These are the books I always recommend to people, although I know some of the titles might not be for everyone. These are the greatest books I have read as an adult, so far. (No particular order!)I am just going to post my picks for now - I will come back later and add my comments.

The House of the Spirits


The Fountainhead


Atlas Shrugged


The Handmaid's Tale


To Kill a Mockingbird


East of Eden


Paradise Lost


The Faerie Queene


Uncle Tom's Cabin


The Poisonwood Bible


The Good Earth

Great picks! Way back when I was in high school (you know, right after the dinosaurs), they didn't have any summer reading assignments. So I took it upon myself to find lists of books that you should have read before college. That summer after my senior year I read the Fountainhead (and was blown away), Crime and Punishment, A Separate Peace, Anna Karenina, Lolita, Catcher in the Rye, Great Expectations and I can't remember what all else. I was in sort of an "alternative" English class senior year, so I hadn't done any of the classics that most people are required to read. I felt so accomplished! But my point is that I always felt the Fountainhead was a pivotal book for me - the themes rang so true. For whatever reason, I've not read any others by Rand, and really must. Looks like Atlas Shrugged will get added to the TBR list.

Stephanie,

If I were to pick up one or the other of Rand's books, which would you suggest?

Atlas Shrugged is better, but The Fountainhead is easier to read. I always recommend this one first. It took me three starts to finish Atlas Shrugged. Both are worth the time and effort!

Stephanie, I so agree about Atlas Shrugged. I read it when I was very young..barely in my 20s and actually skimed most of the "radio speach", need to read it again to get her philosophy. Even so I do remember liking the book. Another good one, but LONG is Five Smooth Stones by Ann Fairbairn. Finding a Bunch of people who love to read is very refreshing! Enjoy, helen

Jaime wrote: "Stephanie,

If I were to pick up one or the other of Rand's books, which would you suggest?"

Jaime - I totally agree with Stephanie. The Fountainhead seems easier to read, but there is so much more to Atlas Shrugged. Don't get discouraged, it's worth the 1000 pages!

Steph, I have to add A Faerie Queene to my tbr. I'm fascinated with Arthurian stories and Elizabethan history. I also received another recommendation this week for Uncle Tom's Cabin. I should reread it, because I don't remember much of it from my high school days.

Jen wrote: "Jaime wrote: "Stephanie,

If I were to pick up one or the other of Rand's books, which would you suggest?"

Jaime - I totally agree with Stephanie. The Fountainhead seems easier to read, but there..."

I agree too- I read Atlas Shrugged first and have always found more there than in The Fountainhead. I have never forgotten that first read of Atlas Shrugged; it is quite a book.

I've always been told to read Atlas Shrugged first, although The Fountainhead is easier. I've also been told to try to read We the Living first (and I really enjoyed that one).