I love reading! When I meet friends who like to read as well, I love it. I have been a voracious reader from age five when I used to walk to the library alone and carry home as many books as possible. I used to bring a huge stack home with me. I read through the children's picture book section alphabetically- true story!
I know this is an unfair pondering question as picking one book as a favorite is an impossible task; however, for my one-book recommendation, I am going to say Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse. I learned much from this book; I researched Buddhism, symbolism, and Carl Jung. The book is a spiritual journey by the main character Siddhartha and covers many themes: family, friendship, love, and finding yourself in life. I get something new from this book every time I read it; a new message finds me as I think about my life, Hesse's writing, and Siddhartha's growth.
I first read this as an assignment when I went back to college when my youngest was about one year old. I was worried that I wouldn't fit in or have anything intelligent to say after years of being home with my children – let's face it, watching too much children's television can kill brain cells. When the unit was over, the professor asked me to present my research, and I was teaching the class about Buddhism, the four noble truths, and the eight-fold path, and was on my journey of growth and enlightenment.
Another insightful book is The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's simple and powerful, with striking lessons on love and communication.
What is your favorite book? And why? Click To Tweet“I have always thirsted for knowledge, I have always been full of questions.” Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Carol Quinn, author of Follow My Lead
My favorite book is usually the one I happen to be reading. At the moment, I’m rereading the History of Love by Nicole Krauss. It’s a lyrical story about love and loss—beautifully written. For me, this book is a reminder of why I love to write: to touch hearts, to shine the light on the parts of our humanity that we hide from one another, and to give a picture of the struggles each one of us face.
“Most people…are like a falling leaf that drifts and turns in the air, flutters, and falls to the ground. But a few others are like stars which travel one defined path: no wind reaches them, they have within themselves their guide and path.” Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Shannon Fitzpatrick:
My favorite book is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. I remember hearing all about it in sixth grade, but my mom told me I wasn't old enough to read it. I had to wait three long years until I was given the nod of approval. It was right after Christmas, and my brother took me to Borders, and I bought my own copy even though my mom had one.
I believe that books have memories from when you read them, and I wanted this one to be filled with memories. I sat down and read it all in one day. It was the first book to make me cry. All these things make the book special: waiting, having it be just mine, and making me cry, which is not easy.
“Dreams and restless thoughts came flowing to him from the river, from the twinkling stars at night, from the sun's melting rays. Dreams and a restlessness of the soul came to him.”
Hermann Hesse
Thoughts from Rheda Wilson-Duff:
“So many on my list, but my favorite book of all time is Approval Addiction by Joyce Meyer. In my not-too-distant past, I had a severe need for everyone to like me. I would do anything for approval. This book gave me insight, hope, and solutions.”
What is your favorite book and why? Share with me – love to hear what you think!
Find my current favorite reads here.
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My favorite book is Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett. It was made into an okay mini-series. In fact, I’d optioned it shortly after it came out and tried to make it myself but it was during a dormant period for mini-series when they were ONLY making 4-hour mini’s and Pillars needed at least 8.
The story of Pillars isn’t one you’d immediately think of as involving as it centers around the building of a church in the Middle Ages. But, what I loved so much was being transported to a time and place with such vivid characters and intrigue.
I have so little “free reading” time these days. I loved when I read great series of books like “The Winds of War” and “War and Remembrance,” when I read aloud the first four Harry Potter books to my boys, and so many others!
I have’t read that Bruce, it sounds interesting. Have you read Brunelleschi’s Dome about the building of the Dome in Florence? You might really like it. I love historical reading and being transported to another time and place. I will definitely check out your book suggestion.
I don’t have as much free reading time either but I am trying to carve it back into my schedule. It is worth the effort.
Thanks for sharing with me!
Peggy
No, but I’ll have to read those! I filmed ON the Dome – a pilot for a series. We did a chase across the top, at night, with thousands of Italians watching! Very cool…but not quite as cool as when we continued the chase on the Tower of Pisa!
I love “Little Women” I have read this book seven times and can always find something new in its language or story that I missed. I believe it has everything a book should have. Love, family, sadness, togetherness, even a bit of suspense a few times.
I read the Little Women series with my Mom and sister so long ago. I need to re-read that as well. I really respect Louisa May Alcott for having to work so hard as a women writer.
Thanks for sharing Debbie!
Ah great memories of reading Little Women with my mom and sister. I need to re-read that again. I always admired Louisa May Alcott for forging the way for women writers when it was so difficult. Truly a great American author.
Hard to pick an absolute favorite, but I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb really resonates with me. Great story about brothers, family history, trials of life. My favorite new book is Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes. It’s a fictional Vietnam war novel based on the true experiences of the author. It is a war book that really brings out the humanity of the young men involved in the war.
Hi Curtis,
I agree – it is hard to pick just one favorite book. I have not read Wally Lamb yet but his books are popular. I will have to check it out!
“Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follette. It is just one of those epic reads that you cannot put down. I have gifted the book to countless friends and family…all with very different tastes and interests. 100% gave the same feedback. They could not put the book down, read it straight through and were emotionally spent at the end.
I met my wife over a conversation about “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac. So goes without saying that is also epic in a number of ways!
Great post Peg. Appreciate you!
John
PS – Wonderful photos!
“Desperaux” by Kate DiCamillo. A book which depicts human nature using fun and wise characters from a children point of view.
Mines probably The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzack. Its about a girl living in Nazi, Germany during World War 2 but its in the perspective of Death. Its a magnificent story filled with lyrical prose and beautiful characters.
It’s very hard to choose just one, but I would say my favorite book is “Love in the Time of Cholera,” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I loved most of Marquez’s books and my favorite genre remains magical realism, which is so common in South-American literature. I often read Isabel Allende, Mario Vargas Llosa or Julio Cortazar, they are all great.
I’ve only read “Steppenwolf” by Hesse and “Siddhartha” is on my list, too!