Thread: Books that are must reads before you die ?

I know what you mean about the movie. I think the movie is good as a stand-alone film. Merchant Ivory did a very good job staying true to the story and the events of the novel, but there is so much Ishiguro is discussing in that novel about self-deception, suppressed feelings, denial, wasted time, convictions, that it is nearly impossible to translate all of it to the screen.

For those who haven't read it, the novel is fairly short and very accessible. I can't think of anyone who wouldn't be benefited by reading it.

Some have been said already, but mine are...in no particular order:

The Fountainhead -- Ayn Rand
East of Eden -- John Steinbeck
House of Leaves -- Mark Z. Danielewski
Cloud Atlas -- David Mitchell
Shogun -- James Clavell
A Song of Ice and Fire (Series) -- George R.R. Martin

Probably more on my list....but those are the first that come to mind.

Anything written by Harry Turtledove. The master of alternative history.

Waterlog and Wildwood- A Journey Through Trees, both by Roger Deakin

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William Shirer

for light reading..anything by P.G. Woodhouse

I want to read them all.

I absolutely love to read, always have. For me there is no end all be all book that everyone MUST read. But I think there are a few that should be considered. My Picks for Now:
In Cold Blood- T.Capote
The Master and Margarita- Mikhail Bulgakov
Aldous Huxley Short Stories- Mortal Coils,and Brief Candles

I know I already posted a few before, but I am about 75% through reading "The Life of Pi" and I am hooked. I started this book two days ago and simply cannot put it down. I just know this book is going to leave a lasting impression on me. It is already one of my favorites.

Finnegan's Wake is on my list. Attempted then never went back. Maybe a re-read of Atlas Shrugged and The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)

Originally Posted by Fbones24

I know I already posted a few before, but I am about 75% through reading "The Life of Pi" and I am hooked. I started this book two days ago and simply cannot put it down. I just know this book is going to leave a lasting impression on me. It is already one of my favorites.

I keep hearing such good things about this novel from absolutely everyone who has read it, but I've never been inspired to pick it up myself. Here's hoping I do someday.

Originally Posted by SlowRain

I keep hearing such good things about this novel from absolutely everyone who has read it, but I've never been inspired to pick it up myself. Here's hoping I do someday.

My fiance has been begging me to read it since we met two years ago. I kept reading about it and the plot line and I just didn't feel inspired either. I think this book will be a classic years from now and probably required reading for students. I finished it last night....it was excellent.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I really like a good fantasy book now and then, and I think The Wizarrd of Earthsea is a classic. I also really enjoyed Wizard's First Rule.

Dylan, I enjoyed the whole series by Goodkind, and yes - Wizard's First Rule was good. Most like Faith of the Fallen best, though I enjoyed Naked Empire better.

For a pleasant retreat to the comedic, you might enjoy Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. I've gotten to where I don't care at all about the plots - his use of language is hysterical.