Books that you just have to read! (That may not be classics)

[Jeane, Book-tator]

Do you have any books that you just want to tell the whole world about, but they may not be classics? Go ahead and put them here!

Anything by Christopher Moore! My favorites are Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal, and You Suck.

[[deleted user]]

The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story by Richard Preston

A teacher in my high school HIGHLY recommended this book to me. Since reading it in high school, I've noticed that it is now being taught in some English and Biology classes. I looked online to check on ordering this book (I'll probably just get the Kindle edition), and I stumbled across study guides and "Sparknotes" for this book. Evidently, this book has had a good reception in the scholastic community.

Anyway, this book is a true story about Ebola outbreaks in Africa AND THE UNITED STATES! This author has went on to write The Cobra Event, another excellent book. From the cover:

Even more frightening than Preston's story about the fictitious Cobra virus, however, is the truth that lies beneath it. As the author writes in his introduction, "The nonfiction roots of this book run deep.... My sources include eyewitnesses who have seen a variety of biological-weapons installations in different countries, and people who have developed and tested strategic bioweapons." In fact, the only reason The Cobra Event was not written as nonfiction is that none of Preston's sources would go on record.

With the research this author puts into his books, I shouldn't be surprised that Richard Preston has been recognized as a must read by some schools.

[Karena]

I usually shy away from books that are being talked about by everyone (the rebel in me, I suppose), but I thoroughly enjoyed The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I really, really loved the imagery described and the story was fantastic. As soon as I finished it, I wanted to read it again. I was disappointed to find out the author hadn't written any other books and there would be no series based on it.

[Angie Downs]

Oh my gosh, Karena. That book is amazing. I absolutely loved it. :-)

[Diane L]

I agree with Ryan about The Hot Zone. I worked in medical research for a while and the story was incredibly believable.

A couple I have been recommending are The Kappillan of Malta by Nicholas Monsarrat, historical fiction during World War II Malta that goes back into the history of the island, and The Summer Book by Tove Jansson which explores the relationship of a young girl and her grandmother living on an island off the coast of Finland.

[Bian is always tired]

The Book thief was amazing and so was the Shadow of the wind.

[Jettcatt]

I agree Bianca The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron is an all time favourite of mine.

[LoopyChick]

I'm addicted to audiobooks & just finished:
"The Kid" by Sapphire
"Mildred Pierce" by James M. Cain
"This Is How You Lose Her" by Junot Diaz

[LoopyChick]

Crap! Just realized I posted this under the wrong topic. Gaaah!

[McKaylin]

A book I found to be a major page turner was 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oiver Potzsch. It's a great mix of mystery, violence, and of course a love story. It's not found in the goodreads, but if you get the chance to look for it elsewhere I suggest reading it!

[Judy]

Just finished The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro. Good and quick read, enjoyable characters and a close look into how paintings are done.

[Cody]

Ghosts Among Us by James Van Praagh

Even someone who isn't interested in life after death would enjoy this book.

[Julie]

Thanks Cody. I have been reading many books on Narcissistic mothers lately. I have one of those so it has been a lot of saddness but a lot of healing as well.

[Julie]

LoopyChick wrote: "I'm addicted to audiobooks & just finished:
"The Kid" by Sapphire
"Mildred Pierce" by James M. Cain
"This Is How You Lose Her" by Junot Diaz"

I loved Mildred pierce. I also loved body heat by him.

[Cody]

Julie wrote: "Thanks Cody. I have been reading many books on Narcissistic mothers lately. I have one of those so it has been a lot of saddness but a lot of healing as well."

Im sorry to hear that, Julie.
I highly suggest you read 'Ghosts Among Us" i myself just started reading it tonight. I've got half way through it and i have learned more in those two hours that i spent reading than i have in the past couple weeks.
It may give you clues to why your mother is the way she is.
It's not a book about ghost's stories.
I don't want to give anything away about it, dont read any reviews to see what it's about just get it and jump into it.
You'll thank me later if you do.

[Judy]

Super clever and entertaining is Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn.

[Tee]

Off the top of my head, must reads for me were:
The Handmaid's Tale
1984
American Psycho
And The Band Played On by Randy Shilts
Silence of the Lambs
In Cold Blood
Black Like Me
The Chamber
any Sherlock Holmes
Gone With The Wind
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
The Perk of Being A Wallflower
Zodiac by Robert Graysmith

[Casey]

I agree with Ryan read The Hot Zone also Perks of Being a wallflower!

[Jeff]

McKaylin wrote: "A book I found to be a major page turner was 'The Hangman's Daughter' by Oiver Potzsch. It's a great mix of mystery, violence, and of course a love story. It's not found in the goodreads, but if yo..."

Hey, McKaylin
I also have read "The Hangman's Daughter" and found it to be a wonderful mystery. I was surprised at how smoothly the writer moved us through the story. There were a lot of different story lines going on and you had no trouble following them all. I got the next book to "The Dark Monk" and look forward to reading that one.

[Travis]

Jettcatt wrote: "I agree Bianca The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafron is an all time favourite of mine."

I hope to read this before the end of the year glad some people thought it was good

[Michelle]

The perks of Being A Wallflower was definitely a book to shout about! I literally had to tell everyone to anyone about it once I'd finished reading, regardless whether they had any interest in books or what I had to say but sometimes some things just have to be said! This was one of those times..

[Casseroll]

Author: Sherrilyn Kenyon and her alter ego, Kinley MacGregor, also Christine Feehan Ghostwalker series (i.e. Shadow Game, Mind Game,etc.). Both these authors will keep you reading throughout the day non-stop. Fruits Basket, Vol. 1 by Natsuki Takaya -manga series that has a great story and plot. Emotional and entertaining.

[Sarah]

I was surprised by how much I loved When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Newberry winner, so obviously written for kids (and, as bonus, a fairly quick read), but I loved the way 1970s New York came alive. The kids felt real, and the premise was really interesting.

[Jeane, Book-tator]

Sarah wrote: "I was surprised by how much I loved When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Newberry winner, so obviously written for kids (and, as bonus, a fairly quick read), but I loved the way 1970s New York cam..."

I love Newbery winners (well maybe not all of them ;) )
Actually one of my new years resolutions is to read at least 10 of them! There are 90 of them so if I can read more that would be great, but I'm not making myself any promises with my school and podcasting going on :) I have read 18 of them already but some of them were so long ago that I would definitely want to re-read them.

[Jos]

This year I finally read the Dutch classic 'Hersenschimmen' by Bernlef ('Out of Mind'), about a man fading away because of his dementia. The book takes you inside his head and you can feel his confusion.

[Tee]

Michelle wrote: "The perks of Being A Wallflower was definitely a book to shout about! I literally had to tell everyone to anyone about it once I'd finished reading, regardless whether they had any interest in book..."

Agreed.

[Tee]

Also, The City and the Pillar by Gore Vidal.
A must read. A difficult subject matter to some, but easily a classic.

[Liz]

Jeane wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I was surprised by how much I loved When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Newberry winner, so obviously written for kids (and, as bonus, a fairly quick read), but I loved the way 1970..."

Jeane wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I was surprised by how much I loved When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Newberry winner, so obviously written for kids (and, as bonus, a fairly quick read), but I loved the way 1970..."

I too have always been intrigued by the Newbery winners (and runners-up) and actually found a group on Goodreads that reads and tries to predict the next winners ... ;o)

[Yocko]

Hello! My name is Andreea and even if I am new here, I would like to share with a certain book that I really loved. It's called "The Candles Burn Down to the Stump". by Sandor Marai. It's about real friendship and it's also a dramatic story, I would say. I recommend it to you! Please let me know if any of you read it :) I hope you'll enjoy it!

[Aliyah]

I finished reading Never Let Me Go by Kuzao Ishiguro. Was quite a sad, yet haunting novel. Its set in an alternate universe in the late 90's. Its about a group of friends who are clones living in a dystopian society and they were made to be organ donors.

[Anthony]

Andrea wrote: "I just finished A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. Both I've been meaning to read for a while."

I just read Wuthering Heights a few months ago, great book. The scope and emotions were beyond most other books I'd read.

I would add A Tale of Two Cities to the list. This book represents apex-plotting to me.

[Rose]

I really enjoyed "The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul" by Deborah Rodriguez. It really opens your eyes to life in Afghanistan, especially for the women. And it was inspired by the author's real life experiences.

[Colleen]

The Blue Notebook
Child 44
Pope Joan
The Red Tent
Half the Sky
The Book Thief

[Aliyah]

Rose wrote: "I really enjoyed "The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul" by Deborah Rodriguez. It really opens your eyes to life in Afghanistan, especially for the women. And it was inspired by the author's real life ex..."

is it as good as The Kite Runner??

[Carla]

Colleen wrote: "The Blue Notebook
Child 44
Pope Joan
The Red Tent
Half the Sky
The Book Thief"

The Book Thief is one of my all-time favorites! I bawl my eyes out for a long time after finishing it. Have fun!

I'm reading The Maze Runner by James Dashner at the moment. Trying to stick to mostly light reading for the school year.

[Sandra]

I want to read Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset this year. My middle name is Kristin and I was named after this book by my mother, so I HAVE to read it!! Anyone want to read it with me?

[Amanda]

Ryan wrote: "The Hot Zone: A Terrifying True Story by Richard Preston

A teacher in my high school HIGHLY recommended this book to me. Since reading it in high school, I've noticed that it is now being taught ..."

I LOVED The Hot Zone!!

[Amanda]

One of my favorite books of all-time is We the Living by Ayn Rand. This book doesn't get enough credit... or hardly any credit. She's best known for Atlas Shrugged, but this one is much shorter and it's sooooooo goooood!

[Rose]

Aliyah wrote: "Rose wrote: "I really enjoyed "The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul" by Deborah Rodriguez. It really opens your eyes to life in Afghanistan, especially for the women. And it was inspired by the author's..."
I've never read The Kite Runner, but I saw reviews that compared the two books.

[Sebastian]

If anyone likes noir, you can't miss reading Ken Bruen, he is a master. I have been reading several of his books lately and just finished Sanctuary, which was outstanding.

[Jessica]

Aliyah wrote: "I finished reading Never Let Me Go by Kuzao Ishiguro. Was quite a sad, yet haunting novel. Its set in an alternate universe in the late 90's. Its about a group of friends who are clones living in ..."

I agree 100%! This book has changed a lot about the way I view life in general. It took me a while to grasp what the group was...I con't catch onto things quickly.
Ishiguro is an amazing author. He made me rethink everything I know about life and humanity. Due to how rapidly the science industry moves, I believe this a book to be a must read for everyone.

Oh and it was made into a movie recently with Carrie Mulligan, Keira Knightly, and Andrew Garfield. I will be watching it soon. :)

Another book/series I think people should read is the Night Watch/Twilight Watch. Day Watch series by Sergei Lukyanenko. It is such an elaborate and creavtive series with an adventure into the sci fi realm.

[Frederick]

If you can find it - I lost my copy somewhere, I'm afraid - this is a very special fantasy: 'Winter's Tale' by Mark Helprin.

[Carolien]

I recently read The Far Pavilions and would recommend it as well.

[Judy]

I just finished a sci-fi classic, The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester. This book is incredibly imaginative and won the first Hugo Award (science fiction’s most prestigious award) in 1955.

[Denise]

I just finished Planet of the Apes. I'm not normally a sci-fi reader, but always loved the movie. The book is so incredible I gave it 5 stars. Quite a bit like the movie, but with shocking twists.

[Taylor]

To Kill a Mockingbird, definitely.

[Karena]

Laura wrote: "I'm afraid I might be putting myself out there as a person of dubious, even offensive taste, but for anyone who likes kind of sick humor, I highly recommend Graham Roumieu's little illustrated book..."

I don't think anyone here will judge you and if they do, they may be in the wrong place. "Without All the Class" is part of our title after all. It's a double meaning. =P hehe

[Frederick]

I love it! This fast-paced, beautifully written medical thriller glues you between its covers and will not set you free until the final page!
Author Carrie Rubin takes you with Dr. Sydney McKnight on shift in a Boston hospital as she is swept up onto the wave of an epidemic on the grand scale - an epidemic that is almost unerringly fatal, and one for which no remedy is known.
The words skip off the page as Ms. Rubin guides you through the technical language of epidemiology with authoritative ease, taking you deep inside her heroine’s mind without breaking the rhythm of the story. Her obvious experience as a hospital doctor brings the frantic atmosphere alive - takes you along each corridor, through each door - stands beside you at each bed. And all the time sharing Sydney’s suspicions: something is not quite right....
I don’t think I’ve ever read a medical thriller before. I’ve read few books that were better written. The Seneca Scourge was new to me in many ways: I gulped it down more eagerly than any book I’ve read in years.

[Tessa]

I guess Never Let Me Go changed me and my thinking about life and death.

A little off topic, but a book that I found at the right time was Fight Club.

The bittersweet Marina makes me dream everytime all over again.

And I'm crazy in love with Old Man and Mr. Smith: A Fable.

Well, and of cause To Kill a Mockingbird HAS to be mentioned! Whenever I think of this book, I have to think of Homer Simpson: "Books are useless! I only ever read one book, 'To Kill A Mockingbird', and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds! Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the color of his skin . . . but what good does that do me?"

[Sitikhadijah]

1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Agent X by Noah Boyd
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Those are the books that I highly recommend :)