What is, by far, the best book you've ever read?

Question

Be it fiction, biography, mystery, or anything, what book couldn't you put down?

Answer 1

Dostoievsky's "Crime and Punishment."

Answer 2

This is an extremely difficult question to me since I'm probably the living definition of 'bookworm'! =D

Let's see...I'm afraid this isn't going to be a 'by far' judgement, and there's a rather huge possibility that I've forgotten to include about half the books I've read and loved in the draw-up. But I'm going to have to go with the Wheel of Time series. Being a bit (ha! What an understatement!) of a fantasy obsessive anyway, WoT (by Robert Jordan) was one of the ONLY series to get me so completely involved in the books. Admittedly it slows a good deal in the last few books, but they're well worth reading. I'd recommend them to anyone without a second thought.

Let's just say that, three days before some rather serious exams, I was so hooked on the series I spent my day reading (and finished an entire book in that one day) instead of studying! Ha...now THAT I wouldn't recommend. Not a good idea...but that's what happens when sheer genious is incorporated onto paper.

Coming a close second is Winnie the Pooh. I know, I know, but before you start thinking "...huh?", read it. It's an amazing book.

Answer 3

"The Honorable Schoolboy," By John Le Carre. An incredible book that takes you from the inner circles of the London intelligence service, to the Tuscan hills of Italy, to southeast Asia just before the fall of Vietnam, to Hong Kong. Incredibly riveting to read.

Other great books: anything by Mary Renault, who wrote fiction based on ancient Greek history. Ursula K. Le Guin or Robert Heinlein for science fiction. Dorothy Sayers for mystery writing. Any of the other books John Le Carre wrote.

Answer 4

The Talisman. Stephen King/Peter Straub. Excellent

Answer 5

"Running With Scissors" byr Augusten Burroughs

I could not put the book down when I got it, and now I hear a movie is out based on the book.

The book is basically a non-fiction account of Augusten's childhood and teenage years, and the quirky and eccentric and sick people that come in and out of his life.

I'm going to have to see the film, but I'm sure because the book is so brilliant, the film will be a bit of a letdown.

But read the book!! =)

Answer 6

That was biography of Paul Gagin by Francoise Cachin
Don't know whetherit is translated into English. I read in Russian Original is French

Answer 7

Shogun by James Clavell

This is a tremendous story which has everything I love in a novel. It is historically accurate (although some of the characters are composites of real people) , it has adventure, romance, colorful description, love, battles , Japanese language.
It is about 1200 pages and I could not put it down.

Answer 8

Anthem by Ayn Rand. Close seconds are Catcher in the Rye, Animal Farm, The Old Man and the Sea, and Death of a Salesman.

Answer 9

Favorite book ever...hmmm...thats a toughie, I read a lot, and I liked most of em. If I had to pick, I think it would be Can You Keep A Secret by Sopie Kinsella. Its funny and hits home with the little lies us girls tell. Also the Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich...fun, fun, fun!

Answer 10

The Culture of Feaf by Barry Glassner

Answer 11

Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia). Beautifal story of mans emotions and passions. Also great portayal of middle east and african landscapes, society, and culture. Im actually savin up some money to make a trip to that region (once I finish up school) and am going to try to visit some of locales from book. Try to do that every couple of years, I love to travel.