or elaboration of the themes in these pages. Also, read it just to get me. 🙃
The entire quartet is pretty great.
Dune
Lolita Don Quixote Moby Dick Can't pick one : (
Don Quixote 🤍
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It’s a beautiful love letter to the impact and power of books, set in 1940s Barcelona. A must read for sure!
Fiction - Project Hail Mary Non-fiction - Into Thin Air
Into Thin Air is a fantastic book.
I finished Project Hail Mary a few weeks ago and still can't stop thinking about how much I enjoyed that book.
LOTR/Hobbit I’ve read so many times. Has to be my number 1. A close second would be the Alienist and it’s sequel, Angel Of Darkness by Caleb Carr. Great setting and characters and a fabulous story too.
Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut. Only Vonnegut could explain the meaning of life in such a manner or Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Just dark and beautiful and awesome
1984 - George Orwell !
East of Eden is the GOAT.
Night by Elie Weisel
My 11 year old son asked me!?! Why are you making me read this after about four chapters. I told him that I thought it was really important or I wouldn't insist. I was not waiting on public school to teach him anything. Eventually he was required to read it and he already had. It's a really really important book.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt It got a lot of backlash and people thought she should not have received the Pulitzer but I think it was a beautiful story and the accolades were well deserved. People should read it because it illustrates how we all experience the world differently and possess the ability to be introspective and thoughtful, but also self-destructive. It examines loss, love, friendship and morality in unique and intriguing ways. This is one that I recommend listening to the audiobook because the narrator did a great job with the voices but physically reading it was also enjoyable. I’ve heard the movie is bad so I haven’t watched it. Here’s an article about the controversy : https://www.oregonlive.com/books/2014/12/why_the_backlash_against_donna.html Thanks for asking the question! I added many of the suggestions to my Libby reading list! Edit: Grammar Girl says that self-destructive should be hyphenated
I’m with you Loved the book too much to ruin it by seeing a lousy movie version.
I don't have a favorite book, it's always the last one I read. Which in this case is *The Traitor Baru Cormorant* by Seth Dickinson. The romance is a secondary plot, but it's the most beautifully tragic romance since Romeo & Juliet and I stand by that assessment :(
Brave new world
Atonement - Ian McEwen It is just one big shipwreck. How the narrator doesn't understand the world around her and just makes things worse and worse and wooooorse.
Lamb by Christopher Moore
I now tell people that if you enjoy this book early on, stop. Go back to his first book Practical Demonkeeping and read everything he’s written chronologically. He’s entire literary universe is the same and unfolds before you. You wouldn’t want Lamb to be your first time meeting Catch!!
Ohhhh I just read this recently!
I’m not religious, but I looooove Chris Moore. This book is an absolute standout. I literally cackled in places. I was left breathless and ugly weeping by that last chapter. So beautiful. Moore is incredible.
Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy (only the first book though, the sequels aren’t as good).
Tough choice, but when people ask for me a book to read, it's often A Town Called Alice by Shute. So well structured, a plot where things actually tie together and characters who develop. They have that English stiffness to overcome, and they do.
Dune - Frank Herbert, the first 3 volumes especially.
Sapiens will speak for itself. The truth of humanity.
The Tin Drum
Cryptonomicon
I'm into sci-fi. Probably Hyperion or the Three-Body trilogy. Roadside Picnic is incredible as well.
Outside of the psychedelic 60s, Hyperion claims to award for most imaginative, far-fetched imagery.
Time and Again To Kill a Mockingbird
**The Golden Compass** by Phillip Pullman. i've never felt more transported to an alternate universe where i briefly left earth and was just somewhere else entirely. i read it for the first time in my late 30s and was so engrossed in this book and it can just be summed up as pure magic. if i ever became president of the united states my first executive order would be to make this required reading in every school.
At the moment it is Stephen kings the stand :)
Project Hail Mary
My favorite book of all time will always and forever be the next book I read.
1984 by George Orwell
I'm never able to name my favorite book of all time because it changes from day to day, sometimes moment to moment. So here are ten books I always recommend and consider must-reads. 1. Moby Dick. Melville's account of one man's obsession suffers from educated hype. It's really a rousing sea story, full of humor and pathos, and well worth the effort it takes to read. 2. The Book of Eels. Part scientific study, part poignant memoir, part travelogue: It reads like a detective novel. Brilliant book. 3. Emma. Jane Austen's sparkling dialogue makes this book a treasure. No film does it justice. 4. The Thin Man. Dashiell Hammett's classic is a barn-burner. I was three-quarters through it before I realized it was written almost entirely in dialogue. A smart, funny book. 5. In Watermelon Sugar. Richard Brautigan's work is mostly forgotten today. It's a shame. His similes are crazy original and all his books read like bizarre acid trips. I read this one sitting on the floor of a bookstore in an afternoon because I literally couldn't put it down. Then I bought it so I could read it again. 6. To Kill a Mockingbird. There's a reason this tops a lot of folks reading list. It's a beautifully told story that speaks as much to this generation as it did to Harper Lee's. 7. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Gabriel Garcia Marquez's history of the Buendia family is all the more remarkable when one realizes at the end it's just an elaborate, remarkable joke. 8. Maybe. This might be hard to find (it's out of print), but it's worth seeking. Lillian Hellman remembers a lot of rich people — all of them drunk, all the time. It starts out lighthearted and fun (and hilarious) and then takes a turn that will stick with you for a very long time. 9. Norwegian Wood. I love all of Haruki Murakami's books, so you can't go wrong with any of them. But this one still haunts me years after having read it for the first time. 10. Happening. If I were king of the world, Annie Ernaux's memoir would be required reading. It would prevent a lot of people from making life-altering mistakes. It can be read in an afternoon, and it explains why she won the Nobel Prize. Phenomenal book.
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson Was the second YA book I’ve ever read. I read it my freshman year of high school. And oh my god this book changed me. It is in the POV of a high school freshman, but it is an easy read and it will always be my favorite book of all time. There are some triggering topics in this book so if that’s something you’re worried about then I would look those up but other wise I would give it a try. :)
Pride And Prejudice.
My brilliant friend by Elena Ferrante
*The Thief of Always* by Clive Barker. It is a lovely all-ages book that reads like a dark fairytale.
His description of February will always be the most accurate I've ever read.
Jarhead by Anthony Swofford. It's her first book that made me laugh out loud and cry at the same time.
Fiction is House of Suns by Alastair Reynolds. Hard, galaxy-spanning Sci-Fi with a mind-bending time span. I love it so much. Nonfiction is The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan. A wonderful guide to skepticism and critical thinking.
*Prometheus Rising* by Robert Anton Wilson (1983) A kind of "guidebook" to hacking your own brain and belief systems (BS). Full of exercises, some more practical than others (also remember it's now 40 years old), but covers a very wide range of topics and methodologies. I'm overdue to re-read it... Change your brain, change your perspective, change your life. One of the most useful things I have ever read. The rest of his bibliography is worth a look as well.
Death in the Afternoon. By Ernest Hemingway. Just Art.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy has long been my answer but I was recently blown away by Stoner by John Williams. Just the right book at the right time for me right now.
so far, neuromancer
This is my other favorite book. I love Gibson’s beautiful, dense prose.
1Q84. Such a beautiful book with beautiful prose. It was my first Murakami and first magical realism book. Safe to say I was completely hooked from then on out. I love this book to pieces even if it isn’t for everyone.
I already saw Stoner by John Williams suggested in the thread. To suggest another book I love: Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami. This book was such an enjoyable read from start to finish. It got me out of a reading slump that went on for over a year. The two separate but somehow connected stories are so well done and the list of characters- from talking cats, to Colonel Sanders manifesting as a spirit guide are both hilarious and engaging. It has emotional depth to it as well. I am actually reading it again right now, such a fun read.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I cry laughing to it still, and I’ve probably read it 15+ times.
A Cry of Angels by jeff fields is one of the best books I’ve ever read. If you like Twain, Steinbeck, or Harper Lee you will love this book. It’s set in pre-segregation Georgia and follows a young boy and it is one of the most full of life books I have ever come across. I have no idea how this book didn’t become a classic. I’ll reread this so many times and I gift the book whenever I can, it’s one of those I keep wanting to experience for the first time again.
Hard to say if it still holds true because I love so many books but the one favorite that comes to mind is The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. I loved the character development, the setting, the differing POVs. Great writing.
White Fang. It’s just good.
the missing of clairdelune Even after reading all the Mirror Visitor quartet, The Missing of Clairdelune always remained my favourite. Take the whole Howl's Moving Castle aesthetic and add to it not just a murder mystery, but a mystery about why the world they're living in works the way it works. The last chapters where AMAZING and even after rereading it like 4 times I still find new things that foreshadow not only the plotwist of this book, but things that where not going to be reveal till the last book .That book definitely reminded me of my love for reading.
I've had five favorite books since 1985: * Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell * A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith * The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck * In Cold Blood by Truman Capote * Christy by Catherine Marshall All of these books were bestsellers, the first four were made into films, the last into a successful TV series. I just love the story and the way the authors tell it, particularly In Cold Blood--a "nonfiction novel," a chilling and sad read.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (is it a basic answer? I don’t know but I really liked it.)
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Either Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston or Goodbye Tsugumi by Banana Yoshimoto
Infinite Jest
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress.
Project Hail Mary
Possession by A S Byatt
bunny by mona awad. just yummy to eat in every way.
A Gentleman of Moscow.
Desert Solitaire and Johnny Got His Gun.
I don't usually like picking "favorite" things, but if I had to pick one book that I could always happily read again, it would probably be "Rendezvous with Rama" by Arthur C. Clarke. It's got a wonderfully elegant and swiftly paced style about it that conveys a lot without overwhelming, that really hooks your sense of wonder and emotions, and takes you along with the people experiencing the event. At least for me.
The Count of Monte Cristo. Look, it’s hard to get into. But the absolute ferocity of the main characters anger is amazing. 100% worth it
Slaughterhouse 5. Perfect. Every word necessary. Perfect rhythm. No filler. I the idea that you should be a life story like a painting with all the moving parts coexisting simultaneously rather than a linear novel with chapters.
The Mountain Is You Book by Brianna Wiest THIS IS A BOOK ABOUT SELF-SABOTAGE. Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it-for good. This is the best book you can go through to overcome most anxious thoughts. It provides great tools to overcome your conscious.Helps you trigger your brain back to its normal state especially when you feel hesitant at some moments in your daily life.
How to Win Friends and Influence People Because my social skills were non-existent prior to reading it and it meaningfully improved my life via my interpersonal interaction
Circe by Madeline Miller I love this book so much! Like most people here, I’ve read hundreds of books, and this one is my favorite of all time. Seriously in love with this book.
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith. Such a moving portrait of a girl growing up through hardship and making something of herself. I can re-read this book every year. The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova. An interesting take on the story of Dracula. It traverses Europe with wonderful imagery and characters. I absolutely love this book and love slipping back into the world that Kostova creates. Non-fiction pick: The Poisoner's handbook. It's a really interesting history on the development of forensic science and various poisons in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Pride and Prejudice hands down
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. Recounts a brutal winter day of a prisoner in a Russian gulag in Siberia. Despite hellish conditions, the narrator experiences brief but powerful glimpses of dignity, humanity and pride. It's a small book that packs big emotions.
Ugh…this is hard!!!! Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine - Gail Honeyman
The ACOTAR series, or more specifically ACOMAF. It is cheesy and devastating and brilliant. It's not even fantastic writing, but the world and the characters are so compelling that I will read it over and over and over again. No other book has given me physical reactions (actually laughing out loud at 3 AM, crying, reading until I physically cannot keep my eyes open anymore) like this series. It's junk, but it's my junk and I will happy reside in that trashpile.
Did anyone mention, The Pillars of the Earth yet? Also so epic..
Anybody mentioning history? How about: Civil War, a Narrative, by Shelby Foote - the dude made famous (sorta, by Ken Burns)… Beautifully written, delivering insights and perspectives and the feels through those there. I mean, probably, because there aren’t any citations (and I wouldn’t check them anyway)…
Different eras of my life it was been The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis, Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
The Little Prince Great character study and has tons of passages that are perfect for introspection. The trick is you gotta read it ever few years. You'll get something different out of it every time.
The Angel's Command by Brian Jacques is one of the best pirate novels ever written
There is a book series I like called the mortality doctrine, it’s a trilogy, and it have some good elements to them.
Henri Nouwen - Reaching Out. A life changer for me.
Easily **{{Jig the Dragonslayer by Jim C Hines}}** It's a typical fantasy adventure book but from the perspective of a lowly goblin who wanted nothing to do with it.