I'm looking for ideas for books to read, what is the book - if you had only one - you'd suggest as the best read ever?
2006-07-13 04:41:57 · 102 answers · asked by sharon r 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
panic by jeff abbott
2006-07-20 04:41:26 · answer #1 · answered by itsme 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hi Sharon. The best book (by a long way) that I have read is 'A Walk In The Woods' by Bill Bryson. It's Bryson's story of hiking the Appalachian Trail with friend Stephen Katz. Although it's not a fiction book, it isn't his diary either; it's probably best described as being his mind's running commentary of the experience!
It was introduced to me on holiday one year, and I reluctantly picked it up. I didn't think it would be my cup of tea, but I loved it - and it's the first book which made me laugh out loud!! But at the same time, it is an inspiring read and full of gripping tales. The comments on the back of the book describe it as "entertaining and often illuminating" and "irreverent, wildly funny, crowded with anecdotes and observation".
The one point I would make is that the first time you read it (I've read it three times now!), the first couple of chapters can be quite uninspiring as the author is basically giving the reader the vital background information. But don't let this put you off!
I can't recommend this book enough to you - give it a go and if you don't like it, I guarantee that you won't have much of a challenge finding someone who will! In case you want to order it through your local bookshop or library, the ISBN No. is 0-552-99702-1.
If you decide to get it, drop me a line some time and let me know what you think of it. Paul.
2006-07-13 05:00:12 · answer #2 · answered by Burnsie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
'Pillars of the Earth' By Ken Fowlett ISBN 0-330-312731-1
I consider it to be one of the best books I have ever read. Beware as it is a mammoth read. This is an historical saga; obviously a great deal of research has gone into the writing of this book and the attention to detail is breathtaking. Anyway I could wax lyrical about it for ages, but at the end of the day it is personal choice what makes the best read. Another book I would recommend is Crime & Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky not for the faint hearted this book. I could go on and on about books but you did say one.
Happy reading!
2006-07-13 05:05:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami,
just the most beautiful and surreal thing i've ever had the pleasure to read.
Microserfs, Generation X or Girlfriend in a Coma by Douglas Coupland, a man who has his finger absolutely on the pulse of the human condition. Truly he's a genius.
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers,
harrowing and difficult, but just incredibly powerful.
or Paradise Lost by Milton. Hard work, but the greatest thing ever written down.
can't believe how many people have put the Da Vinci Code! as Stephen Fry said, it's ARSEGRAVY!
2006-07-13 07:43:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Round Ireland With A Fridge by Tony Hawks. As the title suggests, it's about a guy that goes hitchhiking around Ireland with a domestic appliance for a bet to see what happens and all the wacky people he meets. Everyone should read this, there's not enough laughter in the world these days.
2006-07-17 02:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by justasiam29 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jodi Picoult. I just love her books, their so moving and makes you think about all the character's position. She is really talented. My favourite is My Sisters Keeper, I've read The Pact and
Plain Truth. They are the only ones I've read though so I'm going to look out for Vanishing Acts and The Tenth Circle.
If you like Amine or Manga , I would definately recommend
Fruits Basket,
Tokyo Mew Mew,
Dot. Hack Legend of the Twilight,
Petshop of Horrors (for those who are ok with a little blood and gore)
Also I like Brian Jacques, his books are GREAT! I've got to read his new one though. (He's got two series, Redwall and The curse of the flying dutchman books. I think he written some other books as well.)
Those are my recommends, so what are you waiting for? Go Read!
2006-07-19 10:33:04 · answer #6 · answered by Nyx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well for all women, I would recommend The Sheik, written in 1920 and made into a famous movie with Rudolph Valentino in the title role. Ladies, this book is some of the hottest stuff you can read. No explicit scenes but the character of the Sheik is totally devastating. You can find the book for free online at http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext04/sheik10.txt
Ladies, if you are looking for a slightly contoversial but sexy read, check it out!
2006-07-13 05:52:59 · answer #7 · answered by Suzanne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
A classic but still a fantastic book. I have read it at least 10 times in the last 20 years and I enjoy it just as much every time!
2006-07-13 05:16:28 · answer #8 · answered by emilysmoma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well of course you should read the Bible, but I think you're looking for something more in the traditional line of books as opposed to an extensive volume. Saw somebody said "To Kill A Mockingbird". Yes, great read. My choice for you would be "King Rat". Great book about how people interact with each other in different situations. It was written by James Clavell, who also wrote "Shogun", "Noble House", "Tai Pan" and other novels set in Asia.
2006-07-13 04:51:11 · answer #9 · answered by GregW 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
George Orwell's Animal Farm is my favourite but it is hard to pick just one 'must read'.
I would definitely suggest the following;
Star of the Sea - Joseph O'Conner
The Catcher In The Rye - J.D Salinger
1984 - George Orwell
The Colour Purple - Alice Walker
Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
2006-07-13 04:50:12 · answer #10 · answered by angelina.rose 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As A Man Thinketh By James Allen
2006-07-13 04:44:23 · answer #11 · answered by peanuts1_r 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋