book that changed your views on life

[pauliwauli2]

Have you read a book that changed your outlook on life? What was it?

[starmack]

The Book of Daniel by EL Doctorow. A compelling argument against the electric chair.

[heathfield]

Catch 22. Hugely funny on the first reading, more serious on the second reading, and on the third reading, not at all funny, but one of the most damning anti-war books I've ever read.

[warpig3]

Ditto heathfield, have read it many times and each time have a deeper 'take' on it.

[andy-hughes]

'The Mind Parasites' by Colin Wilson, my all-time favourite novel. The plot is based on a Lovecraft-ian invasion of the minds of the human race by an alien species, but the wonderful sense of optimism and hope with which it finished directly affected my attitude to life from the day I read it, when I was about twenty-one, to today, thirty-one years later.

[jake-the-peg]

Some one once said of a book, that "this is not a novel that can be cast aside lightly, it should be flung with great force"

I felt that way about read "5 people you meet in heaven" I thought it was trite and predictable - almost as if someone had been briefed to go away and write a moving book

In contrast, I wouldn't say it changed my life but by far the most subtle and interesting book I've ever read is this one:

http://bahai-library.com/index.php5?file=see_n akhjavani_saddlebag_fable

It sees a set of events in the desert through the eyes of a number of characters of differing religions and cultures

[Romeo]

1984 by George Orwell. Although the year 1984 may be long passed, the nightmare future in the story could still happen. Really made me think.

[Bruizedapple]

The quote about throwing it with great force was Dorothy Parker I think, she reviewed books for the New York Times or summat. She reviewed winnie the pooh with something along the lines of ".......Tonstant Weader fwowed up" heh heh

Anyway I digress, Yan and the Pike is a very lovely short illustrated story about friendship, loss and dignity. Its beautiful and makes me constantly reassess relationships and my world view.

[cyanide]

Without doubt this one,i`ll never complain about trivial things again!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Blinding-Absence-Light -Tahar-Jelloun/dp/0141022825

[mandimoo]

practical occultism in daily life - dion fortune

[girlygirl2]

I have Life - Its a biography by a South Africa lady who is quite frankly, an inspiration.

Her name is Alison but I cant remember her last name.

[girlygirl2]

www.alison.co.za/excerpts.htm

there you go!

[starmack]

"I Have Life: Alison's Journey" is listed under author Marianne Thamm.

[natalie149]

The bible! 27 and just started reading it, suprising how it makes you look at things different, wish i had read it sooner!

[Scylax]

'Atlas Shrugged' by Ayn Rand
A compelling novel which introduced me to
Rationalism, when I'd been a Liberal too long.

'HMS Ulysses' by Alistair Maclean, taught me,
in the first chapter, the immense power of words.
A stunning opening to an overwhelming story.

[spudqueen]

Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken and Kon Tiki by Thor Heyderdahl. Though I am not saying that I prescribe totally to their way of thought it made me think, and also realise that you don't have to accept the standard view of things.

[fastcart]

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson.

My outlook hasn't been the same since...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Crash

[naomi24]

Chariots of the Gods by Erich Von Daniken.

[chakka35]

Richard Dawkins' "The Blind Watchmaker" which made me understand why I am here at all. All else follows from that.

[missy_j78]

I really enjoyed "A Piece of Cake" by Cupcake Brown. It's an autobiog about a young woman who had a really hard life and manages to turn it around, by being strong and believing in God. It's not at all like the usual "poor me, what a hard life i've had" type books, and its not a nutty religious book either. She tells it exactly as it is, makes no bones about the bad things she's done, and doesn't ask for sympathy either.

Loved it.

[Ian b]

The road to Wigan pier - George Orwell

Without being political it explains what socialism is ( which is not Labour). I've heard other people say this as well.