What is the best book that you ever read...and why?

My favorite book is often the one that I am currently reading, which at this precise time is "The Language of God" by Francis S. Collins. In this book Francis Collins, who was the head of the human genome project discusses his journey from Atheism to belief in God. I learned about this book when Francis Collins made a guest appearance on "The Charlie Rose" show. Basically, I am fascinated by books of many subjects and I have a high degree of respect for fiction authors who can come up with a unique story angle. Some of my favorite authors are Maeve Binchy, Dan Brown and Nelson DeMille. I recently read the DaVinci Code and Angels and Demons. Although the DaVinci Code was made into a movie I much preferred Angels and Demons.

I am not sure I have a favorite book as I read all of the time. JRR Tolkien has to be among the best. Amy Tan as you mentioned is also very talented at bringing home the humor and heartache of her characters one of my favorites from her is The bonesetters daughter, you might want to check that one out. I am a Stephen King fanatic and have read nearly every word he has written. Anne Rice is on the top of my list also with her vampire chronicials. I was disappointed when she stopped writting them. The Prince of tides comes to mind as a favorite by Pat conroy. I also enjoyed the North and South series by John Jakes. Not to mention Harry potter, can not wait for the next one. My 12 year old read them with me, we had such a good time. Jean M. Auel has a series called earth children starting with Clan of the cave bear, another one of my tops.....Gosh I could go on and on here..clive barker some of daniel steel and lets not forget the classics that we were forced to read in school but now I enjoy.

Oh there are so many it's tough to narrow it down to just a few (and impossible to just pick one) but I would have to include Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad - it's such an entertaining book and I'm a fan of his anyway. I've read it lots of times and never get bored with it. Also Life of Pi by Yann Martel - I just loved this book, so imaginative and cleverly written and there again Thomas Hardy, The Mayor of Casterbridge - I'm a huge Hardy fan as well but this is my favourite one of his books without a doubt. The "hero" Michael Henchard is probably my all time favourite fictional character. I would recommend all three but The Mayor of Casterbridge is a true classic - if you've not already done so I highly recommend reading that one.

I would have to say that my favorite book that I have read so far is actually four books. I am of course talking about JRR Tolkein's books, The Hobit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. These are wonderfull books and are my favorite because I love fantasy writings, and in my opinion the king of all fantacy books is the Lord of the Rings books, including The Hobbit.

It is so difficult for me to chhosse just one book. As a writer, any book that inspires me to write is a great book indeed. I love all of Anne Lammott's books. I actually like her nonfiction books more than her fiction books. "Bird by Bird" and "Operating Instructions" are two of my favorites. "The Corrections' by James Franzen was controversial and it is very long, but it is excellently written.I also love Sue Miller's writing, especially her novel "The Good Mother".

Believe it or not I tend to read a lot of children's or young adult books....so of course you can bet I'm waiting for the new Harry Potter book...but I also got involved with Erin Hunter's Warrior series about cats...its a whole series of books and I'm only on the first book of the second of the series...The last "adult" book I read was The Da Vinci Code...I never read a book so fast in my life as that one..and went to bed very late as a result...

The best book that I have ever read would have to have been "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. It goes through the traditions and culture of a Nigerian tribe the Ibo. It's an excellent novel, I've read it 3 times so far.

As a professional book reviewer I've read many but I have to say one of my favorites is a fairly new book that I reviewed called "Beneath a Marble Sky" by John Shors. It is a historical fiction about the building of the Taj Mahal. Talk about a wonderful piece of literature!!!!! I have so many others too but this will remain one of my favorites.

Yeah.. Ur right, there r so many many great books and its very difficult to pick one best book.. I like books that influence me.. I love this book called 'Fountain Head' by Ayn Rand.. I have become this author's fan after reading tht book.. Her philosophy on life is simply great.. She explains why our human brain is the greatest of everything in the world, about human greatness and how life should be lived.. Sometimes I think if everyone follows wat she says, world would be a much better place.

memoirs of a geisha because it taught me so much about a different culture that is very different from my own. it opened me up to all cultures.

I love reading. And I am quite surprised that many of mylot users also do since many have responded to your post. Back to your question, that depends on your taste or preferences. My favorite is the classic of Victor Hugo, Les Miserables. I don't know if you have already read it, but if you want some historical description with shade of suspense and human drama, you'll love it. Then ofcourse you shouldn't miss Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. They are wonderfully touching, though true to the Dickensians genre, the characters are often depicted in such miserable conditions that if you are a serious and emotional reader, you'll feel the pain as if you're in the story. Ready for something mature? Try Danielle Steel Message from 'Nam and Bittersweet. That's a realistic fiction, depicting human feelings in an almost natural environment. If you're the kind who loves suspense and mystery, try The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, or those novels written by Sidney Sheldon. One of my favorite is his book If tomorrow comes. A very nice fiction which will keep you in suspense the whole time. Want to be scared? Start reading Stephen King's Pet Sematary and Thinner. I guess I've given you a long list already. If you have already read some of it, I hope we can talk about it, I am also looking for someone who can really discuss the books they have read, that would be much fun for avid book readers. Enjoy reading.

This is a very difficult question. I guess, for today, I would have to say my favorite book is Brave New World by Aldous Huxley. There is something very alluring about that book. It's set in a totalitarian society in the future and it is kind of a wake-up call to us. It shows some of the possible dangers our society may encounter and it tackles difficult questions of old world morals versuses new. It explores culture clashes and questions the very idea of civilization. It's a must read.

I'm really not digging into books, but i had the chance to finish The Purpose Driven Life. It's contents are self-inspiring, and is really needed by everyday-living people.

when i was about 12 my sister had a book called the theif of always. It was about a magical place hidden behind a hologram brick wall. a young boy discovers this place while out for a walk one day. it is a place were the sun always shines and everything is close to perfect. the only things is that one day in this mystical place equals to one year in the real world. I read the book about 10 times and would love to read it again only i have no idea were the book ever went. and i cannot remember the name of the author. If you ever come across it definitily read it.

The last book I read was a really good one. It was called Join Me. It was about a guy that asked people to join him, he didn't have a reason at first. All he asked was for a picture and you saying you would join him. It started because his Grand pa wanted to start a village. He didn't get it done so he thought he would try it but justed asked people to join him. It was a really good book and funny and well written, and a true story. There is a web sie today last i knew if people wanted to still join him.

My best book is Romeo and Juliet

well i took to reading very recently....when the dan brown series had come out i got hold of the prequal to dan vinci code....angels and demons....its really amazing.that you wwill noyt eevn put down the book if ur hungry...

Brules, by Harry Combs...it is a great western novel that could have been a movie. Most people don't read westerns anymore. However, one of the greatest authors ever was Louis L'Amour. He never wrote a bad book. When you read hundreds of books, it is almost impossible to pick a favorite. There are so many that never fail to entertain.

i dont read much but probable dr. seuss books they were the best great story and catchy so them but really thas all i read because i hate reading but who does

There are two ways that I usually find out about new books. The first is by heading to the local library. The second is by going to the local Border's bookstore and browsing through the new arrivals section. They always have the latest!! My favorite book would have to be "The Five People You Meet In Heaven" by Mitch Albom. Its a different take on what possibly happens to you when you die. An added bonus is that it was released as a movie. I've found that most books that are turned into movies are lacking certain details to allow for time. This movie was just as good as the book!! I would definitely recommend both. A few other favorite authors are John Grisham, Kristin Hannah, and Nicholas Evans.