Book Recommendations

[shiningstah]

Someone has to start it

[monsterzero]

Okay, I just finished The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. Yeah, it's scifi but also a very interesting character analysis and a good argument for the self-destructiveness of revenge.

[Deleted]

If you're into Inspirational/Spiritual books, here a few brilliant ones:

~ The Prophet- Kahlil Gibran

~ The Greatest Salesman in the World- (Part 1 & 2)- Og Mandino --
(Ok, I know the title sounds a little 'corny', but don't let that put you off. It doesn't really have anything to do with actual 'selling').....

~ Love Without End- Glenda Green

Also pick up any Edgar Cayce book.....they are all good. ;D

[Deleted]

Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg.

Terrific novel by a really talented writer. I read it about once a year, I love it so much. I think this was his first novel too.

[queequeg]

Both of Jeffrey Eugenides' books (The Virgin Suicides and Middlesex) are great, I only wish he published more often.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is an incredible book and, in the end, just so poignant it's painful.

[Deleted]

Isis said:

If you're into Inspirational/Spiritual books, here a few brilliant ones:



~ The Greatest Salesman in the World- (Part 1 & 2)- Og Mandino --
(Ok, I know the title sounds a little 'corny', but don't let that put you off. It doesn't really have anything to do with actual 'selling').....

Just had to weigh in on that book. It had a big hand in changing the way I approach life. Sounds corny and I am so not into self-help books but I use the phrase "I will persist until I succeed" at least once a day in my head. Totally corny but it's the truth.

[Deleted]

Be More Chill by Ned Vizzini. Yeah, it's a young adult fiction - so what?? I recommend it if you're in the mood for something light, quick and goofy.

[monsterzero]

The Tetherballs of Bougainville by Mark Leyner. One of the most insane things I've ever read and it's a pretty fast read as well. Enjoy.

[tinyshoes]

Anything and everything David Sedaris. That is all.

[mrpancake]

I really would like to read a David Sedaris book because I've heard only good things, and also, on a purely superficial level, he's Amy's brother. And Amy is awesome. If you are going the classical route, and you haven't yet read it, I highly, highly recommend Crime and Punishment. Yeah, it's really "Russian," but it's just so beautifully written. The detail is immense, yet it manages not to be boring, plus it has the best character development of any book I think I've ever read. I honestly can say I don't really like to read for pleasure that much (obviously, it doesn't give me much pleasure!) but I loved Crime and Punishment. The story is fascinating, and I was able to really feel like I was set in the story for the first time. I think it is probably one of the only books where I genuinely cared about the characters and was actually excited to continue on with for my own sake. The names take a bit of getting used to, but it's all pretty easy and logical (and I'm confused easily!). The symbolism is also nice (look for the color yellow throughout) without being too in your face, etc.

I've really only been reading for school these days about labor issues, but if you're into that I might recommend The Origins of Urban Crisis and In Dubious Battle by John Steinbeck. Dubious Battle is lesser known, but is interesting in its portrayal of the labor movement in America. To see how these people were treated and the passion for what they did is really amazing.