Books that inspired you
 

The other day I remembered someone talked about a book call Altas Shrugged, he said that book has influenced his world view more than any other book he have ever read.

Today I went to the book store just to get that book. Boy it sure is heavy! I look forward to reading it.

My trip to the book store inspired me to create this thread. Figure its an ok thread to post in General forum since its summer time. Anyway, here is what I want to know from you:

What book(s) inspired you the most when you were growing up?

I am looking for books that changed the way you think when you were going up, books that shaped the person you are today. It could be books like the one above or a philosophy text book, basically something that left a mark after you read it.

Thanks!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Bible taught me how to live, whether you agree or not, it does have some good advice in it...and it is rather action-packed.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a good one. It has inspired some deep thought on late nights (funny how deep thoughts happen in three main places, while driving, while sleeping-trying to, while on a phone call with nature ;) )

Tale of Two Cities made me want to be a better person and stand up for myself.

Rocket Boys taught me how to dream.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I read It's Not About the Bike, by Lance Armstrong, two years ago. After doing so, I changed my attitude on life pretty much as a whole.

I saw that obstacles could ALWAYS be overcome, no matter how huge (as demonstrated by Mr. Armstrong in his victories after recovering from cancer). I guess I had always known this.. but seeing what he had been through really made me rethink how I reacted to the slightest problems. My views all depend on how I choose to interpret something, like the saying "Do you see the glass as half-full, or half-empty?"

I also realized that I needed to surround myself with people I care about both in and out of my times of need, because, in the end, they would make any situation turn into a good one.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Try Fountainhead! (Ayn Rand can get pretty extreme at points, but I will concede as much as that she raises some interesting points.)

For me, though, I always liked To kill a mocking bird (and that's saying something, since they shove all sorts of coming-of-age novels down our throats as children, that than one stands out).

So far as philosophical, On liberty (J.S. Mills) really inspired me, and has influenced a lot of my political thoughts.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

One book that inspired me, or at least made me take another look at the world is Kaffir Boy . It is about Mark Mathabane (the Author) and his struggles with aparthied in South Africa.

It is very realistic and graphic, due to the fact that is a true autobiography.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'd have to say I'm extremely inspired by the book "The Decameron" by Giovanni Bocaccio. On the surface, it reads as an eccentric comedy about Florentinian and other Italian life during the Plague. It is basically a set of 100 short stories with various lessons. But when you read into each story, there is so much more. You want to be telling characters what to do, what to say, instead of what they end up doing. It is just interesting to read and get into.

Another powerful favorite is Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre." I'd have to say this is a love it/hate it book, but I adored it. The depth of emotion and description is phenomenal, and you get a feeling for what this woman goes through as she grows up being thrown from one tough aspect of life to another.

The most inspiring books I can think of include: Shakespeare. That's about all I can say. These books are fantastic: no matter who you are, no matter what you believe in, there will be something here, be it romance, tragedy, action, or humor that will inspire you or touch you. These are stories that you have to think about and understand, and while they may be difficult at first, after the first book you will grow to enjoy Shakespeare's language.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

One book that changed the way I view the world would have to be the 2003 and 2004 Competition Document. This "book" was what got me addicted to FIRST, and also changed my view on robotics in the world. It also allowed me to meet people from all over the world who had similar interests. It is filled with controversial rules and is filled with action! It leaves you on the edge of your seat for 6 weeks because you are waiting to find out how other people interpreted their thoughts of the "book". I'm sure you all have read them before, and some of the "books" released earlier (1992-2002). If not, I suggest that you join/create a team and find out what "book" the authors will make next year! :D

I wanted to post this sooo bad as soon as I saw the name of the thread :D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Two books left a mark on me, "time", and "space." by Stephen Baxter. They're really hard to explain, but they've definely got me interested in engineering etc. and what I want to do with my life. I would recommend them to anyone.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I will just add my list compiled during a recent similar conversation with some folks. These are the top dozen books that have had a real impact on me over the years:

The Right Stuff, by Tom Wolfe. Long before Dean Kamen, Tom Wolfe let me know that is was OK to have – and seek out – heroes that didn't throw a baseball or play a guitar. The characterizations of grace under life-threatening pressure, deep-seated fundamental values, and the true definition of "hero" documented by Wolfe were amazing. The realization that these were all real people and not fictional characters drove the point into my brain that solving hard problems is cool. I knew it before, but this book absolutely cemented my commitment to work for the space program as my life's calling.

The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. A very close friend gave this to me in high school. To appease her, I read through it, struggling all the way. I didn't get it. I read it again. I still didn't get it. I have read it every year since then. I still don't get it. From all of this I have learned perseverance. But more importantly, I realized that just because there are some concepts that are currently beyond my grasp, I must never cease to search for understanding. I will keep reading The Prophet until I understand. I may never get to that point, but I will never stop trying.

Time Enough For Love: The Lives of Lazarus Long, by Robert Heinlein. The story of a man so in love with life that he refuses to die. This is the ultimate "find the silver lining inside of every cloud" lesson. And the whole thing is interspersed with snips of wisdom and life lessons that I still remember.

Bless The Beasts and The Children, by Glendon Swarthout. The emergence from childhood into adulthood. The discovery that your ethics and actions have an impact on a population much greater than yourself. All of us have pieces of John Cotton in us. By really trying to understand him, I learned how to stop before reaching the edge of the cliff.

A Book Of Five Rings (Go Rin No Sho), by Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi was possibly the greatest swordsman to have ever lived. His trieste on the Way of the Sword describes his practice of cutting right to the heart of the opposition, in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible. Extended to a way of life, this philosophy teaches an approach to getting right to the central cause of a problem, and finding the most efficient understanding of the true nature of things as the first step in countering the issue.

Musashi, by Elji Yoshikawa. A massive biography about the real life of Miyamoto Musashi. A wonderful glimpse into the changes that Musashi experienced while reaching insights that allowed him to author A Book Of Five Rings. His life defined the term "single-minded pursuit of a goal." His absolute dedication to understanding of the Way of the Sword for his entire life had a purity and purpose that was both enviable and ultimately moral at a level I can only partially grasp.

Let’s Go Play At The Adams’, by Mendal Johnson. This is probably the most disturbing novel I have ever read. There are no look-at-the-fluffy-bunny moments, no wonderful characters with redeeming social values, and definitely no happy ending. This book gave me serious nightmares for months. But it was the best discourse on the pure evils of peer pressure and mob mentality that I have ever read. I have never come across a better counter-example of why you should never let someone else do your thinking for you. 25 years later, the images from this book are still burned into my brain – and they are not pleasant.

Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. I first read this while in high school, after a neighbor gave it to me for my birthday. It was the first book to seriously challenge me to think about my belief system, what I valued, and why. In many ways, the personal insight I achieved from this book formed behaviors that have stayed with me to this day.

Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values, by Robert Persig. The quintessential analysis of the value and significance of quality vs. quantity. The ultimate exploration of the idea "if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right." For me, and many others, this is a fundamentally life-changing book.

The Monkeywrench Gang, by Edward Abbey. My introduction to environmental issues, social activism, and going too far. A wonderful exploration of what people will do to advance "a cause" in which they truly believe, and what can happen when you avoid any attempt to understand the other guy’s viewpoint. This was the book that made me understand the phrase "the road to hell is paved with good intentions." Nonetheless, Hayduke is someone that I would just love to hang out with for a while.

The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff. The first book that explained Taoism in terms that even I could understand. After going through it a dozen times, it is still a great bedtime read. There are few Taoist teachers better than Winnie the Pooh, and even fewer exemplars of the purity of simplicity.

The Bible, the Torah, and the Koran, (various authors). I don't care what your religious persuasions may be, and you may not care about mine. I won't get into any religious philosophical discussions on this forum. Setting aside all such discussions, there is still incredible value that I took from these. Independent of the spiritual discourse, the pages are full of lessons on morality and how to live in an honorable manner. I have read all these as a guide on how to live an ethical life. It doesn't matter what your religious beliefs may be - the basic concepts of "Don't kill. Don't lie. Don't steal. Don't cheat…" are all just plain good sense and great rules for building a society.

Some of us have observed that both Atlas Shrugged and books on eastern philosophy tend to show up on the reading lists of a lot of FIRSTers. How come so many of us resonate so well with books that challenge us to change society, and simplify the process of change? Is there a cause/effect relationship here? And which is which?

-dave

Re: Books that inspired you
 

"Le Petit Prince" by Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

We read the French version in French III (who'da thunk?). I'll give you the haiku:

Plane crash in desert
Dude's parched, meets a little prince
Prince tells life story.

Or in a few more words, the narrator crashes in the middle of the sahara due to an engine malfunction. While there, he meets up with this little prince, fresh off a trip from Asteroid B612. He then tells the tale of his home, the rose on the asteroid (when you first hear about her, take that like you took Dave's (or was it Woodie's?) hint hint with IR at kickoff), how he left the asteroid and met all of these characters, which pretty much caricatureify adult culture.

It's a short book, but it'll flip your mind around a few times.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

by far, one of the best autobiographies ive read. race relations are always a thorny issue, but taking it back in time really gave a sense of just how dramatically a person can change, and it also dispels some myths about the nation of islam and his own beliefs.

Shake Hands With the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda
Romeo Dallaire

L.Gen Romeo Dallaire was an UN force commander in Rwanda during the genocide of the early 1990s and this book gives first hand his frustrations in dealing with the monolithic UN, but also chronicles the effects that those events had on himself.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

On of the most influental books I have read is "The War In I Corps" by Richard Guidry, my history teacher. It's an autobiography about his tour of duty in Vietnam, it's a real eye-opener on some aspects. I'll also be reading "Heart of Darkness" this summer for an assignment, I hear its a good book.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

"The Soul of a New Machine" by Tracy Kidder. It documents the development of a new computer by Data General. Its not the computer stuff thats interesting, though, its the people dynamics. An inspirational book if you are interested in things like product development.

Kidder tells about the concept of "pinball" as applied to a company developing new products. If you do a good job, get a high score, they let you play again!

Ken

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I've read so much, its tough to pick just a book... A pair comes to mind, though- in the summer of my junior year I had to read 2 American autobiographies and write a compare/contrast essay. Most of my peers read about two presidents, two first ladies, etc, but I took a different path..

Monster- written by Kody Scott/Saniyaka Shakur. A autobiography of an L.A. gang member, and a very graphic novel. What hooked me was his transformation into the religious and spiritual novel. He served so much time during his young years, found religion, and is now ironically serving time for beating up a neighborhood crack dealer who refused to stop. Really heavy stuff..

To Hell and Back- Audie Murphy. (the most decorated WWII soldier)- and he was only 5'2''.. Real courage and guts, this book was about his experiences in WWII..

It was tons of fun comparing those two books, both of them showed the epitome of brotherhood and teamwork, they really drove me to become better friends with everyone on my team. Needless to say, my AP US teacher was rather surprised when sifting through papers about Abe Lincoln to see a essay about a gang member.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Warning: Do not read unless you're prepared to get an earful about books from an English teacher. Actually, the books that have had the most influence on me are more philosophical in nature than the stardard literature you'd expect to hear about from someone in my profession.

Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield: While some of the story in the latter stages is a little "out there" for some readers, the nine insights and the lessons learned along the way have taught me a great deal about history, world view, relationships, learning, living life, and making choices. I even had one student a few years ago compare the insights to Maslow's basic needs. We sent the paper out and Redfield's publicist read in and sent us a nice note.

Tuesday's With Morrie by Mitch Albom: True story. Morrie Schwartz is truly the finest example of a teacher and mentor I've ever come across (no offense to present company). I've used parts of the book and the movie in class. It's powerful and, even if you don't like books or read much, I guarantee you'll finish this in a few days at most.

Art of War by Sun Tsu: The most ancient and respected text ever written about war strategy and preparing for competition. Most of the great war generals throughout history had a copy on their shelf. The book has also been applied to athletics, business, competition of all kinds, and even FIRST Robotics (our whole strategy team got a copy in the mail last summer to read). I carried a copy in my back pocket when I coached baseball and have frequently referenced the priciples when making decisions and leading others in competition.

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: When Woodie spoke about this book at kickoff in 2002, I knew I had to read it. This book has definately influenced the way I make decisions and the type of people I surround myself with.

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn - Practical ways to mesh the best of eastern culture into our western lives. How I found out about Zinn and this book is quite an interesting story all by itself.

-There are others I could write about, but these are the five most influential in my life right now.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Okay, you started, now I get to play! I honestly have to say I don't think I would have survived my childhood without books. Most inspiring? Biggest impact? Here are a few off of the top of my head:

The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements by Eric Hoffer. Eric Hoffer was a stevedore on the San Francisco docks in the 1940s who wrote philosophical treatises in his spare time while living in the railroad yards. True Believer is a study of fanaticism and what personal failings lead people to willingly offer up their lives and the lives of others for a cause. An English teacher gave me this book when I was 15 after reading an essay I had written about the differences between my father’s and my views on patriotism. Right time, right mind frame, I don’t know, but no other book has ever hit me so hard.

A Walk Across America by Peter Jenkins. I read this when I was 12 because my much-adored older sister read it and loved it. I read every book she did and most of them were full of concepts that went over my head. Not this one. It’s about a man who’s ready to leave America because he’s disgusted by his country, when a friend of his suggests he gets to know his country before making that decision. So he decided to walk his way to its heart. Acceptance, and freedom and beauty in the ordinary.

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. After reading this one I swore I would never, ever forget how magical the simpler things in life are.

To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee. I’m having a really hard time describing why this book was so important to me… is it odd to have learned your morals from books? My family is a bit racist (not violent or anything, but it’s there) and I’ve always wondered why I was different, why I hated that side of them… reading books like this, and The Bluest Eye and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, as a young teen ingrained something in me that says it is completely wrong to judge by race, by gender, etc. It gave me insight into cultures that seemed so different, but when it came down to it, weren’t.

A Slipping Down Life by Anne Tyler. This book was my introduction to Anne Tyler’s writing and while it’s a really good book its true impact is that her books don’t have neat and tidy endings and this was a first for me when I read it in 1986. It frustrated me, her books would hook me, string me a long and leave me hanging at the end… I almost always threw her books against the wall when I finished reading them because of this, but eventually, I accepted it. And in accepting it, I accepted that life isn’t going to be wrapped up all neat and tidy and topped with a bow.

The Edible Woman by Margaret Atwood. I read this book a year after I rather dramatically ended a relationship that was leading towards wedded blight. I have never identified with a character as much as I did with the main character of this book and I don’t think I ever will again (I also have to add that I am glad I am no longer this character). The guys I have convinced to read this book don’t find it funny, but this book will always make me laugh (oh my, the under the bed scene). Besides being funny, it also has a very powerful message about calling yourself back to you.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. I was 13 when I read this and decided censorship was bad, very bad and that nothing would ever stop me from reading what I wanted to read…

Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach. “Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they're yours.” Do I have to say anything else about it? Well, there’s also “Everything on this list may be wrong.” which helped form my philosophy that every thing I believe in may be wrong, I chose to believe it because I feel its right for me, but I can’t prove that it’s right for you.

I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged and I’ve read other books people have mentioned: the bible (read it at age 13), Zen and the Art of Motor Cycle Maintenance (27), Tao of Pooh (29), Jane Eyre, Tale of Two Cities, Shakespeare (all in high school), The Autobiography of Malcolm X (32), and while they were all good, I haven’t yet noticed their influence on my life. Some books I read that I resented having to read at the time but that I should go back and re-read are Siddhartha by Herman Hesse, Ishmael by Daniel Quinn and The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an age of Anxiety by Alan W. Watts.

Heidi

<=========>
"Nonconformists travel as a rule in bunches. You rarely find a nonconformist who goes it alone. And woe to him inside a nonconformist clique who does not conform with nonconformity." -Eric Hoffer

Re: Books that inspired you
 

John Kennedy Toole's A Confederacy of Dunces --
My ultimate, all-time, favorite, most influential book of forever and beyond. Spending time with Ignatius J. Reilly, the protagonist, and his outrageous "worldview" would help anyone to define their own.

Douglas Hofstadter's Godel, Escher, and Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid --
Anyone who wishes to dabble in math, science, computers, art, music, or philosophy will be able to find something here. A true feast for a logical mind. From the author:
Douglas Adam's Hitchhiker "trilogy" --
The utter absurdity of these books helped to shape my deliciously twisted sense of humor.

Ayn Rand's Anthem --
Similar in philosophy to Altas Shrugged and Fountainhead, but much easier to digest. Heavily influenced my political views. (Did you know that Ayn Rand was a founding member of the Libertarian party?)

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit --
The first fantasy book I ever read. Without this book, I would have missed out on such enriching tales as Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, the Harry Potter series, the works of Terry Pratchett, and Frank Herbert's Dune series.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

One of the best books I have ever read.
The Existential Pleasures of Engineering: I found this book in the bookstore. Rather quite creepy reading about philosophy and engineering in the same book. At some points the book actually reads like some of Dean Kamen's speeches.
The Twilight Zone: A bunch of the greatest sci-fi short stories ever created. Almost every single one is ironic in it's own special way and it uses human nature as a steeping stone for some of them.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

East of Eden - When Oprah started her book club over again, I started reading again. This book was incredible, I'd totally suggest it.

Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now - Maya Angelou, she absolutely rocks this world. This woman's wisdom absolutely amazes me. She shares her lifes experiences in this book.

Bridges of Madison County - I just finished this one and it was awesome! Probably more of a "chick book" but still...

Anyways, those are my favorites at least.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

-Im a huge Nicholas Sparks fan. All his books to me are inspiring. Like Message in a Bottle, The Notebook (greattt movie...chick flick though lol), Awalk to Remember, The Guardian, etc. I think all those books are inspiring in many different ways even if there is the littlest inspirational idea in the book.

-Another inpirational book that is really good is A Child Called IT. thats a really good one that inspires me to hold my head high and stuff.
Rocky is another one. Its not a book but its a movie...but its verry inspiring to me.

-I also like To Kill A Moking Bird.
-One great one is The Magic of Thinking Big. It makes you be a better person and to have like inner strengh and to always think positive.
-Another one that is kinda good is Oryx and Crake which is about science and is focused on how future society has too much emphasis on technology and not on arts.
There alot of other inspiring books. The list goes on.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I don't read. I mean, I know how -- I do it all the time, really. For enjoyment, though, I very rarely read and so it's very difficult for me to imagine that a book or books have had much influence upon me.

Of all that I have read, 1984 probably had the most significant impact upon me. Privacy is something I've needed and valued for much of my life and it was the thing that I was most denied while growing up, so reading this book, coupled with those experiences, meant that it resonated with me in a way that it may not with others. I have since become very defensive of others' rights to privacy and am always trying to prevent the first step down the slippery slope to Big Brother.

In other ways, some non-fiction work that I have has inspired me to learn new skills and improve existing skills. In that category, I'd place things like, Designing Disney's Theme Parks: The Architecture of Reassurance and Walt Disney Imagineering: A Behind the Dreams Look at Making the Magic Real, both of which show how a simple idea can be translated into a creative and technological wonder that enriches and entertains millions.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Giver - Lois Lowrey

this is such an imaginative and well-written book. it's amazing. nearly every part is really interesting. this is the kind of stuff i dream of someday writing

Re: Books that inspired you
 

deffenetly Dune series By Frank Herbert

how dune has influnced me...

Building a working thopter
Using the "fear is the mindkiller" poem every time i drive a match
building a Gigantic armored vehicle that slithers like a worm for locomotion
a fasination with crysknives
A better apreication of watter

Re: Books that inspired you
 

If I really had to write a list of the books that inspired me, there's a LOT, yes, I read a lot. So here is a few self-help categorized books, people called me a fool for reading them, but its worth it:

1. The Power of Focus - Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt: Losing focus? Don't know how to get things done? very unorganized? Yeah, this is the book to read.
2. The Power of Positive Thinking - Norman Vincent Peale: A book which tells you how to include God in your daily life, mantain a positive outlook, its a must-read.
3. Bringing out the best in people - Alan Loy McGinnis: The title is self-explanatory, but theres much more. I suggest all team mentors read it.
4. The leader in you - Dale Carnegie: Another book for the mentors and coaches
5. How to win friends and influence people - Dale Carnegie: This book is a MUST READ FOR EVERYBODY. If 50% of FIRST could read this book, it is the solution to many things.
6. Think and grow rich - Napoleon Hill: Yeah, think and grow rich ;)
7. Who are you when no one's looking - Bill Hybels: A real core book, it talks about developing your true character
8. The master key to riches - Napoleon Hill: Richie rich ;)
9. The power of having DESIRE - Bruce Garrabrandt: Desire is not a negative thing, this book definately makes its point, a great inspiration to have the right desires.
10. Who stole the American dream - Burke Hedges: A very shocking book, talks about the American Dream.
11. Are you living your dream - John Fuhrman: Inspiration to live your dream
12. The Go-Getter - Henry Holt: A nice story which tells you how to put those thoughts into actions
13. Who are you really and what do you want? - Shad Helmstetter: Shad Helmstetters books are always to the core, very detailed, it has definately helped me a lot.
14. 7 Laws of highest prosperity - Cecil O. Kemp Jr. : A must read-book for all team mentors, and students too...
15. The ultimate gift - Jim Stovall: One of the most beautiful books written in the history of man-kind. Jim Stovall is the kind of writer that values life and the things around him, I'd say everyone SHOULD read this.
16. The magic is in the extra mile - Larry DiAngi: The books title says it all, but the books has a LOT more detail.
17. Eat that frog - Brian Tracy: I'll keep some suspense for this one, read it ;)
18. Attitudes and Altitudes - Pat Mesiti: Another core book, teaches you the right ethics, right attitude, the right things to do, a very good book, another must-read for team mentors.
19. The Big picture - Ben Carson with Gregg Lewis: If you have ever wondered how small things started off and turned into something big, its because of the vision, this is a great book.
20. Suck it up and step out - Dr. Scot Knight: Another book talking about taking action rather than just keeping them in thoughts.
21. If it's to be, its upto me - Thomas B. Smith: You can do it, its upto you, you can be John-V Neun:p
22. Rhinocerous success - Scott Alexander: Feeling down? depressed? feels like there is no life in your life? This is the book to read, it tells you how to be like a rhinocerous and succeed.
23. A setback is a setup for a comeback - Willie Jolley: Some of the very untold secrets lie in this book, indeed, a very unique book.
24. Road signs for success - Jim Whitt: The name says it all...
25. Whale done - Ken Blanchard: A little book, good past-time, has some good meaning.
26. The Lamp - Jim Stovall: Another beautiful book, focusses on the good things of life, definately a must-read for all.
27. It only takes a minute to change your life - Willie Jolley: A VERY inspirational book, and yes, it takes just one minute to change your life. This book will definately change your life.
28. The Success Journey - John C. Maxwell: Maxwell is one of my favorite writers and leaders. There is some meaning in every word he writes, this book is a must-read for all.
29. Unstoppable confidence - Kent Sayre: Shy? stuck in that shell? Don't like talking to people? Can't stand up in front of the class and talk? This book will definately raise your confidence level. Kent Sayre did an AWESOME job on this.
30. Becoming Influencial - Tony Zeiss: Lastly, the 30th book, This book is a MUST READ for all team mentors.

So I'll leave with the 30 best books I've read. I never read them in a day, I've started reading these about 2 years ago. They have changed my whole outlook of life, my attitude, just about EVERYTHING! If you really wanna be inspired, read all of them one by one, step by step. Start reading books from writers like Jim Stovall and Scott Alexander, and then go onto others, you will feel better, if you have a terrible life:D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Power of One - Bryce Courtenay

hehe, seeing all those powers at the top of teknobrahma's post reminded me of that title, which i had been trying to remember all day.

"Set in a world torn apart, where man enslaves his fellow man and freedom remains elusive, THE POWER OF ONE is the moving story of one young man's search for the love that binds friends, the passion that binds lovers, and the realization that it takes only one to change the world. A weak and friendless boy growing up in South Africa during World War II, Peekay turns to two older men, one black and one white, to show him how to find the courage to dream, to succeed, to triumph over a world when all seems lost, and to inspire him to summon up the most irrersistible force of all: the Power of One."

Re: Books that inspired you
 

oh yes, that was a very nice book...
and "where the red fern grows"...even if its a young adult (i think) i cried so many times reading it...havent seen it in a while...no whered it go...(crawls under bed)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

That's definitely my favorite book. The movie was good, but nowhere near as good as the book.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Thanks for the replies. Lots of good suggestions I look forward to read.

I am in Hong Kong visiting relatives, and found myself inseparable from Atlas Shrugged. I got the book about 1.8 weeks ago before I left for HK, and I am at page 592 already. It opened up lots of great lines of questions for me. If I try to name a few of them I think I will only embarrass myself because there are so many thoughts going through my mind at once. I probably should reorganize my thoughts after I finish the book.

The thing I find interesting is, I feel I know a lot of these thoughts and ideas in me long time ago; only, I did not have the right words to express them. Reading this book gave me the tools of presenting these ideas to myself. I for one am particularly bad with language, and feel like I found just the right thing at the right time.

I already marked down tons of quotes I want to read and think about again. Definitely one of the most valuable learning experience since I was born, feels like exactly what I need at this moment of my life, at the crossroad between childhood and adulthood. I only hope my future experiences will be as fullfilling as this one.

Anyway, please keep the book names coming! I look forward to experience the books that are capable of shaping people's vision and soul!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

This may sound extremely childish and silly, but a book that really changed my outlook on life, love and frienships was Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul. I was about 12 when I read it, and it really changed how I viewed life. Stories in that book just really took hold of my heart. I still remember how affected I was by some of the sad stories in it...I remember stories about teasing, family issues, and relationships. They all were related to me in one way or another, and they taught me to not take advantage of what I have, and how lucky I am to be living in the US, and that I have loving friends and a loving family, and without all this, I wouldn't be in Robotics with all you wonderful people.
This book may seem childish to many of you, since I'm only 15, but it really changed my outlook and behavior now. Whomever has not read this book and is a teenager and goes through the trials and issues any teenager goes through, read the book. It will really make you think of how you handle situations, and tells you what to do when you come across one along the way.
--d0ri

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Some other books that I really recommend are Dan Brown's novels. So far I've just read "Angels and Demons" and "The Da Vinci Code"

Re: Books that inspired you
 

It was a little scary when I started to read Dave's list and realized mine was very close.
Follow the "Right Stuff" with Gene Kranz's "Failure Is Not An Option", it is possible for man to think he has thought of everything only to have Murphy come along and screw things up. Backup the backup to the backup.

I like Robert Heinlein a lot and have read everything I could but my favorites are "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel" (kind of a hokey title now but still a great book) which taught me anyone can make their dreams a reality. "Door Into Summer" taught me that high school students when presented with real world problems can find workable solutions even under adverse conditions.

"Red Giants and White Dwarfs", sorry I don't remember the author, an astronomer as I remember, who describes the life span of an average sun, like our own, as it ages. I find it a humbling experience to put life in perspective. No matter how good a job you think you are doing, in the big picture (geologic time that is) your life is a micro-microsecond.

"The Prophet", I read in college at the prompting of a friend. I finally saw in print some of the emotions and deep feelings I was experiencing at the the time. (yes, I am a child of the sixties and so-called hippie) Scary thing was this prompted some interesting discussions with my uncle who had also read it and as I learned later, people of different age brackets read different aspects into some of the passages.

As to the Bible and other religious books, these are tributes to living your life in a manner that makes you and those around you happy. The belief in the presence of a supreme being and all that goes with that concept is what guides me through life's tribulations. I am not saying I am good at it, but I am trying.

"The Boy Scout Handbook" (any edition) has a lot of tips for everyday living. Just getting from here to there can be tricky, and cutting yourself along the way is a problem that can be overcome. I am quite sure I would not be writing on this forum if not for the Scout Law, "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverant."

The collected adventures of Sherlock Holmes which taught me that things are not always what they seem and different people see things differently. You need to broaden your horizons to see the world but have the ability to narrow your focus down to one detail at a moment's notice, to find a solution to a problem.

For electrical guidance, "The Radio Amateur's Handbook" is the one book I have repeatedly picked up and thumbed through since I was in grade school. I have four editions from the early sixties to the present and now on CD.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Here's one: Who is John Galt?

;)

Oh, and with all these english books, I think I'll add one I've read more recently (last year) -- La hojarasca (Gabriel García Márquez).

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Wow - interesting discussion. I'm starting my list based on your recommendations. As for me...

My first pick - the Bible (regardless of your spiritual persassion) is THE manual for living an upright, moral, and ethical life.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein A great, very short read that shows us how to view the world with open eyes and open hearts.

The Courage to Teach by Parker J. Palmer For the teacher in all of us, this is a great book that goes WAY beyond the notion of teachers as purveyors of knowledge and wisdom and gets to the very human side of teaching.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a great memory of a fine mentor and friend. I like how so much of it is applicable to all of us on an every day basis.

The Moral Compass by William Bennett Great stories about moral virtue and short enough that you can read a few in a day, put the book down for a week/month/year and come back to it as if you just set it down.

Anything by Dr. Seuss - I'm the type that doesn't take much seriously - just ask my students. If I can't have fun or make a joke out of something I'm not sure I want to have anything to do with it. Life's too short not to have as much fun as possible!! Laugh and the world laughs with you...

Great thread!!

Sean

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I love The Da Vinci Code! that book made me think a little.

Another one is, The Power of Positive Thinking. My dad would always force me read that whenever i give a bad attitude about sports, like if i am giving up or whatever, then he would force me to read different sections of the book to him. It wasnt fun, but i got alot outta that book, and I still do. Its a good book.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

another great ayn rand book is "anthem" its short, don't worry, but very powerful! i think you'll enjoy it.

also look into pearl s. buck's "the good earth" and tom brokaw's "the greatest generation", both are excellent!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I second that all the way. Anthem is a story about the meaning of identity in a "group oriented" world. It is utopia failure, and the book flashes by, leaving the meanings for life. It won't take you even an hour to read probably, but it is immensely fascinating. Good choice, Elise.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Glass Bead Game - Herman Hesse.

This great story is a philosophical masterpiece. It's one of the few novels which shows great regard for all facets of intelligence, not just the conventional ones. It appreciates the challenge in bringing together art and science. It really explores the issues of whether the great intellectual has a special responsibilty to society. I read this book in my last year of high school, when I was quite a troubled kid. It really opened my eyes, and guided me through some rough situations.

Hey Nostradamus, All Families are Psychotic, Miss Wyoming, and Girlfriend in a Coma - Douglas Coupland

Coupland's last four novels. The author who first coined the term "Generation X". This man just gets it. His characterizations are so realistic it's scary. His novels deal with the lives and eccentricities of young adults. You can't read Coupland without feeling like you're a part of the lives of his characters. It's mesmerizing. Reading his novels is great for opening your mind to all sorts of new perspectives. In my opinion, he's the greatest writer of our generation. Hopefully by the time I have kids, they'll be reading him as part of their curriculum.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Though he's not exactly "Mr. Gracious Profesionalism" I learned a lot from Machiavelli's "The Prince".

If you ever want to take over Italy, this is a must-read.
Ohh... it also applies to lots of other situations as well. ;)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Little Prince (as mentioned before) only in English, not French, because I struggled with French all through Junior and Senior High School! "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."

And Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell. Although a lifelong reader, Mr. O'Dell's tale made me want to write children's literature and eventually launched me into a lifetime of library work.

I love that this thread was created and that so many of you are contributing to it! Perhaps there could be a HUGE book swap in Atlanta next year!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I reccomend you read Poe. He actually invented the dectective story and is really good at writing them. I believe Doyle actually was inspiried by Poe. If you read anything from Poe read "The Gold Bug".

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Unfortunately, I have not been able to read books for enjoyment since I had surgery 30 years ago, so I have to go back a ways.

"Your Erroneous Zones" by Dr. Wayne Dyer was on the best seller list for many weeks. I can truly say it changed my life.

Bill Beatty

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Well, I'm wierd, so here's just a few books that have inspired me over the years (or year or so)....

Catch-22- Funniest book and one that also shows that no matter how bueruocratic the world becomes, there will always be character, life, and soul.

Catcher in the Rye- I hate this book. But it still influences me and inspired me. I hated it the first time around, then when I went over it with my great english teacher Ms. Rose, it made more sense, but I still don't like it. ;)

The Imaginering Way- Great book. Read M. Krass's non-fiction works for the reason.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

On the risk of going a little off-topic, I am making this post. One book which really inspired me was my history text book, the part about the civil war. I am going to type out the last two paras, which concludes the war .
This so relates to our own world of FIRST. On the field, we can have the worst, metal-shed battle ever, but soon after we come together, be best friends, apologize if needed, and move on, better than never. In the whole of the civil war, we can see good strategies, extreme hatred etc..,. In todays world we don't see hatred, but we do see the concept of Gracious Profesionalism, which has been used in the past.

Some parts of history have touched me, peace is our destiny
-Bharat

p.s: dont turn this into a debate or something:p

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Just Thought of Another one:

The Mysterious Island, by Jules Verne.

Though it is fantasy, this book showed me what it truly means to be an engineer, and the power of an ingenious mind.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

That's a great book, too. I've read about a quarter of it, and its great. And really, it really shows some insight into humanity.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Hey Guys,

Are we forgetting one of the most informed books........Codename Ginger by Stephen Kemper? I'm in the middle of reading it now. Its pretty good and interesting. Don't spoil it for me if you have already read it though.


Thanks!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Some repeats here, but a few new titles as well -
new ones are in Bold -

These are some pretty diverse selections but each has had an impact -

1984 - racey when I read it as an 8th grader in 1973.

Bible - as others have mentioned, excellent stories and lessons to live by, regardless of your faith.

Boy Scout handbook - lessons and information for your lifetime.

Tuesdays with Morrie - a focus on what becomes important late in life.

I, Rivethead - a view of GM during the 1980's from a man on the assembly floor. It helps you see this perspective of the manufacturing process.

The Rag and Bone Shop of the Heart - a collection of poems and stories for that softer side.

7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey) - Lessons to learn and live by. Practical advice for everyone. This book spawned several "7 Habits of" books.

Harry Potter - just for the fun and adventure of it.

Green Eggs and Ham (Dr. Suess).

The Soul of a New Machine - PRoduct Development and People.

And, a must for every home -

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader - Several titles in the series -
A book full of short stories, trivia, quizzes, history, science, etc.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Story of B by Daniel Quinn is a book that will make you question society today , it is a mind boggleing philosophical story that shines a whole new light on how we live, and how to deal with the problems faceing society

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I was a very shy kid and one of the biggest gifts my parents gave me was to expose me to all sorts of books. I still read like crazy and very much look forward to my book club each month.
In no special order and by no means complete, but these are books that probably will not be on anyone else’s list. An eclectic mix. I agree with many of the previous postings.

EB White. His children’s books are wonderful and his essays are too.
Edward Abbey. Lots of non-fiction nature writing but among his very irreverent fiction titles are The Monkey Wrench Gang (actually I see that Dave Lavery has listed this one too!)
Letters to a Nation. Famous and not-so-famous letters about and by Americans.
Barbara Kingsolver. A gifted storyteller.
Thomas Friedman. Lexus and the Olive Tree. Understanding globalization.
Anna Fadiman. The spirit catches you and you fall down: A Hmong child, her American doctors and the collision of two cultures. Required reading for anyone working in the health care field and/or interested in cross-cultural issues.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Round 2! You didn't really think I would list so few, did you? The following are books I've read in the past year that have impressed me.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel. A 16 year old boy from India, who practices Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam, gets trapped in a lifeboat with a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and a 450 pound Bengal tiger named Richard Parker (it quickly gets down to him and the tiger). I bought the book thinking it would be a whimsical little tale and was completely amazed at how ugly and beautiful, how stark and cold and warm and wonderful the whole thing was. I hope everyone could do so well against their tigers in life.

Running With Scissors by Augusten Burroughs. Scissors is a memoir of a man whose mother gave him to her crazy psychiatrist when he was 12. It's another abusive childhood story, but one of the weirdest ones I've ever come across, and the fact that this man survived the chaos of his life with such humor and grace is astounding.

Children in the Holocaust and WWII their secret diaries various authors, some never to be known. It's not a book for everyone, it is dark and heartbreaking, I can't think of a single book that has ever made me cry as much as this one. Never forget.

Finding Fish by Antwone Quenton Fisher. Another memoir of a childhood gone wrong and the man who bravely overcame it.

Reading Lolita In Tehran by Azar Nafisi. The memoir of a teacher in Iran who secretly gathered 7 of her most committed female students to read forbidden Western classics. This is a book that will warn you to never take for granted the smallest, most insignificant freedoms you have. And personally, for me, it's renewed an interest in reading "forbidden" books, books that our own country has banned at various times.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

i think this is one of the coolest posts and had to post ofcourse-- i totally love to read and well lots of books simply just well make a whole difference in my life i know

just a few...well for me

had to say about--Zen and The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values-- i have to read it for class over the summer-- i really do like it makes u really think about lots off stuff.

other books that a interesting-- like kids books do affect u i know-- just have to say --like readign the lorax in bio class makes u think of those little values that we all have been taught

to kill a mockingbird-- i read it in 7th grade and really even more opened my eyes to racial issues

oh i wish i could could say more but i have to run-- so sad :tear:

books simply rules!! go read a book--all can change u'r life u never know-- from the books whten we were younger to books reading as teens for school and growing up



enjoy y'all!! happy trails


-tiff

Re: Books that inspired you
 

hmmm, books that inspire me huh? well lets just say that there are simple too many books that have had an impact on my life... but here a few i've read recently...

Life of Pi by Yann Martel- simply my favorite book ever written. what other book starts out with "i have a story that will make you believe in god"... yet only sparingly talks about god throughout the book? if you havent heard of it yet, you will, its still relatively new.

Illusions by richard bach- very fun book to read, yet it gives readers a great way to look at life.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad- the anti-war book that says, if your going to do something, go all the way with it, and be sure to do it right the first time.

The Inferno by Dante Alighieri- makes readers want to do good by scaring the **** out of them with punishments for bad deeds.

SIDDHARTHA by Hermann Hesse- another book with another prospective at life.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- not the kiddy version, the real one. makes you realize the importance of having relationships in life.

well, those are te books i've read this past semester that i've really enjoyed... of course Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenence has really caused many deep thoughts... and is still one of my favorite deep thought books. really emphasizes that if you want to bring about a change from something, you must change the fundamental thought process behind it.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Word on the Street: Debunking the Myth of a "Pure" Standard English - John McWhorter
This book will make you stop and think twice about what you're saying, why your language has adapted the way it has, and the image you produce by the words you arrange. True, it is kind of a nerdy English-y book, but after taking a basic Linguistics course, this type of English Philosophy appeals to me.

On Love - Alain De Botton
Contrary to title, this book isn't a romance novel (well, at least not in the ordinary sense). This is a philosophical view of courtship, relationship, and ultimately, breaking up. From detailing the odds that the main character and his later-girlfriend meet, to the significance of her leaving a toothbrush in his bathroom, this will make you think twice about any relationship for the rest of your life. Any of De Botton's books have heavy emphasis on the philosophy of the situation, and are excellent. I have also read Kiss and Tell, and am working through How Proust Can Change Your Life and others.

The Complete Works - E. E. Cummings
While I am a huge 'underappreciated' poetry nerd, Cummings is the all-around reference poet. You can talk about the Xiape and ViVa editions with classmates over coffee, or casually mention a poem in conversation with professors. Cummings' work is universal. I also recommend Eliot, Yeats, and Berryman.

Middlesex: A Novel - Jeffery Eugenides
The Virgin Suicides - Jeffery Eugenides
Both of these are fiction, but guilty pleasures. Eugenides carves his characters into the parts so carefully, and so flawlessly, that you immerse yourself in their lives. The books are also somewhat fact-based; for example, Middlesex has heavy emphasis on Detroit in the twentieth century. I also got to read about the Ambassador Bridge not a day after I was on it (yay Wonderland!).

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert Pirsig
So it's already been mentioned twenty times or so. I read this at sixteen, and at that point, it was the hardest book I had ever suffered through. The first time through, I hated it. Now, I have dog-eared passages I read through frequently. The person who gave this to me wrote in the back that this was a book that should be passed on. I wholeheartedly agree - go buy your own copy and read this, if you haven't already.

more later.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I don't know if this is fully inspiring, but definitely interesting and thought provoking for anyone involved in FIRST...

Codename Ginger: The Story Behind Segway and Dean Kamen's Quest to Invent a New World by Steve Kemper

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Another great book is....

The Places You'll Go , by Suess, The Doctor.

- yeah it may not be really deep, or thought provoking, but it is one awesome book.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Faust(Don't know if this is the name of the book)- I read it in English. It's about a guy who wants to learn everything about the world and ends up making a pact with the devil.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Y'all are going to think I'm nuts..

read The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews/Edwards. It really teaches you to look at the world around you. I read it when I was very young and it taught me to appreciate the world. And it has a really cute story to go with it.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

If a book inspires you and touches you in some way, you're not nuts...no matter the book. :) I don't think you're nuts..I just might read the book myself! It sounds good.
--d0ri
:) :D

Re: Books that inspired you
 

[quote=mtrawls]Here's one: Who is John Galt?

Over the past seven years I have come to believe it might be Dean.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Ken;

Congrats! I just finished reading "Atlas" for the 40th time (I first read it during the summer of 1964.) It is a great tune-up for the brain and soul. Alan Greenspan (the Federal Reserve Chairman) was a friend/follower of Ayn.

"The Fountainhead" and "Anthem" are also great reads.

May I also suggest; "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown, "The War Prayer" by Mark Twain, and "Summa Theologica" by Thomas Aquinas.

Have a safe summer!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

To everyone who has responded to this thread:

Thank you for being readers!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Well, I figure I'll add some that are sorely missing from this list:

Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of The All American Meal - Very well researched book about a serious guiding force in the development of world economies. Gives a whole new perspective.

Manufacturing Consent (Noam Chomsky) - The classic on media bias (Althought many argue the book itself is biased :D).

A Mathematicians Apology (G.H. Hardy) - A number theorist bashing all other human pursuits while justifying his own life. An excellent book.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I don't think you're nuts at all. As a matter of fact, I'll add The Fire Cat by Esther Averill to my list. Who can forget the lessons learned from Pickles, the young homeless cat who knows he should be able to do big things (he has big paws, you know) but does not know how or what to do, so he takes his frustrations out by picking on smaller cats in the neighborhood. Well, one day he gets himself stuck up a tree while chasing a kitten and has to be rescued by the fire department. A kind lady stands up for him and tells the firemen that he isn't a bad cat and that given the chance he could do great things (oh the possibilities of those big paws!). The firemen decide to give him a chance, they adopt him and train him to be a fire cat, and soon, instead of chasing cats, he's rescuing them and at the end of the book, he earns his fire hat and a wonderful future of helping others. Now, if you ignore the whole insinuation that only those with big paws will do big things, this book gives hope that dreams can come true and a message that you should never judge a book by its cover (imagine if the firemen had decided poor Pickles was just a bad, no good cat and not taken him in).

Heidi

<=========>
Go Pickles!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'm only 1/32 of the way through the book (something like that) but I saw the play twice, and I have to say that Les Miserables is turning out to be excellent.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Tons of excellent books on the list already. The two that I love that are missing are:

<b> Cry the Beloved Country </b>
And <b> Brave New World </b>

I also liked <b> Ender's Game </b>, but I don't think I can really classify that as upstanding valuable literature. Just fun to read.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I've had a few favorites here:

Solzhenitsyn's "A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich"
You have to love a book that places such a great metaphor on a biscuit. One lone biscuit at that. =) Seriously though, it is a proof of the tremendous resilliance of the human spirit, even in the face of Josef Vissarovich Stalin's power.

Samuel P. Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations"
I don't agree with a lot of what Huntington says, but I do really like some of his stuff, especially the way people define themselves.

"This New Ocean"
I really liked this book, but it was incredibly long. It set me thinking for quite some time about where we are headed as a people.

And I almost forgot, "Feynman's Rainbow". It was a short little book, but all the same it was very good, and it matches how many inventors feel in times of frustration and struggle, and forget why it all matters, why they are driven like lunatics.

When I was younger, I used to go to the Old Bridge library and just relax in the large, comfy chairs and read all sorts of books. To those of you who know about the Old Bridge Library (Old Bridge, Middlesex Cty, NJ), it is one of the greatest libraries I have ever seen. I remember the old building as well, and the giant mural there used to terrify me. Thats why I stayed out of the children's section. =)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Awsome -
The Bible - and then if you only read a few books of the bible read Psalms Proverbs and I recomment Matthew. Great stuff here and an answer for any occasion.
One I read in High School (I can still remember that far back) was Black Like Me - by John Howard Griffin - going from memory here - but a white reporter changes his skin color to experience what it is like to be black before the civil rights movement.
Like Al the Boy Scout Handbook - when Baden Powell organized this group he got it right the first time. Will Rogers said "The only bad thing about Scout is that there is not enough of them"
For a book that renewed my faith and encouraged me to look harder at what I believed in Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
I love Clancy for techo/spy books
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Brothers Karamazov - Crime and Punishment I thought this was good.
I am curious now to read Atlas Shrugged - My son has this and when he is done maybe I can pick it up.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

As far as books on spaceflight go, this is the biggest one (at least in scope) - it traces the history of spaceflight, starting from the invention of black powder. In other parts, it reads like the best apology for spaceflight I've ever read. I'll try to find the specific passage (I highlighted it - it's that good) and post an exerpt here. The book as a whole is well worth reading, but set aside a month - it's huge, and more than a little dry.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

That's a great book. And yes, you could classify it as inspirational; teaches that you dont know what you are capable of until you try/ succeed, and to not give up, not matter how bad things get. I'm sure you can pick out more lesson's from that book.

Back to the Moon by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. Scientist hijacks the space shuttle so he can go to the moon, but he has an unexpected passenger.

The Things They Carried by Time O'Brien. A collection of Vietnam stories.

Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller (yes, it's technically a play, but it's still a great read). An old salesmen who wont let the past go, struggles to live on as his life crumbles around him, and he can't accept it.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Rocket Boys - A great true story that is just awesome. I liked the movie made from it as well (October Sky)

I've also enjoyed the Harry Potter series quite a bit, just because Harry has some great qualities and is an enjoyable character to follow.

To those who have been saying the BSA Handbook - I would agree, but with the 10th edition of it (1990 release or so) just because of the sheer volume of information that was in that one. I'm not fond of the newest version, it's dinky.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

This thread has influenced me! Today, I just had a major shopping spree at Barnes and Noble. These will be great for the 6-hour-trip to Alaska, and back. Thank you, Chief Delphi members, for making my flying experience less dull.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I just had to read this play for a literature class last week and it scared the crap out of me.
Not in a scary zombie type horror, or bloody horror movie type scared, but a genuine what if this really happens to me kind of thing.

Basically it's about a person who's vision of the "American Dream" is set so high for himself , his family life, and his two sons, and the fact that he comes to the realization that he will not be sucessful in the way he defines success - like his brother found success by exploring the world "from Alaska to Africa" and finding his riches in the diamond mines in Africa.

I really took this play to heart, from the influences around me to finish college and do something with my life, to the pressures to be a success, not from anyone around me per say, but seeing how the standard success stories and how I fit in to that vision, and the goals I have set for myself, and the realization that - "Holy Cow, what is that dream going to take for me to achieve that".

Anyways, enough of my rambling.

Now I have to right a response paper to that play and another longer paper about that one and other drama's.
Yay.. what fun.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Today seems the right day to put this one up :) Sorry to infuriate some people.

Stupid White Men ...and Other Sorry Excuses for the State of the Nation!
by Michael Moore

Ah oui...les livres!
 

Finally! Someone actually put down Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side to the All American Meal! It’s sad what kind of unethical food people put into their mouths. This book is one of the reasons why meat is not found on my plate. Also, who thought that Walt Disney was that evil?

Catcher in the Rye: What can I say about a book who’s author (J. D. Salinger) lived in the woods as a hermit? If you think the world is “phoney”, you’ll identify with the main character.

I had to read Tuesdays with Morrie for my Organizational Behaviour class last year. I’m making all my loved ones read it. The book even made a guy cry. (Though my sister wanted me to point out that there is nothing wrong with that.) Enough said.

To all those people that have trouble with their grammar when posting up on this website, please read The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and with additions by E. B. White. I admit that I still haven’t finished the 105 pages though.

After reading through this whole post, I bought Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance today. I hope it lives up to what everyone says of it.

To Jeff (188): I think I’m going to read the book that you recommended, Shaking Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda. If you want to read more UN-bashing material, there is a book that recently came out that is written by three former et present UN workers. It details stories about miscommunication amongst the different levels of the UN organization, “intimate” liaisons between workers, and the ignorance of certain issues by UN leaders. Sorry, I can’t remember the title of the book…I haven’t even seen it on the bookshelves yet.

Happy reading!

Cheers,

Yan Yan Tong

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'll have to read that one.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

"But here not any instrument whatever, not a utensil. From nothing they must supply themselves with everything... if the engineer could have brought his practical science, his inventive mind to bear on their situation, perhaps all hope would not have been lost. The engineer was to them a microcosm, a compound of every science, a possessor of all human knowledge."


I'm home for the 4th of July.
This quote from The Mysterious Island has been hanging on my wall for years. I thought I'd share.

JV

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Ender's Game! After reading about all of the success Peter had, I want to take over the world too! :D (Also any book by Orson Scott Card. He's The Man)
The Book of Mormon: Because Mormons are cool. :cool:
His Dark Materials series (Includes The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass)
Anything by I. Asimov Grandmaster of Science Fiction
Edgar Allan Poe: The Gold Bug, The Raven, and The Fall of the House of Usher
Harry Potter: Because secretly I wish I could be a wizard, too.
The Screwtape Letters: If you want to learn more about how not to be a bad person, read this. I learned more from this little book than nearly every other book I've ever read. Makes you wonder: Did C.S. Lewis interview Satan?
Flatland: For the mathematician in all of us
Mac OS X for Unix Geeks: Never do "sudo rm -fv /" unless you are REALLY stupid. (Basically DOS's "format *.*") :ahh:
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Because you should never ever ever go anywhere without your towel.


MrToast

Re: Books that inspired you
 

So I’ve finished Atlas Shrugged. I think it’s going to be awhile before I process it completely, it causes very conflicting emotions (was it really justice?). This whole thread has made me look up some of the writers I loved so much and I found that Peter Jenkins (A Walk Across America) published a book called Looking for Alaska in 2001, which is about the year and a half his family spent in Alaska and the amazing people they met there. And while I don’t think it is as inspiring as his first book, it is still a wonderful book. Of course, I’m biased; visiting Alaska has always been on what I call my “life goals” list, and I’m finally going to do it in August. After reading his book, I’m considering putting “live in Alaska for at least a year” on my list (I need to add new things, I’ve checked off 6 things in the past 3 years). Part of Peter Jenkins’ talent is inspiring you, not necessarily to have dreams, but to be brave enough to go after those dreams. Most of the people he meets in his travels are not famous, they’re rather ordinary, everyday people, but this does not make them any less wonderful. He tends to be drawn to people who are living their lives the way they’ve always dreamt they should be lived.

I have to admit, I’m a little scared about going to Alaska. What if it’s not as great as I’ve always believed? England wasn’t. Or worse yet, what if it’s better than I have ever imagined, and it makes me unhappy with the life I am now living? I don’t believe in fate and “meant to be” but what if I am wrong and Alaska is where I am meant to be, will I be content giving it up? I’m certainly not ready to move there now, too many ties, too many responsibilities, possibly too many fears… And I shake my fist at Peter Jenkins for showing me more of that wild, elusive spirit that is Alaska, for making me want what I cannot now have, other than a brief touch… but writers and books like this, that draw such emotion and thought are exactly the kind of books I love.

Heidi

<==========>
Alaska... say it softly, and it's almost like praying... :rolleyes:

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Last summer I read Tuesdays With Morrie, and that book was amazing. It showed me a new outlook on life, to live every day as if it is your last, and to always look on the bright side of life, no matter how grim your circumstance may be. Always appreciate everything you are givin in life, whether that is an old friend, a sunny day, or one more chance to tell someone how you really feel. Another book that really affected me was The Truth About Forever. It shows that no one is perfect, no matter how hard you might try. So don't try to be something you're not, be yourself. Live your own life the way you want it. We only get one life, live it, and don't regret anything you do.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

1984, 1984, 1984........

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Anything by Chomsky is good. He's one of the most quoted people alive today. He's a genius and an amazing writer.

Currently i'm reading "You cant be neutral on a moving train" by Howard Zinn its great.

I'd have to say another important book in my life has been "Thus Spoke Zarathustra" by Nietzsche it was the first book of 'philosophy' that i ever read and it really made me do alot of thinking about the nature of things

Another influential one was "A clockwork Orange" just because it was so twisted and i like that sorta thing.
"Flowers for Algernon" this book was one of the first books i ever read that truely moved me.
Another one of my favorites has to have been "Please Kill Me" because it proved that music is more then just something you listen to but a major part of life, its a book all about music that never actualy talks about music. If you've ever wondered about punk rock its an amazing book that details where it came from by the people who started it.

"Einstein on Peace" also inspired me alot.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Lord of the Rings, definitely. It is a great book (or four books, I am including The Hobbit). I also like Al Franken's Lies and the Lying Liars that Tell Them and Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Some really great choice here.

But I have to say Atlas Shrugged.
I first read it in High School. I have re read it many times since. Its fiction but with a message that, at times may seem overdone, means something.

I actually downloaded teh 3 volume set from Audible.com (I got them less than the 50 bucks a pop) Its like 45 hours. Its almost as good as reading it.

Don't base the book on The Fountainhead, while a good book in itself, its not up to the level in Atlas Shrugged.

I will have to dig out my copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance and re read it.

Great thread

Re: Books that inspired you
 

ok this isnt an inspiring book...but DO NOT READ HOUSE ON MANGO STREET. I just got done with that book because we were forced to read it for school and it wasnt very good. im sure you guys were planning on reading it anyways right? ;) haha

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I read that book when I was a freshman, and I actually did like it. It was kind of like a warp into this girl's mind and life. She deals with many life changing things that some people go through. Sandra Cisneros is a great author, and this book really does, in my opinion, show how brilliant she is. It's hard to describe things in the mind of a child, but she really accomplishes that.
--d0ri

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Ahh, my computer lost it and crashed...deleted my reply :mad: ...Here's the short version:

Give Me A Break by John Stossel; Interesting new views on the US gov and businesses.

The Ultimate Hitchhikers Guide by Douglas Adams; Favorite book, ever. read my sig, love the sig, 42.

[digress]
Kurt Vonnegut, Isaac Asimov, all good books. I'll give some more reading ideas later, but those are what popped into mind. Always wanted to read Atlas Shrugged, haven't, *adds to todo list* (Brandon, can't you please put it on your todo list and tell me how it is, can you? pleeease :p .)
There is a series about King Arthur, with one of the titles "The Winter King", "Exlacibur"...really great series, written by Brenard Cornwell. Not for children though.
[/digress]

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Ya i guess your right. When i was reading it some parts were good, but it seemed a little boring, but who knows, maybe if i read it again itll get better haha

i have more..if you liek to run or do sports read Running With the Buffalo. Its a good inspirational book.

I also had to read for school, Zoyas Story and Of Beetles and Angels. Those were pretty good books. Of Beetles and Angels kinda bored me, but it was ok.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Yeah lol I admit some parts seemed kind of boring, but overall it seemed good to me. I think anything someone reads for school, they don't like. Possibly because it was chosen for them and not a first pick of theirs. =) Now I need to go back and read it...:P
--d0ri

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Even though I rarely read, sometimes i catch something that seems interesting and read it ... here are the ones that totally changed my way of thinking ...

Fahrenheit 451
Boy, when everyone in the world works against what you believe... what do you do?

The Giver
Try living in a world with no color, no taste, no pain... no snow, no fire... and tell me how you like it ... lol

All of J.R.R. Tolkien's Works
When failure weighs against you and all feel its arrival... how do you become successful?

As you can see, i love books that challenge the way others think. I don't like fitting into a mold that everyone else creates for me ... and these books are awesome ways of showing an alternative. I'm picking up Atlas Shrugged this week... lol

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The books that inspired me are mostly all of George Orwell's books... Made me believe eventhough we are in 2004 it's starting to feel a lot like "1984". You'll have to read george orwell's 1984 to understand completly.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I'm in the middle of Life of Pi by Yann Martel right now. It's pretty good. The main character makes plenty of references to religion and to life, in general, and I'm happy to see that someone could set aside differences in belief systems to get the big picture.. what life's all about.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I saw Fahrenheit 451 mentioned a few times already. Great book on the social implications of censorship and information/free thought control. I'm a fan of Bradbury, and have also read The Martian Chronicles, and The Illustrated Man, both of which are a fantastic collection of short stories about the nature of humanity.

I also saw Flatland mentioned. Great examination of social order and acceptance of new ideas. I read it in 7th grade and loved it since.

I'll point to another Arthur Miller classic (besides Death of a Salesman, which is great to)- The Crucible. I worked on a production of this play senior year (having read it junior year), and this is a very powerful play. Between reading it and seeing it on stage, it's almost scary how easily people can be influenced and lied to, resulting in chaos and disorder at the whim of a select few.

And to add to the negative but influencing book list, White Oleander, by Janet Fitch. A rather disturbing book about the negative side of human nature- greed, revenge, etc, and the results thereof. It's a dark walk through the trials and tribulations of a young woman, and a side of humanity I've not forgotten (having read the book 4 or 5 years ago).

Re: Books that inspired you
 

I felt compelled to revive this thread.

Thank you to everyone who suggested Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It only took me a week or two to get through, and I couldn't put it down. I am now looking forward to The Fountainhead and Anthem, among some of her other works.

I'm reading Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury right now. I forgot to mention this book before, and I'm sure a lot of people on these forums would like it - "Whoever Makes the Most Mistakes Wins - The Paradox of Innovation" by Richard Farson and Ralph Keyes. Excellent, excellent, inspiring book. Go read it right now, kids.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

So I tried to post a reply before with better explainations, but it logged me out for some reason... here they are in a much quicker fashion:

1. young - Anything Nancy Drew!
2. High School - Douglas Adams' "Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy" four part Trilogy and the Tao of Pooh (winnie the pooh)
3. College - Braitenberg's "Vehicles" and Issac Assimov's I-Robot (read for my undergrad thesis project on robotics)
4. Recent - "What Happy People Know" Puts things in perspective for peopled out in the hustle and bustle of corporate society, social stress, etc.

All of these are fairly fast reads, and none of them heavy, so if you are looking for fun and interesting books, givem a shot :)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Just like Homer Simpson, I would have to choose the TV Guide. It has never steered me wrong before and I reckon it never will!!!

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The Giver (By Lois Lowry) - that is an awsome book...(or atleast I liked it, but I don't read too many books often)

Re: Books that inspired you
 

MOBY DICK! :yikes: thank you. I'd love to hear what you all have to say please reply

Re: Books that inspired you
 

The book that has inspired me most is definitely Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. It is a sequel to Ender's Game, but I found it to be a much better and much more meaningful book. It really teaches how to look at different and sometimes seemingly alien cultures. I would also recommend Xenocide, which is the next book in the series. Its not as good as either Speaker for the Dead or Ender's Game, but still very good.

Re: Books that inspired you
 

Rocket Boys, the book of October Sky. I found this book to be very inspirational, its basically changed my life in the sence that i focus on a problem untill it is solved, it becomes an obcession, i can barely sleep during the 6 biuld weeks, im to anxious to work

Re: Books that inspired you
 

A. I completly agree with you there having first read it as a pip squek of a 5th grader Ender was my idol!!!!! I so wnated to beat the snot out of bullies and destory an entire race to this date I still do reports on the book when given the oppurtunity each time reading it anew

B. Never heard a group that cant drink or even date till 16 refer to as cool but whatever floats your boat (p.s.. I am sure you know this but Orson Scott Card is Mormon)