Books that make me think: A top ten list

Posted byRoryPosted inLists, Reviews

I love lists, I really do. And I’ve noticed that many other bookish people love lists as well, I wonder if there is any connection in that. This week’s top ten list is about the books that make (or made) you think (about life, love, politics, the world, etc.). As hosted by The Broke and the Bookish…

Here’s my top ten Tuesday list (this week, it’s in particular order):

10. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

9. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

8. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

7. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

6. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

5. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

4. Straight Man by Richard Russo

3. Persuasion by Jane Austen

2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

1. The Stand by Stephen King

Probably more than anything, the above books have made me think about what I want to have and accomplish in my own life. I already have fairly decisive views on politics, religion, etc., but my own personal desires tend to be the most mutable and thus what I frequently reflect on. (And, like the quote, they’ve helped me realize that I’m not always as alone as I feel. On a somber and sad day such at this one, I think it’s important to remember how important kindness and tolerance are – and that this day will never be forgotten.)

What about you? What book makes you think the most?

Image: Spires and Gargoyles via Pinterest.

10 thoughts on “Books that make me think: A top ten list”

  2. A great list! I just read Stranger in a Strange Land this summer. Fascinating! I have heard so many good things about The Stand. I read my first Stephen King novel earlier this year (11/22/63) and enjoyed it. I’m going to have to check out The Stand some time soon.

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    1. The Stand is definitely a great “what if” novel and nowadays I doubt it is very far fetched. I would definitely recommend that one, especially is you enjoyed 11/22/63 and don’t mind books that can double as doorstops.

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  4. Thanks for visiting Jorie’s Reads! … I see several books that made me think, too. I can’t believe I forgot Stranger in a Strange Land! C’est la vie! … I’m hoping to read The Stand next year!

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  6. Many of John Irving’s books would make my list and I agree that the 11th is definitely a day for reflection.

    I am visiting from Scene of the Blog – glad to have found your blog over there.

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  7. Letters from the Earth (Twain)
    Ringworld (Niven)
    The Evolution of the Idea of God (Allen)
    M.A.S.H. (Hooker)
    The King Must Die (Renault)
    Dawn Wind (Sutcliff)
    Lonesome Dove (McMurtry)
    Friday (Heinlein)
    Sometimes a Great Notion (Keesey)
    The Search for Bridey Murphy (Bernstein)

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