What book should every person read in their life?

Question

what book do you think nobody should miss out on reading. It can be a classic or a new release, it doesn't matter to me.

Answer 1

I have read hundreds of books in my life and I believe in general it would be very hard to answer this question because even if you compare the very best it is not easy to decide which one is really best. But I am glad to say that a couple of years ago I read a book that was so extraordinary that it leaves behind even the best of the best.

Unfortunately I only know the German title of this book but I know that it has been translated into very many languages. In the mid 70ies it was an international bestseller.
The title of the book is "Geliebt gejagt und unvergessen" written by Arnold Krieger.

The book tells the story of an African girl that becomes enslaved, escapes and eventually gets back her freedom. The story is written out of the perspective of the girl from the time she was captured as a young girl until she dies, many years later.
I love this book so much that I look through eBay from time to time to order another one. Unfortunately the book can not be bought any more so I always want to have a few copies at home to give it as presents to my friends or family.

Answer 2

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

It is the story of a young man who comes of age and falls in with a false crowd that worships material goods, wealth, and social status. He befriends a man named Gatsby who represents everything that he is philosophically against. STill, there is some inherent good in Gatsby that Nick Carraway admires.

I think that this book helped me figure out how I wanted to treat people, especially those whose views might be so radically opposed to mine. Nick is a very admirable person who stands up for what he believes is right and just.

Answer 3

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn. I also love The Alchemist, but I can't remember the authors name. If you're a little cynical Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein is pretty good.

Answer 4

The Bible, with out a doubt. People don't realize how informative it is, it gives us answers as to why we are here, what the future holds, etc. I really enjoyed reading the mosaic law because it made me really appreciate the Bible's divine authorship. It really shows a superior wisdom. Remember the bible has survived many attempts to destroy it. The fact that it is still around is quite remarkable, and attest to its divine backing.

Answer 5

Ulysses by James Joyce. A tough read, but worth it. It's brilliant. There are lots of readers' guides available to help w/ the difficult parts. Good luck!

Answer 6

Jonathan Livingston Seagull
by: Richard Bach

The novel tells the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, a seagull who is bored with the daily squabbles over food and seized by a passion for flight. He pushes himself, learning everything he can about flying, until finally his unwillingness to conform results in his expulsion from his clan. An outcast, he continues to learn, becoming increasingly pleased with his abilities as he leads an idyllic life.

One day, Jonathan is met by two seagulls who take him to a “higher plane of existence”, where he meets other gulls who love to fly. He discovers that his sheer tenacity and desire to learn make him “a gull in a million”. Jonathan befriends the wisest gull in this new place, named Chiang, who takes him beyond his previous learning, teaching him how to move instantaneously to anywhere else in the universe. The secret, Chiang says, is to “begin by knowing that you have already arrived”.

Not satisfied with his new life, Jonathan returns to Earth to find others like him, to bring them his learning and to spread his love for flight. His mission is successful, gathering around him others who have been outlawed for not conforming. Ultimately, one of his students, Fletcher Lynd Seagull, becomes a teacher in his own right and Jonathan leaves to continue his learning. In some ways, this section is as much a story of Fletcher’s realization as of Jonathan’s continued learning.

Answer 7

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin. Probably the best book ever written.

Answer 8

The Bible. It has romance, it has war, it has spirits, it has history, it has beginnings and ends. If you read one book at a time it becomes understandable and explains the history of mankind, where we come from and where we are headed. Definitely a classic!

Answer 9

Everybody should read story about "Rabbit and Tortoise"

simple story with great lesson for life

Answer 10

Definitely I would have to say the bible. Even if you dont believe in religion its a great discussion book. You can get to know someone alot faster if you discuss deep thoughts. Give it a try!!!!