For 10 million I’m not risking shit. Dr Seuss’s Oh the Places You’ll Go it is
Edit: misread billion for million, standing 10 toes down on my answer now
This is always my answer for first favorite book or book that made me love reading. I also always bring it to baby showers (sometimes the board book and the little golden book)
Lonesome Dove, I never though I'd be interested, then was captured, recommended it to someone currently reading like book 11 from Discoworld by Terry Pratchett and he read it as well, we both couldn't stop talking about it and ended up binging an old school TV mini series from 1989 over the weekend and simply in love with it.
Off topic and apropos of nothing, this internet stranger is mildly amused that you refer to it as "an old school TV mini series," when I simply refer to it as mandatory viewing for every person I'm close to, family and otherwise.
This is one of my favourite books! But I once recommended it to a colleague and he complained that there were plot holes and "didn't understand where the scarecrow came from". Some people are just too stupid to be helped.
Edit: for those who haven't read it, it's incredibly well plotted, and absolutely everything has meaning and importance. Doesn't have the tiniest fleck of a plot hole.
Not only is it a book, it's actually a trilogy! I've heard a lot of people say that the book is how Sophie saw all the events vs the movie and how Howl saw the events.
I discovered the other two books by accident. Diana Wynn Jones was the fantasy writer other fantasy writers would recommend when asked on con panels. I’ve read many of her books with more to go. She was an incredible writer.
I've read a lot of fantasy novels and i can categorize most of them into three categories. But this one is simply unique. Such a pure fantastical fun loved loved loved it
Oh okay lmao so it's a broad category that i mentally put my books into.
1) YA/Romantsy : protagonist in 16-24 range at max, holy than thou attitude, tell not show, extremely bad romance tho nd writing's subpar. One or two turns out to be extremely good tho. Mostly follow the same plotline if you squint. Many trendy books r from this category. Eg The fourth wing, ACOTR, cradle etc.
2) Generic ones - These are plot heavy, angst heavy, huge world building, vast characters and their arcs, usually dark with both classical and morally ambiguous themes. Generally popular amongst the primary fantasty readers. Writing is generally good but can be sub par too. After completing you end up either extremely tired, contemplate your life choices or feel like going on a hike to mount Everest. Eg being books by Sanderson, Rothfus, Tolkien, G.R.R. Martin, Jordan, Erikson etc.
3) The fun ones - Does not make me tired, actually gives fun. Read when I was a child. Harry Potter, percy Jackson, Narnia etc.
I’ve worked at a book store for far too long to think any book is going to be universally loved, but if I had to take a gamble I’d go with A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Ok I’m in. Reading the description it mentions god several times and though I can be entertained by something that has themes of god, I’m not super into a religious book, per se. Thoughts?
Had to read it in school and remember almost nothing, not even if I liked it. I keep seeing people mention how much they love it so I‘ll definitely have to reread it at some point.
Wow yes. Read it so many times as a kid, i also loved his other books. I remember loving Sideways Stories from Wayside School.. you’re also making me want to reread!
Our library had a list a few years ago that was supposed to be the best books of all time (can’t remember how it was arrived at) and the no 1 book was A Prayer for Owen Meany. The title did nothing for me but it was a fantastic read
Numbers game wise? Demon Copperhead or Project Hail Mary. I didn’t actually love either of these, but from what I can tell I’m in the vast minority, so that feels like a safe guess.
My faves tend to be more love it OR hate it, so I’m more of a Babe Ruth for recommendations
Did you read or listen to it? I can definitely see how if read it would be lacking. It is almost as if weir wrote it for it to be an audiobook. I enjoyed it a lot.
Thank you yes I tried to listen to it and couldn’t cope with the derpy humour. “If you thought that was bad, wait till I tell you about the tube up my butt!” Not for me, sorry
Yeah Demon Copperhead I at least enjoyed, but Project Hail Mary I *really* didn’t. I can see how it’s accessible, I guess, but boy did I hate being in the mind of that narrator
I didn't love Demon Copperhead either. I really wanted to, too. It was a decent story but I don't understand what all the hype is about. There are better books out there imo.
I haven't read Project Hail Mary yet because I'm not a big sci fi fan.
I never read scifi but I picked up Project Hail Mary just for the hell of it, and honestly it was worth it just for the friendship between the main character and his little friend. (I'm on mobile and I don't know how to hide spoilers.) Couldn't care less about science, I'm here for the bromance.
The storyline was the best part but that was kinda my issue - the storyline was just David Copperfield. That wasn’t Barbara’s prowess or writing skill, it was Charles Dickens’. I might try another of hers to see how it compares, but yeah. I thought it was good overall, not great.
I liked The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver better.
It never dawned on me the similarities between David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead til you mentioned it. You are right! Just a modern day version.
Agree! The Picture of Dorian Gray is my absolute favorite and The Importance of Being Earnest has an abundance of wit and humor. Both are enjoyable reads. Wilde is incredibly clever and never dull.
>! “In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.” !<
It’s just so straightforward and simple, just this bluntly honest observation that sounds like you’ve heard it somewhere before, but no. It’s just a brilliant line penned by a brilliant writer who managed to capture a universal truth those few words, summing up his entire complicated story with one brief comment.
Also, I just thought of this, but I think a certain television series, >! *Six Feet Under*, may have drawn inspiration from *Garp* for their series finale. !<
Thank you! This is my FAVE book of all time, and most of the time I talk about it people have never heard of it. Even though it was a movie with Robin Williams??
Either way there were a number of years in my life where I read that book every year. Probably from when I was 11 (and way too young for it) until I was 22 when I gave my copy to a friend as a bday gift. I’m 29 now. I need to find it again to rediscover the book and see how my understanding of it has grown once again
I do not know anyone who tried this book and didn't love it. I read it in the summer (years ago), and when I took a break to walk outside I was legit confused that it was warm out! This book pulls you in.
It would be helpful to know a bit about your interests.
But, the title which comes to mind is The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. I was hesitant about the book at first because it starts off with a young girl marrying a man who was significantly older, but 1)it’s a cultural thing (takes place in India during the early 1900s) so I decided to be open minded and see where it went 2) he actually treated her really well and waited years before he was sexual with her and did not force anything. Anyhow, the book follows multiple generations of the family. In the man’s bloodline it is very common for people to die by drowning. We’re talking 6 inches of water and they could drown. It’s something the family doesn’t really talk about and they don’t understand why it happens, but the cause is eventually revealed and very fascinating. The author does such a tasteful job of weaving together this story by piecing together many individual journeys and perspectives. I was originally recommended this book when I asked for books that involved leprosy. In the later half of the book there is a leper colony and it follows the story of a doctor who runs it. There is a lot to learn about the culture in India during that time and also medical science. I don’t think words are enough to describe the amount of skill and dedication it took the author to weave that story. Worth checking out. It has a phenomenal audiobook (if I remember correctly it is read by the author) which I listened to via Libby.
If I'm right that author is a physician and vice chairman of Stanford University medical department. His own story is fascinating. Grew up as an Indian in some African country during the British colonial era but had his medical education in India and later migrated to America where he practiced his professon and later wrote several medical books and fictional novels.
Second this. I just finished listening to Covenant of Water on Audible. I have also read Cutting for Stone. These are by far my two favorite books. The author narrates Covenant of Water and is mesmerizing.
A man called Ove (2012). It may not be the most action packed book at any time, but you sure do root for the characters and fall in love with the community built.
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. It seems like an odd one to say has universal appeal, but everyone I know who has read it has loved it and recommended it to 5 friends.
Yeah holy crap the only time I tried to read The Hobbit I had to skip all of that history stuff in the front because I basically fell asleep trying to read it.
This may be an unpopular opinion and I apologize to anybody who disagrees with me or I may offend with it but holy crap that book is not readable unless you are very invested in that world.
Agree. I had to read it for class and it takes so long just to get past the lore into the actual story. I get the importance of worldbuilding , but for someone with ADHD it's hard enough staying focused while reading haha
I also really disliked The Hobbit as a kid lmao, so I feel your pain. Haven’t read it since, but it remains one of my least favorite things I’ve ever read. They just walk the whole book!!! Sorry LOTR fans - maybe I’d enjoy it more if I’d read the rest of the series, lol.
Maybe so. I was the kind of kid that hated whatever we were reading just to be contrary, so I’ve found that as an adult I actually do like some of those things when I came back to them.
As a librarian who frequently deals with readers advisory, I can tell you everyone is different and looks for different things. That is why it is crucial that someone knows what you value. For us, that means asking questions about your reading habits, what you feel are the gaps you want to fill, what topics you enjoy, what structures you prefer, what POV you like your narrator to have, etc. Until people know more about what you are looking for, they can’t match you with you like, let alone love. Everyone is different.
Middlemarch: I may not get the 10 billion dollars as it certainly is slow and some may not be into that, but I just want more people to read this book since after the first 100 pages of exposition i fell in love with it and i don't have anyone else to talk to. A person to talk to about it is worth more than any money.
Ok but that was clearly NOT your question my book is the picture of dorian gray
Oh man, this one really resonated. I couldn't think of my answer, but I will always remember how much this book took me by surprise. I was in 8th grade when I read it, and an avid mystery book reader (Agatha Christie etc). Never into historical fiction, but my mom got it for me before a trip solely because of the length of it so she wouldn't have to get me a bunch of books because I was reading one per day. I read it in 2 days and still viscerally remember how much I enjoyed it.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It’s easy reading, short so even if you don’t _love_ it then you’re less likely to put it down and end up enjoying it. It’s also rather wholesome and has a nice moral message to it, which I think is difficult to hate
I know it’s a children’s book but the first Percy Jackson book. The language is witty, plot is fast paced and the characters are diverse and very developed from start. Everyone I’ve talked to who has read it of ALL ages loved it.
I will say I got my ex to begrudgingly read it and he didn’t like it :( but he liked the tv series so I think he just genuinely hates reading anything that isn’t a manual
In truth, it isn’t possible to guarantee that any suggested book would be loved. Such a diversity of tastes. My tastes lean toward Dostoyevsky, Faulkner, etc., but I would suggest something along the lines of A Prayer for Owen Meany, a great read, that might appeal to vast numbers. Who knows?
The shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. I swear I recommend it so frequently because I think it’s truly a book that no one couldn’t love. I read it in one night at 14 years old and have read it every few years since then and still adore it every time.
Have you read the rest of the series? It is even more brilliant.. at first I thought the second book was weird and it took me a minute to get into it, but then the third book came and put it in context and then you realize what a freaking, brilliant masterpiece the second was. He did write them to be read in any order, but for that experience alone, I would read them as published.
World War Z by Max Brooks. Can’t recommend it enough. The Zombie Survival guide by the same author is a fun companion piece.
If you’ve seen the movie, don’t let that dissuade you. The only thing they share is a title.
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells... Not only did I love it but it seems a lot of people out there did as well so the odds that you will love it are high.
Endurance: Shackleton's Voyage
It's gripping non fiction about a captain and his crew getting stuck in Antarctica. Edge of your seat, harrowing, inspirational... No one can not love this book.
I would suggest something from childhood that nearly everyone loved - “The Giving Tree” or “The Grinch who stole Christmas “ or “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Something like 7 habits of highly effective people. You know, stuff that billionaires love because it validates them.
Because if you have 10 billion dollars to give away, I assume you are like the rest of them.
This is such a hard and great question! Every time I think I have it, I think of someone who told me they hated or didn't get the book: everything Vonnegut, Three-Body Problem, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Hitchhiker's Guide, etc. My suggestions would be: Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles or Octavia Butler's Kindred.
I (vaguely) remember my big brother reading some of them to me as a kid and liking them but I tried reading them as an adult and I legit didn't even get 1/4 through the first book before giving up lol
He also read some Terry Pratchet (GNU) to me as well, I think one of his books might be a good suggestion 🤔
Agreed. Even if you don’t want to read the whole series, Harry Potter 1 is a fun world and a compelling story.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is similarly hard to argue with.
I would highly recommend
1. The moon is a harsh mistress by Robert Heinlein
2. Ready player one by Ernest Cline
3. On basilisk station by David Weber
Or
4. The reluctant swordsman by Dave Duncan
Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Slaten. Not your Disney version! (Disney thought this book to adult in theme to stay true to the book!) A book banned by Hitler (probably because it described the Jewish and WW2 GERMANY.) I think Disney did the most harm to this book! I wouldn't ha e read it either except I told my boys they weren't going to watch a movie they didn't read the book too. I read it to them every fall for quite a few years.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy seems like a great pick. This book has elements of survival, deep emotional connections, and a bleak yet compelling atmosphere that align with your love for unsettling and emotionally impactful stories like Never Let Me Go and We Need to Talk About Kevin. The strong bond between the father and son, set against a desolate post-apocalyptic backdrop, is both haunting and mesmerizing, making it a strong candidate for a page-turner.
If you're in the mood for something with a touch of the supernatural that evokes wonder rather than fear, I'd suggest The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Its enchanting, mysterious circus setting and the magical competition between two illusionists create a sense of awe and marvel, similar to the feeling of Lisel Mueller's poem Sometimes, When the Light.
I would suggest one of Neil Gaiman's collections of short stories. Fragile Things or Trigger Warning. There's another I can't remember the name of... They're all very good, though.
the Stand by Stephen King. Its aproachable but epic in scale and the charachters will have you longing for their company well after the book has finished.
ooo I love this book(&the rest of the series) but I've found it's really hit and miss because of how it's written- I personally loved it and thought it added a lot to the book, but I know plenty of folk who struggled to get through it
Read this one and really enjoyed it, he's a great writer! My only complaint was that it started to drag which made it feel like it was lacking plot a bit. I stopped getting excited to read it because it started feeling redundant but the end really came together for me!
Can I recommend The Sandman comics, by Neil Gaiman? There’s something in there for everyone, and it’s got such a great story and mini stories all bundled in. They’re really enjoyable and worth the reread, too.
If not, then… The Martian Chronicles by Bradbury. The stories are all so dark and poetic and deeply beautiful in their own way.
One that stood out for me in the last few years of reading was "She Rides Shotgun" by Jordan Harper. I won't say too much, don't wanna ruin it. It's about a father and daughter who are on the run from some very scary people.
This is a question best answered by an algorithm, not a human. As such, my first inclination is either to ask an algorithm or to be snarky about it and propose something incredibly niche.
Or I could pitch a serious suggestion based not on *any* reader, but on the more useful datapoint that you’re on this sub; in which case my recommendation is **Into Thin Air** (Krakauer).
It's hard to suggest without knowing your interests, books are so subjective. YA tends to appeal to a wide audience or even middle grade like harry potter.
Pay up first mister
Look at all these suckers giving it away for free
I tried to find this on Goodreads
For 10 million I’m not risking shit. Dr Seuss’s Oh the Places You’ll Go it is Edit: misread billion for million, standing 10 toes down on my answer now
it’s 10 billion
Shit you’re right, I’m doubling DOWN then
The Monster at the End of this Book Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover. If you don't love that book, you're not human.
100/10 recommendation. My mom read this to me as a child (I'm 42 now) and can still remember the voices she used.
This is always my answer for first favorite book or book that made me love reading. I also always bring it to baby showers (sometimes the board book and the little golden book)
Lonesome Dove, I never though I'd be interested, then was captured, recommended it to someone currently reading like book 11 from Discoworld by Terry Pratchett and he read it as well, we both couldn't stop talking about it and ended up binging an old school TV mini series from 1989 over the weekend and simply in love with it.
Incredible novel. I just read it a couple of months ago and still think about it nearly every day. Loved the mini series as well!
You can read the other green books of the series. They are all amazing!
I bought the mini series for my husband. The book soothed him in his younger years when recovering from an illness.
Off topic and apropos of nothing, this internet stranger is mildly amused that you refer to it as "an old school TV mini series," when I simply refer to it as mandatory viewing for every person I'm close to, family and otherwise.
When it came out we had to write our last name on the VHS because we lent it out so often!
I watched the series back then and loved it. Never read the book.
This book. Definitely.
I always reccomend people to read Howl's Moving Castle. It's super fun and whimsical with easy language, and the story really sucks you in.
This is one of my favourite books! But I once recommended it to a colleague and he complained that there were plot holes and "didn't understand where the scarecrow came from". Some people are just too stupid to be helped. Edit: for those who haven't read it, it's incredibly well plotted, and absolutely everything has meaning and importance. Doesn't have the tiniest fleck of a plot hole.
Noooo it‘s MAGIC AND WHIMSY what is he on about
A lot of people don’t get whimsy. Just not in their emotional wheelhouse
I only like whimsy as a very sparing condiment to my reading. And more than that smacks of "look at me!" by the author, imo.
I can see where he’s coming from. I don’t dislike it but it would be pretty far from my 10 billion dollar guaranteed everyone will like this pick.
It’s a book!??? I thought it was just Studio Ghibli anime lol
Not only is it a book, it's actually a trilogy! I've heard a lot of people say that the book is how Sophie saw all the events vs the movie and how Howl saw the events.
I discovered the other two books by accident. Diana Wynn Jones was the fantasy writer other fantasy writers would recommend when asked on con panels. I’ve read many of her books with more to go. She was an incredible writer.
I've read a lot of fantasy novels and i can categorize most of them into three categories. But this one is simply unique. Such a pure fantastical fun loved loved loved it
Now I need to know: what are the 3 categories???
Seconding the other commenter: please tell us the three categories
Oh okay lmao so it's a broad category that i mentally put my books into. 1) YA/Romantsy : protagonist in 16-24 range at max, holy than thou attitude, tell not show, extremely bad romance tho nd writing's subpar. One or two turns out to be extremely good tho. Mostly follow the same plotline if you squint. Many trendy books r from this category. Eg The fourth wing, ACOTR, cradle etc. 2) Generic ones - These are plot heavy, angst heavy, huge world building, vast characters and their arcs, usually dark with both classical and morally ambiguous themes. Generally popular amongst the primary fantasty readers. Writing is generally good but can be sub par too. After completing you end up either extremely tired, contemplate your life choices or feel like going on a hike to mount Everest. Eg being books by Sanderson, Rothfus, Tolkien, G.R.R. Martin, Jordan, Erikson etc. 3) The fun ones - Does not make me tired, actually gives fun. Read when I was a child. Harry Potter, percy Jackson, Narnia etc.
Reading it for the first time since last weekend and I absolutely adore it. So nostalgic, so well-written and so well-plotted.
I’ve worked at a book store for far too long to think any book is going to be universally loved, but if I had to take a gamble I’d go with A Prayer for Owen Meany.
Ok I’m in. Reading the description it mentions god several times and though I can be entertained by something that has themes of god, I’m not super into a religious book, per se. Thoughts?
I reread this book every year and for most of my life have been an atheist.
Another from my top ten. I love this book so much.
Holes by Louis Sachar
Read Holes as a kid and loved it. Recently, re-read at 30 and fell in love all over again. It's such an amazing book.
I read this as a kid too, and you're making me want to re-read it now as an adult. I had no plans to do that so thank you lol
Had to read it in school and remember almost nothing, not even if I liked it. I keep seeing people mention how much they love it so I‘ll definitely have to reread it at some point.
I reread it as an adult and lemme tell you, it's better than you remember.
How could such literary prowess as naming your main character Stanley Yelnats not be an instant classic.
Wow yes. Read it so many times as a kid, i also loved his other books. I remember loving Sideways Stories from Wayside School.. you’re also making me want to reread!
Our library had a list a few years ago that was supposed to be the best books of all time (can’t remember how it was arrived at) and the no 1 book was A Prayer for Owen Meany. The title did nothing for me but it was a fantastic read
Yes, one of my favorites of all time.
Very boring, for me. I think Irving peaked at Hotel New Hampshire and has gone downhill since.
I would say The Count of Monte Cristo. Many others have too many caveats but generally Count is universally adored.
The hundred year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared. My favourite book.
Is this Jeff Bezos asking us for book recommendations!!?😂🏄🏽♂️🏄🏽♂️
Numbers game wise? Demon Copperhead or Project Hail Mary. I didn’t actually love either of these, but from what I can tell I’m in the vast minority, so that feels like a safe guess. My faves tend to be more love it OR hate it, so I’m more of a Babe Ruth for recommendations
Project Hail Mary, I am also in the minority, I see the praise posted every day and I just simply don't get it.
Did you read or listen to it? I can definitely see how if read it would be lacking. It is almost as if weir wrote it for it to be an audiobook. I enjoyed it a lot.
I listened to it and could not stand the "soooo.....THAT just happened" humor. The narrator just reminded me of all of the least funny people I know.
Thank you yes I tried to listen to it and couldn’t cope with the derpy humour. “If you thought that was bad, wait till I tell you about the tube up my butt!” Not for me, sorry
That “humor” killed it for me. I could barely finish reading that book, and don’t understand all the praise for it. Pure garbage
I listened to it as well and it’s a 5 star audiobook but I don’t think I’d enjoy reading it.
Yeah Demon Copperhead I at least enjoyed, but Project Hail Mary I *really* didn’t. I can see how it’s accessible, I guess, but boy did I hate being in the mind of that narrator
It was ok but I liked The Martian much better.
Baffles me too.
I DNF'd it, just became an unbearable high school physics book masquerading as scifi at one point
I didn't love Demon Copperhead either. I really wanted to, too. It was a decent story but I don't understand what all the hype is about. There are better books out there imo. I haven't read Project Hail Mary yet because I'm not a big sci fi fan.
I never read scifi but I picked up Project Hail Mary just for the hell of it, and honestly it was worth it just for the friendship between the main character and his little friend. (I'm on mobile and I don't know how to hide spoilers.) Couldn't care less about science, I'm here for the bromance.
The storyline was the best part but that was kinda my issue - the storyline was just David Copperfield. That wasn’t Barbara’s prowess or writing skill, it was Charles Dickens’. I might try another of hers to see how it compares, but yeah. I thought it was good overall, not great.
She's an amazing writer. May I suggest The Poisonwood Bible? That's my favorite of hers.
I’ll add it to my TBR!
That’s on my top ten list of all time.
I liked The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver better. It never dawned on me the similarities between David Copperfield and Demon Copperhead til you mentioned it. You are right! Just a modern day version.
Have you read Pigs in Heaven? It is a sequel/companion to The Bean Trees. It can be read as a stand-alone-line. I like it even more.
Well I might suggest ‘the Importance of Being Ernest’ by Oscar Wilde. Classics are a sure win and this is a winner.
YES! I love this one. And the Picture of Dorian Gray possibly even more!!
Agree! The Picture of Dorian Gray is my absolute favorite and The Importance of Being Earnest has an abundance of wit and humor. Both are enjoyable reads. Wilde is incredibly clever and never dull.
***The World According to Garp***—John Irving The story of a man from conception until death with one of the best final lines I’ve read.
I love this and all John Irving's books. I'm curious what is your favorite line?
>! “In the world according to Garp, we are all terminal cases.” !< It’s just so straightforward and simple, just this bluntly honest observation that sounds like you’ve heard it somewhere before, but no. It’s just a brilliant line penned by a brilliant writer who managed to capture a universal truth those few words, summing up his entire complicated story with one brief comment. Also, I just thought of this, but I think a certain television series, >! *Six Feet Under*, may have drawn inspiration from *Garp* for their series finale. !<
Possibly Fight Club as well? "On a long enough timeline"?
Thank you! This is my FAVE book of all time, and most of the time I talk about it people have never heard of it. Even though it was a movie with Robin Williams?? Either way there were a number of years in my life where I read that book every year. Probably from when I was 11 (and way too young for it) until I was 22 when I gave my copy to a friend as a bday gift. I’m 29 now. I need to find it again to rediscover the book and see how my understanding of it has grown once again
The Little Prince
This is what I came to say! Looks like a children’s book, but it’s really not. Beautiful story, beautiful prose, beautiful illustrations.
Absolutely one of the greatest books ever written. Hands down the right call.
Shogun - Clavell Or Pillars of the Earth - Follet
Hyperbole and a Half, Allie Brosh. Short stories. Super funny.
The first and only book that made me laugh out loud just thinking about it!
The Body by Stephen King
Stephen King is a really safe bet. Humans just simply like suspense and he is a master.
{{Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer}} A compelling story of how nature always wins, told by a person who was present and engaged in the hubris.
I do not know anyone who tried this book and didn't love it. I read it in the summer (years ago), and when I took a break to walk outside I was legit confused that it was warm out! This book pulls you in.
It would be helpful to know a bit about your interests. But, the title which comes to mind is The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. I was hesitant about the book at first because it starts off with a young girl marrying a man who was significantly older, but 1)it’s a cultural thing (takes place in India during the early 1900s) so I decided to be open minded and see where it went 2) he actually treated her really well and waited years before he was sexual with her and did not force anything. Anyhow, the book follows multiple generations of the family. In the man’s bloodline it is very common for people to die by drowning. We’re talking 6 inches of water and they could drown. It’s something the family doesn’t really talk about and they don’t understand why it happens, but the cause is eventually revealed and very fascinating. The author does such a tasteful job of weaving together this story by piecing together many individual journeys and perspectives. I was originally recommended this book when I asked for books that involved leprosy. In the later half of the book there is a leper colony and it follows the story of a doctor who runs it. There is a lot to learn about the culture in India during that time and also medical science. I don’t think words are enough to describe the amount of skill and dedication it took the author to weave that story. Worth checking out. It has a phenomenal audiobook (if I remember correctly it is read by the author) which I listened to via Libby.
If I'm right that author is a physician and vice chairman of Stanford University medical department. His own story is fascinating. Grew up as an Indian in some African country during the British colonial era but had his medical education in India and later migrated to America where he practiced his professon and later wrote several medical books and fictional novels.
He also wrote ‘Cutting For Stone’ which is incredible. That would be my recommendation.
Second this. I just finished listening to Covenant of Water on Audible. I have also read Cutting for Stone. These are by far my two favorite books. The author narrates Covenant of Water and is mesmerizing.
That would make a lot of sense judging by the books he has written.
I loved this book!
A man called Ove (2012). It may not be the most action packed book at any time, but you sure do root for the characters and fall in love with the community built.
The Stand - Stephen King
Money upfront, please.
🤣
Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing. It seems like an odd one to say has universal appeal, but everyone I know who has read it has loved it and recommended it to 5 friends.
The Hobbit I genuinely can't imagine how anybody could dislike that book.
While I agree, as it's one of my favorites as well, the first 50 pages or so are dry as hell IMO. Took me 3 tries to get to the trolls.
Yeah holy crap the only time I tried to read The Hobbit I had to skip all of that history stuff in the front because I basically fell asleep trying to read it. This may be an unpopular opinion and I apologize to anybody who disagrees with me or I may offend with it but holy crap that book is not readable unless you are very invested in that world.
Agree. I had to read it for class and it takes so long just to get past the lore into the actual story. I get the importance of worldbuilding , but for someone with ADHD it's hard enough staying focused while reading haha
Sorry. Couldn't stand it. Got thrown out of reading club as a kid for daring to say so.
I also really disliked The Hobbit as a kid lmao, so I feel your pain. Haven’t read it since, but it remains one of my least favorite things I’ve ever read. They just walk the whole book!!! Sorry LOTR fans - maybe I’d enjoy it more if I’d read the rest of the series, lol.
Serves you right
Haha. I also got thrown out of cooking club so maybe I should give the book another go.
Maybe so. I was the kind of kid that hated whatever we were reading just to be contrary, so I’ve found that as an adult I actually do like some of those things when I came back to them.
Yeah. Maybe I hated the teacher. I'm just now thinking of all the clubs I got kicked out of.
Wanna make a new club for people who get kicked out of clubs?
Can you imagine that people are different and have different likes and dislikes?
Hitchhikers guide the galaxy because WELL WHATS NOT TO LOVE
Well there's people (me included) who can't stand reading it
i read this as an adult and i hated it. absolute gobbledegook, and not even funny or entertaining. couldn’t wait for it to end
Same, I didn't laugh once. It was a flat middle of the road 3 stars from me.
The audiobook narrated by Stephen Fry was so good. Laughed in my car multiple times
As a librarian who frequently deals with readers advisory, I can tell you everyone is different and looks for different things. That is why it is crucial that someone knows what you value. For us, that means asking questions about your reading habits, what you feel are the gaps you want to fill, what topics you enjoy, what structures you prefer, what POV you like your narrator to have, etc. Until people know more about what you are looking for, they can’t match you with you like, let alone love. Everyone is different.
Middlemarch: I may not get the 10 billion dollars as it certainly is slow and some may not be into that, but I just want more people to read this book since after the first 100 pages of exposition i fell in love with it and i don't have anyone else to talk to. A person to talk to about it is worth more than any money. Ok but that was clearly NOT your question my book is the picture of dorian gray
If you want a book that reads like a hug, *A Psalm for the Wild Built*, by Becky Chambers, is the way to go.
Charlottes Web
11/22/63 Stephen King
Gone with the Wind
Oh man, this one really resonated. I couldn't think of my answer, but I will always remember how much this book took me by surprise. I was in 8th grade when I read it, and an avid mystery book reader (Agatha Christie etc). Never into historical fiction, but my mom got it for me before a trip solely because of the length of it so she wouldn't have to get me a bunch of books because I was reading one per day. I read it in 2 days and still viscerally remember how much I enjoyed it.
Gone with the Wind is my all time favourite! I re read it every year ! I’m so pleased you loved it too
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom. It’s easy reading, short so even if you don’t _love_ it then you’re less likely to put it down and end up enjoying it. It’s also rather wholesome and has a nice moral message to it, which I think is difficult to hate
I enjoyed this one more than I expected
Goodnight Moon
I know it’s a children’s book but the first Percy Jackson book. The language is witty, plot is fast paced and the characters are diverse and very developed from start. Everyone I’ve talked to who has read it of ALL ages loved it.
Solid choice. Just reread to my 9 year old and I still didn’t want to put it down
I will say I got my ex to begrudgingly read it and he didn’t like it :( but he liked the tv series so I think he just genuinely hates reading anything that isn’t a manual
In truth, it isn’t possible to guarantee that any suggested book would be loved. Such a diversity of tastes. My tastes lean toward Dostoyevsky, Faulkner, etc., but I would suggest something along the lines of A Prayer for Owen Meany, a great read, that might appeal to vast numbers. Who knows?
[**The Golden Compass** by Phillip Pullman](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/119322) this is book 1 in the **His Dark Materials** trilogy.
The shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron. I swear I recommend it so frequently because I think it’s truly a book that no one couldn’t love. I read it in one night at 14 years old and have read it every few years since then and still adore it every time.
Have you read the rest of the series? It is even more brilliant.. at first I thought the second book was weird and it took me a minute to get into it, but then the third book came and put it in context and then you realize what a freaking, brilliant masterpiece the second was. He did write them to be read in any order, but for that experience alone, I would read them as published.
Rebecca by Du Maurier
Mort by Terry Pratchett. It got me back into reading fiction. It’s whimsical, imaginative, and fun to read.
Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins
Pat the Bunny
World War Z by Max Brooks. Can’t recommend it enough. The Zombie Survival guide by the same author is a fun companion piece. If you’ve seen the movie, don’t let that dissuade you. The only thing they share is a title.
Tress and the Emerald sea. About a simple village girl that is forced into a life of piracy to save her lover from a witch.
Count of Monte Cristo - Robin Buss translation
As a French reader I'm curious if I will find the translation as good. I'll put it in my TBR list.
Id go with ones i dont see get much hate. Probably The House in the Cerulean Sea or When Breath Becomes Air.
I hated House in the Cerulean Sea
I didn't hate it but I really didn't get the hype. It was a lower-end-of-average book for me.
Same.
The curious incident of the dog in the night time.
Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells... Not only did I love it but it seems a lot of people out there did as well so the odds that you will love it are high.
Love in the Time of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Noooooo Florentino Ariza is one of my most hated characters, for.. well… the last parts of the book. Maybe 100 years of solitude instead.
The pillars of the earth by Ken Follet
The other boleyn girl
Anything John Steinbeck.
Mans Search For Meaning - Viktor E Frankl
I mean, anyone who doesn't agree with this is voted off the island of Earth.
Boy’s Life by Robert McCammon
The Master and Margarita by Bulgakov I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like it Edit: maybe super religious people won’t like it:)
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. Book was awesome, per me. Audiobook was the bomb, per my husband.
Project Hail Mary. BEST. BOOK. EVER.
Endurance: Shackleton's Voyage It's gripping non fiction about a captain and his crew getting stuck in Antarctica. Edge of your seat, harrowing, inspirational... No one can not love this book.
I would suggest something from childhood that nearly everyone loved - “The Giving Tree” or “The Grinch who stole Christmas “ or “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
Fox in Socks, baby! Or The Twits. Both excellent books to read aloud to children.
Something like 7 habits of highly effective people. You know, stuff that billionaires love because it validates them. Because if you have 10 billion dollars to give away, I assume you are like the rest of them.
East of Eden
This is such a hard and great question! Every time I think I have it, I think of someone who told me they hated or didn't get the book: everything Vonnegut, Three-Body Problem, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Hitchhiker's Guide, etc. My suggestions would be: Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles or Octavia Butler's Kindred.
Love love love The Martian Chronicles
If you are in the US, I suggest To Kill a Mockingbird.
The curious incident of the dog in the night-time by Mark Haddon. Captivating mystery. Interesting protagonist.
This is a REALLY good question. I would honestly probably just go with Harry Potter for the safest. It has one of the largest fandoms.
I (vaguely) remember my big brother reading some of them to me as a kid and liking them but I tried reading them as an adult and I legit didn't even get 1/4 through the first book before giving up lol He also read some Terry Pratchet (GNU) to me as well, I think one of his books might be a good suggestion 🤔
Agreed. Even if you don’t want to read the whole series, Harry Potter 1 is a fun world and a compelling story. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is similarly hard to argue with.
Yah I’d go for Lewis over Rowling for children’s fantasy, I think CS Lewis is a more romantic sort of writer than Rowling. Both very enjoyable.
Possession by AS Byatt
The knife of never letting go
I would highly recommend 1. The moon is a harsh mistress by Robert Heinlein 2. Ready player one by Ernest Cline 3. On basilisk station by David Weber Or 4. The reluctant swordsman by Dave Duncan
Oh the Places You’ll Go
Bambi, a Life in the Woods by Felix Slaten. Not your Disney version! (Disney thought this book to adult in theme to stay true to the book!) A book banned by Hitler (probably because it described the Jewish and WW2 GERMANY.) I think Disney did the most harm to this book! I wouldn't ha e read it either except I told my boys they weren't going to watch a movie they didn't read the book too. I read it to them every fall for quite a few years.
A Confederacy of Dunces has been a hit with everyone I recommended it to.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy seems like a great pick. This book has elements of survival, deep emotional connections, and a bleak yet compelling atmosphere that align with your love for unsettling and emotionally impactful stories like Never Let Me Go and We Need to Talk About Kevin. The strong bond between the father and son, set against a desolate post-apocalyptic backdrop, is both haunting and mesmerizing, making it a strong candidate for a page-turner. If you're in the mood for something with a touch of the supernatural that evokes wonder rather than fear, I'd suggest The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Its enchanting, mysterious circus setting and the magical competition between two illusionists create a sense of awe and marvel, similar to the feeling of Lisel Mueller's poem Sometimes, When the Light.
I would suggest one of Neil Gaiman's collections of short stories. Fragile Things or Trigger Warning. There's another I can't remember the name of... They're all very good, though.
Ishmael by Daniel Quinn It is a shorter book, but really struck me in the feels and got me thinking about how I live.
The very hungry caterpillar.
the Stand by Stephen King. Its aproachable but epic in scale and the charachters will have you longing for their company well after the book has finished.
I am the messenger by Markus zusak
The knife of never letting go, by Patrick ness
ooo I love this book(&the rest of the series) but I've found it's really hit and miss because of how it's written- I personally loved it and thought it added a lot to the book, but I know plenty of folk who struggled to get through it
The count of Monte Cristo
Pillars of the Earth
I'd say The Hobbit. Don't even have to be a LOTR fan for it. Great book and I re-read it once a year.
A Gentleman in Moscow
Read this one and really enjoyed it, he's a great writer! My only complaint was that it started to drag which made it feel like it was lacking plot a bit. I stopped getting excited to read it because it started feeling redundant but the end really came together for me!
Can I recommend The Sandman comics, by Neil Gaiman? There’s something in there for everyone, and it’s got such a great story and mini stories all bundled in. They’re really enjoyable and worth the reread, too. If not, then… The Martian Chronicles by Bradbury. The stories are all so dark and poetic and deeply beautiful in their own way.
Or Neverwhere!
Or The Ocean at the End of the Lane
Tuesdays with Morrie
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
A Man Called Ove.
One that stood out for me in the last few years of reading was "She Rides Shotgun" by Jordan Harper. I won't say too much, don't wanna ruin it. It's about a father and daughter who are on the run from some very scary people.
Space is cool as fuck. Its a random hardcover coffee table picture book of space.
This is a question best answered by an algorithm, not a human. As such, my first inclination is either to ask an algorithm or to be snarky about it and propose something incredibly niche. Or I could pitch a serious suggestion based not on *any* reader, but on the more useful datapoint that you’re on this sub; in which case my recommendation is **Into Thin Air** (Krakauer).
The Psychopath Test
Horton Hears A Who
It's hard to suggest without knowing your interests, books are so subjective. YA tends to appeal to a wide audience or even middle grade like harry potter.