The best book I ever read . . .

[rpmdfw]

So, over on my blog, I've been discussing my "Top Ten" books of all time, and it's spurred some interesting discussion with some family members and facebook friends, so I thought I'd ask the question here:

What's your favorite book?

Or the best book you ever read?

I'll post mine as soon as the final blog entry is up tonight, so I won't spoil it for the few people here on the DIS that follow my blog as well, but that doesn't mean we can't start the discussion fo great books now.

Who's first?

 

[colaboy29]

Best? Just one? I guess I'll try: Boy's Life by Robert McCammon. I was expecting a boring read (I picked it up because I had liked several of his previous horror novels) and was pleasantly surprised. Actually, the book still sticks with me all these years later. Everything from fantasy, to mystery, to horror are all mixed into one story about a young boy's adventures one summer.

But don't get me started on Terry Pratchett or Ray Bradbury novels.

 

[rpmdfw]

Best? Just one?

It's difficult, isn't it?

I had a hard time narrowing it down to a "Top Ten" so I copped out and did a "honorable mentions" post with another five books.

 

[rpmdfw]

All right. My blog is up, so I'll post my favorite book here now as well: Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein.

The story of Michael Valentine Smith, the Man from Mars, as he learns what it is to be a human, is an amazing and ultimately emotionally gut wrenching tale. Beautifully crafted and engaging, this a book that I think should be required reading for high schoolers everywhere.

Such an amazing story!

 

[colaboy29]

I've read 7 of the books in you posts. And now have recommendations for a few more. Thanks! Sadly, my book reading has dropped exponentially in the last ten years (which coincides with my current job where I don't have a lot of free time anymore). My hubby hints that he wants to get me a Kindel for Christmas so maybe then the reading will increase...at least while on vacation.

 

[rpmdfw]

.

 

[rpmdfw]

I've read 7 of the books in you posts.

You have? Which ones?

And if you liked 7 out of the 15 I listed, we probably have other books in common, too.

And yeah, my reading has diminished greatly over the past few years, too. I blame it on being in a happy relationship. I did get a lot more reading done when I was single, but I have to say I'm happier now.

 

[colaboy29]

You have? Which ones?

And if you liked 7 out of the 15 I listed, we probably have other books in common, too.

And yeah, my reading has diminished greatly over the past few years, too. I blame it on being in a happy relationship. I did get a lot more reading done when I was single, but I have to say I'm happier now.

Yes, being in my latest relationship has also contributed to my reading level.

The ones I have read are:

Stranger in a Strange Land
Wicked
Auntie Mame
Tales of the City
Dune
Spellsinger Series
Incarnations of Immortality (the series was incredible)

On my "to read" list are Gone With the Wind and now with your recommendation Like People in History.

What books made you cry? The only two that ever did that to me are Marley & Me (I am a huge dog lover) and The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart (It's part four of her Authurian series of books though the entire series is a wonderful retelling of Merlin and King Arthur's tales).

 

[rpmdfw]

Yes, being in my latest relationship has also contributed to my reading level.

The ones I have read are:

Stranger in a Strange Land
Wicked
Auntie Mame
Tales of the City
Dune
Spellsinger Series
Incarnations of Immortality (the series was incredible)

On my "to read" list are Gone With the Wind and now with your recommendation Like People in History.

What books made you cry? The only two that ever did that to me are Marley & Me (I am a huge dog lover) and The Wicked Day by Mary Stewart (It's part four of her Authurian series of books though the entire series is a wonderful retelling of Merlin and King Arthur's tales).

Oh, EVERYTHING makes me cry. I get teary-eyed in the Hallmark asile of the store.

Like People in History is an EXCELLENT book!

 

[RAPstar]

Hmm........its hard for me to pick just one favorite........but if my life depended on it I'd say........gah I can't pick one. There are too many. My top 5 would be "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman, "The Stand" by Stephen King, "Rant" by Chuck Palahniuk and the Harry Potter books (I can't pick one, but the best are 3-7).

 

[rosiep]

The only books I've read from the list are Harry Potter and Gone With the Wind. GWTW is a must read....so amazingly detailed. So evocative.

But my favorite book is called Range of Motion by Elizabeth Berg. Her books always make me feel as if I'm listening to a friend tell a story.

 

[starann]

Hmmmm. I'll have to think about my fav adult book, but I have 2 fav children books

1. The giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
2. I Love You As Much....not sure who the author is, but the artwork is amazing!

 

[colaboy29]

Hmm........its hard for me to pick just one favorite........but if my life depended on it I'd say........gah I can't pick one. There are too many. My top 5 would be "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman, "The Stand" by Stephen King, "Rant" by Chuck Palahniuk and the Harry Potter books (I can't pick one, but the best are 3-6).

Neil Gaiman has some good ones. Have you read Good Omens which he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett? I also read a book of short stories by Neil Gaiman. I loved his one about the origins of the Devil.

 

[RAPstar]

Neil Gaiman has some good ones. Have you read Good Omens which he co-wrote with Terry Pratchett? I also read a book of short stories by Neil Gaiman. I loved his one about the origins of the Devil.

I *loved* Good Omens!! Its one of the funniest books ever. I need to re-read it sometime soon. I have his first book of short stories, but need to get the 2nd one.

 

[wallyb]

Lamb
Christopher Moore

But I love all his demented books!

 

[Sphyrna]

Only books I read are text books, and that's only for school. I should start reading more.

 

[rpmdfw]

I should start reading more.

And lucky you, we've all just recommended our favorite books for you to start!

 

[Nancy F]

And all the In Death books by Nora written as JD Robb. I can't pick just one. Sorry. But Midnight Bayou and Naked In Death are on my TBBW (to be buried with) list.
Nancy

 

[kingLouiethe1]

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

I love it so much I think I've read it about 5 times, its just amazing to me.

One of my favorite quotes about reading was from that covey guy that wrote 7 habits, "read voraciously, and if you don't know what that means, well that proves my point."

 

[Steve Smith]

thanks mate