A life-altering book?

Question

Name one book that has incredibly changed your life- for the better :-)

..and perhaps a little summary as to how it has changed you would be much appreciated :-)

Answer 1

Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.

This book should be required reading of anyone who eats food they did not grow or raise themselves (and I think that is just about everyone in this day and age). Schlosser is the first to open my eyes: I plan to do a lot more reading about food production and I am certainly thinking a lot more about the choices I make.

Fast Food Nation is very well-written and researched, and it is addictive reading. (Although my stomach churned more than once and I have probably lost a few pounds!) Schlosser is able to weave a wide spectrum; this book is not just about McDonald's, folks. Fast Food Nation is a fasciniating portrait of Americans from all walks of life. In the end, we are all affected--in big and little ways--by something as innocuous as the good ol' American cheeseburger.

Schlosser makes the point that we don't stop driving because people are killed each day in accidents. But to continue the allusion, I feel like we have the opportunity to wear seatbelts and drive defenisvely to take some hazard out of it. If you don't read this book (or others like it) that open your eyes to the horrors of modern food production and distribution, you are essentially driving while intoxicated and without wearing your seat belt!

A little knowledge goes a long way, and in this case, Fast Food Nation is going to change my life--and my family's life--for the better.

READ THIS BOOK!

Answer 2

"The Confessions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau" (& "The Social Contract")

I love the works of the Enlightenment period, but they are corrupting in a world that does not cherish independent thought. To aim for a higher consciousness in today's world will hinder more than help since so many people are set on material gain at any cost. I probably would have gotten ahead more if I had read more books on how to play corporate mind games, instead. But I would rather be rich in spirit than money. So long as I can pay my bills I am happy.

Answer 3

I'd recommend Creating a Charmed Life by Victoria Moran.
Each 2-3 page essay presents an idea for finding the balance and joy that most of us seek in our lives. There are 75 of these concepts in the book and it covers many of the irritations of modern life.
For example, one discusses coexisting gracefully with the unresolved. One titled "Stand on Ceremony" talks about elevating activities to a ceremonial level to enrich your daily routine.
Another seems mundane, "Make the Bed," but she writes about the standard that sets for your day and the reader sees how a small action makes a difference in life. The examples she gives are very applicable to ordinary working people.
When my life seems overwhelming, I can pick up this book and remind myself that there are small changes I can make that will result in an improved life. I can do it.

Answer 4

Finite and infinite games. By James P. Carse


You're just going to have to read it. It is short, but after you are done with it, you will know yourself 50 times better than you ever have before. It is a pivotal piece of writing to anyone not satisfied with the normal outlook on life... It explains everything.

Ulysses and Portrait By: James Joyce...

Joyce is poignant, super intelligent, sensitive and observant and has a way of reaching out to the stephen Daedalus in all of us, taking something quite personal and localized and making it for every man in every county cork in the world... if not through the author or his main character than through one of the many colorfull characters in his other works. You can change yourself when you can see yourself through anothers eyes... Joyce was a genius at this...

I am Molly Bloom... all the way!

Answer 5

Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk.

Why? It parallels life as we know it right now, even tho it was written quite some time ago. Government controls everything from religious freedom to food. Everything is rationed and caste systems are a way of life...you're rich, you get everything, you're poor, you're either a slave to work or a baby-producing machine to make soldiers. Yet, amongst it all there is a community of diverse religious and cultural people that just wants to get along happily and in peace. Very excellent read!

Answer 6

1.) Ask the Dust by John Fante
2.) Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse
3.) The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

Made me see the tragedy of ordinary people. Through heartbreaking loneliness, we yearn for a companion with the deepest of emotions. So deep we cannot die alone.

Answer 7

You Forever by Lobsang Rampa. This book got me on an ongoing quest, no, search. I got to know a little from Carlos
Castaneda to Gary Zukav and a lot more besides.

Answer 8

Book of the Hopi by Frank Waters. It got me interested in Native Americans, their language, history, culture and religion. It encouraged me to take new paths.

Answer 9

After years of studying the Bible and the scriptures of numerous belief systems I happened upon THE IMMORTAL by JJ Dewey. It sums up all of life and its many mysteries in a fascinating story. In it we find not only who we are but what our purpose is in life.

Answer 10

Mutant Messages From Down Under - reinforced that the Universe does supply everything we need.