The book you would read over and over again

Feb 12, 2024 11:25 PM

TheOneWhoWasLeft

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Mine is Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series. It is just soul comfort. The audiobook version is also so very enjoyable.

What's yours?

Edit: Oop, this one blew up ^^ Thank you all for your lovely comments (/recommendations)!

I love how excited they are as they spring-spin to the books

2 years ago | Likes 49 Dislikes 0

And how they hug them!

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Good Omens

2 years ago | Likes 46 Dislikes 0

A really fun and fabulous read

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The Expanse series, no hesitation. Some of the few books I have reread or relistened to. Such incredible characters and world building, and a vision of the future that stays grounded and could be a real possibility (the good and the bad). The books have a bit of everything which makes them feel tangible even though in the future.

2 years ago | Likes 81 Dislikes 0

I love the tv show adaptation, had listen to the first book years before, it didn't stick, still perfer the show, which is rare for me.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

I'm really struggling with shows portayal of Amos and Bobbie. Other than that I'm finding it enjoyable.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Now do the same thing, but librarians

2 years ago | Likes 32 Dislikes 1

Right, people who work in bookstores are book fans, or maybe even book lovers. Librarians are book obsessed.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Nightfall by Isaac Asimov and Robert Silverberg

2 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 0

This has got to be the longest, most informative, comment thread I've ever seen on Imgur. Great post @op

My favorite is the entire Outlander series. I re-read it everytime she puts out a new book. I believe we're due for #10 soon!

2 years ago | Likes 29 Dislikes 1

The Pern series by Ann McCaffrey.

2 years ago | Likes 28 Dislikes 1

Me too!!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Just finished reading the entire series. Again.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Watership Down. Ask the Dust. Jurassic Park. Sphere. Slowly Downward. Household Worms. The Great Gatsby….

2 years ago | Likes 43 Dislikes 0

I was going to say Jurassic Park, too. Anything by Crichton gets me pretty immersed. =)

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Same

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's pretty light on dialogue, and Lex whining feels like 1/5th of that once they're on the island. That character really put me off what is an otherwise enjoyable read.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. That book is a wonderful companion in life, a beautiful little guide.

2 years ago | Likes 60 Dislikes 1

Ahhh you just reminded me of how awesome this book is. I was required to read it in high school and loved every minute of it

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I always preferred Narcissus and Goldmund.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Loved that one too!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Nice post @op! v

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Read this book and the wisdom I got out of that is still embedded in me ...

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The Dragonriders of Pern.

2 years ago | Likes 54 Dislikes 0

My sibling loved reading this series as a teenager.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I love all Anne's stuff and have all but three of her books, including collaborations. Adore her world building and characters. Her son did a fair effort of taking up where she left off, too.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Ooo good choice!

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

These were my ultimate comfort read in adolescence

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Me too! I started with dragon singer and then made my way through chronologically. I haven’t read in so long, I’m waaay overdue! <3

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That’s exactly where I started in junior high as well!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Heck yeah, buddy! Dragonsdawn to All the Weyrs of Pern in chronological order. It finished well there and I don't care to reread the stuff from Todd.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Having never read any of Todd’s additions, I’ll wholeheartedly agree.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Good choice. Don't bother. It will make you sad, and not because it's well-written tearjerkers.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

He really tries but he doesn’t have the talent his mother had

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

His just never held my attention quite like Anne’s.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Johnathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach

2 years ago | Likes 48 Dislikes 0

My man!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh I read it as a preteen and it left such an impression. Truly you feel his love for flying. His autobiographies are cool too

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Also by Richard Bach - "Illusions - Adventure of a Reluctant Messiah". Read it in one sitting (it is admittedly a short book) and felt like someone had rearranged my brain in some wonderful way.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

100% glad I’m not the only one.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My mom gave this to me to read as a teen and it really changed how I viewed things.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

"Real speed - is being there."

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The idea of seagulls learning Instant Transmission is just too peak.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I was told long ago this was a short children's book. I read it at the age of 10 and I can tell you, for a ten year old, it's not short lol. It took me maybe three days to read it, primarily cus I would have to pause and articulate everything I had just read, sometimes as I stared at the pictures, but it was, by all means, a great read.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Personally I never got much from that, maybe I wasn't in the right headspace when I read it. Illusions is great though.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Oh for sure, Johnathan is just the gateway. Illusions is probably my favorite book ever

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

His dark materials!

2 years ago | Likes 30 Dislikes 0

Yes! I read the trilogy many times as a teen. I still adore it and I think the new TV show was a pretty faithful and nice adaptation. It was my fav book series together with earthsea trilogy

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I thought the show was really great. I was like full on crying when she had to let Pan go. My wife came out to ask me what was wrong, lol. It seemed even sadder watching it then reading about it

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes. I’m hoping the book of dust holds up too.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Me too but....yo....there are some weird vibes. Like. It feels like Pullman wrote himself into the story to bang lyra.. :/

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

First novels I read to my son. Still the favorite.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Magician by Raymond W Fiest. Love this book

2 years ago | Likes 38 Dislikes 0

Darkness at Sethanon is my all time go to

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

The Magician series went some wild places before the end. But goddamn if that one scene in Magician's End didn't have me outright balling because it was a beautiful goodbye.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons - Sol Weintraub's story was just...amazing.

2 years ago | Likes 109 Dislikes 2

I can read the first two all the time, the third sometimes.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Solid choice, though I think the last book turned a little too Mary Sue

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I thought hyperion was so good...until the end. That ending left me going wtf, really!?

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Totally! I have read it like 6 times through over the years. Both in Finnish and in english. Was actually the first book I read in english back in high-school.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I just absolutely LOVE this book. I think about it often.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm in early book 2 now!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

A fellow Hyperionite! I love that book. I read both Hyperion and Endymion books, and really didn't like any of the others. But Hyperion is one of my all time favorites!

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I like the poet/satyrs story the best.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

See ya later alligator!

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Unpopular opinion among hyperionites, but I adore all 4 books. Even the preachy second two. It’s a good thing I own them on kindle because a physical book would have worn away by now.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

The Cantos' literary pretensions often exceed its literary reach but...Sol's story makes pretty much the whole series worthwhile.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Howl's Moving Castle. Read it before Miyazaki's move came out when I was in high school. There was something about seeing Sophie in all her self hatred anxiety depression and feeling like she was accomplishing nothing turn out to be the hero in the end was just... so soothing and uplifting for someone with self hatred anxiety and depression who felt they were accomplishing nothing.

2 years ago | Likes 65 Dislikes 0

Great series!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

woah it's a book?? thanks for this info!

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Try the authors other books too especially year of the griffin

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The story of the book is VERY different to the movie. I like the book way better, and I, too, have read it a lot of times. It's beautiful, and the story makes a lot more sense than the one in the movie.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Thank you! Finally someone who agrees with me regarding the story. I felt the movie was odd because of it, and that was before I had read the book. The book was better imo. It is definitely not one of my favourite Ghibli movies because of it.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Oh you're in for a treat! Diane Wynne Jones was my favourite author as a kid. I discovered The Many Lives of Christopher Chant in primary school and it was perfect

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

David Eddings The Belgariad and The Mallorean series, including Polgara, Belgarath and the Rivan Codex. One of the few times I'm happy when the power goes out in Texas, because it's my comfort read

2 years ago | Likes 28 Dislikes 0

It's also my favourite saga, I've read them more than 10 times ^^

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! I just finished the last trilogy with Sparhawk and friends, Blue Rose et al. <3

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Holy crap. I thought I was the only one. David Edings is absolutely one of my comfort reads. I’m currently rereading the same series for the six or seven time since I was a child.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I apologize in advance for pooping on that. I read through the Belgariad many times as a kid, and LOVED it... until I read more & became uncomfortably aware of just how formulaic it was. (not to mention utterly, depressingly derivative of LOTR and a cynically textbook rehashing of standard Hero's Journey pap.) The last time I re-read it was almost upsetting. I swear, if Silk made one more sardonic smirk... Anyway, author & his wife ended up going to jail for child abuse anyway. Good times.

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

what, really?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

...& to be clear, they went to prison for it and were released BEFORE he wrote his popular books, it just got hushed up & wasn't widely realized until much later.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Truly true. More info (and links to primary sources) here: https://nosubstance.substack.com/p/no-substance-138-david-and-leigh

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm a little torn. The article you linked here speaks about the Eddings' writing of found family and that maybe there's some sort of trying to find redemption in there, but if I remember correctly I never liked how Garion was treated by Polgara. He isn't exactly being abused, but he's also not being taken seriously until adulthood. But because he turns out to be good and powerfull, apparently his treatment was beneficial. That is a common excuse of parents who mistreat their children.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Anyway. Thanks for the info. It made me realise why I was always a bit weary of the Belgariad. I liked the Elenium better. And "The redemption of Althalus".

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Totally agree. I'm not in 100% agreement with the article, though it does bring up the oversimplicity and conservative roles in the writing that annoy me, and talk about the author's abuse convictions. I think my overall distaste for the Belgariad is at least 15% a disdain for my own naiveté when I loved it as a kid... if you know what I mean.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

If you've read his book on writing the Belgariad, The Rivan Codex, there's a short biography section where he goes from working at Boeing to suddenly being a grocery store bagger with no explanation. Finding out about their jailtime was a bit of an "oh, that's why." moment for me.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes.. leaves a mark on your heart and mind. I recommend reading it in english for a full immersive experience (and no audiobook, it really must be read..)

2 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 0

I thought everyone read that in school, so I made a joke-y reference to it in an seminar paper title once and everyone looked me like I was crazy.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Seconded. Such a damn good book.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Lord of the Rings & Dune are the 2 big 20th century books I keep rereading time and time again. They care so much about every word on the page, and I keep finding new things to love about them on every read through them.
Gideon the Ninth has also been a really nice cathartic read for me, and I love the rest of the series too.

2 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 0

I re-read Dune AND Dune Messiah to read it with my wife so we could discuss in greater detail together.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm listening to the german audio book of dune and I don't like it :( feels bad, I was so excited for it

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I wholeheartedly agree. Dune (and LOTR, for that matter) are a hard read, but the more times you read it, it flows so well and engages you. So many points of detail, it's hard not to wanna pick it up again and find something you missed.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Love LotR and Dune, and Gideon the Ninth was good as well, if dark as fuck. I couldn't get into Harrow the Ninth, though. We're effectively following a completely new cast of characters and I couldn't be bothered to stick with it long enough to find out if/when it loops back to the characters I cared about.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Spoilers aside: each of the sequel books is different from the first book in several ways. Gideon was a horror murder mystery thriller. Harrow is a book about being insane. Nona the Ninth is Goonies with terrorists during the apocalypse.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

So here's a spoiler that may convince you to give it another go:

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Harrow is actively loosing her mind. She tried to do something to change what happens to her at the end of the first book, and it's making her absolutely bonkers. And as for other characters:

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

All of them come back at least once.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah, I got that. I just don't like it.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm making my way through Restaurant at the End of the Universe. My friend got me a book that's all 5 in one

2 years ago | Likes 43 Dislikes 0

Ah yes, the wonderful 5 book trilogy.

2 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

If you haven't read them all before, I would recommend skipping Mostly Harmless.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

It's all in one book. I could skip it, but I'd prefer not to. Why do you recommend skipping that one?

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

One of the new, major characters is simply grating, and the plot is nearly nonsensical. From Wikipedia: In an interview reprinted in The Salmon of Doubt, Adams expressed dissatisfaction with the tone of this book, which he blamed on personal problems, saying "for all sorts of personal reasons that I don't want to go into, I just had a thoroughly miserable year, and I was trying to write a book against that background. And, guess what, it was a rather bleak book!"

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Well, it sounds like I should skip it, but these books are short. I'll just power through it.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Honestly the first half or so of the book is my favorite out of all of them, and while the ending is bleak it does bring a sense of finality to it all and I think it's worth it. Never picked up the 6th one by Eoin Colfer tho.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

The series comes to a natural end after four. Five just felt needless, and the tone is way off. It's Scrubs season 9.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

v

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Also Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Adams is... an experience. Somehow more grounded and more on drugs than HHG at the same time.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Trickster's Choice and Trickster's Queen by Tamora Pierce. The Farthest Away Mountain by Lynn Reid Banks got me into reading as a kid.

2 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 0

I love all of tamora pierces books. Wonderful for any age, and very rereadable

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Wild Magic and the Protector of the Small quartet are my comfort reads

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Lioness Quartet. George is one of my favorite characters. I love Trickster’s Choice and Trickster’s Queen, but I read the Lioness Quartet at that formative time where Alanna’s choices became really resonated with me.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Oh yeah, Alanna forever! And everyone else. She's my hero. I read the books so much they lost pages, but it wasn't too bad since I knew those pages by heart anyway.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Those are definitely amazing books as well. George is wonderful 😊

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Comfort read for me is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Had a copy I carried around in my backpack and would read anytime I was bored or stressed. Kept my anxiety down.

2 years ago | Likes 49 Dislikes 2

It's the best one. Hands down. If anyone disagrees, they can fight me.

2 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 1

It's probably the best one. I hate the time travel though.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Can you believe someone told me that it was the worst and I skipped it!!!! Rude!

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The stormlight archive by Brandon Sanderson is what I'm just finishing up and already know I'll go back

2 years ago | Likes 67 Dislikes 1

Yes! A million times yes

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yes! I re-read on every new release.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Me too! There are so many details I feel like I make another connection or understand a character so much better on each pass.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My favorite series as well. I've done it 4 times and about to start my 5th in prep for December's Wind and Truth.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Do you just the main books, or the novellas as well?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I've got them all. Though the novellas haven't been reread just yet. Well except edge dancer.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I just finished RoW lol I need December to hurry up and get here now

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

That is 40-55 hours of reading per book. Yall are saints. I listen to my books and I just can't take that much Kate Redding with the way she pronounces 'eyes, oaths' and 'long-laived'. I have to one and done it and do my best with trying to remember.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

This may be slightly unpopular advice, but I'd recommend finding the Graphic Audio productions for Stormlight. They're expensive (iirc it's around $120 per book) but it's a whole different experience from the original audiobooks, and piracy's always an option to bypass cost obstacles.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Who narrates them? I really love the series and Micheal Kramer is a solid narrator.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Graphic audio is a full cast so tons of people

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That's fair but I really love Michael Kramer who fits more than half

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Oh yeah, his voice is iconic for the series.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Of all of Sanderson's massive catalogue, all I've read are the Mistborn books. The magic system and world-building was very good, but I found the prose and character development to be poor. Has he improved? (I get that not everyone cares, and I see that a big fan may not be the right person to ask but I hear you're very polite, and maybe others'll chime in as well.)

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

It is certainly better. I would say you're complaints aren't totally invalid in this series as well but I think it's in a better place. In fairness I am a sucker for world building which is his strength so of course there's some bias

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

We all look for different things in the entertainment we consume. I have a much higher tolerance for "bad" TV shows than some of my friends, but the more great books I read, the less patience I have for books with obvious flaws. It really takes me out of the story if there's endlessly repetitive language or I constantly allow myself to be frustrated by a character.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I agree, I think I like the characters he built in this series, even the flawed ones. My only issue is one that almost all complex narratives have is characters communicating just a bit better solves a lot of the issues. (Now it is realistic people will hold things back, just annoying from an observer standpoint)

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes, he definitely improved. I love mistborn, but recognize the same shortcomings you do. The character development in the stormlight archive is a lot better.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I think he has? The Stormlight series feels like its on another level from Mistborn with its world building and epic saga status. There's a bit of scandal with him. He went on a rant about how homosexuality isn't real in '07 bc J.K. posted that Dumbledore was gay. He has come a LONG way since, has apologized multiple times, admitted his view came from bigotry and privilege, and thanked his sizable lgbt fanbase for helping him grow, so kind of a heads up there.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

is it weird to anyone else how almost all of these are YA fantasy?

2 years ago | Likes 85 Dislikes 7

You mean, one of the most popular genres right now by a very wide margin?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Berserk is definitely NOT a YA fantasy

2 years ago | Likes 33 Dislikes 0

When I was a kid YA was full of incest, murder, hookers, drugs, etc. so really it's more about the intended audience than the content.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

VC Andrews and RL Stine? Ah, the good old days.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I think part of it is we yearn for something more light hearted and stories with good outcomes. Many view the future as being even worse than the present. We all need something to keep the fire alight within. Aaaaaand then there is Berserk..... pain, hope, pain. Repeat

2 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

They are all currently in their early 20s. They grew up during the Y.A. boom. Y.A. was barely a thing when I was a kid so I grew up reading my older brothers sci-fi novels. I mean, we had Narnia and the Hobbit but that was about it. When you turned 10 it was all Asimov and Heinlein.

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 1

YA lit is comfort food. Brain candy. Pleasure. Bliss.

2 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 2

Nah. A story doesn't need to be big & dense to be enjoyable. Besides, there's plenty of things we enjoyed as kids that we still do as adults

2 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 4

It doesn't seem weird at all.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Does it not make obvious sense? Dense, thought-provoking, heavily emotional, or deep thinking novels aren't really thr kind of thing you're going to read over and over for funnies (beyond needing to, to fully grasp the ideas).

For comfort and fun, wouldn't most people want something fun, easy, heartwarming, and comfortable, whatever that looks like to them? YA stuff usually fits that bill better by definition, that's what makes it better for younger readers.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 2

As you said, they like it because it's a comfort reading, well written for them.

If we asked the same question about movies to movie enthusiasts, I wonder what it would be.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My guess is that it would be far less obvious. Reading is an active engagement, ebooks, music, and movies are passive. I imagine you'd even find a blurrier line with audiobooks for example, some may just like that narrator reading them to sleep.

Movies also have a LOT of other factors, on top of only being ~2hrs of commitment, you may like an actor, the score, the setting, the cinematography, etc. so things that may be a tougher story might have some other element of comfort.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It’s a famously comfortable genre, with endings that are, if not happy, then at least generally optimistic. They’re not my favorite books, but I’m more likely to reread one of them than “The Remains of the Day” or “The Hearing Trumpet,” despite those being my actual favorites.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

I think the question leans to that. They asked what you've read again and again and again. It's super easy to blow though YA novel and the nostalgia is comforting if it's one from your youth. I'd imagine if you asked their favorite books it'd be very different.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 1

Yeah, agreed, but hey personal taste is just that, personal.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Not really. We always wish we could stay young forever. For me I was more optimistic and closest to happy in my youth, so my reading reflected that. Now that I'm older I'm just so pessimistic about everything I can't even enjoy a book no matter the genre. I wish I could engross myself in a good book the way I used to.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 3

All the books in the videos are YA fantasy, so I at least assumed that was the genre we were focusing on. Plenty of wonderful other books, though.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Why is that weird? The prompt was books you can read over and over not favorite or most thought provoking. These are all 20ish year olds who grew up during the YA boom s it makes sense they'd love YA novels

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

It could be the age of the person asking.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

if i had to pick one I'd probably say the Chuang-Tzu but also The White Goddess by Bobby Graves? I've read both many times and will almost certainly do so again.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

To me it feels a bit like watching Dora the Explorer to recapture your childhood. Now. . .that being said, I DO watch Mr. Roger's Neighborhood from time to time to recapture mine, and I would love to have the patience for an old Wishbone episode. Still, I spend, like, 98% of my reading time in non-fiction.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Considering the general demographics of imgur, I'm not surprised that a lot of comfort reads are fantasy books from one's youth.

2 years ago | Likes 101 Dislikes 1

Do we really know the demographics of imgur? I have my assumptions, but would love to know what they really are.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I don't know of any hard stats that have been released. I've just been here 11 years and I'm comfortable with my biased generalization lol

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

And me, mine, so there you have it.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

i was talkin about the video. Those people are all mid-late 20s.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 2

The lifetime literary loves of the people in the video were probably formed at the same age bracket as the people commenting in this post.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Same basic answer. Employees at my local bookstores and libraries are largely on the younger side, and I would suspect most of them, if asked for a book they read "over and over" will name something from their teen years. If you're looking for a comfort read, it's gonna be familiar, it's probably gonna be a fairly easy read, it's probably gonna have a good ending (cuz most people don't find sad endings comforting).

2 years ago | Likes 31 Dislikes 0

(Wizard of Earthsea, by Ursula K Le Guin.) Love reading everyone else's responses!

2 years ago | Likes 106 Dislikes 0

What a wonderful, wonderful book series. I love tombs of Atuan so much, it really changed me as a teen. I've read left hand of darkness a year ago and it was divine. I couldn't deprive it if I tried. Ursula Le Guin is a witch of words or sth.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Me too, and nice to see Ursula in the lineup Thank you :)

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Oh hey, just picked that one up on Saturday. It's next in line after I finish the book I am currently working on.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

This was the VERY FIRST BOOK I READ that wasn't a schoolbook. I was thirteen.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Fuck, I can't believe it took me until I was 36 to find this series. Incredible books, absolutely amazing. Beautiful writing.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The same! I love all Ms LeGuin's books

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Left hand of darkness had me in shambles

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I liked this so much more than I thought I would! especially as an audio book

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The name of the wind. Not sure if he will ever finish the series, but probably the best fantasy book I've ever read.

2 years ago | Likes 122 Dislikes 3

Came here for this, thought I read somewhere he finished it ages ago, but doesn’t think it’s perfect yet, we can hope for a narnia situation where he dies and it gets finished by someone else

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I think I figured out why I love this series. The main character is 100% a Mary Sue. Everything he touches, he is proficient at and is the best ever at it, except it also all falls to shit. Sometimes, it's because of others, but then again, he does it to himself. It's so compelling.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

It has a compelling writing magic that most stories can't replicate. Lotr was fantastic for structure and concepts, but it lacked the michael criton like build up, scene switching and anticipation. I think this tnotw delivers on most levels where others fall short.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Honestly, I don't even care if he finishes the series. I thought Book 2 was only okay, but Book 1 was quite good and I'm content with it as a standalone.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I know everyone takes this moment to harp on whether Pat will finish the series or not, but I would like to diverge from all that and point out that if you like this series, you are very likely to also like Scott Lynch’s Gentlemen Bastards series (and it’s complete). Brilliant and if you get the chance to hear it on audible the narration is out of this world.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Amazing book but there is no way we will find out what happens

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Huge bummer that he won't finish it. Even if he did, I don't know how much I'd enjoy it knowing the kind of person he's revealed himself to be.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Could you elaborate, please? I may have missed something...

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

He had repeatedly made commitments for the third book deadlines he has missed, even promised chapter 1 as a stretch goal for a charity years ago. Goal was met, and chapter 1 was never dropped.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Best case scenario, he'll die within 30 years (he's 50, I'm being reasonable) and then Brandon Sanderson will finish it for him in 3 weeks.

2 years ago | Likes 56 Dislikes 0

Had it been a case of an author needing help with world-building or making a magic system, Sanderson wouldn't be a bad choice, but for the writing bit...?

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

He finished The Wheel of Time series and did a great job with it.

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Indeed

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Bruh when Sanderson kicks it I say we reset the whole fuckin language and someone digs up Chaucer to finish his bullshit too

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

Sanderson probably already has a first draft waiting, and he would have written it while waiting for a pizza to be delivered in 30 minutes or less.

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

Came here to say this! A fun thing to do is read book 2 and then start book 1. I'm DMing you now to talk NotW conspiracies.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I want in :-)

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Me too!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How do u get in on this?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Serious question, am I supposed to like Kvothe or is it a story about an unlikable main character? I don't mind either way, "There Will Be Blood" is one of my favorite movies. But with The Name of the Wind I was not able to tell what the writer's intentions were.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Having only read the first book, Kvothe read like the most boring basic Mary Sue, who's also absolutely insufferable in their own whining about how they wished they were more of a Mary Sue, cause that would solve their problems.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

You have to remember Kvothe only agrees to tell his tale if he can tell it his way, and we're shown in-universe that, while he has a gift with words, he isn't reliable at all. He paints himself in a good light, but also his literal DEMON bff keeps going "Wait, that's not what happened..." Like, c'mon, he gets made fun of for being a virgin at a bar, has sex with the Queen of Sex in her Sex Realm, becomes the best lay ever, then comes back just to blow the waitress' back out? Cool story, bro.

2 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

Yeah, he definitely came across as an unreliable narrator. Painting himself as the victor against his bully. (I don't remember his name) but if you step back, his bully seems to have won far more than he lost.
Perhaps I'll give the book another shot. I only read the first one and its been quite a while.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I think the sex thing happens in the second book, so sorry if I spoiled that. I like books with interesting world building and mysteries that are sometimes only hinted at, but I know that can be annoying to some. I also really enjoy how despite being Mr. Perfect, a lot of the drive and conflict comes from Kvothe just trying to make ends meet. I think his practical problems make him more relatable and interesting than a lot of fantasy heroes.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I think it's both. You're intended to sympathize with him during his flashbacks and perseverance from struggling urchin, but he has done something unknown at this time that we would find shameful . The catch is that it's in the third book.

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I dont know what the intention was. But I did not like him, at all. Decided not to read the second book because of this.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Fingers crossed that he does finish it, but at the end of the second book, it felt like he kind of wrote himself into a corner....

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Good news: Book 3, at least, has a release date set. Personally a bit ambivalent because I felt the first book was brilliant, but the second was mediocre.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There's no way 1 book can cover how Kvothe goes from Student at a Magic university to slightly middle-age man at a Tavern and the world is slowly going to shit. I think Rothfuss can still pull off "I did something horribly stupid" that makes him get shamed by the world, and then not have to explain why Kvothe's where he is in the setting. But there's just so much *something* that 1 book can't fully elaborate on.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Maybe he doesn't know what are behind the doors of stone. If enough years go by I wonder if someone will just fanfiction the last book for him. He's probably started a few times and not been satisfied with the results. He probably knows if it's good enough it will become a movie trilogy or TV series pretty fast.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

You mean the Doors of Stone that has a release date set? (November 2024)

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Lol it had a planned release date a year or two ago. Welcome to the club of being bamboozled my friend, and strap in for the ride. Do you have any idea how often we've heard that and had the date changed?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ah, I wasn't aware there had ever been a date announced for a sequel. I read Name of the Wind well before Wise Man's Fear was published, and frankly WMF caused me to mostly lose interest, so it's not like I've been avidly watching for it. I just happened to see it listed on Amazon a while back (Though it seems to have been removed) and went "Huh, guess that's finally happening?"

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

There was already talk of a movie or series iirc. He mostly said he just doesn’t like or even maybe hates his main character now. So finds it impossible to sit down and write that person. Hope it leads to something even more amazingly transformative than originally planned.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Stardust by Neil Gaiman. A love story that doesn't quite end up as planned.

2 years ago | Likes 234 Dislikes 2

Have you listened to “signs of life” yet? Thoughts?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My wifes favorite. For her 30th, I bought her an autographed first edition.

2 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

That's a very nice gift. My wife's favorite is "Witches Abroad" Signed forst editions are hard to find, expensive, and I am afraid of being scammed

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I got it from Abebooks. They are very reputable. Even carry historical documents for sale.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Mine is The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Gaiman. So good

2 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

A wonderful book!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Couldn't agree more and the single "f*ck" always makes me burst out laughing 😂
…Also agree on the ending - painful but oh so beautiful. The saddest part is the author just saying with it "there will be no sequels" 🥲
🤔I wonder if my 6yo would be ready for it…

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Neverwhere was also pretty good. An ingenious commentary on social tiers in society. It had a sparkle of clive barker type horror but with a pretty clear message and structure. The chapter on a waste system failure really falls into place when you reflect back on what it meant.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The audio play of Neverwhere is absolutely fucking brilliant. James MacAvoy, Benadryl Clementine, Christopher Lee, Natalie Dorman...

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

It had a very 90s TV adaptation, too. Worth a watch.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Probably needs a movie

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I love that one

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The movie had a much better ending

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

In tiny octopus' opinion (grains of salt all around), the movie ending was trite and typical fairy tale "happily ever after". The book subverted that, making the love that the star had for the MC even more poignant because she knew that would be the ending from loving a mortal, and she chose to do it anyway.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I'd prefer a happily ever after. That poor star is immortal and could never go back to the sky ever again.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

One of the best endings to any book I've read. I'm not crying, you're crying.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Is that the one that turned into a movie?

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

Sort of. The movie is an alternate universe of the book. Tiny octopus much prefers the book ending, even if it is much more tragic.

2 years ago | Likes 23 Dislikes 0

I prefer the movie overall, but I agree that the book ending is much better. Though if the book had Captain Shakespeare, it wouldn't even be a debate.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

favorite line from the book. After the star falls:

"Ow," and then, very quietly, it said "Fuck," and then it said "Ow," once more.”

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

Well shoot. I love the movie. In fact, we just rewatched it Saturday! Now I must read the book. For once I'm going backwards, movie to book. One wonders which one shall reign supreme!

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I made that same journey years back. My feeling was that the book ending was superior, and there are lots of the usual missed details that brighten the world, but I generally enjoy the movie more for the humor. I think it's helpful to know in advance that while there are sky pirates, there is no Captain Shakespeare. It broke my heart, and I hope knowing in advance will soften the blow for you.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Awww, man! He's one of my favorites! Thanks for saving me from anticipating his appearance in the book!

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Hitchhikers guide, as long as you can read the full series.

2 years ago | Likes 475 Dislikes 5

I may be the only person that disagrees. I read them all, but I didn't enjoy them as much as I wanted.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Since The Cursed Prince Club was an unfinished trilogy, surely we can pick a Trilogy (even if it is increasingly inaccurately named).

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I borrowed it from a friend on a whim once because I'm mostly a fantasy reader but Hitchikers Guide and the rest are fucking amazing. Whenever the book mentioned the Heart of Gold, I would either get the Neil Young song in my head, or a NoFX cover of a Rancid song.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

If you havent, try the game Starship Titanic on GoG. A gem written by Douglas Adams with lovely references to Hitchhikers, a stunning soundtrack and a oddly beautiful ending.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Sounds intriguing. GoG?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Freeware game distributor. Loads of classics available. Gog.com I think

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Thanks!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

By full series, you mean the trilogy of Volumes 1-4, right? Because that was all that was written, right?

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

you may press the button

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

100%

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Only book/series to ever make me laugh out loud, and it accomplished it repeatedly and relentlessly.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm low key in the middle of another re-read. I say low key cause I'm also reading nosleep posts and SCP entries.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I've been reading the SCP stories from the wiki in numerical order and I'm on 3178. It's taken years so far since I just take an hour or two a day but it's fab

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I got pretty far reading in order but then fell behind. I don't remember why but I was reminded of, oh right. My friend went to Ikea and it reminded me of the IKEA SVP and I started reading from there again. So our of order, but it's still fun.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

On my top list closely followed by Michael Nesmith’s “The Long Sandy Hair of Neftoon Zamora”

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Same, as long as you can read the full TRILOGY series. I ain't reading Adams's full-on bitter torture of his characters for spite then some other person's input instead of his own fix-it book he intended before he died. The series is 3 books for me, forever and always.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

YES!!!

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

...in the original Klingon.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Yes! I really like his Dirk Gently books, too.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My Uncle gave me a hard cover that is the entire series in one, you're good

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The Radio versions are better than (and originally pre-dated the first few) books. https://www.theoutpost.org/media/hitchhikers-guide-to-the-galaxy-radio-show-audio-mp3/

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Alternate between the books and relistening to the radio series

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

God, this is mine. I've reread it so many times I practically have it memorized. I was going to post this and call it my guilty confession but then I thought what the hell do I have to feel guilty about?

2 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

Me too. I loved it. I should do a reread soon

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I still can’t think of cricket without thinking of the atrocities committed.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

This is mine. Douglas Adams just wrote such wonderful phrases, it's like linguistic parkour - jumping from one side of an idea to the other in the most unexpected and unnecessarily dazzling way possible.

2 years ago | Likes 59 Dislikes 0

Like how he described the mattresses. What was the word?

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

"Linguistic parkour" love this description.

2 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

Hearing Stephen Fry's rendition of the audiobook elevates it just that much more, imo!

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Oooh, I just started a re-read of that. Grew up with the Martin Freeman version of it and still can't see anyone else as Arthur. (Don't look up how long ago it came out. I did and it made me sad. Save yourself.)

2 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

Have you heard his audiobooks? I forget if he did the first one but he did 2-5. It was great to hear the rest of the story in Arthur Dent’s voice

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

we had the audio book as read by the author when i was growing up and we'd listen to that as a family

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

I thought the movie was quite good, I wish they had followed the books more over several movies, but I don’t think it was a big enough hit. I have had the old 80’s tv show in my watchlist for years and never got round too it.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Oh I loved the movie! Need to rewatch it, haven't seen it in forever. My mom always says the 80's show was great too but I've only seen a few bits and pieces, not the whole thing.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I grew up with the 80s TV version and IMO the dry British delivery meshes better with Adams writing style than the flashier Americanized acting from the 2005 movie. The sets and costumes may be distractingly dated to a first time viewer but I think it's still very much worth a watch!

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

i highly agree with you! not discounting the 2005 version but there's just something about the 80s one

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Excluding Mostly Harmless. I deeply love the rest of the books, but that one was an unnecessary mess.

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

I enjoyed it, but it was a step down.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I adore Mostly Harmless. Ford in full-on "fuck it I don't even care anymore" mode is my favourite version of him, all of his scenes are just incredible.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I have a copy of the "trilogy in four parts" which I think is ideal. He also released the ebooks for free because he was great.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Agreed. Four works.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Sir Terry's Discworld. Immersing in the wonderous turns of phrases and the delicious playfulness of the genre. Awesome. (I have read through the whole series once, and most books 2-3 time.)

2 years ago | Likes 726 Dislikes 3

Absolutely. Great books and quick reads.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Came to say Discworld. Not surprised it is top comment. Incredible and hilarious series. So much fun and so visceral. Named my dog Sam Vimes. Funnily enough he was a bit of an alcoholic, but has since cleaned up his act.

2 years ago | Likes 46 Dislikes 0

I've been reading Brandon Sanderson a lot and have been told I should read Discworld when I'm done by quite a few people.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I'm working on a re-read of the series, start finish in chronological order. Stymied because the library used to have a bunch of them and doesn't anymore and the e-books are not formatted well with the footnotes, so I'm popping into used bookstores and ebay to find copies. Got most of them now though.

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

“The wind howled, lightning stabbed at the ground erraticly like an inefficent assassin.”
Wyrd sisters

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Humble Bundle was selling the 38-book Discworld series (as DRMed eBooks on Kobo however) for a total price of $18 recently. Unfortunately, the offer ended a couple weeks ago, but maybe something to keep an eye out for if it returns in the future.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Discworld is great, but my absolute favorite of his, and the book I'd choose for this, is Nation. A powerful, gut-wrenching look at what happens when everything is lost -- and what you do afterwards to go on living. And a world turned upside-down.

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Odd ending tho but got lampshaded by the kid asking why the leads didn't become a couple.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yep. GNU STP.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I found the series recently, read the first 2 books and dropped everything to read the rest. Got to the end and didn't want to move on so I went back to the beginning and started over again. I spent a year reading nothing but Discworld.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I just started my n-th re-read of the books, one book a week. Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic done, Equal Rites queued up.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Samesies. a shelf and a bit of my bookshelf is devoted to Terry (mostly but not entirely discworld). I also have 80-90% as audio books now because I spend so much time driving. Currently reading Good Omens to my girlfriend of an evening.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The fact that you are reading Good Omens to your GF and your username is a small dog from a small village of indomitable Gauls tells me much about your humour...

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

GNU Terry Pratchett

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I need to get back into that series I stopped after reading Mort cause I needed a break and haven't restarted yet.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

For sure the perfect answer for most readers myself included

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Same, read them all and several of them a few times. Lost count of the number of times I've read Night Watch, though.
I can also read David Gemmell's books ad infinitum, especially Midnight Falcon.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I read the colour of magic when it was first released and it was the first book that made me laugh out loud properly.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

this is the correct answer.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Came here to make this comment gnu terry

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Struggling with this one. I think I get a few chapters in and just kind of... Lose 'it'? Can't explain it. Re-read the city watch books multiple times tho.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yup, that's my go-to. Takes me about a year to get from start to end, by which time I'm ready to start back at the beginning. I recently got the audiobook series and it's *even better* - Nigel Planar is amazing for the original recordings, and the new ones are even better. I'm not a fan of Celia Imrie (who originally did the Witches series) but Indira Varma in the newer version is amazing. I also love the way they use different speakers for different characters.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

On my 4th readthrough now… 4 more books to go in the Tiffany Aching series then back around to Colour of Magic.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The Discworld books would also be my choice but I would also throw out the Johnny Maxwell Trilogy, Dodger, and the Bromeliad Trilogy.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Just started the series and I'm loving it so far!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yup. Thats the go -too books for me as well. And i think "Thud" was his masterwork.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Those are rookie number. Most books 5-6 times. They're great!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Possibly another series us discworld fans might enjoy is the Xanth series by Piers Anthony... not the same commentary but the puns are amazing and for anyone living around Florida there will be a strangely familiar feel...

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That's a universe of books, which one would you go for over and over?

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Rookie numbers

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I read them once a year. Either hardcover, audiobook, or kindle.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Any story with Sam. Any. Tho Tiffany Aching has a special place in my heart, too.

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

Moist would like a quick word...

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

"One drink was too many and a thousand weren't enough" really hit home for me.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Yeah. Mine is Good Omens. I've rebought it 4 times since the early 90s.

2 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

I did that with "The amazing Maurice". Lent it to too many people ...

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Basically

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That was my first Terry Pratchett (& Neil Gaiman) book, read it at the beginning of the year and then decided to jump into the Discworld series. Loving it so far!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Honestly after hearing so much for so long, I decided to jump in with The Hogfather and honestly I love The Death of Rats more than i thought i would. And the way he differentiates otherworldly beings like death and the auditors? Beautifully done.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

SQUEAK

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Check out the DVD... also, the DVD of Going Postal might cause satisfaction..

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I am going in order of release and currently in the beginning of small gods. I love the discworld.

2 years ago | Likes 27 Dislikes 0

Small gods is a ripper. I reckon I've read that one at least half a dozen times

2 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

It and Hogfather are among my favorite of the overall fantastic collection

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I have been recommending Hogfather to buddies at work to share with their kids...

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

You need to believe in things that aren’t true. How else can they become?

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

You're ahead of me. I'm doing the same thing but I had to stop bc my library doesn't have many of the books and unfortunately my personal collection was extremely incomplete. Getting close to having them all, though! Wyrd Sisters is up next.

2 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

Just started Wyrd Sisters, also reading in order of release. My library is the same situation, but they can order the missing copies from another library! Of course, I was too impatient to do that and ended up filling in the blanks with used copies off eBay.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

My library can do that too but unfortunately none of the books they lacked seemed to be available from other libraries, weirdly. Not like I'm sad about having an excuse to fill in my collection, mind.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm reading it all the way through for the third time myself. Have you read his book Nation? It's not in Discworld, but he said it was his most important work

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

I read Nation at least once a year. It's one of my favourite books of any author. Such a profound coming-of-age story, everyone should read it.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It's fabulous and I cry every time.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I did, it was so different from discworld and felt almost like an applogy for british colonialism or something.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yup. All the books, and then the available audiobooks, and the books again, and the (too few) movies, and the books again. I think I read the Wee Free Men about 6 or 7 times... dammit, gotta read it again.

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

Why Wee Free Men? I'd read passages of Hat Full of Sky and Wintersmith more over the first book cuz of Tiffany's interactions with the her peer witches.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Not sure I have a real reason - I love all Tiffany books equally and Esme might be my all-time favorite character
I think it's because I like to start again from the beginning each time and then usually RL takes over and I don't have the time to read through all five books

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Oh I see. That makes sense. Tiffany just didn't have all her powers under control yet in the first book so I liked the later books. I think my fave is her redeeming Anagramma the bully, when she couldn't cope so Tiffany led her friends to help her out. It makes my heart hurt in a good way.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I wholeheartedly agree, that is a wonderful storyline. Just like the redemption of Nightshade.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

“Nac Mac Feegle! The Wee Free Men! Nae king! Nae quin! Nae laird! Nae master! We willna' be fooled again!”

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I'm so proud I managed to get my daughter hooked on Tiffany! I've read those books multiple times as well.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

This feels like cheating. Too many good books, everyone here is picking one book (well, except the two graphic novels). I think I'd still

2 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Actually I retract the accusation, the last recommend is 42 volumes, Discworld is totes fine.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

pick The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy over Discworld though damn it'd be a hard choice.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm at raising steam right now, so almost at the end and feeling sort of sad about that already

2 years ago | Likes 53 Dislikes 0

The Moist Von Lipwig collection will always be my favorite. Any of the series that bring Vetinari out more are just such fun, and Moist is one of the few people who gets to best him even as he's being used as a pawn.

2 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 0

I also felt that the Lipwig books finally let Vetinari be completely human. Pre-Going Postal, he might have the occasional human moments, but they were brief and used for laughs and to emphasis his nearly inhuman nature. Starting in GP, he was allowed to be genuinely emotional, even if only in small ways.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Hey, you can jump trains (reference intended) to "The Long Earth," another of Pratchett's series

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I liked the first couple of books... I am stuck on one of the middle ones.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I have that too

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That series felt more like Baxter, with two or three random Pratchett scenes sprinkled in :(

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Still very good imo

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yeah... the story had promise, but it seemed rushed to me. Time to reread Small Gods

2 years ago | Likes 14 Dislikes 0

I felt that way about both that and Snuff. Felt like his later stuff didn't have quite the same magic.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Snuff was cohesive, had an overall purpose (an examination of country aristocracy), and was pure Vimes, even if it was not the best. Raising Steam was "I want trains", had a horrible timeline and sense of time passing, and none of the characters really felt like they were in character. The story takes place over something like a year, and yet no time seems to pass. It really felt like either he was having a very bad time of it when writing, or it got far less effort than the final book.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Small Gods is just straight up amazing. HE WAS A MURDERER, said Death. AND A CREATOR OF MURDERERS. A TORTURER. WITHOUT PASSION. CRUEL. CALLOUS. COMPASSIONLESS.
“Yes. I know. He’s Vorbis,” said Brutha. Vorbis changed people. Sometimes he changed them into dead people. But he always changed them. That was his triumph.
He sighed.
“But I’m me,” he said. I try and bring this energy to my DnD cleric. It's hard, but rewarding.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Anything by Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle as my nostalgia choice

2 years ago | Likes 82 Dislikes 0

I just finished Cat's Cradle and enjoyed it greatly. As American a novel as I've ever read, and I don't mean that as a criticism.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Breakfast of Champions is my Vonnegut of choice.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Sirens of Titan for me. Really messed me up in my teen years. It just leaves you empty. Great book.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Same. Galapagos is my fave

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Slaughter House Five is my fave, though truth be told I haven't read as much of his work as I'd like. So it goes.

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 1

If you lke that, try God Bless You Mr Rosewater, one of the best but underrated ones

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That is very good indeed!

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The Martian. By Andy weir. Or sled driver by Brian shul

2 years ago | Likes 236 Dislikes 3

I read it at 8yo and it gave me goosebumps. My mind pondered the idea of extraterrestrials

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Holy cow The Martian, I could not put that book down

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Such a good fucking read

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I just discovered Andy’s short stories on Audible and am enjoying so much.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

@jordan7831 do you have an actual copy of Sled Driver?!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Not a hard copy. That costs more than the sr 71 itself. But I have a pdf

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The Martian is amazing. He just released the lost sols for the 10th anniversary. It's a lil insert meant to go into the drive to ares 4.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I attended a talk by Brian Shul and bought a copy of Sled Driver. Absolutely incredible

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Was coming down to say the Martian. I have Project Hail Mary but haven't gotten to it yet.

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

PHM was so good! I liked it a lot more than the Martian, even though both were great reads.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Project Hail Mary was my favorite of his followed by The Martian, then Artemis.

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Get to it. You'll eat it it's a good fast read that's VERY enjoyable

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Did you read Project Hail Mary?! I liked it even better than the Martian

2 years ago | Likes 68 Dislikes 1

Same

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I just recently purchased Project Hail Mary 🙌

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

Movie should be going into production shortly. Yes. Yes. Yes.

2 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

No way! I'm so excited to learn this but afraid that I'm going to be very disappointed. They did a great job with The Martian so maybe...

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Ryan Gosling as Ryland, Emma Stone as Rocky. Same screenwriter as The Martian (fist my bump) but directed by people who haven't directed since 22 Jump Street so I'm a bit nervous. If they mess up, at least we can look forward to Rama after Dune is done.

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Is this real? I like that line up

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Beat me to it! Loved the Martian, was surprised to find I loved this even more

2 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

Fist my bump!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I love this book with a passion! His best work yet

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

That's good to know because Artemis just didn't have the magic and it made me sad.

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

It was ok. But ya it just felt a lil far fetched? I dunno.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I will add that to the list!

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

Won awards for being such a great audiobook. Highly recommend!! (Excited for you)

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Thanks for the recommendation. I’m looking forward to it!

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

💯

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

And the Audio book kicked it up a notch. Best narration I've ever heard.

2 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

Who's the reader?

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Ray Porter

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Agreed

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

AMAZE

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Seconded.

Looooved Project Hail Mary. It's a great audio book as well.

2 years ago | Likes 36 Dislikes 0

I'm addicted to this audio book

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

And Ray Porter is one of the few narrators better than R.C. Bray. I'm doing a re-listen of the Bobiverse books on my commute right now.

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Outstanding audiobook

2 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

This is one of the few books I feel is actually improved as an audiobook experience. Loved every minute of it!

2 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

FIST BUMP

2 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

FIST ME

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

FIST MY BUMP!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Loved Hail Mary. Any recommendations for more books like it?

2 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Yeah! I'd love more like it

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I don't know if it's "like" Project Hail Mary, but I found a lot of the same joy reading Three Body Problem. If you haven't read it, it's worth the read!

2 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

That’s been on my list and now I see Netflix is making a show based on it. I kind of like see the show then reading the book it’s based on.

2 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0