Re: Books that inspired you
 

So i got bored with the book i was working on and finaly got around to reading "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", amazing book, I already loved the movie. I dont know if this book 'inspired me' persay but it definately made an impact on me. Hunter S Thompson is insane, yet a genius, has alot of fun with his life, yet at the end of the day he is still alive and still gets paid. Thats pretty inspiring to me.

I also started a book i picked up from a thrift store. its called "Cycles of War" cant think of the authors name but it discusses the idea that war comes in cycles based on societies needs and wants for power and need to be part of a group. it was writen in the 70's, definately an interesting read.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

A. Yes, I love to do book reports and whatnot on the Enders series. I did a report a while ago on how the names of characters describe their personality and also (in a different way) completely deny it. For example, Ender is the Ender of the war, the race of buggers, etc, but he's also the beginner of a colony, Jane, the resurrected buggers, etc.

B. Mormons are most definitely cool. :cool: Oh of course I know he's a Mormon. You can't read The Lost Boys and not know he's a Mormon. (Now there's a freaky book for you. Mormon horror novels...)

MrToast the Mormon :D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

i feel compelled to add another... "the five people you meet in heaven"

its hardly religion oriented but it does make you think twice about every action you make!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I have read 3 books that have left an impression.

1. Tuesdays with Morrie - It tought me that life is more than hanging out with friends, its about learning lessons.
2. Five People You Meet In Heaven - Death is not the end.
3. The DaVinci Code - Got me interested in math... not that I am any good at it. It was also a great adventure for me.. has to be my favorite book of all time.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

A lot of you are mentioning Orson Scott Card. I've never read his more sci-fi series, but long ago I fell in love with his Alvin Maker series. And then I read Hart's Hope, which I think is one of his best. One of the main points behind Harts Hope is how very thin the line is between justice and revenge, and how powerful forgiveness is. I have always been the type of person who likes things to be fair, just... and this book really made me take a closer look at whether or not it was justice I sought out or revenge. I would like to say I never get revenge now (and I'm not talking about pranks and jokes between friends), but I wouldn't want to lie to you... I'm not that perfect ;)

Now, Orson Scott Card... he seems to be a really nice man. Back when I was in high school, I was in a poetry reading hosted by the editors of the Maryland Poetry Review and one of them gave me Card's address, so I wrote to him, and he wrote back. We continued to write to each other until I went to college and got to busy to write to anyone. In one of the last letters I received from Card, he sent me a tape of a lecture he had given on writing. I must have listened to that tape a hundred times in one week! When my college advisor found out I was corresponding with Orson Scott Card, he told his 13 year old daughter, who then had to meet me because she loved Card. She was a very sweet kid, so I eventually gave her all of my letters from Card along with the tape, and made her promise that when she was no longer interested in writing to him, she would pass along his address to someone who loved his writing as much as we did.

Heidi

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Some claim that the Alvin Maker series was based off of the life of Joseph Smith but I find this connection to be very loose at the least. (yet more proof though of Orson's Mormonism in his writing as mentioned by Mr. Toast)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I think I disagree. I can look at the Joseph Smith story and the Alvin Maker series. For example, both had extraordinary visions. For Alvin, it was the "vision" of the Shining Man (who turns out to be the Red Prophet). For Joseph, it was the vision of God the Father and His Son.

Both had traumatic leg damage that seemed to be miraculously healed. For Alvin, this was when the millstone fell on his leg, and for Joseph (I forget how it happened), it was when he had to have a large portion of his femur (I believe) cut out, which miraculously healed.

Both Alvin and Joseph were in possession of extraordinary objects that both claimed to have obtained through extraordinary means. Alvin had his Golden Plow that he transmuted from iron and brought to life in the forge, and Joseph had the Golden Plates entrusted to him by an angel.

Both stood trial many times for baseless accusations. Alvin that he was a witch, Joseph for many things, among which was inciting the Mormons into rebellion.

Both had older brothers whom they trusted completely. Alvin had Measure, Joseph had Hyrum.

And so on...

MrToast

Re: Books that inspired you
 

About the surgery:
Joseph Smith's leg operation came as the result of an infection that settled in his leg after a serious bout with typhus fever. The Smiths called for a surgeon, who made an eight-inch incision in the leg. Though the procedure gave Jospeh relief for a time, as the incision healed, the pain returned, more violent than before. Once again the surgeon was called and he repeated the same procedure with the same result. Finally a group of doctors were called together to examine Joseph, and amputation was recommended. Joseph's mother prevailed upon the doctors to try once more to correct the problem before giving over to amputating the leg. They ended up removing part of the bone from which Jospeh did heal though he would forever walk with a limp and often relied on a cane.

I guess you are not the only on that believes so Toast.. http://www.hatrack.com/research/stud...porschet.shtml

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Just read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. About Afghanistan just before the Russian invasion and about friendship, betrayal and salvation. This book is going to stay with me for a long, long time. It is not a difficult read.
Jenny

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse and On the Road by Kerouac

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I just read almost all of Tom Robbin's works in about a week.

Perhaps these book shave been mentioned already (haven't had time to read the whole thread), but I LOVE books by Tom Robbins. They are the funniest books about philosophy that I have ever read. Not only are they inspiring, but they have a sense of humor that I just LOVE.

My favorites (in order): Jitterbug Perfume, Another Roadside Attraction, Villa Incognito, Skinny Legs and All, and Half-Asleep in Frog Pajamas.

I highly reccomend them to ANYONE with a sense of humor and an interest in life. :)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler. I am not going to say much about this book, but read the reviews. It's my handbook for living because it keeps me happy, focusssed and alive.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Don't forget Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates and Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, from which I quote, "Like many Italic sentences, this one has Mafia connections." Tom Robbins is silly, but in a good way.

Finally got around to reading ZatAoMM, as so many suggested. What I took away from it is the idea that what you do is far less important than how you do it. It is quite simply a good story (made me want to buy a motorcycle), but the philosophical discussion interwoven within the cross-country motorcycle trek truly makes the book special.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Let's see...
I've read so many! Some of the ones that had the most impact on me were

-Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
-anything by Shakespeare
-Pretty Birds, by Scott Simon

...And I could go on and on
~Anna

Re: Books that inspired you
 

As with many of the really worthwhile books, reading ZatAoMM several times I took away more with each reading. Although I haven't read it since the mid-70's I think it's probably worth revisiting yet again.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Oh, The Places You'll Go! - Dr. Seuss

and on the humorous side...

Wicked Spanish for the Traveler - Howard Tomb

which includes such important phrases as...
Yo no sabia que la tela metalica tenia tantos usos. [I never knew chicken wire had so many uses]
& Acaso huelo una enchilada vieja? [Do I smell an old enchilada?]

Re: Books that inspired you
 

My Sisters Keeper by Judy Picolt

This book is amazing...its not like a chick flick book...so like everyone can read it. This book left me crying though because of the whole plot of the book etc.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I don't know if these books are exactly life changing but I think David Eddings is worth mentioning...

The message of duty and serving humanity that he mentions in his books is something worth noting.

Another book that I really found to be helpful is The Catcher in the Rye

It really pulls me out of a slump to imagine that someone else's life is worse than mine. :)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving. It is a funny and heartwarming tale that really touched my heart. It was just really fun to read and it taught me so much about life.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'm currently making my way through The Lord Of the Rings series. The books have not exactly changed my life but I love LOTR, the books (so far) and the movies.

A couple years ago I read many books by Tamora Pierce. They were really, really good books and they're basically about women back in the Medieval (sort of) ages who could do anything. Yes they were fiction but the fact of a woman who became a knight is a nice thought. I've always wondered why women can't be knighted by the queen...hmm...

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Here is a book that everyone should read. It is titled: "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas L. Friedman.

Please note the following reviews:

Reviews
"Before 9/11, New York Times columnist Friedman was best known as the author of The Lexus and the Olive Tree, one of the major popular accounts of globalization and its discontents. Having devoted most of the last four years of his column to the latter as embodied by the Middle East, Friedman picks up where he left off, saving al-Qaeda et al. for the close. For Friedman, cheap, ubiquitous telecommunications have finally obliterated all impediments to international competition, and the dawning 'flat world' is a jungle pitting 'lions' and 'gazelles,' where 'economic stability is not going to be a feature' and 'the weak will fall farther behind.' Rugged, adaptable entrepreneurs, by contrast, will be empowered. The service sector (telemarketing, accounting, computer programming, engineering and scientific research, etc.), will be further outsourced to the English-spoken abroad; manufacturing, meanwhile, will continue to be off-shored to China. As anyone who reads his column knows, Friedman agrees with the transnational business executives who are his main sources that these developments are desirable and unstoppable, and that American workers should be preparing to 'create value through leadership' and 'sell personality.' This is all familiar stuff by now, but the last 100 pages on the economic and political roots of global Islamism are filled with the kind of close reporting and intimate yet accessible analysis that have been hard to come by. Add in Friedman's winning first-person interjections and masterful use of strategic wonksterisms, and this book should end up on the front seats of quite a few Lexuses and SUVs of all stripes." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Library Journal
Look around: this Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist claims that the most significant events of the 21st century are happening now. The globe is "flattening," with technology binding more and more countries together. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.




http://www.thomaslfriedman.com/worldisflat.htm

This book is an "eye opener". Check it out.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Villa Incognito is a funny and Risqué book by the same author of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Building.

Another good book series is Broken sky ( the third book is hard to find)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

It's summertime! Time to step away from the keyboard and screens more often. Time to revive this thread.

Currently reading:

Kluge-the Haphazard Construction of the Human Mind. Gary Marcus. [Kluge is a slang word for a clumsy or inelegant solution to a problem- wouldn't it be great to have a FIRST Kluge award added for "the power of imperfection?"]

Just started Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine-The Rise of Disaster Capitalism. wow. wow. wow.

How Doctors Think. Jerome Groopman. For anyone interested in the health fields.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'm SOOO glad I found this thread. I could read since I was three, and books are about as important as air to me. Some titles I've heard of, some I haven't. Here's some of my list; more will probably come later.


The Dune series- Frank Herbert/ others. Amazingly modern for the 60's, and he wound so many themes and ideas into them that I had to read them much slower than normal to get everything out of them. I still use the Litany Against Fear, too.

Dreamer of Dune; A Biography of Frank Herbert- Brian Herbert. I loved reading how this great man's mind worked; plus it was also a great love story about him and his wife. I did this for an english project and got extra points for enthusiam about the material.

Jodi Piccoult books- Most of her books are formula stories, but I love how each one has a theme, and they teach you a little about the human heart.

Harry Potter series- Taught me the power of love, and its redeeming qualities. Also the importance of being surrounded by people who love and suport you no matter who you are, what you are, or who you choose to be.

The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns- Khaled Hosseini. Interesting books suggested to me by another english teacher. Gives something to be said about loyalty.

The Uglies, Pretties, Specials, and Extras books- Scott Westerfield.- Shows that you can think your way out of anything, and how your connections with other people are stronger than whats been done to your head.

Tamora Pierce books- I just read ALL of her book in the span of a week. That's 16 books. They all had an underlying thread of preserverance(sp), and how being determined can produce great things from a person.

Dante's Inferno- Its weird, but read it.

Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar- Shakespeare. So dramatic, and life changing. Love and power can make you do janked up crap, including murder/suicide.

A Face First-Priscilla Cummings. A really easy book for preteens, but one I've read many times. I love how its written, and the point of showing who you are inside, not a face first.

Wicked and Son of a Witch- Gregory Maguire. Taught me that what is perceived is not always true (kind of a don't judge a book by its cover thing.). That "evil" may not have always been so, and that being "wicked" to one person isn't to another, and you don't have to be what everybody thinks, and you don't have to follow in the footsteps of your parents.

The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald. Read in english; I actually liked it. I didn't think I would like, but I did. It said alot about the times and the author. The characters were in-depth, and I could see why they did the things they did.

Well, that's it for now. I'll have some more for later. My english teacher made me a booklist (at my request), one of the books was Atlas Shrugged, and I have it on hold at the library. I hope I get it soon!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Velvet Elvis - Rob Bell

It's largely a Christian book but as many have pointed out, there are much broader themes. It's really about taking the status quo and instead of mindlessly following it, constantly reanalyze it to create a more perfect or relevant "status quo".

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The combination of two books has inspired me most.
"Escape From Slavery" by Francis Boch

and "The Power of One" I don't remember the Author

Both were deeply involved with racism and independence, and although "The Power of One" is not listed as an autobiography, the Author has commented that very few things have been changed from his original life.

Another book that has Inspired me was "They Things They Carried"
I will always and forever love this book, and admire the man who wrote it for his bravery.

:]]]
~Casey

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! (Adventures of a Curious Character) by Richard Feynman, the physicist

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Enders Game
Robot Builders Bonanza 3rd edt

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I just finished The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama; it was definitely one of the more inspiring books I've read this year.

Land of Desire: Merchants, Power and the Rise of a New American Culture by William Leach was another.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Series of Unforunate Events: taught me that life is more then it seams

Catcher in the Rye: taught me to stop complaining and get a life

The Klingon Dictionary: I'm a geek sry

Starwings: war will destroy humanity

StarTrek books in general: make want to build stuff

12 hours to ship: my book still being wrote

Re: Books that inspired you
 

On My Own Two Feet-Although this book to teach young women about personal finance, I think it is important for EVERY YOUNG ADULT to read. Its about how to manage your money, assets, prioritize, and learn how to save, and make the most of your money. After reading this book, you'll know more about personal finance than 80% of the country.

A Case for Christ-A atheist journalist searches for evidence of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Even if you're not a Christian, it is a fantastic book.

And Mending a Broken Heart- I heard the author is a really cool person :rolleyes: ;)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

It's Not About the Bike.

Most inspirational book I've ever read.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I am a little bit shy about posting this. Books can be very personal and can become dear friends. :) I have this info on my Facebook profile and copy/pasted. I may add a couple later, as well:


Beautiful Joe by Margaret Marshall Saunders (who felt she would not be taken seriously as a woman writer, so she wrote it under Marshall Saunders)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beautiful_Joe

I read this book as a young child and still have it. The cover is stained and the pages smell old just the way I like them. This book helped set me on a path to help abused and neglected animals to the best of my ability and to my family's long suffering credit.

Another book that helped shape my life was a book by Irving Stone, The Agony and The Ecstasy. A novel based on the life of Michelangelo. I found the book at eye level in my school library when I was 12 and it basically remained checked out in my name for the rest of junior high, every 10 days. I understood the concept of a Renaissance man - very clearly.

Another book was by Louisa May Alcott - Little Women. I read her other books as well, but Little Women was the one that taught me that women can do many things, have many diverse interests, and can be adventurous, spontaneous, roll with life's punches, and laugh.

There are many other books I've read that have inspired me over time but those 3 are pretty much at the core of who I am today.

Jane

Re: Books that inspired you
 

^ reported :mad:

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Team of Rivals - the Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln
Doris Kearns Goodwin
* story of how Lincoln rose to political power and the presidency and how he created his cabinet, comprised of many political rivals, to succeed as president.


Path Between the Seas: The Creation of the Panama Canal
David McCullough
* exceptional story of the building of the Panama Canal, from the very early years of ideas through the actual completion of the canal.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Earth: The Sequel

Amazing book about the futures of renewable energy sources, and the economics and science that surrounds them. A great resource for anyone interested in the topic.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I Am America (And So Can You!)

Very insightful, worth picking up.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Eragon (Eldest) - Perhaps an odd choice, but I learned a lot from one part of this book. I'm too tired to find the exact quote, but it mainly says that no one in this world ever thinks of themselves as evil. They will always think that they made the best choice they could given the situation.

The World According Garp - This book taught me that the World and the people in it are flawed; but if you look beyond the flaws you can find meaning and peace.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

This isn't my list, but a list worth sharing. During High School I was blessed with a teacher that chose to teach history, government, and economics through books. I only remember a couple of the History books:
Frontiersman: A very gripping story of early american exploration.
Citizen Tom Paine and Common Sense- American revolution.
Killer Angles: Civil War book that Glory was based off of.
Night- Holocaust 1st person perspective. Warning do not start reading this unless you plan to finish. You will miss whatever else you were planning to do.
The Longest Day: Amazing D-Day book
Black Like Me- Post civil rights racism written by a white man that made himself black in the deep south.

For Government and Economics:
Essays on the Making of the Constitution: Very interesting perspectives and theories on "why" the founding fathers did what they did.
Watership Down: Basically the book version of Meerkat Manor (only Rabbits)
The Jungle: Will make you believe in the power and right of Unions. It will also make you never want to eat processed meat.
and lastly
Atlas Shrugged: To show you that "Charity" can be a bad thing among a ton of other themes.

I am sure that there were many others, but those were the ones I remember most. Looking back this teacher was a great teacher in that he truly made you think.

One of my personal Favorites I did not see of this list was "The Way Things Work" by David M. My mother got this book for me when I was in the 4th grade after the guidance counselor told her I was cursed and would likely become an engineer.:]

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Story of Lucy Gault- Wm.Trevor- Sad, but good. Lots of lessons on forgivness, love, and saying what you think and feel.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Hahaha. I love that book!

It will make anyone love or hate Stephen Colbert.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Ah, books. I love summer just because I finally get the chance to read again!

I enjoyed 1984, but since last year, I am just more partial to 1983... :yikes: ok, down to business.

Survival in Auschwitz - Primo Levi: Thought provoking story about a chemist thrown into the death camp at Auschwitz and how he survived

The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand: Given to me by a teacher, and good friend. It impacted him when he read it in high school, as well as another teacher from my school. They both recommended it when I was going through a rough time last year. Very good book.

Rocket Boys: Classic

I, Robot - Isaac Asimov: Haven't finished yet, but was given to me by another favorite teacher for graduation a couple weeks ago. I am really enjoying it.

Lies my Teacher Told Me - James Loewen: The stuff you were never told about American History

The Jungle - Upton Sinclair: Interesting author, thought provoking book that had the opposite affect that the author had in mind

Cold Mountain - Charles Frazier
Thirteen Moons - Charles Frazier: Great author, both meaningful books. The first about a man and woman separated by the Civil War. Her struggle to keep her father's farm, and his experiences after ditching the war and trying to walk home. Thirteen Moons is about a man's life, from orphanhood, to fame and fortune, all the while trying to do best by the world and himself.

Red Badge of Courage - Classic


That's pretty much all I've got for now... I am definitely going to be reading some of the other books posted in this thread. I am excited!

OH! I almost forgot!

Self Reliance - Emerson

and pretty much anything else from the Transcendentalists. They are pretty inspiring and thought-provoking. It is also pretty interesting to compare them to the hippies. Some of the similarities are quite remarkable.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay and Sometimes a Great Notion by Ken Kesey have been pretty impactful books for me. I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged and that is also very good. I think it is the realizations I recieved after the first two books that made me different afterwards. Those shall be on my shelf for a very long time.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein

Made me realize that you can't force people to change. You have to lead by example, and let people draw from your life what they will. It also taught me not to cast judgment on others.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Hmmm... since I last posted in this thread there are a few books that stand out in my mind:

Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz. Nonfiction book about a man who goes south to try to unravel America's fascination with the Civil War. Parts of this novel are frightening and sad and other parts are hilarious.

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. A memoir about growing up in Rhodesia as a long civil war raged in neighboring Mozambique: all leading towards an independent, African Nationalist regime. It's both a brutal and yet beautiful life.

As I Lay Dying by Faulkner. One of my "life goals" was to get through a Faulkner novel (his short stories are easy, his novels not so much). To get through it and "get" it. Because it is told in stream of consciousness style by 15 different narrators in 59 chapters, it is very hard to follow and keep track of. After a while, it didn't matter to me who said what and when, the beauty of Faulkner's language was what I had to "get."

A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland Indiana by Haven Kimmel. One of the funniest memoirs I've ever read. Kimmel's use of humor is so well done you almost ignore what is an almost nearly tragic childhood.

and I could again go on and on with books but I'm feeling sleepy so I think I'll go sleep instead.

Heidi

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I actually just finished The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and I recommend it to any student or adult involved in FIRST who's life is consumed by robotics. I might make reading sections of the self-help book mandatory for MORT students in the future as it is a great way to learn about time management.

Also, I haven't read the following yet but I was told to by my uncle: 5 People You Meet In Heaven. and The Kite Runner The film was amazing and was a masterpiece. You should all really watch it.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I read that when I was younger and I don't really remeber it much. I had an English teacher reccomend it to me, also. I think I might reread it; I'll probably get more out of it now than I got out of it the first time.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

This one is a wonderful "techie" kind of read. I think it would resonate well with the readership here!

I very much enjoyed it!

__Orbit__

John J Nance

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Wow it has been a long time since I wrote in this thread. I would like to share another title. Tracy Kidder was mentioned earlier - I would like to recommend another one of his works.

Mountains Beyond Mountains is the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a global health hero who on many counts has changed the way that international reform is approached. This book is breathtaking, regardless of whether or not you hold aspirations in medicine. It describes, in great detail, the challenges and successes of Farmer and his colleagues throughout Haiti, Peru, the United States, and many other locales.

The book is an eye-opener. When I first encountered this book it was in a terrific class called "Managing Global Health Challenges." It illustrates the extreme differences between the states of healthcare and lifestyle between industrialized and developing nations, as well as within both the former and the latter.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Just finished A New Earth this morning. Its an awesome book by Eckhart Tolle. Some of my favorite quotes from it:

"You do not become good by trying to be good, but by finding the goodness that is already within you, and allowing that goodness to emerge" - Page 13

"Not what you do, but how you do what you do determines whether you are fulfilling your destiny. And how you do what you do is determined by your state of consciousness." - Page 294 (lol BCR)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Anything by Hermann Hesse.

"101 Uses for a Dead Cat" wasn't inspirational, but practical nonetheless

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I saw this recently.

"Everybody Poops" Taro Gomi

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder for me!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The first book to come to mind would be the Holy Bible... everything you need to know about life can be found right in there.

Two other books that have had a very strong effect on my view of the world..
1984 by George Orwell & Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand.
I was shocked to find that she was writing about things happening in the 40's & 50's... I read it back in the 90's and thought she was talking of the present.
Was said to learn she had died... if she was alive today I'm sure she would be shaking her head saying, "I warned you..."
Art of War another book I've read more than once... it really is a insightful book that can be applied to many areas of ones life.

Some inspired autobiography's have been Gerry Spence, the man that defended Randy Weaver and got the government to admit they were wrong on Ruby Ridge. The autobiography of Robert E Lee and Jefferson Davis, both of whom should be thought of as American hero's. IMO

Other worth reading books, Flight of the Old Dog (series) by Dale Brown
Interview with a Vampire (series) by Ann Rice

And finally one ever citizen of the US should compelled to read... The Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. :D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

By far my favorite fict. book ever. However, Glory was not based off of this book, it was the movie Gettysburg that was based off of this. Look up Killer Angel's by Michael Shaara you won't regret it.

I also was inspired by "Gold in the water", If you ever wondered what swimmers (or any athlete) go through to try to make the olympic team, this is the book to check out.

Non-fic./religion or whatever you want to call it. The "Bible" should cover that one well.

"Velvet Elvis" (rob bell) along with attending the authors Church have changed the way I view Christianity, and have changed the way I view my faith.

If I were on a deserted island. These are the books that I would want with me. They have inspired me to become who I am.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

If memory serves this was the last cross party political ticket. Just an interesting historical piece there for you all. I second this book.

1984 is certainly worth a read, if only to make you think.

The last question - Asimov (link) Stunning and it really makes you think.

The Watchmen - Alan Moore - not a book exactly, nor is it for kids, but it is worth a look in that it makes you really question right and wrong.

Enders Game - Just a good classic sci fi read

Something I thought was interesting was The Divine Trilogy by Dante.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I absolutely love that book. It was my favorite when I was little, because it was so full of adventure and color.

Some of my favorite books now are His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman Not growing up with any sort of religion in my family, these books sort of shaped what I believe religiously today. The books also are filled with excellent characters, and an amazing story.

Uglies - Scott Westerfeld The four books in the Uglies series, as well as other series by Westerfeld including Peeps, focus on the future, and what has happened to civilization. The science fiction in these books is entertaining and well done. Scott Westerfeld's books make me think about the future and what the world will come to if someone doesn't make a change. His books motivate me to help make the world a better place. They also have excellent plots, which is a plus! ;)

Looking For Alaska - John Green An amazing story. I think that every teenager should read this book, it really has a lot to say about growing up and learning to love. A sad but incredibly touching story.

There are many other books that I love, but these three (or really three authors) really stand out in my mind as books I love, and will pick up over and over again.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The first book that I can think of is Little Women (Louisa May Alcott), but that might just be because I've just finished reading it for what seems like the millionth time. Reading about girls my age growing up in tough times, and the lessons that they learn along the way has been very helpful, touching, and just inspirational in general.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I like dictionaries and encyclopedias.
Every day is a new day and exploring new words is part of it for me. I may not use them but I like to learn about them. Encyclopedias are the same way. It is easy to search for something on-line but it can be a lot of fun to read the books. I like to read these books for fun and for relaxation. I also like old dictionaries, hardbound, and have a couple at work and a couple at home. When I was in my twenties, I learned that my mother always loved to read dictionaries as a child growing up. That was a neat moment of finding something in common that crossed generations - a love of words. A passion, really.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I love those books. They are an interesting look into the future. They're also not a hard read, but enjoyable. I was waiting last night for my brother to get out of the shower, and picked up the last Harry Potter book. I forgot how amazing it was, though, and was up for awhile.
How many people like to constantly reread books over and over and over? I've actually ruined books from taking then too many places and using them too much. Or check out a cetain book almost every time I go to library. Who else does that?

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I just looked up this thread to share with one of our team leaders for some awesome summer reading suggestions.

Thought it might be a good time for a thread resurrection. :)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

One of the coolest books I've ever read. It's a different way to look at how the best of the best reached the top. Everything in the book should be taken with a grain of salt though, some just call it coincidence. :rolleyes: I highly recommend it though.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Anything by Terry Pratchett, with Night Watch being my favorite. He's a hilarious writer and I'd highly advise his books to anyone over the age of 13 (they're not inappropriate, but they would probably confuse younger readers).

I've actually tried to read the bible before, but have sort of stalled on exodus (heh...fail, but I read through all of the gospels). I was amazed at the number of inappropriate scenes in Genesis. Never would have thought that.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Recently finished - "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

Best book I've ever read. Had me in tears in some sections...

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch is the book that's most inspired me. It's probably been mentioned before, but I basically try and use the lessons in it to shape everything I do, and it's one of the big reasons I'm in FRC right now and at college where I am.

I can't say any other book has had a direct, noticeable effect on me. Maybe Childhood's End.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Left behind Series
Masada
Transall Saga

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Old thread, but I'm still reading!

Sparks of Genius: The Thirteen Thinking Tools of the World's Most Creative People Robert S. Root-Bernstein

Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas James Adams

Cracking Creativity: The Secrets of Creative Genius Michael Michalko

And

The Cloud Collector's Handbook Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Re: Books that inspired you
 

For inspirational books, I second Three Cups of Tea and add its sequel Stones Into Schools. These books are amazing, and if you believe in the mission of FIRST -- changing culture and promoting education -- you will love them. Greg Mortenson is my hero, and I hope to high Heaven that one day I can have made an impact like he has.

For books to make you think, anything by Malcolm Gladwell. Some times the "science" may be a little iffy, but they're very thought provoking.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead requires a knowledge of Hamlet to fully understand. It's a play, specifically theater of the absurd. There's some great quotes and philosophical stuff in there, and it's short too for a nice quick read.

What is Your Dangerous Idea? Today's Leading Thinkers on the Unthinkable Again, thought provoking. You will agree, disagree, possibly be confused, but it's very interesting.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Lots of great books in this thread. I guess I'll throw in a few of my own:

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Read the book, watch the video...

Rocket Boys After I watched October Sky, I read several of Homer Hickham's memoirs. It's a fantastic book about dreaming and overcoming obstacles.

1984 by George Orwell. It's a classic, and it's a great warning of where we might end up if we surrender our history and subsequently our liberty to anyone.

Fahrenheit 451. In my mind, a great counterpart to 1984. Probably one of the best (and most well known) criticisms of censorship out there.

Launching a Leadership Revolution by Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady. All about developing yourself as a leader, and then helping others to do the same. A must read for any FIRST mentor, and should be required of students too!

Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King, and Halee Fischer-Wright. It's less on "leadership" in the traditional sense and more on developing the attitude and culture of a team to promote excellence. Teams like 148, 217, 1114, 111, etc. stand out as shining examples of some of the principles in this book. If that's not enough of a reason, just talk to IKE. He'll convince you : )

The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz. I saw this mentioned earlier in this thread, and I'm actually on my third time reading it right now. It is a fantastic book that covers everything from belief, to attitude, to developing positive habits. This is one of the best "personal development" type books ever written. If you read this and actually apply even some of the principles he discusses, you will be amazed with how much you can change your outlook and your results.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Holy Bible

Feynman Lectures On Physics

Night Trilogy

Write Great Code Volume 1 & 2

Re: Books that inspired you
 

"The New Cool" By Neal Bascomb. We need another lead into the public eye & hopefully this book will accomplish that. This inspires me to continue spreading the word about FIRST.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

He will convince you and it is totally worth it.

I'm working through that and The Dancing Wu Li Masters. It was recommended to me by a professor about how people view science as a religion. Fascinating read because it talks about some very interesting ways of looking at how people view things.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Music Lesson by Victor Wooten.

Being a musician (mainly jazz, like the author) myself, I have always loved listening to Victor's amazing bass playing either by himself or with the Flecktones. I play bass along with other instruments, so Vic is one of my major influences. However, after reading this book, my whole view on music and life completely changed. Victor really knows how to make anyone, musician or not, question his or her views on life and gain a lot of amazing insight. Definitely one of my favorite books.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Uncommon and Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy

Re: Books that inspired you
 

...when I was growing up?

As soon as I could read my mom would take me to the closest library - housed in an old building that previously was a schoolhouse in Keego Harbor, Michigan. There I found The Boy Electrician by Alfred P. Morgan, the book I probably spent more time with than any other during my grade school years.

That book had a lot to do with me deciding to be an engineer...

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Definitely would be the Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam for me

Re: Books that inspired you
 

That's funny--- I feel the same way. I really loved how he found a dream and he pursued it despite the constant "downings" from his father. :D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Interesting thread. My list includes two already mentioned books and a couple more:

Jitterbug Perfume, Tom Robbins (novel)
Funny / philosophical / irreverent / makes me feel good to read it.

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynmann, Richard Feynmann
Cool autobiographical stories about Feynmann (Nobel winning physicist with a big sense of humor). I want to be like this guy.

The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, Carl Sagan
Sagan's best and last book. He was a true champion for science.

The Singularity is Near, Ray Kurzweil
Speculative book about our technological future that might blow your mind.

Cryptonomicon, Neil Stephenson (novel)
Amazing, amazing writing. His other stuff is great, too. The others inspire me, but this one is merely a masterpiece that should appeal to people who are into science and technology.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Accidental Billionaires

Crossing the Chasm

Blue Ocean Strategy

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage is enthralling. It is truly about the triumph of the human spirit. Once you've read it, you realize that driven people really can accomplish anything.

Shackleton and his team of 28 polar explorers were attempting the first crossing of the Antarctic when the Endurance is caught in the ice. She is crushed in the spring thaw, and the crew spends nearly 200 days living on the ice flow, where you are either above freezing and soaked, or below freezing and covered in ice. A small group take a 22 ft boat across 800 miles of the worst seas in the world with maps that are getting increasingly more difficult to read as the water soaks the ink, and attempting to hit tiny South Georgia island.

Pick it up... you won't put it down until it's done. :cool: