It's an interesting list...here are some of my thoughts on it:
- The Bible- yes. live by it. deserves to be on this list.
- To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee, 1960.- love love love this book. I think I read it in grade 10 for the first time. It was the first novel that really made me want to write.
- Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom, 1997.- I like it. Not on my top 10 list though. Hm.
- Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, 1908.- Oh, I just love Anne. LOVE!
- The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini, 2003.- YES! This book was so enthralling, captivating, all-encompassing. Absolutely one of the best books I've read this decade.
- The Alchemist, Paul Coelho, 1988.- I liked it. Again, wouldn't have put it on this list.
- The Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill, 2007.- I LOVE this book. Like "The Kite Runner" this story was woven so tightly, so captivating, played with my emotions. Beautiful.
- Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, 1997.- OK, I couldn't get into this series. It's just not my thing...but I can appreciate why people love Harry.
- The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien, 1954.- See my thoughts on Harry Potter. Same.
- Life of Pi, Yann Martel, 2002.- I'll get shot down for this, but I didn't really even like this book. I just felt like it was trying too hard and I couldn't get into the plot. It was a big let down for me.
- Animal Farm, George Orwell- First novel that ever made me cry. I've read it so many times and still love it each and every time.
- The Handmaid's Tale, Margaret Atwood- I thought this was, by far, the best Atwood book I have ever read. Really made me think about how easily our lives can be stripped in one foul swoop because of technology- and how quickly women can become second-class citizens once again.
- Lord of the Flies, William Golding- Amazing. Just amazing.
Any others I missed? What would be on your list of life-changing books?
I Know This Much is True - Wally Lamb. It took me a long time to get into it - I started it and then put it down for about six months, but when I picked it up and finished the chapter I was on, it was amazing and I was so into it. Its worth a read for sure!
ReplyDeleteThe Handmaid's Tale is my FAVOURITE book of ALL TIME! Love. Plus, I totally agree about Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies. Life of Pi was simply B.A.D. Totally did not get why it was so huge. And life changing?? No way.
ReplyDeleteI would have to add Alice in Wonderland (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) by Lewis Carroll and Night by Elie Wiesel.
Oh, don't get me started. There are so many!
Agree with #8 and #9! Umm life changing?! Love Anne of Green Gables! You're making want to read Handmaid's Tale - I really enjoyed Oryx and Crake. I also love Lord of the Flies - definitely life changing if you ask me!
ReplyDeleteLittle Women, Great Gatsby, Jane Eyre and Little House on the Prairie are good classics in my opinion. I'm not sure about life-changing though.
I so so so agree about Handmaid's Tale. I read it in University and have reread it every year since then. Best Atwood work hands down. I would add Still Alice by Lisa Genova. It's an incredible story about Alzeimer's Disease written from a first person perspective. Very haunting.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad other people didn't like "Life of Pi"!
ReplyDeleteKristy- you MUST read the Handmaid's Tale- it's just that good! I'll lend it to you if you want?
I now have a few new books to add to my list of "must reads"- thanks guys;)
Awesome - I have yet to read The Book of Negroes, but it's on my 'too read soon' list! I agree with you on the other books you love from that list. I loved Fall On Your Knees and The Way The Crow Flies... and Angela's Ashes is one of my all-time favourites!
ReplyDeleteDunno how life changing this book is but because we're expecting DD #2 I'm liking Siblings Without Rivalry http://www.amazon.com/Siblings-Without-Rivalry-Children-Together/dp/0380799006
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