So, what are some titles you think that everyone should read?

[Kristen (RAoA), Moderator]

I am always surprised when I talk to someone who has never read....

The Stand The Stand honestly is like an old friend to me... and I think it is the best book written in my lifetime and will continue to be well regarded long after I'm gone.

But I like horror and apocalyptic religious freaky stuff anyway...

So what books can you think of that everyone should read? And why?

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

Oh my god, PP, the more I learn about you the more I adore you.

I remember reading The Stand when it was very first released in paperback, in January of 1980. I had just moved cross country to California in June of 79. The cousin I moved with couldn't adapt to the culftual adjustment and moved back home, so I was completely on my own, 3000 miles from home, and living alone for the first time in my life.

I remember reading it on the bus and if someone would cough or sneeze I would nearly scream out loud. I swear, I was a prime candidate to be one of the bird flu precursors and take to wearing a surgical mask 24/7.

I have never been afraid of the dark, and have always slept in a pitch black room. I hate even transient light from things like electric alarm clocks. For several months (while and shortly after reading that book), I had to leave the bathroom light on with the door ajar so I could see into the shadows. Lol.

I'll start with just one of my favorites. When I was about fourteen and fancied myself a budding hippie, my brother-in-law told me to read Robert A. Heinlein's Stranger in a Strange Land. It blew my mind. Jubal Harshaw quickly became my literary hero, and it opened the door on a new quest to delve into Science Fiction.

The thematic elements in that book, particularly regarding organized religions, re-shaped my entire way of thinking. It was truly a pivotal book in my literary education.

[Eve (revanche900)]

That's so crazy. I love Heinlein, but I hadn't read any of his work until just a few years ago, when I started with The Cat Who Walks Through Walls.

I only knew the Heinlein legend from reading Spider Callahan's Mary's Place books.

[Sheila (Damnyoureloud), Moderator]

Eve (revanche900) wrote: "That's so crazy. I love Heinlein, but I hadn't read any of his work until just a few years ago, when I started with The Cat Who Walks Through Walls.

I only knew the Heinlein legend from reading S..."


Now you have me off in search of Spider Callahan. lol. :)

[Kristen (RAoA), Moderator]

You both have me in search of Heinlein. :)

[Eve (revanche900)]

Neither of you will regret it.

Here's the Mary's place books:

http://www.goodreads.com/series/49629...

I had the author wrong, d'oh!

[Erica (mouthie)]

Cane River