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| Printable Version of Topic Click here to view this topic in its original format ExChristian.Net Open Forums > Critics Corner > Whats The Best Book You Ever Read? Posted by: SaviorForSale Jun 2 2004, 06:23 PM Any books that really made you think or change your life? List your favorites... Posted by: Joshua Jun 2 2004, 07:10 PM A few of my favorites: Fiction/Classics The Great Gatsby Don Quixote Les Miserables The Odyssey The Iliad The Count of Monte Cristo Religion/History: The Other Bible, Willis Barnstone, editor The Nag Hammadi Library, James Robinson, editor The Gnostic Gospels, Elaine Pagels A History of God, Karen Armstrong The Christ Conspiracy, Acharya S The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Edward Gibbon (This is extremely long (2000 pages+) but is well worth it if someone has the time to read it. Chapters 15 and 16 then and scattered throughout the rest of the books Gibbon (some say he was an atheist) explains the origins of Christianity and how it was influenced by Rome and paganism over the centuries (very informative in understanding the early Church)). Posted by: SuicydeAlley Jun 3 2004, 12:31 PM QUOTE (SaviorForSale @ Jun 2 2004, 07:23 PM) Any books that really made you think... Dune by Frank Herbert QUOTE or change your life? Chariots of the Gods by Eric VonDaniken Posted by: Reach Jun 3 2004, 04:54 PM The following books made me think and changed my life. http://www.kimsoft.com/polwar.htm, Sun Tsu (400 BCE) Shōgun, James Clavell The Tale of Genji, Lady Murasaki Shikibu (11th Century Japan) http://www.online-literature.com/victor_hugo/les_miserables/, Victor Hugo Their Finest Hour, Winston Churchill Posted by: AlwaysDrowning Jun 4 2004, 12:56 AM I love the obvious one that a lot of people hold dear which is 1984 by George Orwell. Also, I am very fond of The Jesus Mysteriesby Freke and Gandy. Posted by: Casey Jun 4 2004, 01:45 AM All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, also The Road Back, by the same author. (Both books had the distinction of being banned in Hitler's Germany, which I think a fine recommendation) The Wolves by Hans Helmut Kirst. One of the best black comedies I've ever read. Another fine work in that genre is The Hill, by Ray Rigby. That was made into a movie starring Sean Connery in one of his best roles ever. The Forgotten Soldier by Guy Sajer. To The Ends of The Earth. I can't remember the author's name, but this is a very fine novel of our First Fleet. The Fatal Shore by Robert Hughes. One of the finest books ever written on early Australian Colonial history. A Campfire Yarn, an anthology of Henry Lawson's work. This contains a short story called The Loaded Dog which is a real side-splitter. Power Without Glory by Frank Hardy. The Shearers by Patsy Adam-Smith. Casey Posted by: Kaiser Soze Jun 4 2004, 04:34 AM Probably Generation X by Doug Coupeland. Sort of the thinking persons Catcher in the Rye, and its damn funny to boot. If you're feeling suitably perverse I reccommend anything by Clive Barker, in particular Imajica (God dies at the end and everyone's happy. Whooppee!) or Weave World. Failing that anything by Poe, Dostoevsky or George Orwell. Crime and Punishment is a particular favourite. Posted by: Captain Ambivalent Jun 4 2004, 12:50 PM The Brothers Karamazov is easily the best book I have ever read. In honor of D-Day, I'd have to recommend The Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. Just finished re-reading them. Posted by: Killswitch Jun 4 2004, 01:09 PM Seven Hill City: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0595278507/qid=1086383281/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/103-6192510-3299047?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 and Roadie.. A True Story http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0595185266/qid=1086383343/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-6192510-3299047?v=glance&s=books Posted by: SaviorForSale Jun 5 2004, 11:25 AM cool....thanks everyone Posted by: Lokmer Jun 5 2004, 11:59 AM Fiction: Time Enough For Love by Robert A. Heinlein The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett Non-fiction: Can't think of a top-three right now. -Lokmer Posted by: nightbreeze Jun 5 2004, 11:44 PM One of the best- "The Wisdom of Insecurity" by Alan Watts. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Like it says on the back cover, its a total reversal of your normal way of thinking. Here's a list in no particular order of books that have slammed me: "Leaving the Fold" by Marlene Winnell - for obvious reasons "Leaving the Fold" by Ed Babinski - same as above "Past Shock" by Jack Barranger - introduced me to the "ancient astronaut" theory "God Games" by Neil Freer - looks at the implications of the ancient astronaut theory. Even if you think that theory is bunk, the book is still a major mind-fuck. "Quiet Water" by James Kavanaugh - I'm not really into poetry, but this book is tailor made for the ex-christian. Most of these poems are about leaving christianity. It was a welcome read for me several years ago. "You Can Feel Good Again" - by Richard Carlson - A practical self-help book. Very taoistic, whether or not intended. "The Gospel According to Jesus" - by Stephen Mitchell. Like Jefferson, Mitchell believes that the actual words of Jesus have been tampered with. This book is what Mitchell thinks are the authentic words of Jesus. Very refreshing. I have more books, but I'll stop the list here for now. Posted by: extremeone Jun 6 2004, 02:51 AM Dean Koontz: The Bad Place Dean Koontz: Dragon Tears not religion books... just good books. Posted by: biggles7268 Jun 6 2004, 07:15 AM Lord of the Rings The entire Midkemia series by Raymond Feist Some of the Edgar Allen Poe stories and poems Posted by: Shadfox Jun 6 2004, 07:51 AM "The Faith Healers," by James Randi was an excellent read and a real eye opener to what games are played in evangelistic revivals. One of the biggest doubts I've had about leaving Christianity was the spectacular floor shows evangelists could put on. Here we have a professional stage magician debunking it all quite convincingly. Secular wise, what has made the biggest impact in my life is Adbusters magazine. I don't always agree with what they say, but every issue has been a meme-busting, mental detox from post-modern, manufactured culture. Posted by: SaviorForSale Jun 6 2004, 08:03 AM I was actually looking for "the Faith Healers" at borders the other day put I think it is out of print or something. i'll have to find an online copy or just order it from borders. Posted by: Shadfox Jun 6 2004, 08:19 AM It is out of print. I had to order my copy from amazon.com. Posted by: formerfundie Jun 6 2004, 03:43 PM EX! - I'm a Dean Koontz reader myself. Ever read Mr. Murder - THAT'S a cool book! Or Twilight Eyes? He also has one about lightning but I can't remember the name of it offhand. I haven't read his new stuff lately - too busy with all the popular science books I've been reading, but he has got to be, by far, one of my favs - along with Henry David Thoreau. It used to be Michael Palmer - Medical Murder Mysteries - and I think I've read some Robin Cook stuff that was okay. I LIKE ALL KINDS OF BOOKS - LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BOOKS. There just isn't enough of a lifetime to read all the stuff I'd like to read - but I sure the hell am trying... Posted by: Joshua Jun 6 2004, 06:04 PM QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 6 2004, 03:43 PM) I LIKE ALL KINDS OF BOOKS - LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BOOKS. There just isn't enough of a lifetime to read all the stuff I'd like to read - but I sure the hell am trying... I feel the same way, FF. Posted by: Bill Johnson Jun 7 2004, 12:46 AM America's Dumbest Criminals Posted by: PriorWorrier Jun 8 2004, 04:44 PM I'm really hard pressed to name the top or the top three. Usually it's the latest book I've read. Here are some that opened my eyes to a whole supernatural world of demons and angels that I would otherwise never have know existed. "Good Morning, Holy Spirit" by Benny Hinn. "Guide to Spiritual Warfare" by E.M. Bounds. "A Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter. "Power over Satan" by Charles Spurgeon. Does anybody else read this stuff? Posted by: CodeWarren Jun 8 2004, 10:03 PM Best book ever made? Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter It'll change ya' life! Or something to that effect... Posted by: formerfundie Jun 8 2004, 11:41 PM QUOTE (PriorWorrier @ Jun 8 2004, 04:44 PM) I'm really hard pressed to name the top or the top three. Usually it's the latest book I've read. Here are some that opened my eyes to a whole supernatural world of demons and angels that I would otherwise never have know existed. "Good Morning, Holy Spirit" by Benny Hinn. "Guide to Spiritual Warfare" by E.M. Bounds. "A Divine Revelation of Hell" by Mary K. Baxter. "Power over Satan" by Charles Spurgeon. Does anybody else read this stuff? PW - I've read "Good Morning Holy Spirit" by Benny Hinn - but that was in my formerfundie days, and my former pastor gave me the "Divine Revelation of Hell" by the Baxter chick to read (I won't read it though, for personal reasons)- Oh, if you want a REAL kicker - you should read, "Close Encounters of a Heavenly Kind" by Jesse Duplantis - that's a hoot and a half. DID I READ THAT STUFF - OH YEAH - ALL THE TIME - IT WAS THE ONLY STUFF I EVER DID READ, DO I READ IT NOW, OH NO, I AM MUCH BETTER NOW, THANKS! Oh, and when it comes to demonic and angelic allegories - might I suggest Frank Peretti - he's a christian author - but he's a good fiction writer. He wrote, "This Present Darkness" and "Piercing The Darkness" and "The Oath" - along with several others. these books will give anyone who takes the time to read them insight into the fundie mentalities. Not only that, but they're just good fiction for the most part, anyway. Oh, yeah, he also wrote "The Prophet" - most of his books are about the end times revelation type stuff, but as far as his ability to WRITE, I definitely give him some snaps in that department. Much more interesting than those others you mentioned *well* *uh-humm* Posted by: formerfundie Jun 8 2004, 11:52 PM QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 6 2004, 06:04 PM) QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 6 2004, 03:43 PM) I LIKE ALL KINDS OF BOOKS - LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BOOKS. There just isn't enough of a lifetime to read all the stuff I'd like to read - but I sure the hell am trying... I feel the same way, FF. Josh - my oldest daughter thinks that 'heaven' ends up being whatever we think it is - kinda like in that movie "What Dreams May Come" - and I've always thought if there ever really IS/WAS such a place - IT'S GONNA BE FILLED WITH BOOKS AND BOOKS AND BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS - with LOTS OF TIME TO READ THEM. HAH - HEAVEN IS THE LIBRARY!!! To me, the most romantic parts of the movies "My Fair Lady" and "The Mummy" and "Jane Eyre," and I think there's even a spot of some kind in "The King and I" or "Anna and The King" are the scenes with them in the different libraries loaded with books. One of the heros actually builds a library for the heroine in one of 'em but I forget which one..Okay, people will now think this is a nerdie remark, but oh well. Truth is - I think I would've like to actually BE a librarian one day, but I really have a problem with the spinster image attached to that. *sigh* Posted by: SyrioForel Jun 9 2004, 10:23 AM My short-absolutely-trimmed-down-to-the-bone list: Catch-22 - Joseph Heller A Bridge Too Far and The Longest Day - Cornelius Ryan The Killer Angels - Micheal Shaara Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien The current series by George RR Martin (Game of Thrones, etc.) Hyperion series by Dan Simmons ~D Posted by: Joshua Jun 9 2004, 08:10 PM QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 8 2004, 11:52 PM) QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 6 2004, 06:04 PM) QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 6 2004, 03:43 PM) I LIKE ALL KINDS OF BOOKS - LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BOOKS. There just isn't enough of a lifetime to read all the stuff I'd like to read - but I sure the hell am trying... I feel the same way, FF. Josh - my oldest daughter thinks that 'heaven' ends up being whatever we think it is - kinda like in that movie "What Dreams May Come" - and I've always thought if there ever really IS/WAS such a place - IT'S GONNA BE FILLED WITH BOOKS AND BOOKS AND BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS - with LOTS OF TIME TO READ THEM. HAH - HEAVEN IS THE LIBRARY!!! To me, the most romantic parts of the movies "My Fair Lady" and "The Mummy" and "Jane Eyre," and I think there's even a spot of some kind in "The King and I" or "Anna and The King" are the scenes with them in the different libraries loaded with books. One of the heros actually builds a library for the heroine in one of 'em but I forget which one..Okay, people will now think this is a nerdie remark, but oh well. Truth is - I think I would've like to actually BE a librarian one day, but I really have a problem with the spinster image attached to that. *sigh* Yeah, I used to think that Heaven would be what we want it to be. That would kick ass if Heaven was just a great big library. I would just read and read for all eternity. I like library scenes in movies also. I especially like libraries of old books. What was that movie with Johnny Depp, "Ninth Circle of Hell" or something like that in which he gets that book from the that guys ancient collection of books and is led into a world of occultism (I think)? I thought that was kind of neat. I've recently been thinking about the great library of Alexandria and how it has to be one of the biggest tragedies of humanity when it was destroyed. Imagine the countless number of works by ancient authors that have been lost to us. It would be so neat to have known what they wrote about. Posted by: Joshua Jun 9 2004, 08:14 PM I forgot Catcher in the Rye (if someone hasn't mentioned it already). Also, Fahrenheit 454. It wasn't the greatest book, but it made me think. What if CHristianity, or any monotheistic religion took over the world? Crazy shit would happen. Posted by: formerfundie Jun 10 2004, 07:17 PM QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 9 2004, 08:10 PM) QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 8 2004, 11:52 PM) QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 6 2004, 06:04 PM) QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 6 2004, 03:43 PM) I LIKE ALL KINDS OF BOOKS - LOTS AND LOTS AND LOTS OF BOOKS. There just isn't enough of a lifetime to read all the stuff I'd like to read - but I sure the hell am trying... I feel the same way, FF. Josh - my oldest daughter thinks that 'heaven' ends up being whatever we think it is - kinda like in that movie "What Dreams May Come" - and I've always thought if there ever really IS/WAS such a place - IT'S GONNA BE FILLED WITH BOOKS AND BOOKS AND BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS - with LOTS OF TIME TO READ THEM. HAH - HEAVEN IS THE LIBRARY!!! To me, the most romantic parts of the movies "My Fair Lady" and "The Mummy" and "Jane Eyre," and I think there's even a spot of some kind in "The King and I" or "Anna and The King" are the scenes with them in the different libraries loaded with books. One of the heros actually builds a library for the heroine in one of 'em but I forget which one..Okay, people will now think this is a nerdie remark, but oh well. Truth is - I think I would've like to actually BE a librarian one day, but I really have a problem with the spinster image attached to that. *sigh* Yeah, I used to think that Heaven would be what we want it to be. That would kick ass if Heaven was just a great big library. I would just read and read for all eternity. I like library scenes in movies also. I especially like libraries of old books. What was that movie with Johnny Depp, "Ninth Circle of Hell" or something like that in which he gets that book from the that guys ancient collection of books and is led into a world of occultism (I think)? I thought that was kind of neat. I've recently been thinking about the great library of Alexandria and how it has to be one of the biggest tragedies of humanity when it was destroyed. Imagine the countless number of works by ancient authors that have been lost to us. It would be so neat to have known what they wrote about. Josh - the movie with Johnny Depp (who was EXTREMELY ROCKIN' IN THAT FLICK - even though he smoked like a train in it, which I can't figure out how he did - if I smoked like that it'd make me ill) was "The Ninth Gate." I'm in total agreement with you that the Library of Alexandria being burned to the ground was one of history's BIGGEST tragedies and travesties, when I read about that happening, I cried. Of course, I cry every time I think of what they did to Hypatia too, but then again, I cried about what they did to Giordano Bruno as well when I read a poem about him from Heather someone or other out of New York - things have a funny way of affecting me sometimes. Ronald Reagan dies and I feel nothing - no grief or feelings of great loss - feel rather hard-hearted about that actually, and yet here are these other people centuries removed from me and would I honor them somehow, in some way? Damn right I would!!! Posted by: formerfundie Jun 10 2004, 07:23 PM QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 9 2004, 08:14 PM) I forgot Catcher in the Rye (if someone hasn't mentioned it already). Also, Fahrenheit 454. It wasn't the greatest book, but it made me think. What if CHristianity, or any monotheistic religion took over the world? Crazy shit would happen. Ray Bradbury dude - Farenheit 451 - the temperature at which books burn - if it's the same one I'm thinking about - I did a paper on book banning as my last Eng101 paper a couple of semesters ago and I used this book as a reference for the intro, so it's still pretty fresh in my mind. Ray Bradbury has one of the characters say, "There's more than one way to burn a book. All it takes is for you to stop people from learning, from knowing, etc...." - it went somethin' like that anyway. Hey, did you know that the first place THAT particular story was published was in Playboy - by Hugh Hefner - 'cause none of the other publishers of that day would publish the story because of the McCarthyism they were all encountering at the time? Neat little piece of trivia I walked away with. I found it quite interesting. I've seen the movie too - COOL. Posted by: aMaidensGrave Jun 10 2004, 08:03 PM Job: A Comedy of Justice by Robert Heinlein --gives religion a nice kick in the teeth East of Eden by John Steinbeck --an interesting look at predestination and the nature of free will I will read most anything and everything--but mostly I read trash right now--there's too much else going on in my life to read anything that might make me think L Posted by: Joshua Jun 11 2004, 06:38 AM QUOTE (Joshua) What was that movie with Johnny Depp, "Ninth Circle of Hell" or something QUOTE (formerfundie) Josh - the movie with Johnny Depp (who was EXTREMELY ROCKIN' IN THAT FLICK - even though he smoked like a train in it, which I can't figure out how he did - if I smoked like that it'd make me ill) was "The Ninth Gate." Ohh. I couldn't remember the name of the movie so I knew I was going to get this wrong. QUOTE (Joshua) Also, Fahrenheit 454. QUOTE (formerfundie) Ray Bradbury dude - Farenheit 451 zero for two. I better stop while I'm ahead. I knew it was 451. I don't know what I was thinking when I typed 454. Maybe I was thinking of engine sizes since 454 is a pretty common number in engine talk. If I name another book, I'll check with with Amazon first, before I type it out. QUOTE Hey, did you know that the first place THAT particular story was published was in Playboy - by Hugh Hefner - 'cause none of the other publishers of that day would publish the story because of the McCarthyism they were all encountering at the time? Neat little piece of trivia I walked away with. I found it quite interesting. That's interesting, I did not know that. Posted by: Vixentrox Jun 11 2004, 07:01 AM The Bible - by God NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Actually my favs are Shogun - James Clavell Raptor - Gary Gennings The various Xanth books by Piers Anthony Various Tom Clancy novels Posted by: formerfundie Jun 12 2004, 07:10 AM QUOTE (Joshua @ Jun 11 2004, 06:38 AM) If I name another book, I'll check with with Amazon first, before I type it out. But, bu....bu....but -but then I couldn't show off my literary savvy... *sniffle, sniffle* Posted by: fortunehooks Jun 15 2004, 08:35 PM one of the best books ever written in my opinion," The Picture of Dorian Gray,by Oscar Wilde Pride and Prejudice,by Jane Austen David Copperfield,by Charles Dickens Posted by: Reality Amplifier Jun 26 2004, 02:43 PM In no particular order: The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, and Dirk Gently series by Douglass Adams . The Lord of The Rings and the Silmarillion JRR Tolkien Sun Tzu The Art of War The Age of Reason Thomas Paine The Classic Illustrated Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Control Theory William Glasser Emotional Intelligence Daniel Goleman Think and Grow Rich Napoleon Hill Edward DeBonos Thinking Course Edward DeBono The Baloney Detection Kit Michael Shermer The Jesus Mysteries - Freke and Gandy. The Gnostic Gospels Elaine Pagels The Demon Haunted World Carl Sagan Posted by: nightbreeze Jun 26 2004, 09:17 PM I can't believe I forgot to mention this: Xenogenesis by Octavia Butler. Its an awesome science-fiction epic. A woman I used to work with lent me her copy. At first I was like, "oh shit, now I have to read this book or I will insult her". But the book drew me in; it was great. I would look forward to getting off of work to read it, and when I had finished the book, I missed the characters, they were so real to me. Check it out. Octavia Butler is a rarity too, a black, female sci-fi writer. And she is an agnostic. Fascinating lady. Posted by: Reality Amplifier Jun 27 2004, 09:10 PM I forgot one. It's a fascinating and inspiring read too. South: The Last Antarctic Expedition of Shakleton and the Endurance - by Sir Ernest Shackleton Has anybody else read or heard about this? It's probably the greatest survival story of all time. Shackleton led an Antarctic expedition in 1914 just prior to the outbreak of World War I. His ship, the Endurance was caught in pack ice in the Weddell Sea for months, before it was finally crushed. Shackleton and his crew of 27 men were left stranded with no hope of rescue. Shackleton documented the ordeal in a journal during the failed expedition. It left me in awe of Shackleton's leadership, bravery, grasp of psychology, and an extraordinary human will that held his crew together in the face of incredibly bleak odds under the most adverse conditions conceivable. Remarkably, he still managed to bring his entire crew back home alive. Posted by: Joshua Jun 29 2004, 05:04 AM I also forgot to mention "A People's History of the United States" by Howard Zinn. This book will turn your head and make you think. Posted by: Nivek Jul 2 2004, 12:09 PM Robert A. Heinlen's "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" Not just another Science Fiction adventure novel, but the libertarian manifesto put to print... This book read by impresionable intelligent *youth* will cause them to question the status quo, their appointed-annointed leaders, and most of what they think are their convictions. RAH ruined me for the Church and the State... n Posted by: Warlike Aug 10 2004, 11:50 PM Best fiction I have read: Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind, some great and scary visuals here. Magician series by Raymond Fiest, best all around fantasy ever. All the Shadowrun(a rpg) novels. This is my favorite genre of RPG. Many of the works of Weiss and Hickman, Dragonlance saga, the Death gate cycle, Sovereign stone, all pretty good. Posted by: shinchy Aug 11 2004, 12:18 AM The science fiction writer Ursula K. Le Guin is currently one of my favorite writers. One of her best known works is The Left Hand of Darkness, set in an icy world inhabited by androgynous humans. She has written other novels and stories in what is known as the Hainish universe (which Left Hand of Darkness is a part of) such as the thematically beautiful The Dispossessed. In this novel, the saying "true journey is return" is very central to the theme as an anarchist scientist leaves the moon to return to his ancestral world to work with capitalist scientists in order to create an invention that would make the galaxy a smaller place. The archtype of the hero is explored through the enigmatic Terran* character Dalzul in "Dancing to Ganam," which is in The Fisherman of the Inland Sea. Her more recent collection of stories, Birthday of the World, explore issues of gender, religion, and spirituality in a sciece fiction context. Most of the stories take place in the Hainish universe while a couple of others exist in separate milieus. *Terran--from our planet, Earth. In many of the worlds of the Hainish universe, the people of a world will see themselves as humans and aliens as something else. They often view their world as "The Earth," so the nomenclatures Terra and Terran is necessary to distinguish our world and peoples. In this milieu, Hain (called Davenant in some of the earlier stories) is the ancestral world of all the worlds settled by humans, including Terra. Posted by: TruthWarrior Aug 20 2004, 07:20 PM QUOTE (formerfundie @ Jun 10 2004, 11:23 PM) I've seen the movie too - COOL. I have Farenheit 451 on DVD. I also have 1984 on DVD. Not many people know it's movie too. If ya liked the book you'll like the movie. If didn't read the book it won't make any sense though. I haven't read many books lately though. Mostly been reading articles off of the internet. I like any action packed books. James Bond books, Star Wars books, or any Michael Crichton books. I do read some Christian books from time to time. There's "http://www.meatindueseason.org/newbold/or/harlot/harlottoc.html" that's available both online or sent by mail for free. I ordered it and some other books by the author and they came pretty fast in the mail. Interesting take on the whole church system. Though I suppose it's nothing new, the spiritual christians trying to break away from the old institutionalized system. His other books is just inspirational stuff for christians. I also want to check out http://www.starkehartmann.com/ too once I get extra money. He's a funny little christian. He doesn't believe in the whole eternal hell thing (christian universalist I think). Looks like good stuff, it's rare to find one with a sense of humor. Posted by: Cerise Aug 20 2004, 07:44 PM Story of B - David Quinn American Gods - Neil Gaiman The Secret Agent - Joseph Conrad The Handmaiden's Tale - Margaret Atwood Callahan's Place - Spider Robinson Bleak House - Charles Dickens Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austin and tons more I'm forgetting at the moment. Posted by: David Mauldin Aug 24 2004, 06:50 PM This thread is the greatest! Where have I been all my life! I would like to discuss the book "Catcher in the Rye!" what was this fucker trying to say? Holden is so smart and the world is so stupid that is drives him crazy? Holden is an asshole who critisizes everyone when he is just as bad? The youth of the late 50's early 60's walked around aimlessly/lost without any real direction? I at one time I really liked Holden but a teacher told me that Holden was a "Mamas Boy" who wasn't willing to grow up. At the time my christianity seemed to confirm this but now I want to rethink it. A movie was made a few years ago depicting the life of J.D salinger. It was a wishfull fantasy of him coming out of soclusion. (FYI J.D. hasn't published anything for 45 years.) (Anyone familiar with it?) It starred Shawn Conery. Anyone have any thoughts? Ideas? I also read Fahrenheit 451. I had the joy of meeting Ray Radbury-He is very generous at book signings! Posted by: sexkitten Aug 24 2004, 07:35 PM I can't believe I didn't respond to this yet. Maybe I posted to a similar thread... on another bulletin board... or something.... Anyways: Fiction: The Moon is a Harsh Mistress - turned my mental picture of family and relationships on its ear. Lord of the Rings - Just because its good Dune - I'm not sure why, but the story really got me Lolita Non-fiction: Harmful to Minors Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain The Artist's Way Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds (the first photo reference book I ever used for drawing!) Picture books: The Figure in Motion - because it is an excellent reference photo resource, and has provided many hours of drawing enjoyment Posted by: challenger1 Aug 24 2004, 09:57 PM Fiction: Cities In Flight by James Blish When Worlds Collide and After Worlds Collide by Edwin Balmer and Philip Wylie Anything by Clive Cussler All of the Doc Savage series by Kenneth Robeson Phantoms by Dean Koontz Nonfiction: The Demon- Haunted World and The Cosmic Connection by Carl Sagan. Her Name, Titanic and Ghosts of the Titanic by Charles Pellegrino Anything by Isaac Asimov Posted by: BigToe Aug 26 2004, 04:59 PM Random books that I love... Catch 22 Catcher in the Rye The Collector by John Fowles (I have enjoyed all his novels actually, that one is just my fave novel ever.... but I am really sick and twisted) To Kill A Mockingbird will always have a soft spot in my heart. I even like the movie The Great Gatsby is another classic that I can read over and over The Prince by Machiavelli is an interesting read as well. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest- I remember enjoying that (yes I am trying to think of the classics I have enjoyed along with the random ones) The Bell Jar Slaughterhouse-Five Heart of Darkness Siddhartha I so completely enjoy reading Aristotle and Plato- its ridiculous. Ancient philosophers (well the ones we have things published for) prove for some interesting and thought provoking reading. I really like Maya Angelou Oscar Wilde has some good stuff too Black Beauty was a childhood fave. oh i am too out of it to think of real books for now though. Posted by: bob Aug 26 2004, 06:13 PM I think the only way a book would change my life is if you held me down and beat me with it. Several favorites: The Caine Mutiny In Gods Underground (was great reading as a christian) Lake Wobegon Days The Hunt for Red October Palindrome BigToe, "To Kill a Mockingbird" has been my favorite movie since I first saw it back in the late 60's. I have the DVD and make a point to watch it once a year. I usually pick a cold and rainy day. Sexkitten, I am reading "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" right now. I have been wanting to learn to draw (see) for sometime now. Photography is just not fulfilling my artistic desires anymore. Posted by: Cerise Aug 26 2004, 06:19 PM Anything by Terry Pratchett is a good read. And back when I was an animal nut I used to devour James Herriot books. Alice Hoffman's The River King is what I just finished yesterday and it was brilliant. Poetry books I've got by the truck load. Stephanie Bolster did some great work with Alice in Wonderland in "White Stone" and Anne Michael's "Weight of Oranges" has some stunning verses. But my favourite poet is always Leonard Cohen. Even when he's being a bastard. Posted by: SmallStone Aug 27 2004, 04:57 AM Anything by Harry Crews. Posted by: nightbreeze Aug 28 2004, 10:55 AM I really like Alan Watts: The Wisdom of Insecurity Still the Mind This Is It Posted by: ian Aug 28 2004, 09:21 PM Fiction : Hitchhiker's Guide to The Galaxy (Douglas Adams) The Last Temptation of Christ (Nikos Kazatzakis) Slaugherhouse Five ( Kurt Vonnegut) Johnny Got His Gun (Dalton Trumbo) Generals Die In Bed (Charles Yale Harrison) Non - Fiction : Country, The Twisted Roots of Rock n' Roll & Where Dead Voices Gather (both by Nick Tosches) Demanding The Impossible :A History of Anarchism (Peter Marshall) Chomsky Reader (Noam Chomsky) Trial of Henry Kissinger (Christopher Hitchens) No Logo (Naomi Klein) Foucault Reader (Michel Foucault) Comix : The Sandman Series (Neil Gaiman and various artists) V For Vendetta (Alan Moore & David Lloyd) From Hell (Alan Moore & Eddie Campbell) Maus - (Art Spiegelman) It's A Good Life If You Don`t Weaken (Seth) Ghost World (Daniel Clowes) Cerebus : High Society (Dave Sim) Arkham Asylum (Grant Morrison & Dave McKean) Mr. Punch (Neil Gaiman & Dave McKean) I am currently reading Don Delilo's Underworld (it's a sprawling 800 page read) and I just finished Greil Marcus' The Old Weird America which about Bob Dylan and The Bands legendary Basement Tapes... Posted by: I Broke Free Aug 29 2004, 07:32 AM The "Naked Ape" by Desmond Morris It was written back in 1967 and I did not read it until the mid 70's. I was appalled to find out recently that the book was banned by many school boards. Although the theories are now seen as a bit dated, the book explained how evolution works and contained many theories as to why humans have lost their hair. It opened up a whole new world to me. I remember looking more critically at things I had been told were true and began to question everything I had learned. It helped me to become a skeptic. Posted by: John_Nemo Aug 30 2004, 03:17 AM meesa liken dissa thread. Hyperion and Return to Hyperion: just an enthralling scifi story from begining to end. Enders Game: i remember the first time i read this book. i was fourteen. i literally did not put it down all night. it changed how i thought about my self, about the world. lies and the lying liars who tell them: al frankens book. anyone who wants an honest, no BS look at the right should read this book. funny, informative, and enfuriating at the gall of these people at the same time. Have a nice day, a tale of blood and sweat socks: the autobiography of mick foley, perhaps better known as Mankind in the WWF. anyone who thinks of pro wrestlers as mindless steroid freaks should read this book. the history of the Imperial Japanese Navy: anyone who is even remotely interested in the war in the pacific should read this, to get an idea of the war in total. Nihonto Kaigun should have won. Romance of the Three Kingdoms: which can be found, here: http://www.threekingdoms.com/ Epic doesnt even describe it. if you've played any of the games, you must read this book. warning, very long. like, 120 chapters long. but trust me, its worth it. Le'Morte De'arthur: the final book of the arthurian saga. everything mallory would later use for idylls of the king, and tennyison would use in the once and future king, comes from this book. Twenty thousand leagues under the sea: i was lucky my first exposure to the book was the modern translation. its too bad the movies have sucked so much. a classic in science fiction. the campaigns of napoleon: everything i know about the greatest General since alexander comes from this book. pick it up if your interested. the merchant of venice: one of the bards greatest plays, featuring two of his greatest characters, i had the honor of performing in this play as one of the christians, antonio. i loved it, the closed i've ever come to playing a sympathetic villain. the Shiva Option: pure, intoxicating millitary Scifi. by the time i finished this book, i was saddened to put it down, as i had grown so attached to these characters. and after the final space battle, i was exhausted. for the best experience, also pick up the first book of the two book series, on death ground. if britain had fallen: a what if tale, describing in detail what whould have happened in hitlers invasion of the UK and suceeded. the rise and fall of the third reich: written shortly after the war with access to actual nazi documents, and first hand experiences, no book since has captured the full scope of hitlers monsterous empire. dreadnought and castles of steel: i forget the authors name, but for those interested in a look at the first world war at sea, a must to pick up. the history of the pelopinesian war: a contemporary history of the war between athens and sparta, written by one of the athenian commanders who fought it. the cold war: one of the best single volume histories of the cold war i've ever read. comics: the dark knight returns: in my opnion, the ultimate batman story. everything you would want in a batman story is there, rapped in a social allegory of the times. The League of Extrodinary Gentlemen, vols. one and two: first, forget everything you might have heard about the francise from that Shitty movie. the comics are twice the story that thing could every be. set in the world of ninteenth century literature, the league is build out of famous english literary heroes, not the least of which is my favorite, the great captain Nemo himself. the first volume has the league unintentionally become involved in a gangwar between fu manchu, and professor moriaty himself. the second one is set in H.G. wells war of the worlds, dealing with the martian invasion. both should be avalible at your local library, or at a book store. Kingdom Come: the fall of the DC superheroes. everything i have written, every story i have thought, in some way or another can be traced to this book. Crisis on Infinte Earths: the crossover that started it all. as the tagline said, heroes lived, heroes died, and the DC universe was never the same again. watchmen: no comic fan can trully go without reading this book. words can not describe this book. perhaps the ultimate modern superhero story. Marvels: a superhero book shown through the eyes of regular man, a photographer, who watched first hand as the the early days of marvel happened arround him. just an outstanding book. Posted by: I Broke Free Aug 30 2004, 07:35 AM QUOTE (John_Nemo @ Aug 30 2004, 07:17 AM) Enders Game: i remember the first time i read this book. i was fourteen. i literally did not put it down all night. it changed how i thought about my self, about the world. I was a little older when I read "Ender's Game" for the first time, but I had the same experience. I think I read it from beginning to end in one day. Loved it!! Posted by: Captain Ambivalent Aug 30 2004, 11:24 AM Anything written by a Russian in the 19th century. Nobody else even comes close. Posted by: Rachelness Sep 3 2004, 05:43 AM Anything by George Orwell, especially 1984 as it actually channeled me to use my brain and question everything. Also, His Dark Materials (in particular The Subtle Knife -- possibly my favourite book ever ever ever) by Philip Pullman. Posted by: woodsmoke Sep 3 2004, 10:10 AM Gah! How is it possible that I've missed four pages of a book thread without contributing! People will start thinking I'm slacking! Of course I'm going to have to mention a lot of books that have already been listed, as they're just damn good reads. Anyway.... Le Comte De Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas I know, I don't speak French, but I just like the title better in its original language. As for the novel itself, no explanation should be necessary. Quite possibly my favorite book of all time--which is saying a lot coming from me. But YOU MUST READ THE UNABRIGED VERSION! 1462 pages, nothing; IT'S WORTH IT! The Lord Of The Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion - J.R.R. Tolkien Of course I have to include Tolkien's works. Honestly, though, I'm hoping one of these days to find text copies of the Elder Edda and Younger Edda. IIRC that's where Tolkien got his material from, and I always enjoy going back and reading the source material whenever possible. Starship Troopers - Robert A. Heinlen If anyone can not only paint fascism in a positive light but make you seriously think about a hell of a lot of flaws in the current system you never recognized before, it's Heinlen. Virtually anything written by him is all but guaranteed to be a damn good read, and to make you think. I've written down all the other Heinlen novels listed and plan to look them up later. Odd Thomas - Dean Koontz This is the only Koontz book I've read. It was a pretty good read, though it did seem to have a decidedly Christian overtone to it toward the end. Still, a good fantasy novel all around. A Song Of Ice & Fire - George R. R. Martin Damn. Good. Books. That's about all can be said for them. IMO, they rival Tolkien's LOTR trilogy in their quality. Anyone else who's read the series thus far can sympathize with my being torn; I'd do damn near anything to hurry the release of A Feast For Crows, but I wouldn't dare put any pressure on Martin to half-ass the quality of the novel in order to finish it sooner. Hyperion & The Fall Of Hyperion - Dan Simmons Also good books. I especially took a liking to the writer in the story (though I can't remember his name now). I look forward to reading Endymion and Rise Of Endymion Farenheit 451 - Ray Bradbury It's a bit weird in places, but I really liked this book. For some odd reason, the thing that's stuck with me the most from the reading is "Denham's dentrifice." What If? - Robert Crowley & Stephen E. Ambrose What If? 2 - Robert Crowley Great reads, both of 'em. For anyone intersted in speculation on military history and what may have changed had jim-bob skipped his coffee on some totally inconsequential morning (okay, so the speculation is on a bit bigger matters, but you get the idea ) Gates Of Fire - Steven Pressfield Absolutely awesome amazing book. It's an account of the Battle of Thermopylae written from the POV of a squire in the Spartan force. Pressfield's knowledge of the workings of the Spartan phalanx and battle tactics are amazing, and add immense depth to the novel. How The Irish Saved Civilization - Thomas Cahill I found this to be a rather intersting read--if a bit biased. I don't know wether the author is Irish himself or simply in love with Irish culture/history, but it's a good book nonetheless, and does pretty well at presenting the history of the period. Blitzcat - Robert Westall Another really good read. It centers around the journey of a black cat, Lord Gort, as she attempts to find her way back to her old home in Dover and--more importantly--her person. Clan Of The Cave Bear - Jean M. Auel A pretty good fantasy read, as I remember. The series following it seems to be rather long, but so far I'm not disappointed. Finally, anything by Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Douglas Adams, or Terry Pratchett. Posted by: PseudoGod Sep 8 2004, 04:24 PM Anything Stephen King for me. The Stand is probably the best book I have ever read. Posted by: Granite Sep 9 2004, 08:52 AM Les Miserables. Of course. 1984...although Jack London's The Iron Heel and Lewis's It Can't Happen Here were intriguing as well, in more or less the same vein. For straight entertainment I loved Hannibal--the novel, folks--and The Dark Half. Harry Turtledove's Guns of the South is still one of his best, far as I'm concerned. Almost forgot: anything by Chuck Palahinuk. Posted by: woodsmoke Sep 9 2004, 12:23 PM Am I the only one who didn't like Les Mis? I don't know. It was a good book, to be sure, else it wouldn't have become a classic; it just didn't seem to have the same quality I found in the other classics I've read. Posted by: rainyday8169 Sep 9 2004, 09:15 PM QUOTE (woodsmoke @ Sep 9 2004, 12:23 PM) Am I the only one who didn't like Les Mis? I don't know. It was a good book, to be sure, else it wouldn't have become a classic; it just didn't seem to have the same quality I found in the other classics I've read. I can usually read a book in an evening or two This book bored me to sleep It took me almost two weeks to finish it because I couldnt stay awake So no, yer not the only one And just because someone dubs something a "classic" doesnt necessarily make it good Posted by: Granite Sep 10 2004, 05:39 AM American Psycho was tough to take but really great satire and horror. The blackest black comedy I ever read. Anybody else here dig the Parker novels by Westlake, aka Richard Stark? Way better than the crappy movies usually based on the books. Posted by: nonni Sep 25 2004, 10:46 AM I liked "It Takes a Village" By Hillary Rodham Clinton. It really helped me a lot in working with children at risk. Posted by: The |ll Nar Nar Sep 28 2004, 11:45 AM Well firstly a reply to the other posts... Fahrenheit 451 - Book was better Douglas Adams - Humourist extradonaire LOTR - As much as the original books and movies rocked, i still cant start the Silmarillion. Now my selection... (sorry I cant remember some titles, only authors). Sci-Fi: Frederick Pohl - Man Plus (teenage) Drunkard's Walk Poul Anderson - Brainwave Guardians of Time Ray Bradbury - The Illustrated Man The October Country Mystery: The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown Posted by: MalaInSe Sep 28 2004, 11:53 AM QUOTE (woodsmoke @ Sep 3 2004, 10:10 AM) Clan Of The Cave Bear - Jean M. Auel A pretty good fantasy read, as I remember. The series following it seems to be rather long, but so far I'm not disappointed. Woody, have you read "West of Eden" by Harry Harrison? It's alternate history where the dinosaurs evolve into sentience and civilization rather than primates. Its a three book series that I've read a few times. I think you might enjoy it. Ren Posted by: The |ll Nar Nar Sep 28 2004, 12:22 PM omfg... i had a HUGE addition to make to mine, but for some reason it didnt copy, i couldnt edit and now its gone. if you care, tell me and i may regain my esteem and repost. ARGH! The Ill Nar Nar Posted by: Godless Wonder Sep 28 2004, 02:00 PM QUOTE (CodeWarren @ Jun 8 2004, 10:03 PM) Best book ever made? Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas Hofstadter It'll change ya' life! Or something to that effect... That's the book the title of this thread made me think of. Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com) © Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com) |