Most Important Reading Experience of My Life
358979
I'm a reading and English instructor at a community college. I encourage my students to read one quality novel per month. I, on the other hand, for the sake of setting an example to my students read 3-4 novels a month. I read because I feel books add to the person I am. I have literally read hundreds and hundreds of book over my lifetime, and I must say, when I read Dr. Verghese's book, Cutting for Stone, I became more passionate about teaching, reading, and writing. I find myself looking for the historical context and significance in every piece of work I read. I have never read a book, even after months and months of reading it, the characters, the history, the relationships still have a grip on  me. More than a year later, I still find myself thinking of Shiva, Marion, and their courageous, selfless mother. The sad and the most negative thing about reading Dr. Verghese's work is I find myself looking for the same reading experience, and I am disappointed and left empty after each attempt. I did read his memoir, The Tennis Partner, and it left me with the same feeling--weeks after I read it, I'm amazed by the complexities of the game and even more humbled by the convexes and concaves of a co-dependent relationship with a beloved friend who is gripped with addiction. If you're looking for an intense read, Dr. Verghese is your rhetorical artist.
2615970
I used to carry the title of this book in a hip-holster ready to draw on any quasi-intellectual inquiry into my literary pallette as the "most important book I'd ever read". It occured to me recently that although I seemed to feel somewhere in my bones that this statement was true, I hadn't read the book for over six years and couldn't even remember the name of the main character. That being said, having recently devoured Aldous Huxley's landmark novel "Brave New World", I must most empahtically again declare that this is one of THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS I'VE EVER READ!
What makes a book important? I think it has something to do with how well its themes and sentiments resonate with the world you experience from day to day. A quantity measured only by how many more truths you can see in unexpected places like the news, the grocery store, or a conversation around the water bubbler. "A Brave New World", though written at the beginning of the century, seems to have been written with a vision and a penetrating lesson for today.
The world described in Huxley's account is streamlined by science and technology, driven by open-ended corporate goals, and carried on the backs of a populace socially-trained from birth to continue an existence without question or meaning. It's a world shackled by a facism with no face or name. Contrary to Orwell's visions of a future entrapped by the ever-present 'Big Brother', Huxley's version of slavery is one enforced by ignorance and pleasure. A theme that seems well-suited to the comfortably worked, television-encased, numbed to violence and tradgedy, pill-popping, bacteria petri-dish America that exists today. It's impossible to read this book without seeing even some of his most outrageous symbolism come alive in the reality of today. To say it is a book that resonates is an understatement. To say that it is an important read is necessary.
1910721
Today I finished one of the greatest tales I've even been so blessed to have ran my reading eyes through! There's not one moment of downtime in such a captivating story that literally keeps your heart seeking for more. Since the day I was delivered "A Version of You" from the hands of my Asian motorbike mailman, I found myself uncontrollably compelled to dashing off into this unknown race for the end. I say unknown because I truly had NO IDEA just how tangled up my entire being would become into reading this book and just how much it would take over a big chunk of my life within a weeks time. I would stay up till late hours with only my son or man to pry me from the trance to attend mommy or lover duties. I would wake up from dreams that comprised of my own envisions living out tales in which I read upon just hours prior, and then guiltily fall right back into the realm as I would postpone my own projects just to read "only 50 more pages" soon after the rise of sun. It was quite comical just how much I could not stop reading this freaking thing!!! It was THAT GOOD! You took me as a reader through a journey of your then present, back to memory lane, leaving some moments of curiousity but connecting the dots later as the pages turned. You taught many lessons, including that of culture history never talked about and internally fought to find beauty out of every situation for us readers to learn from. Did you realize you were such a grant teacher to a mass audience aye? I just wanted more more and more and it truly saddened me to realize when I only held a few more pages in my hand to reach the end. However, my hand-made (by my loving son) faithful bookmark and I ultimately did not feel saddened when I closed the book with affirmation of the story to be officially over, because the rollercoaster tale touched me in so many ways as I felt as though I was also reading an imagined version of me. Although our paths led to many other ventures that could only argue but to be at opposite ends of life's spectrum, there's no doubt in my mind that I seen myself in virtually every single pivotal point you mentioned that eradicated a shown "version of you." What made me laugh multiple times was the perception you had amongst yourselves at times in doubt, because since the day I met you in middle school (your first day in American schooling), I seen each and every version of you in that girl. I knew the shy but yet wild, dancing poetic songstress who would even inspire my very own writings as we shared constant "notes" throughout our juvenile years as friends as well as poems we encouraged eachother to write. Going from that, to now reading your creation of this, is not shocking...it was your destined plan up in that cosmic world and anyone who knew you, knew this even if it took you years to discover it. Those years were necessary, you needed this story not only for yourself, but for your gift of purpose to others. This book answered a lot of curious questions I had when we had lost our sisterhood for some years and I did not know where you were, who you were, or what you were doing. But all along, it was as though you were in your own unique way, going through similar transgresses as I, with many similar thoughts about love, life, sisterhood, family, womanhood, true freedom, spirtuality, riches vs wealth, and purpose of self. The true story within the bind and the amazingly talentedly written artistry within the way you tell it, is by far one that can move a doubtful and spiritually-stagnated nation within any 'human' thats just 'being.'  I encourage every living soul to support and purchase such art of storytelling by someone I will always have a securily-stored, sacred place of love for. My friend, my sistar, April Lee Fields

Ps: the funnest part was putting together your pictures to the story and seeing if what your vivid words had me imagine, actually lined up to the faces and places throughout the book. It's really cool being able to compare visuals. Can't wait for your second book! Hint hint!
1681872
In my years as a youth, I grew up reading books like Animal Farm, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and so many brilliant classics but I never knew that I could discover something more from so many authors like Mark Twain and George Orwell by reading their works of non-fiction. These works in my later years have become incredibly poignant in defining who I am by reading the lives of these people. Learning what life was like through their eyes and through reflection, learning more about myself and my world around me. That is why a book like Silently Yours is so important to those who are growing up in a rapidly moving and increasingly loud world. From the students that sat across from her desk to the people who live their lives with her every day, Amiras work in recording the things she has seen and experienced will help define theirs, give meaning to the things in life that have no definition or explanation, and more importantly find ways to relate to us on so many levels. As a student of anthropology, the moments in the book where her actions between her and the people she meets are incredibly delicious. Small vignettes that do not take away from the message by adding copious amounts of description and background, they are clear and straight forward. The book is about how this woman, who was a world citizen in her youth, has spent the last 17 years becoming reacquainted with her country, her culture, and her religion while allowing us to accompany her through her struggles and her triumphs. The author may not realize this now, but this work could be, should be, and God willingly will be used as a reference to understand the concepts of culture and home and a perspective that is always embraced.
1915833
I was loaned this book from a friend but after reading it decided I need my own copy. This book is one long parable that is so, so important. I have read it multiple times at multiple stages in my life and each stage this book has related to me in new ways. It's calming, grounding, intense, real, and also happens to be infatuating. Can't recommend this enough, buy it now.
1935467
Read it in college myself. A belief in quality shaped my life from that point on.  I think I need to reread it.
1662237
It's been 13 years since I was in 5th grade, when my teacher read The Giver aloud to my class. I have read this book atleast a dozen times since then and everytime it makes me feel the same way it did 13 years ago: enlightened and more aware of the world around me. I can say with all confidence that this book changed me as a child and it's the book that made me want to read; it made me love reading. To any parent browsing this page, wondering if this would be a good investment for their child: please take a chance. While the subject matter may be "too mature" to some, I feel that it is too important to keep from any child.
1207704
When I began reading Justice I could not anticipate how immensely I would enjoy it, and how profoundly it would speak to me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the power, beauty, and poetry of this novel, which moved me deeply.  It was hard to recall that I was reading a newly published work, and not yet the revered classic which it must inevitably become, if there is any judgement or wisdom in the world.  Similarly, it was at times difficult to recall that I was reading a work of fiction, as the truth of the characters, and the extraordinary vividness of description, powerfully narrated and exquisitely written, compellingly conveyed lived experience.  A work of profound compassion and humanity.

I shared the novel with a friend who well knew the beautiful Italian locales where the novel is set (which were, I believe, a part of the author's own childhood).  My friend was so moved by Justice, that she read it twice through.  My friend had visited Italy at the period the author  describes, on tour with an ENSA troupe (the British U.S.O.) during the war, and in Naples she met the G.I. she would marry.  Carey Harrison's evocation of time and place rang true for her and brought back haunting memories.  She, too, was deeply moved by the novel.

Since reading Justice, I find that I think of it often. While reading it, I couldn't put it down (and my friend found the same); to read it felt like an exhilarating and significant event, as it always does to experience a classic. Justice continues to move and inspire me.
2057304
As a latecomer to the world of Harry Potter, I am forever grateful to a cool friend who turned me onto them only this year.
Other friends are great fans, but a new friend was so enthusiastic about them, I just had to give HP a go finally.
I am so glad I did.
This last book has touched me deeply. I give great kudos to Rowling. The ability to combine wit and pathos in a single paragraph is a rare gift.
I was laughing and sobbing simultaneously throughout.
This book is appealing on so many levels. From the vivid visual imagery to the timeless morality lessons to the intricate tapestry of the wizarding world, there is something here for most everyone to appreciate.

I feel well rewarded for avoiding all spoilers.
I also advise anyone who has not yet read the book and is reading reviews, to stop before hitting any spoilers.

It made for a much richer and satisfying experience to read it fresh with no hints beforehand as to what was to transpire.
This book enthralled me and I am gobsmacked by how it has touched my core.
Now on my short list of favorite books of all times.
2552519
You could read these reviews and make a decision based on them on whether the book is good or bad. Or you could pick it up, read it, and discover deep within yourself, that what is said makes is the truth, and more importantly that it makes sense and makes you feel good. I believe the Bible says, when something feels good, it is the Holy Spirit working within you to reveal the truth.

I couldn't stop reading this book. I stopped doing everything else and felt a need and utter attraction to the words of this book. I smiled, laughed, and gaped with my mouth hanging open throughout the book. I felt good inside, and for the first time, I can can believe, because what is written, makes absolute sense. For we knew everything before we came to this world, and we will know everything again when we leave it. Subconciously, deep down, that knowledge is still there, and it is at times like this, when you read a book like this, that you feel the joy and excitment when you know that what you are reading is the truth, you just know.

This book, or at least, the ideas and message of this book, may be humanity's single most important piece of writing since mankind started writing and reading.

I encourage you strongly, to pick it up, read it, and may you come to the realization that Life is God, Love is God, and everything that exists is God. And that Death is no different than when we wake up from our dreams and into what we call "reality" or than when we fall asleep and leave "reality" and awaken in the dream world.
2323174
This is my all-time favorite work of literature.

The first time I read this book I was 15 years old.  A great friend's father (a high school guidance counselor) gave it to me in an attempt to broaden my philosophical, intellectual and literary horizons.  The book had the desired effect.  I opened it that afternoon and did not put it down until I had read every last page in one sitting.  I was transfixed.  I finished reading it in approximately three hours, front to back.  My philosophy, my world view and my life were all changed forever.

Tons of people have reviewed the textual content of the book but it is more than that.  This work is arguably the greatest literary accomplishment of Gibran's lifetime and it isn't just textual.  It is also textural.  The Prophet is poetic and it inspires a sense of inner peace and harmony just by reading the words written on its pages; simple messages which resonated like a cannon in a young mind.  As it turns out they still resonate in exactly the same way now that I am older.  I have read The Prophet a total of 22 times during the course of my life and each time I read it I discover some new facet of my existence that I can apply its wisdom to.

Over the years I have shared this amazing book with loved ones, friends, coworkers, even a university professor, who to my great surprise, had never read it.  This is a seminal work and should be required reading for any person who considers himself/herself to be 'educated'.

Aside from the passages in the Bible, this is the greatest work of literary art in existence.  Whatever booksellers are charging nowadays for a copy of The Prophet, it is worth it.

Michael E. Burgess
4219427
In a very real way, this book changed my life.  I still remember the exact moment.  I was 7 years old and went to a friend's house to play.  She was reading when I got there.  Reading?  That was just something you did when your teacher's made you....  Well, she handed me Misty and from that moment on I was hooked.  I have been an avid reader since that book showed me what amazing worlds could be found between the pages of a book.
3358994
For the first time in my life, I found myself harboring, holding onto EACH and EVERY phrase in this book. Reading it was an experience beyond reading. It relaxed me, put me in a frame I've never been in before.

The story can be picked up by other reviews, but it's about a daughter looking for her father. It's about reconnecting with your senses; particularly hearing. And it's about how precious are the lessons in life.

I found the insight into other cultures - and the patience found therein - to be astounding. I understand why the east is so magnetic to some. Being an impatient American, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air.

Additionally, the plot and characters were fantastic.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

(*)>
2277149
I cannot put it down but there are moments I must...to absorb the words, the truth. To read this book is to be taken into another dimension where one sees further, touches deeper, hears more clearly. I am transformed in the reading.
2456374
I own A Little Too Broken in both the Amazon Kindle edition and the Audible edition. I am an avid reader. One feature that I use every day on my Kindle is the text-to-speech feature all the time as I am dyslexic this feature also opens up many avenues for those with vision issues. I was excited to hear the Brad Vance's voice reading the book. At the moment I started the book I recalled the difference in text to speech and actually hearing it read, it was because it was more than that it was a performance encompassing all the nuances and detail that my eyes envision when I picture the books play out on the giant screen in my mind.

It was refreshing as well not that everyone in the book is perfect. I do not mind perfect but as a study diet, I find them lack and in the quest for perfection, they somehow miss out on the heart. I immediately fell in love with Jamie and Tom. I found myself transported into the story right in the room with them, not a casual observer listening to a story. I have many favorite authors but there are not many who can actually reach intouch the heart so deeply with love, emotion, and a tenderly crafted story.

Watching how they met grew into a friendship, relationship and all the complications that go along with it is an amazing journey. It is not a depressing story eitherrather of home, redemption and find home. I read this in one day but found myself trying to pace myself and baby it because I did not want it to end too quickly. At the end of the book, I was well satisfied.

This book is well worth the time it takes to read it. It is also worth the money to get it in Audible form and or Kindle form. There are only a few fiction books that I will return to read repeatedlythis is certainly going to be one of them.
Tidal Ashburn
May 1, 1996
108915
I was one of the many that read this book while she was posting it to Wattapad.  It was honestly one of the best reading experiences ever.  Every time a notification came up I was there.  It didn't matter what time of day.  I just needed my next fix.  Really read it.  Its amazing.
589171
Usually I'll read a book that makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me think of days gone by, or makes me think of what I want to be....or had me crying in my cereal......and never has a book given all of these gifts to me under one binding.

I knew Lauren's story and I knew it would be an emotional read....and I thought I was ready for it.  Wow!  I didn't know I would be obsessed, stalk her FB page, nor talk about it over breakfast, lunch, dinner, after-dinner walks, and while in bed.  I also didn't know the extreme pride I would feel in remembering that growing up, in my hometown weekly paper (Butler, Missouri's "Headliner"), they used to print how many pints were donated at the last blood drive and who in town had donated the most pints.  I did know that my dad would either read this column with pride (he was #1) or with disgust (Bob Hall was #1)....I had forgotten that memory.

Thank you, Lauren.....for living an amazing life, living to tell the tale, and inspiring us all to be our better self, with soul intact.  This is one of the best stories I've ever read!  With humble adoration and love, Carolyn!