Old Project Avalon Forum (ARCHIVE) - View Single Post - Books that changed my life

piers2210 · 11-22-2008, 01:06 AM

Thanks to all for the fantastic recommendations....

Out of interest, here are five novels (rather than the metaphysical works referenced in this thread) that changed me:

1. "Stranger in Strange Land" - Robert Heinlen

The greatest ever "science fiction" work. We didn't know what he was writing about then. We do now...

2. "The Moon and Sixpence" - Somerset Maughan

Near perfect writing about the life of the artist Paul Gauguin who left a comfortable existence to follow his heart, which was art. An amazing artist, he died alone and in poverty. But he did what we should all do: follow his heart.

3. "The End of the Affair" - Graham Greene

I re-read Greene regularly to remind myself about how writing should really be. The story of lost love, that society made impossible. The film is perfect too, type "Jealous of the Rain" into youtube and watch a three minute clip and perfect acting. The only film that instantly reduces me to blubber, i don't know why.

4. "Tuesdays with Morrie" - Mitch Albom.

Lovely thoughts about life from a dying old man.

5. "Eleven Minutes" - Paulo Coelho

Can anyone not find something that helps them in the writings of Coelho?

11-22-2008, 01:06 AM	#21
piers2210 Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 403	Re: Books that changed my life - Tell me more! Thanks to all for the fantastic recommendations.... Out of interest, here are five novels (rather than the metaphysical works referenced in this thread) that changed me: 1. "Stranger in Strange Land" - Robert Heinlen The greatest ever "science fiction" work. We didn't know what he was writing about then. We do now... 2. "The Moon and Sixpence" - Somerset Maughan Near perfect writing about the life of the artist Paul Gauguin who left a comfortable existence to follow his heart, which was art. An amazing artist, he died alone and in poverty. But he did what we should all do: follow his heart. 3. "The End of the Affair" - Graham Greene I re-read Greene regularly to remind myself about how writing should really be. The story of lost love, that society made impossible. The film is perfect too, type "Jealous of the Rain" into youtube and watch a three minute clip and perfect acting. The only film that instantly reduces me to blubber, i don't know why. 4. "Tuesdays with Morrie" - Mitch Albom. Lovely thoughts about life from a dying old man. 5. "Eleven Minutes" - Paulo Coelho Can anyone not find something that helps them in the writings of Coelho?