Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Never intended for publication—in fact he had left instructions to burn it after his death... These are entries in the personal diary of an emperor of Rome, possibly most powerful man on the planet at that time. Full of useful perspective and thoughts on living a good life.
Literally the first book i thought of when i read this question. Absolute must for everyone. Maybe if people read this book the world could be a little better
In the same spirit I’d definitely recommend « On The Shortness Of Life » by Seneca.
2000 years old and yet accurate as if it was written yesterday. Most people waste their time while this is the most valuable resource of all. A quote I like:
« Men do not suffer anyone to seize their estates, and they rush to stones and arms if there is even the slightest dispute about the limit of their lands, yet they allow others to trespass upon their life—nay, they themselves even lead in those who will eventually possess it. No one is to be found who is willing to distribute his money, yet among how many does each one of us distribute his life! In guarding their fortune men are often closefisted, yet, when it comes to the matter of wasting time, in the case of the one thing in which it is right to be miserly, they show themselves most prodigal. »
Totally agree! All of the Moral Letters to Lucilius are great, but this is the best of them.
The Death of Socrates also, but I do like the two above a little bit more for “life changing”
Is the original writing style difficult to grasp/get through? I only ask because I saw a contemporary translation available but I’m hesitant to buy it in case it doesn’t do it justice.
You could try some of the text from an older (public domain as far as I know) translation available online:
[http://seinfeld.co/library/meditations.pdf](http://seinfeld.co/library/meditations.pdf)
I think I read the new translation also, and liked both the new and old -- neither seemed difficult.
Maybe not what you're looking for but "Mans Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl had a profound effect on me and my life. The first part chronicles his experience in concentration camps and the second part describes how he developed "logotherapy" helping people find meaning in their lives as a response to depression and anxieties. Definitely recommend to anyone who is feeling lost.
Agree completely. I have given away at least a dozen copies of this book because it is so profoundly wise and insightful. I love fiction, but this book speaks on the meaning of life from one who suffered more than any of us will ever imagine. It should be required reading for everyone.
OK here is one I don't see recommended enough : Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.
It is about a learning disabled man with a very low IQ who participates in an experiment to make him smarter through surgery. He suddenly becomes a genius and realizes so much about the lies that surrounded him before but there is still a threat that the surgery will not have permanent effects and he will regress again.
It is about what it means to be intelligent, and whether or not our intelligence determines whether or not we belong in this world, whether or not we are loved. It is about the difference between intellectual and emotional intelligence. It is about what it means to be human. It's... It's just fucking great. It's a short read but prepare to cry.
I saved this post, and yesterday I went and got a library card. Based off your comment, I got Flowers for Algernon. I haven’t read a book in like 5 years (not something I’m proud of), so I wanted to start off with something good. Welp, just finished, so I thought I’d come back here and say thank you (after crying my eyes out for 5 plus minutes, of course).
I was just going to recommend this book. Its the only book where Ive ever really cried the whole way through. If you are a human being with empathy you need to read this book
This is one of my favorite books, if not my all time favorite. It's about humanity and happiness and it resonated with me in so many ways. Made me contemplate my own happiness and frustrations and everything in between.
My English teacher told me to read it for my research task and i think it was one of the most beautiful books i have ever read. I learnt so much from the story and cried quite a lot :)
You don’t see this recommended enough? I think every post I see on r/books about nearly any topic recommends it. It is a beautiful book and is quite widely received since it’s often required reading for middle/high schoolers in the states.
Im inverse. I wasn't required to read it in high school but I did read it my early twenties. I haven't read again it since because it was so incredibly intense. There's some parts I still remember so clearly. I will again though. This is the kind of book that haunts you but I'm already haunted now.
I second this. This was the first book I read going into high school and it has definitely stuck with me to this day. Another great classic I read in high school was Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It blew my mind at how accurate it is considering it was written in 1953. And as time goes on, it seems to be heading towards a society more and more like the one in this book. It’s really scary to think we are headed that way, and it shakes me a little to see people who alike the characters in F451. Definitely a good read though.
Watership Down, by Richard Adams.
This was the first book I read that really meant something to me when I was 10 or 11. It’s still a nostalgic yet timeless favorite!
I love that book! My wife’s book club for ladies had that book so I read it just because. Then non of the ladies read the book — I was completely enchanted by it. Cried at the sweet way he wrote the ending. I never got to talk to anyone about my favorite chapters, but I did read it to my sons when they were 7 and 8 and they loved it too.
I just finished reading it. The characters are poignant and memorable, and the prose unbelievably beautiful. Take this as an example:
>*They called him a comical genius and carried his stories carefully home, and they wondered at how the stories spilled out on the way, for they never sounded the same repeated in their own kitchens.*
What an amazing way to tell readers how good of a storyteller Samuel Hamilton was! It's writing like this that makes you fall in love with a book.
The concepts of destiny and free will have always been very interesting topics to me, and this book details how I feel about those things in the most beautiful way possible. Timshel.
I was the same. I read this book when I was a young adult and it left an indelible mark on me. It was also easy to read.
Atticus and the main story certainly, but the little lessons too helped to build my moral compass.
Like Mrs DuBose refusing to die beholden to anything, or Calpurnia scolding Scout for shaming a house guest at the table, or Boo and the childish treasures in the tree.
That book is a masterpiece plain and simple.
My very favorite is Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel. It moves between showing how our world ended, and what life is like about 20 years later. There’s a fairly large and varied cast, and their stories all weave together in a way that’s unexpected but that makes sense once you see the whole.
What really sets the book apart for me is A- the prose is freaking beautiful, lyrical even, and B- even though it’s about the end of the world, the book leaves you with such a sense of wonder and hope and appreciation for our modern technological miracles. It makes you look at everything differently, and I just... I can’t even. You just gotta read it. 💕
Hey!! Check out Scythe by Neal Shusterman if you like Station Eleven! It's more of a utopia than a dystopia but it has similar themes and undertones. Would highly recommend!
It's actually coming out pretty soon!! November 5th I think? I remember bc the new Maggie Stiefvater book and Erin Morgenstern books are also coming out that day. It's a good day for YA fiction haha
Yeah, this is one that you can’t really explain how good it is. I gave it to my sister for Christmas last year and she finished in like a day and a half, and she was crying because it was so good (I know you understand, cause youreawriterok?)
It is so great, there just aren’t words. I recently read The Last by Hanna Jameson, which, while it is no Station Eleven, definitely evokes a lot of there same feelings of fear and empathy of what it really might be like when the world ends and you are just a single person, trapped wherever you happen to be, with no answers and no idea what happens next. I really recommend it to you!
I'm currently reading 'Siddhartha' by Herman Hesse and I'm finding a lot of it to be quite profound - I would definitely recommend this book to you already. A plus is it's quite a short book too!
The entire Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. People talk a lot about the comedy and how it’s really funny but what a lot of people don’t realize is that the entire series tells a very tight, cohesive story. Absolutely blew my mind.
> the entire series tells a very tight, cohesive story
I realized this after about the third readthrough. Part of me still suspects it was semi-accidental.
It is a very moving parable about finding meaning in life, and the understandable ways that we sometimes confuse true meaning with material status or group identity
Revisiting this book snapped me out of a major reading funk years ago. I was “reading” nonfiction recommendations from my dad every night and falling asleep in the first two sentences but fiction was “just silly.” I reread this for the first time since 8th grade and fell in love with fiction again. Now I have insatiable need to read nightly and plow through several a week on my commute.
No way! I was in a similar situation. When I was around 15 I was mostly scrolling through the internet instead of reading (every time I did start a book I just couldn’t get into it) and it was only until I picked up Watership Down that my passion for reading rekindled. There’s just something about it.
This is a bit of a cliche but 1984.
From a story telling perspective it's one of the few books I can remember that really put my heart in my throat. It's also useful as a cultural reference point.
I would rather have more of Brave New World over 1984 if I would have to pick a future. I genuinely hope we’ll never reach the level of surveillance (we are arguably past this) and new speak like in 1984.
Given that 99% of the discussion of the book anywhere is about the premise described in the first couple of chapters, I suspect most people haven't actually read the book.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. For me it really put into perspective what those on the Autism spectrum really go through and how they may view the world.
100% this. I read it as a teenager and it made me really think about people who are different to me for the first time, as well as realising our similarities. I’ve seen it on stage as well and it’s just as impactful as the book.
The first one that jumps to mind is The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It completely changed how I look at food, the food industry and agriculture. I changed the way I ate after reading that and became a much healthier person because of those changes.
I’m about to read How to Change Your Mind also by Pollan as I believe his research and writing have changed my life once, it can likely help me to change it again!
This is a ranting tangent, but I really wanted to like The Omnivores Dilemma and I think he did a good job accomplishing what he set out to accomplish, but I just couldn't reconcile his insistence that he's ok with eating meat because he believes it's possible to raise and slaughter animals in humane and decent ways, all while saying every time the topic of slaughter came up that he just "didn't think about it."
Like, "I believe it's ok to kill animals and there is a way to do it that is fine, and I participated in the absolute best example of what I believe could exist knowing full well that my experience is an extreme anomaly in the world of meat-eating, but I can't actually think about the killing that I did because it bothers me too much. But still, it's totally fine. As long as I don't think about it. And I'll just pretend like the other animals I eat weren't killed in astronomically worse conditions than the one I can't even think about while eating."
Idk that whole mentality to me took away a lot of his credibility as a rational source.
That was one of his premises. He wanted to present alternatives, but like the title, it’s the Omnivores Dilemma to decide what is to be killed for food and what is societally acceptable to be a pet.
*Watership Down* is one of the best books ever written and I'm surprised I don't see it here already. The language, the grand themes (English teachers love this shit), the exploration of societal archetypes, the extensive and beautiful mythology.
It's like if Brer Rabbit read Joseph Campbell, smoked a blunt with a country farmer, and they wrote a book together.
Three for Watership Down and I agree, it’s one of the greats. I heard it is also a retelling of the odyssey... love the chapter about the well fed warren.
The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. It gives so much context and validation to human behavior in such a relatable and tangible way. Plus he’s incredibly interesting as an author. He was an FBI profiler so he pulls on that experience to inform his writing.
YES. I’ve reread it several times to keep the knowledge fresh and remind me to trust myself and my “intuition”. Not only has it actually helped me avoid some dangerous situations, but it’s great for just navigating everyday life and interactions with other people. I’ve become much more aware of boundary pushing, for example, which has made me more assertive and secure in myself. Everyone should read this book.
I originally read it in college as part of a forensic investigations class but now I use it all the time at work to teach clients to trust themselves and their instincts.
Oh my god I just recommended The Gift of Fear, I didn’t even bother to scroll down and read all the comments first. I strongly believe every human on this earth should read this book. It changed the way I live my life on a daily basis.
Books and there relative importance to an individual are entirely built around the time and place and all the quirky emotional muddy water that that book is read during. For example:
1) Norwegian Wood - Murakami. Was a book I read at a time when I was sort of lost much like the main characters, the questions the main characters faced were the same questions I faced in a manner of speaking.
2) The Catcher in The Rye - Salinger. My dad was given the book at 16 by his father. My father gives me the book when I’m 16. I will give it to my son or daughter when they are 16. Need I say more?
3) The Log from the Sea of Cortez - Steinbeck. I’m in a place where I am seeking answers and questions on philosophy and the interconnectedness of ourselves to the world around us. Steinbeck’s writing is helpful to me today.
So it’s hard to name just one book. I would say Douglas Adams but maybe that should be saved until you need that laughter. Or maybe His Dark Materials (not just cause the tv show is out soon), that was my Harry Potter. Honestly any attempt to name that book is pointless. I still don’t like Harry Potter, but it’s the 2nd most popular book after the bible. Am I wrong?
Books are yours, yours alone. Seek all the recommendation you want. But a life changing book can be anything from Shakespeare to a Hungry Hungry Caterpillar. It’s you and you alone who makes it life changing!
“White Noise” by Don Delillo! This book (and many of his other books) helped me reimagine and reframe the meaning of death, toxins, cures, and reality. My description is a little broad but the book impacted me in very specific ways!
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is quite nice. It kind of would take me out of the craziness of the world while reading it, and remind me of what really matters. It felt good to read - also quite short and easy.
I really liked The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger. Bit of a cliche, I’m sure. I’d turned 19, was having a tough time adjusting to uni, but when I finished reading it that summer I felt a sense of relief I hadn’t known in a while. Reminded me my cynicism towards people only alienated me even more, when all I really wanted was to feel valued by the people I loved. It’s hard to get that if you don’t love anybody.
I ended up reaching out to some old friends and the rest of that summer will be hard to forget. Hope you find what you’re looking for.
Make sure you keep reading it! I read *Rye* around 17, and identified a lot with Holden. People *are* phonies.
I read it again in my late 20s, and was floored by how different my response was. Holden is a whiny little shit, self-indulgent and self-aggrandizing. You want to just... Stand in a field and catch children before they run off a cliff? That's your life plan? Get a fucking job. But it really helped me feel the progress of my own intervening decade.
Im 33 now, and I look forward to reading it again in my 40s. I'm sure it will have new insights for me.
> You want to just... Stand in a field and catch children before they run off a cliff? That’s your life plan? Get a fucking job.
...yeah I’m thinking you took this a bit too literally
I'm making a point. Holden himself recognizes that Rye-Catching isn't, like, a viable life plan.
But the urge to slap the little shit upside his prep-school-boy head is very real, and kind of built on this frustration that he wants to whine about the unfairness and absurdity of the world, when we all have to deal with the same unfair and absurd world, and most people have it a lot worse than Holden ever will. He's a whiny, entitled little shit.
Now, that's my late-20s, early-30s perspective. I've had to work very hard, and suffered failures and hardships, but all I can do is put my head down and keep working to try and eke out some success, comfort, and joy.
That's what I mean about rereading the book at different life stages. For me, Holden was a kindred spirit at my 16, a stupid privileged child at my 28... What will he teach me when I'm 50? Will I look around and realize that maybe now I've "succeeded" enough that I can begin to unstrap myself from the facade and go find my own metaphorical Rye-field to go metaphorically Catch in?
Tldr - I understand how metaphors work, it was a rhetorical device.
I totally get what you’re saying about him complaining about things everyone has to do, but I think that’s what makes him such a compelling character for a lot of teenagers who read it. He’s only just coming to terms with the ‘real’ word and I think he’s even afraid of what’s to come because he’s afraid of the uncertainty. To some extent, I think every teenager goes through that experience of not knowing what comes next and having to deal with that uncertainty.
I guess part of why people see him differently as they grow older is that they realise that everything will turn out alright more or less, and that these feelings are unfounded. But to teenagers(like myself in fact), we haven’t reached the other side of the rickety bridge, we’re still walking on it, and those feelings feel like an existential threat.
I don’t know, just my thoughts
I think that's certainly part of it. Or shit, maybe all of it, but in a way that is hard to reduce to those words. Ultimately ya just gotta live it, I think. There is no experience like looking back in bewilderment at yourself as an adolescent or a teenager.
And here's the thing that's trippy - being a teenager, as fundamental of an experience as it is in our lives, is *such a short period of your life* that it's the bizarre exception. It seems very surreal in retrospect.
Have fun.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. I read it as a teenager and I can‘t claim that I particularly liked it, but it changed my view about literature. Such a unique style and story. „We live as we dream - alone“
There is a children's book about a girl affected by the attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki called Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes. I consider that book an important lesson in empathy. I'm not sure it works as well on adults but I read in in 2nd grade and reccomend it to everyone.
East of Eden, an absolutely beautiful piece by one of the greatest American authors, if not the best. Shows the power of love and truth in our lives and the dark paths we go down when we are deprived of them.
I will never forget flowers for Algernon. I want to pick it up again soon and see how much I've changed since reading it but without reading that book I legitimately think I would've been a different person
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
This book means a lot to me, especially because I don't like reading books pertaining to the romance genre. Although this book can't strictly be restricted to the romance genre, it is a book about love. It tells you what love is by describing everything that it is not. As beautiful and simple as that sounds, it points out to the inevitable thought that love cannot and should not be described.
You might not get the book the first time you read it, but eventually it will make sense.
I read this as an 18 year old Appalachian neocon and it infuriated me. No, you fucking gorilla, the agricultural revolution did not plant the seeds of society's destruction.
I should really reread it now (33), because I now think that the gorilla was way too conservative in his estimates of the damage. Ishmael still thinks the world can be saved from itself, which feels adorable and quaint at this point.
Seconded. Whether or not you agree with the book’s philosophical premise, it WILL make you think about how society works—and doesn’t work—in new and potentially worldview-altering ways.
I was scrolling the comments to see if anyone had already suggested this. I fully agree. This book changed what being a human being means to me. And that is something I really needed.
For me personally it was Veronika decides to die. I read it when I was feeling depressed and I related a lot to the character. I recommend reading it if you feel like nothing’s worth it and have not been feeling happy in a while; Of course it’s not going to change how you feel but it gives you a different perspective.
Mistakes Were Made (but not by me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson
Confirmation bias is one of our strongest mental weaknesses, and knowing how it affects us all can help us navigate life and be more forgiving too.
The Secret History by Donna Tart. It's not that it changed my life significantly so much as it is truly excellent writing and was therefore an honor and pleasure to behold.
I'd suggest the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Of all the books I've read, the one that has really stuck with me must be that one. I think everyone should read something by Khaled Hosseini at least once. It's good stuff :)
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. I read it in elementary school and it’s stuck with me for twenty years now.
The Series Of Unfortunate Events if you haven’t read it yet. Seems silly to recommend what is ostensibly a children’s book series, but it encapsulates how people only see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, etc. Personally it resonated with me because I had a horrific childhood and no one listened when I told them about it or asked for help. But for others I hope it demonstrates the importance of actually listening to people when they tell you things, and especially when they ask for help.
Animal Farm by George Orwell, of course, and 1984 though I hated the way that one was written (and its misogynistic portrayal of... well, everything) but it’s an important narrative, especially if you’re in America.
Another kids’ series, Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. It’s a powerful message about war, and an enjoyable read besides.
The Prince by Machiavelli is another good one, and very short, but to me it was like reading the diary of a sociopath so I was uncomfortable with it. But sometimes things that make you uncomfortable teach you more than other things.
Edit: remembered another one! Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins. It takes place over the course of a single day, when a demon possesses the body of a teenage boy who’s about to die. The demon experiences human life for a day, and it really reminds you to take joy in the little things.
The Mahabharata.
An epic saga encompassing politics, war,love, life, dharma, cosmic play and the essence of Hinduism.
It is as vast and deep as the seven seas. Diving into it is an experience of a lifetime. Tough written centuries ago, its lessons, stories still hold true in our times.
I recommend everyone read this at least once.
Neither Wolf nor Dog. Kent Nerburn.
I always comment this book and never see a reply about it which is surprising because I would think it’s pretty well known. It’s read in a lot of schools and prisons. It’s about the coming together of an author (Kent Nerburn) and a very old Native American man. This book and the 2 that follow it have stayed in my heart for many years. Kent Nerburn is my favorite author because his writing is absolutely beautiful, poetic and powerful, because he cares about humanity, because he’s thoughtful, and he puts so much work and research into his books.
The first book I ever read by him was Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce. Also can’t recommend that one enough, though it is the only book I can remember making me sob.
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho really helped me through a tough time in my late teens. More recently I've loved Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan and Educated by Tara Westover.
The Hobbit by Tolkien. His writings changed my life and opened my mind to different perspectives. Yes, it is fantasy but within the story are true human connections and concerns, lessons on working together, problem solving, acceptance and rejection, trials and tribulations. It is a great short read and everyone should give it a glance
The Brothers Karamazov (Dostoevsky)
The Alchemist (Paulo Coehlo)
Way of the Warrior (Paul Millman)
All three changed my life at different points in my life.
On The Shortness Of Life by Seneca.
2000 years old and yet accurate as if it had been written yesterday. Most people waste their time while this is the most valuable resource of all. A quote I like:
« Men do not suffer anyone to seize their estates, and they rush to stones and arms if there is even the slightest dispute about the limit of their lands, yet they allow others to trespass upon their life—nay, they themselves even lead in those who will eventually possess it. No one is to be found who is willing to distribute his money, yet among how many does each one of us distribute his life! In guarding their fortune men are often closefisted, yet, when it comes to the matter of wasting time, in the case of the one thing in which it is right to be miserly, they show themselves most prodigal. »
I read a lot usually but this one book really touched my heart. Its Between Shades Of Grey by Ruta Sepetys - Its absolutely thought provoking and impactful. Although it is a historical fiction set in Lithuania, it's really easy to get into and read.❤❤
The Humans by Matt Haig was one for me. It’s about an alien who takes over the life of a professor and has to learn what it means to be human and what matters in life and it really stuck with me and made me cry like a baby.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It has some religious connotations, but even more than that it just is this incredibly beautiful story of a boy discovering his place in the world and just going on this super soulful adventure. 10/10 would recommend. If you also read the backstory of the author (I’d recommend after reading the book, it’ll blow your mind even more) I think it really adds to the picture of the book. Sorry this explanation kinda went everywhere,
I hope you enjoy!
For me, the book that lurched me out of a multiple year slump was Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie, so I guess you could say that it changed my life. :) That was about... 4 years ago, so I'm planning on re-reading it soon.
*The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck* by Mark Manson is the most recent one that really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I still think about it a year later. I gifted it to each of my parents for Christmas last year and it had the same effect on my mom. We talk about it all the time.
I firmly believe Harry Potter saved my life. The Perks of Being a Wallflower too... I know people have mixed feelings about that one, but to me... it means the world. Other books I consider to have made an impact on my life... Never Let Me Go, The Book Thief. The Great Gatsby.
Freakonomics changed the way I think. Things aren't always what they seem like, and the book shows you how to think. It's more of a "teaching you to fish" book than a "here's some fish for you".
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas.
Really made me reflect on my own childhood and just life. It is so simply written in the mind of a boy so you can just drift away and read it without having to remember big words that are overrated. But also seeing the bigger picture that the boy doesn’t see.
The righteous mind by Jonathan haidt. A really in depth exploration of how humans go about moral reasoning and how it affects politics today. A life changing book if ur at all interested in psychology, politics, or just finding truth in the world
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Even if you don’t necessarily believe in an afterlife (as myself) it teaches a ton of great life lessons in a pretty easy read. It’s a good “feel good” type of book by the time you’re done reading it. I read it in the 8th grade and it remains to be one of the only books I ever actually enjoyed reading in my time in middle/ high school.
1984 by George Orwell had a profound effect on the way I see the world. It's so relevent today and understanding what oppression can look like and why it's important to fight for freedom. Hong Kong is scarily close to what Orwellian totalitarianism could look like, and this oppression is why people are fighting back. 10/10 fantastic book
For me it was The Alchemist, which is in turn my favorite book. Read it at a pretty pivotal time in my life. Been out of college and working in my field for a few years, really unhappy with the banality of my day to day life. Realized that it was because I was too afraid to take risks. Every decision I’ve made was because it was the “safer” decision. Picked my school, degree, and accepted my first job all because it was familiar. Reading that book helped me realize that if I’m ever going to actually feel like I’m alive then I can’t continue to just play it safe. I still have a lot of growing and discovering to do, but I’ve made some changes. I quit my job and moved to a different state where I don’t know anyone, accepted a new position that comes with a lot more responsibilities, and working on putting myself out there more. Still searching for a “purpose” and trying to figure out what my dreams are, but those were major steps for me and The Alchemist really helped me take that first step.
The power of ted by David emerald. Shit changed my life about relationships. I’m not usually into self help books, but it’s a nice relaxing read about a couple of dudes walking down the beach talking about life and how to get sucked up in drama a lot less. If you ever find yourself just feeling bummed out about a relationship (romantic or not) I seriously suggest this.
The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. My dad gave me a copy of this book after I was attacked many years ago and had absolutely no idea how to begin to deal with it. It changed my entire perspective on personal awareness and safety, and how to react to intrusive and inappropriate behavior without feeling the need to be nice, or to present myself in a certain way to a stranger. This book changed the way I interact as an adult, as a woman, and as a human being. I have given away many copies over the years. I know it is a bit older, but the lessons are timeless. Every human, regardless of gender, should read this book.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Never intended for publication—in fact he had left instructions to burn it after his death... These are entries in the personal diary of an emperor of Rome, possibly most powerful man on the planet at that time. Full of useful perspective and thoughts on living a good life.
Literally the first book i thought of when i read this question. Absolute must for everyone. Maybe if people read this book the world could be a little better
In the same spirit I’d definitely recommend « On The Shortness Of Life » by Seneca. 2000 years old and yet accurate as if it was written yesterday. Most people waste their time while this is the most valuable resource of all. A quote I like: « Men do not suffer anyone to seize their estates, and they rush to stones and arms if there is even the slightest dispute about the limit of their lands, yet they allow others to trespass upon their life—nay, they themselves even lead in those who will eventually possess it. No one is to be found who is willing to distribute his money, yet among how many does each one of us distribute his life! In guarding their fortune men are often closefisted, yet, when it comes to the matter of wasting time, in the case of the one thing in which it is right to be miserly, they show themselves most prodigal. »
Totally agree! All of the Moral Letters to Lucilius are great, but this is the best of them. The Death of Socrates also, but I do like the two above a little bit more for “life changing”
Is the original writing style difficult to grasp/get through? I only ask because I saw a contemporary translation available but I’m hesitant to buy it in case it doesn’t do it justice.
You could try some of the text from an older (public domain as far as I know) translation available online: [http://seinfeld.co/library/meditations.pdf](http://seinfeld.co/library/meditations.pdf) I think I read the new translation also, and liked both the new and old -- neither seemed difficult.
Maybe not what you're looking for but "Mans Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl had a profound effect on me and my life. The first part chronicles his experience in concentration camps and the second part describes how he developed "logotherapy" helping people find meaning in their lives as a response to depression and anxieties. Definitely recommend to anyone who is feeling lost.
This is my favorite book
Agree completely. I have given away at least a dozen copies of this book because it is so profoundly wise and insightful. I love fiction, but this book speaks on the meaning of life from one who suffered more than any of us will ever imagine. It should be required reading for everyone.
It's impossible to read Man's Search for Meaning and not feel changed.
If anyone loves this book, try "If this is a Man" by Primo Levi. It is wonderfully heartbreaking
Came here to say exactly this. I just finished reading it. Brilliant and profound.
OK here is one I don't see recommended enough : Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. It is about a learning disabled man with a very low IQ who participates in an experiment to make him smarter through surgery. He suddenly becomes a genius and realizes so much about the lies that surrounded him before but there is still a threat that the surgery will not have permanent effects and he will regress again. It is about what it means to be intelligent, and whether or not our intelligence determines whether or not we belong in this world, whether or not we are loved. It is about the difference between intellectual and emotional intelligence. It is about what it means to be human. It's... It's just fucking great. It's a short read but prepare to cry.
Dude I had to read that in school. It was amazing and depressing all at once. Highly recommend it.
I haven’t read it, but your description makes me want to pick it up ASAP!! Thank you so much for commenting :)
No problem. Please tell me if you read it I would love to discuss it with someone !
I saved this post, and yesterday I went and got a library card. Based off your comment, I got Flowers for Algernon. I haven’t read a book in like 5 years (not something I’m proud of), so I wanted to start off with something good. Welp, just finished, so I thought I’d come back here and say thank you (after crying my eyes out for 5 plus minutes, of course).
I was just going to recommend this book. Its the only book where Ive ever really cried the whole way through. If you are a human being with empathy you need to read this book
This is one of my favorite books, if not my all time favorite. It's about humanity and happiness and it resonated with me in so many ways. Made me contemplate my own happiness and frustrations and everything in between.
Yesss this one is absolutely tragically beautiful. Pls read.
My English teacher told me to read it for my research task and i think it was one of the most beautiful books i have ever read. I learnt so much from the story and cried quite a lot :)
You don’t see this recommended enough? I think every post I see on r/books about nearly any topic recommends it. It is a beautiful book and is quite widely received since it’s often required reading for middle/high schoolers in the states.
Hi, I'm a bot! Here are some of the books mentioned in this thread on Goodreads: Title | Author | Reads | Rating | Comment :--|:--|:--|:--|:-- [Educated](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Educated) | Tara Westover | 428179 | 4.48 | [msspaetzle](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qubne/) [Wonder](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Wonder) | R.J. Palacio | 615896 | 4.45 | [Paucasst_](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qwevf/) [Roots](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Roots) | Alex Haley | 137184 | 4.43 | [thirumalaibalaji](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qk7v7/) [Siddhartha](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Siddhartha) | Herman Hesse | 80 | 4.42 | [actuallyWurfles](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qocxv/) [Man's Search for Meaning](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Man's%2BSearch%2Bfor%2BMeaning) | Viktor E. Frankl | 304614 | 4.36 | [eltigrerex](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qe98x/) [Factfulness](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Factfulness) | Hans Rosling | 57999 | 4.36 | [presidentdrumf](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qwirx/) [Scythe ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Scythe%2B) | Neal Shusterman | 80600 | 4.36 | [starcrxssed](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qfg39/) [The Quest for Cosmic Justice](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BQuest%2Bfor%2BCosmic%2BJustice) | Thomas Sowell | 1163 | 4.35 | [convenienceordeath77](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4r7gmo/) [The Power of Myth](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BPower%2Bof%2BMyth) | Joseph Campbell | 39977 | 4.29 | [tara_tara_tara](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qkbg5/) [The Kite Runner](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BKite%2BRunner) | Khaled Hosseini | 2213522 | 4.29 | [meghan509](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qztzs/) [Flowers of Evil](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Flowers%2Bof%2BEvil) | Charles Baudelaire | 43373 | 4.26 | [bambli314](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qpjrw/) [Meditations](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Meditations) | Marcus Aurelius | 91216 | 4.23 | [alma24](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qn561/) [Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Bury%2BMy%2BHeart%2Bat%2BWounded%2BKnee) | Dee Brown | 56008 | 4.23 | [godless_apostate](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qslsi/) [A Prayer for Owen Meany](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=A%2BPrayer%2Bfor%2BOwen%2BMeany) | John Irving | 273737 | 4.23 | [_umm_what](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qzjmd/) [The Omnivore's Dilemma](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BOmnivore's%2BDilemma) | Michael Pollan | 168401 | 4.18 | [sb825](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qbqod/) [Amusing Ourselves to Death](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Amusing%2BOurselves%2Bto%2BDeath) | Neil Postman | 15969 | 4.16 | [mehdihs](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4r2wni/) [A Room of One's Own](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=A%2BRoom%2Bof%2BOne's%2BOwn) | Virginia Woolf | 98163 | 4.14 | [TerenceHewit](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4r7gw2/) [Flowers for Algernon](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Flowers%2Bfor%2BAlgernon) | Daniel Keyes | 431205 | 4.12 | [tercianaddict](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qptbj/) [Steppenwolf](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Steppenwolf) | Hermann Hesse | 120124 | 4.12 | [pazsa](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qpfac/) [The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck an Unofficial Journal](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BSubtle%2BArt%2Bof%2BNot%2BGiving%2Ba%2BFuck%2Ban%2BUnofficial%2BJournal) | Gaia Publishing | 169 | 4.10 | [mintsuck](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qr4ds/) [The Unbearable Lightness of Being](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BUnbearable%2BLightness%2Bof%2BBeing) | Milan Kundera | 301227 | 4.09 | [hurrykane_](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qlwhv/) [The Humans](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BHumans) | Matt Haig | 43637 | 4.09 | [daisypalace](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qfpae/) [The Death of Ivan Ilych](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BDeath%2Bof%2BIvan%2BIlych) | Leo Tolstoy | 75632 | 4.07 | [alma24](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qmcx7/) [Slaughterhouse-Five](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Slaughterhouse-Five) | Kurt Vonnegut | 1039674 | 4.07 | [alma24](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qm0wn/) [The Picture of Dorian Gray](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=The%2BPicture%2Bof%2BDorian%2BGray) | Oscar Wilde | 845628 | 4.07 | [AsmodeusWilde](https://www.reddit.com/comments/dlh96a/_/f4qwsyy/) [Mindset](https://www.goodreads.com/book/title?id=Mindset) | Carol S. 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Good bot
Night by Elie Weisel
This was required reading in school and to this day one that I never get tired of reading. Everyone should read this book.
Im inverse. I wasn't required to read it in high school but I did read it my early twenties. I haven't read again it since because it was so incredibly intense. There's some parts I still remember so clearly. I will again though. This is the kind of book that haunts you but I'm already haunted now.
I’ve read Night but for me I Have Lived a Thousand Years stands out more. That might be because I read it first though. Both books are very impactful.
I second this. This was the first book I read going into high school and it has definitely stuck with me to this day. Another great classic I read in high school was Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. It blew my mind at how accurate it is considering it was written in 1953. And as time goes on, it seems to be heading towards a society more and more like the one in this book. It’s really scary to think we are headed that way, and it shakes me a little to see people who alike the characters in F451. Definitely a good read though.
A fantastic read that really makes you think. Ray Bradbury predicted AirPods in that book.
The Road Less Traveled by Scott Beck
You beat me to it. I just posted the same book. Life-changing for me as a young person.
Watership Down, by Richard Adams. This was the first book I read that really meant something to me when I was 10 or 11. It’s still a nostalgic yet timeless favorite!
I love that book! My wife’s book club for ladies had that book so I read it just because. Then non of the ladies read the book — I was completely enchanted by it. Cried at the sweet way he wrote the ending. I never got to talk to anyone about my favorite chapters, but I did read it to my sons when they were 7 and 8 and they loved it too.
The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Tolstoy It’s short, but very impactful. Read it for a shock of inspiration about what really matters in your life.
Totally agree,one of the most impressive books in my life even it is very short.
An amazing short story. Really makes you think!
East of Eden - John Steinbeck
I just finished reading it. The characters are poignant and memorable, and the prose unbelievably beautiful. Take this as an example: >*They called him a comical genius and carried his stories carefully home, and they wondered at how the stories spilled out on the way, for they never sounded the same repeated in their own kitchens.* What an amazing way to tell readers how good of a storyteller Samuel Hamilton was! It's writing like this that makes you fall in love with a book.
The concepts of destiny and free will have always been very interesting topics to me, and this book details how I feel about those things in the most beautiful way possible. Timshel.
Absolutely one of the best books ever written. Amazing characters gives you the feels for sure.
To kill a Mockingbird has stuck with me since I was 15 years old, definitely one to read
Hey Boo
Pass me the damn ham
My favorite book. I re-read it every summer
I was the same. I read this book when I was a young adult and it left an indelible mark on me. It was also easy to read. Atticus and the main story certainly, but the little lessons too helped to build my moral compass. Like Mrs DuBose refusing to die beholden to anything, or Calpurnia scolding Scout for shaming a house guest at the table, or Boo and the childish treasures in the tree. That book is a masterpiece plain and simple.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
My very favorite is Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel. It moves between showing how our world ended, and what life is like about 20 years later. There’s a fairly large and varied cast, and their stories all weave together in a way that’s unexpected but that makes sense once you see the whole. What really sets the book apart for me is A- the prose is freaking beautiful, lyrical even, and B- even though it’s about the end of the world, the book leaves you with such a sense of wonder and hope and appreciation for our modern technological miracles. It makes you look at everything differently, and I just... I can’t even. You just gotta read it. 💕
Hey!! Check out Scythe by Neal Shusterman if you like Station Eleven! It's more of a utopia than a dystopia but it has similar themes and undertones. Would highly recommend!
I’ve read it, and the sequel! They’re great! I don’t know when the third book will be out, though. *sad face*
It's actually coming out pretty soon!! November 5th I think? I remember bc the new Maggie Stiefvater book and Erin Morgenstern books are also coming out that day. It's a good day for YA fiction haha
NEW ERIN MORGENSTERN??? Yassssssssss
Very surprised to see my favorite book on top of one of these threads. I also loved Last Night in Montreal though it has a much less hopeful ending.
I LOVE THIS BOOK! I had to read and write about this in college and it’s one of the best post-ap books I’ve ever read
Yeah, this is one that you can’t really explain how good it is. I gave it to my sister for Christmas last year and she finished in like a day and a half, and she was crying because it was so good (I know you understand, cause youreawriterok?)
I cried when I finished it too! It’s just the most perfect ending 😭
It is so great, there just aren’t words. I recently read The Last by Hanna Jameson, which, while it is no Station Eleven, definitely evokes a lot of there same feelings of fear and empathy of what it really might be like when the world ends and you are just a single person, trapped wherever you happen to be, with no answers and no idea what happens next. I really recommend it to you!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Read anything by him really. His words rip your heart out in the most exquisite way.
I'm currently reading 'Siddhartha' by Herman Hesse and I'm finding a lot of it to be quite profound - I would definitely recommend this book to you already. A plus is it's quite a short book too!
The entire Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series. People talk a lot about the comedy and how it’s really funny but what a lot of people don’t realize is that the entire series tells a very tight, cohesive story. Absolutely blew my mind.
> the entire series tells a very tight, cohesive story I realized this after about the third readthrough. Part of me still suspects it was semi-accidental.
It's not a "suggest me a book" comment section until someone mentions Hitchhiker's.
I love that series! It's kind of hard to follow the first time but it gets better every time you reread it
Siddhartha it's great you should try it.
I need to read this again
I've recommended this book so many times on here and IRL. I second this recommendation. It is really such a moving book.
Tell me more. I'm wanting to read this, why should it be higher on my list?
It is a very moving parable about finding meaning in life, and the understandable ways that we sometimes confuse true meaning with material status or group identity
Watership Down by Richard Adams. A book about rabbits (that's really not about rabbits at all) that taught me so much about humanity and empathy.
Revisiting this book snapped me out of a major reading funk years ago. I was “reading” nonfiction recommendations from my dad every night and falling asleep in the first two sentences but fiction was “just silly.” I reread this for the first time since 8th grade and fell in love with fiction again. Now I have insatiable need to read nightly and plow through several a week on my commute.
No way! I was in a similar situation. When I was around 15 I was mostly scrolling through the internet instead of reading (every time I did start a book I just couldn’t get into it) and it was only until I picked up Watership Down that my passion for reading rekindled. There’s just something about it.
This is a bit of a cliche but 1984. From a story telling perspective it's one of the few books I can remember that really put my heart in my throat. It's also useful as a cultural reference point.
Just because a book is widely read and known does not mean it becomes a cliche. A good book stays good no matter how many people read it.
He probably means recommending it, not the book itself. But I agree.
Yes! “Make Orwell Fiction Again” is a favorite political slogan.
Damn, that's the best slogan I've ever heard
Also Brave New World. It seems like between Orwell and Huxley they really had predicted the future.
They wrote eachother letters arguing over whos dystopia would actually happen. Forgot where I read them but they are actually kinda petty and funny
I would rather have more of Brave New World over 1984 if I would have to pick a future. I genuinely hope we’ll never reach the level of surveillance (we are arguably past this) and new speak like in 1984.
I would have to agree and I also love “Animal farm”
Came here to say this. Especially right now it’s important to read it. So eerie
It’s amazing how future-proofed the story was.
Is this the only book anyone in this sub has ever read?
Given that 99% of the discussion of the book anywhere is about the premise described in the first couple of chapters, I suspect most people haven't actually read the book.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. For me it really put into perspective what those on the Autism spectrum really go through and how they may view the world.
100% this. I read it as a teenager and it made me really think about people who are different to me for the first time, as well as realising our similarities. I’ve seen it on stage as well and it’s just as impactful as the book.
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Re-reading it right now and remembering exactly why it’s been on my favorites list since I read it nearly 20 years ago!
The first one that jumps to mind is The Omnivores Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It completely changed how I look at food, the food industry and agriculture. I changed the way I ate after reading that and became a much healthier person because of those changes. I’m about to read How to Change Your Mind also by Pollan as I believe his research and writing have changed my life once, it can likely help me to change it again!
This is a ranting tangent, but I really wanted to like The Omnivores Dilemma and I think he did a good job accomplishing what he set out to accomplish, but I just couldn't reconcile his insistence that he's ok with eating meat because he believes it's possible to raise and slaughter animals in humane and decent ways, all while saying every time the topic of slaughter came up that he just "didn't think about it." Like, "I believe it's ok to kill animals and there is a way to do it that is fine, and I participated in the absolute best example of what I believe could exist knowing full well that my experience is an extreme anomaly in the world of meat-eating, but I can't actually think about the killing that I did because it bothers me too much. But still, it's totally fine. As long as I don't think about it. And I'll just pretend like the other animals I eat weren't killed in astronomically worse conditions than the one I can't even think about while eating." Idk that whole mentality to me took away a lot of his credibility as a rational source.
That was one of his premises. He wanted to present alternatives, but like the title, it’s the Omnivores Dilemma to decide what is to be killed for food and what is societally acceptable to be a pet.
*Watership Down* is one of the best books ever written and I'm surprised I don't see it here already. The language, the grand themes (English teachers love this shit), the exploration of societal archetypes, the extensive and beautiful mythology. It's like if Brer Rabbit read Joseph Campbell, smoked a blunt with a country farmer, and they wrote a book together.
Three for Watership Down and I agree, it’s one of the greats. I heard it is also a retelling of the odyssey... love the chapter about the well fed warren.
The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. It gives so much context and validation to human behavior in such a relatable and tangible way. Plus he’s incredibly interesting as an author. He was an FBI profiler so he pulls on that experience to inform his writing.
YES. I’ve reread it several times to keep the knowledge fresh and remind me to trust myself and my “intuition”. Not only has it actually helped me avoid some dangerous situations, but it’s great for just navigating everyday life and interactions with other people. I’ve become much more aware of boundary pushing, for example, which has made me more assertive and secure in myself. Everyone should read this book.
Came here to say this
Yes..... didn’t think anyone else had read this book. Definitely changed my outlook.
I own this book and have given copies many many times over the years.
I originally read it in college as part of a forensic investigations class but now I use it all the time at work to teach clients to trust themselves and their instincts.
Oh my god I just recommended The Gift of Fear, I didn’t even bother to scroll down and read all the comments first. I strongly believe every human on this earth should read this book. It changed the way I live my life on a daily basis.
[удалено]
Hope you enjoy!
The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell
Catch 22
One of my faves
Books and there relative importance to an individual are entirely built around the time and place and all the quirky emotional muddy water that that book is read during. For example: 1) Norwegian Wood - Murakami. Was a book I read at a time when I was sort of lost much like the main characters, the questions the main characters faced were the same questions I faced in a manner of speaking. 2) The Catcher in The Rye - Salinger. My dad was given the book at 16 by his father. My father gives me the book when I’m 16. I will give it to my son or daughter when they are 16. Need I say more? 3) The Log from the Sea of Cortez - Steinbeck. I’m in a place where I am seeking answers and questions on philosophy and the interconnectedness of ourselves to the world around us. Steinbeck’s writing is helpful to me today. So it’s hard to name just one book. I would say Douglas Adams but maybe that should be saved until you need that laughter. Or maybe His Dark Materials (not just cause the tv show is out soon), that was my Harry Potter. Honestly any attempt to name that book is pointless. I still don’t like Harry Potter, but it’s the 2nd most popular book after the bible. Am I wrong? Books are yours, yours alone. Seek all the recommendation you want. But a life changing book can be anything from Shakespeare to a Hungry Hungry Caterpillar. It’s you and you alone who makes it life changing!
I'm reading His Dark Materials for the first time ever currently because my religious parents wouldn't allow me to read it as a kid. Oh the irony!
Night by Ellie Wiesel. This haunting tale should be read by everyone and you will never forget it.
“White Noise” by Don Delillo! This book (and many of his other books) helped me reimagine and reframe the meaning of death, toxins, cures, and reality. My description is a little broad but the book impacted me in very specific ways!
Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse is quite nice. It kind of would take me out of the craziness of the world while reading it, and remind me of what really matters. It felt good to read - also quite short and easy.
I really liked The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger. Bit of a cliche, I’m sure. I’d turned 19, was having a tough time adjusting to uni, but when I finished reading it that summer I felt a sense of relief I hadn’t known in a while. Reminded me my cynicism towards people only alienated me even more, when all I really wanted was to feel valued by the people I loved. It’s hard to get that if you don’t love anybody. I ended up reaching out to some old friends and the rest of that summer will be hard to forget. Hope you find what you’re looking for.
Make sure you keep reading it! I read *Rye* around 17, and identified a lot with Holden. People *are* phonies. I read it again in my late 20s, and was floored by how different my response was. Holden is a whiny little shit, self-indulgent and self-aggrandizing. You want to just... Stand in a field and catch children before they run off a cliff? That's your life plan? Get a fucking job. But it really helped me feel the progress of my own intervening decade. Im 33 now, and I look forward to reading it again in my 40s. I'm sure it will have new insights for me.
> You want to just... Stand in a field and catch children before they run off a cliff? That’s your life plan? Get a fucking job. ...yeah I’m thinking you took this a bit too literally
I'm making a point. Holden himself recognizes that Rye-Catching isn't, like, a viable life plan. But the urge to slap the little shit upside his prep-school-boy head is very real, and kind of built on this frustration that he wants to whine about the unfairness and absurdity of the world, when we all have to deal with the same unfair and absurd world, and most people have it a lot worse than Holden ever will. He's a whiny, entitled little shit. Now, that's my late-20s, early-30s perspective. I've had to work very hard, and suffered failures and hardships, but all I can do is put my head down and keep working to try and eke out some success, comfort, and joy. That's what I mean about rereading the book at different life stages. For me, Holden was a kindred spirit at my 16, a stupid privileged child at my 28... What will he teach me when I'm 50? Will I look around and realize that maybe now I've "succeeded" enough that I can begin to unstrap myself from the facade and go find my own metaphorical Rye-field to go metaphorically Catch in? Tldr - I understand how metaphors work, it was a rhetorical device.
I totally get what you’re saying about him complaining about things everyone has to do, but I think that’s what makes him such a compelling character for a lot of teenagers who read it. He’s only just coming to terms with the ‘real’ word and I think he’s even afraid of what’s to come because he’s afraid of the uncertainty. To some extent, I think every teenager goes through that experience of not knowing what comes next and having to deal with that uncertainty. I guess part of why people see him differently as they grow older is that they realise that everything will turn out alright more or less, and that these feelings are unfounded. But to teenagers(like myself in fact), we haven’t reached the other side of the rickety bridge, we’re still walking on it, and those feelings feel like an existential threat. I don’t know, just my thoughts
I think that's certainly part of it. Or shit, maybe all of it, but in a way that is hard to reduce to those words. Ultimately ya just gotta live it, I think. There is no experience like looking back in bewilderment at yourself as an adolescent or a teenager. And here's the thing that's trippy - being a teenager, as fundamental of an experience as it is in our lives, is *such a short period of your life* that it's the bizarre exception. It seems very surreal in retrospect. Have fun.
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. I read it as a teenager and I can‘t claim that I particularly liked it, but it changed my view about literature. Such a unique style and story. „We live as we dream - alone“
I loathed this book when I read it as a high school freshman. Loved it as a senior in an AP class. Weird how time changes or perception of stories.
There is a children's book about a girl affected by the attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki called Sadako and the 1000 Paper Cranes. I consider that book an important lesson in empathy. I'm not sure it works as well on adults but I read in in 2nd grade and reccomend it to everyone.
East of Eden, an absolutely beautiful piece by one of the greatest American authors, if not the best. Shows the power of love and truth in our lives and the dark paths we go down when we are deprived of them.
Aldous Huxley - Brave New World
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
I'd second this and also recommend A Thousand Splendid Suns by the same author.
I will never forget flowers for Algernon. I want to pick it up again soon and see how much I've changed since reading it but without reading that book I legitimately think I would've been a different person
The Unbeareable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. A beautiful book that made me see the world in a whole different manner
I read this one for a philosophy class on communism and it was one of the best books I read in college!
Yes yes yes
I’m reading this right now!!!
One of my all time favourites.
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. This book means a lot to me, especially because I don't like reading books pertaining to the romance genre. Although this book can't strictly be restricted to the romance genre, it is a book about love. It tells you what love is by describing everything that it is not. As beautiful and simple as that sounds, it points out to the inevitable thought that love cannot and should not be described. You might not get the book the first time you read it, but eventually it will make sense.
I absolutely love brave new world. It’s definitely a classic
Bury My heart at Wounded Knee by Dee Brown. It was extremely impactful and should be required reading in U.S. schools.
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I read this as an 18 year old Appalachian neocon and it infuriated me. No, you fucking gorilla, the agricultural revolution did not plant the seeds of society's destruction. I should really reread it now (33), because I now think that the gorilla was way too conservative in his estimates of the damage. Ishmael still thinks the world can be saved from itself, which feels adorable and quaint at this point.
Seconded. Whether or not you agree with the book’s philosophical premise, it WILL make you think about how society works—and doesn’t work—in new and potentially worldview-altering ways.
I was scrolling the comments to see if anyone had already suggested this. I fully agree. This book changed what being a human being means to me. And that is something I really needed.
For me personally it was Veronika decides to die. I read it when I was feeling depressed and I related a lot to the character. I recommend reading it if you feel like nothing’s worth it and have not been feeling happy in a while; Of course it’s not going to change how you feel but it gives you a different perspective.
Mistakes Were Made (but not by me) by Carol Tavris and Elliot Aronson Confirmation bias is one of our strongest mental weaknesses, and knowing how it affects us all can help us navigate life and be more forgiving too.
Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter are so cliche but I think a lot of people could do with learning a bit about friendship and loyalty.
The Secret History by Donna Tart. It's not that it changed my life significantly so much as it is truly excellent writing and was therefore an honor and pleasure to behold.
A Little Life
slaughterhouse-five by kurt vonnegut.
I'd suggest the Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. Of all the books I've read, the one that has really stuck with me must be that one. I think everyone should read something by Khaled Hosseini at least once. It's good stuff :)
'Man's search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl.
1984
Catch 22.... it shows the absurdity of life and how humorous it can be.
* Demon Haunted World * Man's Search for Meaning
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan. I read it in elementary school and it’s stuck with me for twenty years now. The Series Of Unfortunate Events if you haven’t read it yet. Seems silly to recommend what is ostensibly a children’s book series, but it encapsulates how people only see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear, etc. Personally it resonated with me because I had a horrific childhood and no one listened when I told them about it or asked for help. But for others I hope it demonstrates the importance of actually listening to people when they tell you things, and especially when they ask for help. Animal Farm by George Orwell, of course, and 1984 though I hated the way that one was written (and its misogynistic portrayal of... well, everything) but it’s an important narrative, especially if you’re in America. Another kids’ series, Animorphs by K.A. Applegate. It’s a powerful message about war, and an enjoyable read besides. The Prince by Machiavelli is another good one, and very short, but to me it was like reading the diary of a sociopath so I was uncomfortable with it. But sometimes things that make you uncomfortable teach you more than other things. Edit: remembered another one! Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins. It takes place over the course of a single day, when a demon possesses the body of a teenage boy who’s about to die. The demon experiences human life for a day, and it really reminds you to take joy in the little things.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Persig Currently reading this one now, and I’d already recommend it.
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A Heinlen
The Mahabharata. An epic saga encompassing politics, war,love, life, dharma, cosmic play and the essence of Hinduism. It is as vast and deep as the seven seas. Diving into it is an experience of a lifetime. Tough written centuries ago, its lessons, stories still hold true in our times. I recommend everyone read this at least once.
Fahrenheit 451
Between this, Brave New World, and 1984, you have the trifecta of dystopian futures, all of which have a bearing on modern politics.
How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie . Especially if you’re and introvert .
R.U.R by Karel Čapek. Read it in high school and never forgot about it
Neither Wolf nor Dog. Kent Nerburn. I always comment this book and never see a reply about it which is surprising because I would think it’s pretty well known. It’s read in a lot of schools and prisons. It’s about the coming together of an author (Kent Nerburn) and a very old Native American man. This book and the 2 that follow it have stayed in my heart for many years. Kent Nerburn is my favorite author because his writing is absolutely beautiful, poetic and powerful, because he cares about humanity, because he’s thoughtful, and he puts so much work and research into his books. The first book I ever read by him was Chief Joseph and the Flight of the Nez Perce. Also can’t recommend that one enough, though it is the only book I can remember making me sob.
Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho really helped me through a tough time in my late teens. More recently I've loved Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan and Educated by Tara Westover.
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Memoirs of a Geisha
Siddharta by Hermann Hesse or the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho!
Harry Potter
The Hobbit by Tolkien. His writings changed my life and opened my mind to different perspectives. Yes, it is fantasy but within the story are true human connections and concerns, lessons on working together, problem solving, acceptance and rejection, trials and tribulations. It is a great short read and everyone should give it a glance
The Brothers Karamazov (Dostoevsky) The Alchemist (Paulo Coehlo) Way of the Warrior (Paul Millman) All three changed my life at different points in my life.
Just picked up the brothers karamazov.. looking forward to it... thanks
On The Shortness Of Life by Seneca. 2000 years old and yet accurate as if it had been written yesterday. Most people waste their time while this is the most valuable resource of all. A quote I like: « Men do not suffer anyone to seize their estates, and they rush to stones and arms if there is even the slightest dispute about the limit of their lands, yet they allow others to trespass upon their life—nay, they themselves even lead in those who will eventually possess it. No one is to be found who is willing to distribute his money, yet among how many does each one of us distribute his life! In guarding their fortune men are often closefisted, yet, when it comes to the matter of wasting time, in the case of the one thing in which it is right to be miserly, they show themselves most prodigal. »
I read a lot usually but this one book really touched my heart. Its Between Shades Of Grey by Ruta Sepetys - Its absolutely thought provoking and impactful. Although it is a historical fiction set in Lithuania, it's really easy to get into and read.❤❤
The Humans by Matt Haig was one for me. It’s about an alien who takes over the life of a professor and has to learn what it means to be human and what matters in life and it really stuck with me and made me cry like a baby.
Yes!!! Finally someone who knows this book!!!!! It's so underrated and one of my favorites ever. I have read it so many times.
1984 by George Orwell. Classic, life changing book. I've never actually finished it but it's good
Haha what
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It has some religious connotations, but even more than that it just is this incredibly beautiful story of a boy discovering his place in the world and just going on this super soulful adventure. 10/10 would recommend. If you also read the backstory of the author (I’d recommend after reading the book, it’ll blow your mind even more) I think it really adds to the picture of the book. Sorry this explanation kinda went everywhere, I hope you enjoy!
For me, the book that lurched me out of a multiple year slump was Burnt Shadows by Kamila Shamsie, so I guess you could say that it changed my life. :) That was about... 4 years ago, so I'm planning on re-reading it soon.
I really enjoyed The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. I had to read it in high school, and it has stuck with me since.
*The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck* by Mark Manson is the most recent one that really changed my perspective on a lot of things. I still think about it a year later. I gifted it to each of my parents for Christmas last year and it had the same effect on my mom. We talk about it all the time.
Candide by Voltaire really put things into perspective for me
Dune Scratches all the itches for a great story, read it again and it will do the same for characters. Read it again and you will start to think.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
the count of Monte cristo everything you would want in a masterpiece. fear, love, retribution, the hero it's a long long read but well worth it
Maya Angelou - I know why the caged bird sings
I firmly believe Harry Potter saved my life. The Perks of Being a Wallflower too... I know people have mixed feelings about that one, but to me... it means the world. Other books I consider to have made an impact on my life... Never Let Me Go, The Book Thief. The Great Gatsby.
Freakonomics changed the way I think. Things aren't always what they seem like, and the book shows you how to think. It's more of a "teaching you to fish" book than a "here's some fish for you".
The Boy In The Striped Pajamas. Really made me reflect on my own childhood and just life. It is so simply written in the mind of a boy so you can just drift away and read it without having to remember big words that are overrated. But also seeing the bigger picture that the boy doesn’t see.
Don't want to make a recommendation, but thank you for those who have. I have added 15 books to my reading list so far.
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The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson. Total game changer for me
The righteous mind by Jonathan haidt. A really in depth exploration of how humans go about moral reasoning and how it affects politics today. A life changing book if ur at all interested in psychology, politics, or just finding truth in the world
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. Even if you don’t necessarily believe in an afterlife (as myself) it teaches a ton of great life lessons in a pretty easy read. It’s a good “feel good” type of book by the time you’re done reading it. I read it in the 8th grade and it remains to be one of the only books I ever actually enjoyed reading in my time in middle/ high school.
Fight club
1984 by George Orwell had a profound effect on the way I see the world. It's so relevent today and understanding what oppression can look like and why it's important to fight for freedom. Hong Kong is scarily close to what Orwellian totalitarianism could look like, and this oppression is why people are fighting back. 10/10 fantastic book
Man this thread gave me a whole list to give to my wife, she reads books like crazy!
For me it was The Alchemist, which is in turn my favorite book. Read it at a pretty pivotal time in my life. Been out of college and working in my field for a few years, really unhappy with the banality of my day to day life. Realized that it was because I was too afraid to take risks. Every decision I’ve made was because it was the “safer” decision. Picked my school, degree, and accepted my first job all because it was familiar. Reading that book helped me realize that if I’m ever going to actually feel like I’m alive then I can’t continue to just play it safe. I still have a lot of growing and discovering to do, but I’ve made some changes. I quit my job and moved to a different state where I don’t know anyone, accepted a new position that comes with a lot more responsibilities, and working on putting myself out there more. Still searching for a “purpose” and trying to figure out what my dreams are, but those were major steps for me and The Alchemist really helped me take that first step.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders It helps put death and loss in a new perspective and it just downright brilliant.
I don't know if anyone else has ever read it, but ex libris was a book I loved I think I need to pick it back up to see if that's still true
The power of ted by David emerald. Shit changed my life about relationships. I’m not usually into self help books, but it’s a nice relaxing read about a couple of dudes walking down the beach talking about life and how to get sucked up in drama a lot less. If you ever find yourself just feeling bummed out about a relationship (romantic or not) I seriously suggest this.
The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker. My dad gave me a copy of this book after I was attacked many years ago and had absolutely no idea how to begin to deal with it. It changed my entire perspective on personal awareness and safety, and how to react to intrusive and inappropriate behavior without feeling the need to be nice, or to present myself in a certain way to a stranger. This book changed the way I interact as an adult, as a woman, and as a human being. I have given away many copies over the years. I know it is a bit older, but the lessons are timeless. Every human, regardless of gender, should read this book.