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Original poster

What one book, fiction or non - fiction, would you make everyone read if you could?

62 replies

OnlyFangs · 25/10/2025 19:39

I think mine would be Edith Eger's The Choice.

It felt like it profoundly altered the way I viewed my life after leaving a DV relationship. Powerful stuff both personally and on a broader level too.

I also absolutely loved North and South which I read recently and can't believe I hadn't got round to reading it sooner. And same for Middlemarch.

OP posts:
Namechangedasouting987 · 26/10/2025 21:30

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Kahled Hosseini it taught me so much about the history of Afganistan, specifically its women, and is so pertinent again, now woman have lost all their rights once more.

StokePotteries · 26/10/2025 21:30

Dark Heart- the shocking truth about hidden Britain by Nick Davies.
It's a brilliantly insightful look into not just the effects of poverty but the reasons why social cohesion has broken down among disadvantaged groups, why education is despised, vandalism is rife.

Bellabomb · 26/10/2025 21:22

I would recommend these two non-fiction books: Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, by Dee Brown, and Wild Swans, by Jung Chang.

Misknit · 26/10/2025 21:19

Searching for Normal by Sami Timimi. Recently listened to this on audio from the library and will be purchasing a copy when it comes out in paperback in March.

Maraudingmarauders · 26/10/2025 20:02

Eating to Extinction by Dan Saladino - a really really important discussion on how we are approaching food security.

Theyreeatingthedogs · 26/10/2025 19:58

The Bonfire of the Vanities, Tom Wolfe.

Dappy777 · 26/10/2025 15:32

DelurkingAJ · 26/10/2025 12:32

Word of warning on Patrick Leigh Fermor. I adored A Time of Gifts as a (marginally pretentious) teen but struggled rereading it as an adult. I found that I had to stop to look up references to things he assumed everyone knew. But yes, a glorious read once you get into his groove.

Yes, he is a lover of obscure knowledge, and at times can overwhelm you. His prose style can also be off putting. (Some have described it as ‘baroque’. ) He’s certainly not a tight, crisp writer (imagine the opposite of Hemingway or George Orwell). I could do without a five page description of the architecture of Prague, put it that way.

But at his best he’s wonderful - so joyful and life-affirming. The first half of ‘A Time of Gifts’ is one of my favourite things in the world, where he’s tramping along the roads of Germany in the snow reciting poetry at the top of his voice. Wonderful. The real joy in reading Fermor is simply spending time in his company.

Oh, and Fermor loved Wodehouse as well OP, so you’ll be with a kindred spirit.

TheeNotoriousPIG · 26/10/2025 13:22

I think that Jasvinder Sangera's Shame would be quite enlightening to a lot of people.

Funderthighs · 26/10/2025 12:56

George Orwell’s 1984.

Bruisername · 26/10/2025 12:47

Any of the books by Michaela Wrong - specifically I Didn’t do it for you or In the footsteps of Mr Kurtz

my favourite book which I recommend every chance I get. It happened in Boston? By RH Greenan

and also The Master and Margarita if we are going for classics

both books really got me thinking

MerylSqueak · 26/10/2025 12:40

I agree with a lot of these and would add

A Fine Balance Rohinton Mistry

Purplebunnie · 26/10/2025 12:35

Bury my Heart at Wounded Knee

DelurkingAJ · 26/10/2025 12:32

Word of warning on Patrick Leigh Fermor. I adored A Time of Gifts as a (marginally pretentious) teen but struggled rereading it as an adult. I found that I had to stop to look up references to things he assumed everyone knew. But yes, a glorious read once you get into his groove.

Original poster
OnlyFangs · 26/10/2025 12:27

Dappy777 · 26/10/2025 12:03

Bill Bryson: ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’. A chatty, gossipy history of science, full of fascinating facts and wonderful anecdotes.

But if I could I’d also have everyone try ‘Right Ho Jeeves’ by P G Wodehouse. The world would be a much happier, kinder place if everyone read Wodehouse. Once you enter his beautiful world you see life differently.

Same goes for Patrick Fermor’s travel books, especially ‘A Time Of Gifts’. Like Wodehouse, he changes the way you see the world (for the better).

Oh thank you, I love Wodehouse and Bryson so shall try Patrick Fermor's books.

OP posts:
RedRosie · 26/10/2025 12:14

I think it's been mentioned ... But Primo Levi If this is a man.

Nothing better has been written on the importance of bearing witness, and the depths of both inhumanity and humanity.

Handeyethingyowl · 26/10/2025 12:12

The Interestings by Meg Wollitser, just because I loved it. Also following.

BlakeCarrington · 26/10/2025 12:08

1984, Orwell.

Dappy777 · 26/10/2025 12:03

Bill Bryson: ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’. A chatty, gossipy history of science, full of fascinating facts and wonderful anecdotes.

But if I could I’d also have everyone try ‘Right Ho Jeeves’ by P G Wodehouse. The world would be a much happier, kinder place if everyone read Wodehouse. Once you enter his beautiful world you see life differently.

Same goes for Patrick Fermor’s travel books, especially ‘A Time Of Gifts’. Like Wodehouse, he changes the way you see the world (for the better).

Original poster
OnlyFangs · 26/10/2025 09:40

DelurkingAJ · 26/10/2025 09:38

Bad Science

Some of the science myths it very politely shows to be nonsense are very pernicious and everyone should understand them.

Oh thank you, will add that to my list!

OP posts:
DelurkingAJ · 26/10/2025 09:38

Bad Science

Some of the science myths it very politely shows to be nonsense are very pernicious and everyone should understand them.

EveryKneeShallBow · 26/10/2025 09:37

Echo the Diary of Anne Frank, and also To Kill a Mockingbird and the Grapes of Wrath

BitOutOfPractice · 26/10/2025 09:37

BlueFairyBugsBooks · 25/10/2025 19:44

Do They Hear You When You Cry by Fauzia Kasindja.

Although The Choice, If This Is a Man or Night are close contenders. Ultimately I choose the one I said because no one has heard of it, and most people have read at least one of the others.

I have read that book. Probably 20+ years ago and I still remember it vividly.

I love The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. No deep reason, just I love it and it’s a great read.

Original poster
OnlyFangs · 26/10/2025 09:36

ObtuseMoose · 26/10/2025 09:33

None. I know you don't mean it this way but being 'made' to read a book is my idea of hell.

Yeah I really didn't mean it that way. I guess maybe it was poorly expressed but I think most people got the gist. The book you wish everyone would read I guess. Or the book that had the most profound impact on you

OP posts:
ObtuseMoose · 26/10/2025 09:33

None. I know you don't mean it this way but being 'made' to read a book is my idea of hell.

pizzaHeart · 25/10/2025 20:46

Zempy · 25/10/2025 20:07

The Subtle Art of Not Giving A Fuck by Mark Manson

I haven’t read it but it does sounds very interesting.