This is one of my personal favorite books. I have read this book every year for the last three years. Only ten books make that list for me.
The Confessions is one of the most important books written for western society. Not only does St. Augustine speak to his time but he also connects Greek philosophy with Christian praxis; thus connecting the past to the future. He takes the notion of the hero, and places himself at the center of the drama, therein communicating to future generations about their hero. Do not get me wrong Augustine does not believe himself to be the hero for western civilization but the reader who participates in his book, or in the Christian religion. There is no more Troy to take, no more suitors to out wit, only mastery of concupiscences. Now the Christian becomes the hero and the victory becomes that over sin.
This idea was not novel. People had been reading Homer allegorically for centuries. But as i stated before it was defining. Augustine gave a voice to his times. This book does not define western society but he speaks to it. He does not create a trajectory by which the west follows but he captures the spirit of the west that will remain until the advent of globalization.
This book should also be read in the context of a prayer. Note the first sentence, 'You are Great, O Lord..." This book is written as a prayer. Furthermore, these confessions of his are not mere confessions of sin as one might understand confession in a twentieth-century context. They are confessions of God's greatness, confessions of praise, confessions of Scripture, confessions of life and confession of sorrow. Thus, my hope is that as any person reads this book one would enter into dialogue with Augustine, push against his 'confessions' and see what pushes back.

Note on Translation: I have read countless versions of this book even parts in the Latin (with some help for a friend) but this is one of the best. I always recommend to read it along side another translations to really understand what the author intended. But, what the hell! Reauthor this text. Make it alive to you, in your time and in your situation. For only then can one true experience a book.