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Post by auntkelly on Apr 20, 2017 3:01:56 GMT
Such a great book! One of of my all time favorite quotes is "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others."
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Post by craftsbycarolyn on Apr 20, 2017 3:29:37 GMT
I'm going to say "The Giver" also, but did you know that it is a series??? I didn't either til I read it.
The Giver Gathering Blue (The Giver #2) Messenger (The Giver #3) Son (The Giver Quartet #4)
and every one of these were good. The Giver was my favorite but the rest were good, too.
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SweetieBsMom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,612
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:12 GMT
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Post by SweetieBsMom on Apr 20, 2017 11:49:16 GMT
I loved Little Women too! and I was going to recommend the Little House books for the same reasons as listed by M in Carolina. Anne Frank's Diary hasn't been mentionedThe Red Tent I loved so much I was sad when it ended I know The Giving Tree is a favorite beloved book but I hate it, I think its so depressing This was the first book that jumped in to my head.
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Post by birukitty on Apr 20, 2017 13:04:55 GMT
The 3 books that had the most impact on me as a young, growing reader were The Diary of Anne Frank, the Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, and Mythology by Edith Hamilton. I forgot about The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. That one struck me on such a deep level. I don't even have words as to how much that affected me. Me too! If you are ever in Amsterdam, Holland everyone goes to The Anne Frank museum (and I did too), but about 20 minutes away by train is a wonderful town called Haarlem. It's much smaller than Amsterdam, but really charming. We have family friends who live there so my father and I have gone there for visit about 4 times in the past. Anyway, Corrie Ten Boom's house is there above the original watch shop which is now a jewelry shop. Her house is now the Corrie Ten Boom museum and it is amazing! I went in November one time and got a private tour (no other tourists that day) and spent a wonderful 90 minutes with the tour guide. You even get to step into the "hiding place" which is much smaller than I envisioned as I was reading the book. There is a bit of a religious overtone to the tour, but it's nicely done and if that bothers you just politely tell them in a way that won't hurt their feelings is my advice. I just nodded and agreed with what they said. Religion was a huge factor in Corrie Ten Boom's life and what influenced her and her family to risk their lives helping the Jews. I thought the least I could do was agree with the tour guide and not hurt her feelings. Anyway, after reading the book (more than once) it was such an amazing experience to actually be there.
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Portia
Junior Member
Posts: 63
Location: Spokaloo
Aug 13, 2016 16:20:49 GMT
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Post by Portia on Apr 20, 2017 14:49:12 GMT
I'll add my very favorite book ever to the list, although I'm going to guess that not many people nowadays have even read it. Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott Oh.My.God. This book is so annoying, I am actually annoyed seeing your post about it (jk)--seriously, I was so mad at the ending, that I swore I would NEVER read this book again (and that's saying something coming from me....)--course, I read it way back when, so maybe with a different age perspective, I wouldn't be so crazy mad at the ending (no spoiler, but I'm sure you know what I'm talking about...). We'll just have to agree to disagree (lol)--but I have to admit, every once in a while I think about the opening segment and wonder what it would have been like to have sisters, and just what the heck is the Pilgrim's Progress anyway? (Growing up Catholic, that was WAY out of my life experience...) So funny--was just having this discussion with my SIL the other day--she was more on your side of the argument, than mine Save
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Post by scrapbookwriter on Apr 20, 2017 15:17:26 GMT
Have you read her other ones? Little Men, Jo's boys, etc.? They are just as good IMO. LMA was an amazing writer!! I own copies of all of her books, actually... I re-read them all every couple years. I think my favorites are actually Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom, but I figured no one would recognize those titles, lol! I also really like Jack and Jill and An Old-Fashioned Girl. The only thing I haven't read by her is any of the short stories that she wrote when she was just starting out. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Eight Cousins and Rose in Bloom!! Maybe it's time to read them again I have a five volume set of Louisa May Alcott: Eight Cousins, Rose in Bloom, Little Women, Little Men, and Old Fashioned Girl. The books were given to my grandmother by her mother for Christmas in 1904. They are among my most treasured books.
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imsirius
Prolific Pea
Call it as I see it.
Posts: 7,661
Location: Floating in the black veil.
Jul 12, 2014 19:59:28 GMT
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Post by imsirius on Apr 20, 2017 16:43:12 GMT
I have only read the 1st page of responses but found myself being persuaded by them so decided to answer before I continue reading. Truthfully there isn't really just one book that I think everyone should read. I have never had a favorite book (or song) because there are too many greats ones out there. Here is some that I would suggest: A Prayer for Owen Meany. But really anything by John Irving. Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. But really anything by Fannie Flagg.
Lonesome Dove. But really anything by Larry Mcmurtry The Bean Trees. But really anything by Barbara Kingsolver. The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. But really most things by Douglas Adams. Off to finish reading. This is a really interesting thread. Love her books. Wish she'd write more. She's still alive yes?
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Post by compeateropeator on Apr 20, 2017 17:12:22 GMT
I just got her new one for Christmas. I think it came out the end of last year? It is called The Whole Town is Talking. I have not read it yet. I think it is up next though.
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Post by leftturnonly on Apr 20, 2017 17:59:15 GMT
My son would agree with you 100%.
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Post by leftturnonly on Apr 20, 2017 18:23:17 GMT
I'm not sure I'd say there's one book everyone should read. Maybe The Diary of Anne Frank. I think the power of that book is very important on several levels...from a historical point of view, from the point of view of a young woman, from a human and empathy standpoint. Many lessons to be learned there from a charming narrator whose ultimate end is so devastating. I agree with you. That's one book I think should be mandatory for schools.
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Post by mom2luke on Apr 20, 2017 18:27:53 GMT
Another vote for "The Power of One" by Bryce Courtenay. A truly fabulous book!
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Apr 20, 2017 19:08:02 GMT
Yes! I think all teens/tweens should read this book. I loved, loved it! i bought this book last night for my granddaughter's birthday gina
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ginacivey
Pearl Clutcher
refupea #2 in southeast missouri
Posts: 4,685
Jun 25, 2014 19:18:36 GMT
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Post by ginacivey on Apr 20, 2017 19:08:47 GMT
I'm going to say "The Giver" also, but did you know that it is a series??? I didn't either til I read it. The Giver Gathering Blue (The Giver #2) Messenger (The Giver #3) Son (The Giver Quartet #4) and every one of these were good. The Giver was my favorite but the rest were good, too. i realized it last year....and read the series.... really good! gina
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Post by lisacharlotte on Apr 20, 2017 19:11:44 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 19, 2024 3:10:50 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 20, 2017 19:19:05 GMT
No I do not
Goodbye
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Post by refugeepea on Apr 20, 2017 19:45:11 GMT
Of all the replies up to this point, I have no intention of reading any of those books!
ETA: except maybe To Kill A Mockingbird, I might get around to that one at some point.
Never going to read Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings, nor King, nor anything overtly religious. What book do you recommend? I finished it (just), but I hated it! Owen was such an obnoxious little brat, and I couldn't buy into the storyline at all. I felt the same way. I did love the movie Cider House Rules and I'm open to reading the book. I really enjoy the HP books, but have zero interest or concern if anyone else reads them. They are a good escape, have a nice message, but certainly don't think they are thought provoking or life changing or informative. I agree. I'm another one who can't pick 1 book that everyone should read. I feel like it's such a personal thing and people love reading for different reasons. I like historical fiction and Amy Tan was one of the first authors I read in this genre. I loved The Joy Luck Club. There's a dozen more I could pick too.
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Peal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,524
Jun 25, 2014 22:45:40 GMT
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Post by Peal on Apr 20, 2017 19:49:12 GMT
I forgot about The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. That one struck me on such a deep level. I don't even have words as to how much that affected me. Me too! If you are ever in Amsterdam, Holland everyone goes to The Anne Frank museum (and I did too), but about 20 minutes away by train is a wonderful town called Haarlem. It's much smaller than Amsterdam, but really charming. We have family friends who live there so my father and I have gone there for visit about 4 times in the past. Anyway, Corrie Ten Boom's house is there above the original watch shop which is now a jewelry shop. Her house is now the Corrie Ten Boom museum and it is amazing! I went in November one time and got a private tour (no other tourists that day) and spent a wonderful 90 minutes with the tour guide. You even get to step into the "hiding place" which is much smaller than I envisioned as I was reading the book. There is a bit of a religious overtone to the tour, but it's nicely done and if that bothers you just politely tell them in a way that won't hurt their feelings is my advice. I just nodded and agreed with what they said. Religion was a huge factor in Corrie Ten Boom's life and what influenced her and her family to risk their lives helping the Jews. I thought the least I could do was agree with the tour guide and not hurt her feelings. Anyway, after reading the book (more than once) it was such an amazing experience to actually be there. I agree with you. Compared to the Anne Frank Museum, Corrie ten Boom's house is so intimate. I really, really enjoyed visiting there.
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Post by 2peaornot2pea on Apr 20, 2017 22:23:13 GMT
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn. It is the one book that I read as a young girl and reread every few years. I was going to say A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Great book and I re-read it periodically too.
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Post by flanz on Apr 20, 2017 23:15:12 GMT
Tuesdays with Morrie was probably my most hated book of all time The more posts I read from you, the more I think we could be some kick-ass friends. Would love to know what you hated about the book. No judgment, just curious.
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Post by vi on Apr 20, 2017 23:25:05 GMT
I loved "The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten Boom also. She was so brave and selfless. A couple of older books I loved growing up were "Cheaper by the Dozen and its sequel, "Belles on Their Toes" by Frank Gilbreth Jr and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey. It was biographical fiction but it was so good. I love biographies and my all time favorite one is "Gifted Hands" by Ben Carson. It is very inspiring and I have great admiration for him because of what he did and became in his life. He was an awesome brain surgeon and did some groundbreaking surgeries.
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Dalai Mama
Drama Llama
La Pea Boheme
Posts: 6,985
Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Apr 21, 2017 0:12:38 GMT
The more posts I read from you, the more I think we could be some kick-ass friends. Would love to know what you hated about the book. No judgment, just curious. No aspersions on those who enjoyed it but I found it cloying and insipid.
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psiluvu
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,217
Location: Canada's Capital
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:26 GMT
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Post by psiluvu on Apr 21, 2017 0:20:48 GMT
I think everyone, especially women should read Protecting the Gift by Gavin de Beker.
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Post by peasapie on Apr 21, 2017 2:27:05 GMT
My top five:
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein To Kill a Mockingbird Pride and Prejudice Diary of Ann Frank Charlotte's Web
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Post by pjaye on Apr 21, 2017 3:53:58 GMT
What book do you recommend? That's kind of my point - some of those books that other people found meaningful, I have no interest in or I have tried, and hated them - so I have no illusions that the books I found great may not be so for other people. Therefore there isn't a book that I loved that I think everyone else should read too. I am happy to talk about books that I personally loved and if someone thinks that one of them sounds like something they would like too, then that's great, but I'm not going to tell people what they should read, because I already know that no one book will resonate with everyone in the same way.
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Post by beebee on Apr 21, 2017 4:10:00 GMT
I forgot about The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom. That one struck me on such a deep level. I don't even have words as to how much that affected me. Me too! If you are ever in Amsterdam, Holland everyone goes to The Anne Frank museum (and I did too), but about 20 minutes away by train is a wonderful town called Haarlem. It's much smaller than Amsterdam, but really charming. We have family friends who live there so my father and I have gone there for visit about 4 times in the past. Anyway, Corrie Ten Boom's house is there above the original watch shop which is now a jewelry shop. Her house is now the Corrie Ten Boom museum and it is amazing! I went in November one time and got a private tour (no other tourists that day) and spent a wonderful 90 minutes with the tour guide. You even get to step into the "hiding place" which is much smaller than I envisioned as I was reading the book. There is a bit of a religious overtone to the tour, but it's nicely done and if that bothers you just politely tell them in a way that won't hurt their feelings is my advice. I just nodded and agreed with what they said. Religion was a huge factor in Corrie Ten Boom's life and what influenced her and her family to risk their lives helping the Jews. I thought the least I could do was agree with the tour guide and not hurt her feelings. Anyway, after reading the book (more than once) it was such an amazing experience to actually be there. I am so glad you posted this! I really want to visit the house some day.
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Post by southerngirl on Apr 21, 2017 15:35:07 GMT
I think some people are taking this whole "what one book should everyone read" a bit too seriously. Honestly, no one is going to force you to read their recommendation! I think I would say either Anne of Green Gables or The Book Thief. For anyone who doesn't like fantasy, you might still enjoy Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay. Everyone that I have recommended that one to, even when they don't like the fantasy genre, still loves that book. I read the first book of the Outlander series and it's the only book I wish I could unread. Never read another one in the series. Harry Potter has a LOT of social commentary actually. I'm especially amazed rereading it right now at how much social commentary I missed before. It feels a lot like rereading Dr Seuss as an adult. Also I've never actually heard someone who has read the books say they don't like them. I've seen plenty of people put down the books that haven't actually read them...but it's like broccoli or brussel sprouts - kinda hard to give an informed opinion of them if you haven't actually tried them.
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,987
Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Apr 21, 2017 15:51:17 GMT
i've found my people! John Irving's - The Cider House Rules - by far his best book (if you saw the movie --- it was a great screenplay - but it leaves out SOOO much) if you are going to ever read another Irving book (so many are familiar with Garp and Owen) read The Cider House Rules (and then read A Widow for one Year) gina My favourite Irving is "A Son of the Circus" Owen Meany was my favorite, but OMG Son of a Circus was so colorful. It's definitely #2 on my Irving list. I really did not care for The Cider House Rules.
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Post by pjaye on Apr 21, 2017 16:14:56 GMT
Also I've never actually heard someone who has read the books say they don't like them. There's 72,000 people on Goodreads who rated it one star, and another 100,000 who rated it two. I think some people are taking this whole "what one book should everyone read" a bit too seriously and then there's the people who take their recommendations too seriously and honestly think they can change someone else's mind about the type of books they like and don't like...like the people who say "Oh if you don't like fantasy/magic/young boy wizards etc, then try THIS book about fantasy/magic/young boy wizards because you'll love it anyway" Nope, in my experience this has always been wrong.
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Post by compeateropeator on Apr 21, 2017 16:52:54 GMT
My favourite Irving is "A Son of the Circus" Owen Meany was my favorite, but OMG Son of a Circus was so colorful. It's definitely #2 on my Irving list. I really did not care for The Cider House Rules. I really love all of Irving's books so far. I probably would have a hard time rating them with the exception of Owen Meany having a slight edge for number 1. I have Avenue of Mysteries in my short stack to read sooner rather than later. Has anyone read this yet and if so did you like it?
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twinsmomfla99
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,987
Jun 26, 2014 13:42:47 GMT
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Post by twinsmomfla99 on Apr 21, 2017 17:26:52 GMT
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