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Post by southerngirl on Apr 21, 2017 20:27:04 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. (Fair enough, I was speaking from my own experience.  <- sorry this is in the middle of your quote box...the formatting is weird on my iPad) 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. Oh good grief. It's just a recommendation. Just meant in a friendly way, ignore it if you don't want it. It's like advice, you don't have to take it. I'm not taking my recommendations too seriously, and I've never changed anyone's mind about liking fantasy/scifi. Just that they all enjoyed that one book, because it's not your typical fantasy. There are some people like me who enjoy trying new books, especially ones that are in a genre I might not read, but are different enough that I might enjoy it. A recommendation is not a demand, or an order, or an expectation. No need to treat it as such. |
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Post by joteves on Apr 21, 2017 20:48:07 GMT
So many books mentioned here that I love! Impossible to choose ONE favourite or must-read book, but if you want a recommendation: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
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Post by Goldynn on Apr 21, 2017 21:21:06 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. that is so cool that you've done that, I would love to go on that tour!  |
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Post by 950nancy on Apr 21, 2017 21:21:23 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 I have Little Women from the first print. It was my mom's. It makes me smile to think that my mom held that book and loved it so much. I have quite a few famous books from their first print. They look old and loved and I always tell my husband that if something happens to me to take them to a book dealer and do not give them to the Salvation Army. |
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Post by 950nancy on Apr 21, 2017 21:24:23 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 have the first edition of these as well as Under the Lilacs. My mom was a huge fan of hers. |
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Post by birukitty on Apr 21, 2017 21:33:22 GMT
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. that is so cool that you've done that, I would love to go on that tour! Yes, I was very lucky to have been able to do that. It was a rainy day in November that day which is why there were no other tourists. Dad and I would go over in November because that was the kid's week off holiday in school. Background story-a Dutch family moved across the street from my Mom and Dad. They had a little girl and boy while they lived there and my parents became their "grandparents" while they lived there. My poor parents had 4 children and have only 1 grandchild-my son. Anyway my father and I became very close to these children-they are a wonderful family. Anouk was just 5 when they moved back to Holland. When my Dad travels he brings his computer and often works (he's been in IT since the late 1960's) if it's a day that we aren't seeing the kids. The day I visited the Corrie Ten Boom house he was working on his computer and I went into town to do some sightseeing. I realize how blessed I am to have had that private tour and all of that time in that wonderful museum. Goldynn if you ever get a chance to visit it's a wonderful place. And my motto is "never say never". It's very easy to get to from Amsterdam. Just a quick train ride to Haarlem. |
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Post by Belia on Apr 22, 2017 0:16:41 GMT
Charlotte's Web
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305 
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Post by kibblesandbits on Apr 22, 2017 0:46:11 GMT
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? Yes, and meh. Trying too hard to be Garp, but fell far short. Irving has gotten "lost" the past several years, I think. Lost his edge. Frustrates me. If you enjoy Irving, then try "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. OMG One of my all-time favorites. |
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Post by hopechest on Apr 22, 2017 0:51:40 GMT
Jonathan Livingston Seagull and Illusions are two of my all time favorite books. A second choice is the Little House Books.
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Post by compeateropeator on Apr 22, 2017 1:40:54 GMT
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? Yes, and meh. Trying too hard to be Garp, but fell far short. Irving has gotten "lost" the past several years, I think. Lost his edge. Frustrates me. If you enjoy Irving, then try "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese. OMG One of my all-time favorites. I have read Cutting for Stone and did love it. I think it is Irving's characters that always draw me in. If you enjoy interesting characters and odd stories of rural America (mostly VT specifically) I would suggest Frank Howard Mosher. I loved A Stranger in the Kingdom and Marie Blythe, but have enjoyed all of his books. His Where the River Flows North was made into a movie in the early 90's. But I do understand he is not for everyone...so you may hate him...hahaha. |
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kibblesandbits
Pearl Clutcher
At the corner of Awesome and Bombdiggity
Posts: 3,305
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Post by kibblesandbits on Apr 22, 2017 2:00:44 GMT
Agree. Aren't Irving's characters always so complicated yet one-dimensional?
Thanks for the suggestions - I'll look into Howard.
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Post by melanell on Apr 22, 2017 2:25:14 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. Oh, I loved Eight Cousins! An aunt gave me a set of 6 LMA books one year for Christmas. At that point I had only read Little Women. I was thrilled to have 5 more to read, and Eight Cousins was one of them. Save |
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Post by melanell on Apr 22, 2017 2:32:45 GMT
My son would agree with you 100%. So would mine. My husband used to let DS hold the book and turn the pages and Dh would lie back, close his eyes, and just recite it to him. Save |
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Post by crimsoncat05 on Apr 22, 2017 2:35:28 GMT
haha!! that's a cute story!!
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Post by femalebusiness on Apr 22, 2017 2:40:17 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. I love Barbara Kingsolver. I haven't thought of her books in years and it is high time that I read them again. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Apr 22, 2017 2:49:59 GMT
My most meaningful books are probably:
Diary of Anne Frank
The Hobbit
Farewell to Arms
Autobiography of Malcolm X
And more recently Americanah
Edited - I used to be a huge Stephen king fan and read most of his books - why do people feel so strongly about the stand? I thought it was good but not amazing
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Post by lesserknownpea on Apr 22, 2017 7:54:34 GMT
The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
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<- sorry this is in the middle of your quote box...the formatting is weird on my iPad)
