Books We MUST Read in our Lifetime!

Do you like to read? I am one of those American’s that read all the time. I have books scattered around my house and reading probably 4-5 books at a given time. But the fun part is sitting down an actually reading. Absorbing myself inside a book that I am actually living within it is the ultimate experience. As I turn each page I am reacting to the book as it becomes a part of who I am. My brain is playing on high and I am feeling every emotion the author is revealing in each section of the book that I am consuming. The unfiltered emotions that are created in my body from the response of the pages I am turning are a journey like no other. When you are intensely in a book, immerse yourself within and tune out everything else, this is when you go to that place where the author wants you to go.

Reading and books are a gift, one I cherish every day that I get to sit down and read. Encourage others to read and continue to learn. Life is full of mysteries, poems, literature and history, find your niche and enjoy the kind of books that takes you to another place, another time and another life. That is what reading is about, expanding your mind!

These are the top15 most recommended books that you must read before you die. Yes, they have also touched my soul, scared me senseless and pissed me off. I didn’t put them in any order just the best books of all times that have reached out and spoken to me, they made me feel the raw emotion that is being written page by page. Hopefully, you understand my meaning with each of these books; I hope they have touched you in a deep dark place that very few times you get to go.

Follow the River Book by James Alexander Thom

This is the story of Mary Ingles, a 23 year old married woman, pregnant with her third child. In 1755 the Shawnee Indians raided her peaceful settlement and kidnapped her. The bloody savages destroyed her settlement and took her away from all that she had known. This is her amazing story of escaping the Indians after being captive, how she followed the Ohio River and walked thousands of miles to get back to her family. This book portrays her hardships, determination and dedication to getting back to her family. Follow the River, astounding story of survival.

Who Moved My Cheese Book by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard

This book will help you learn the art of change. How to accept change as it happens in your work place and/or live. The little mice will show you the positive way of change and how your attitude should adapt to change. Short read but a must read for all. The mouse is not a pet, but helpful for us all in his journey.

The Little Engine That Could Book by Watty Piper and Loren Long

Every child, teen or adult should read this amazing story of the little engine that could. This is an incredible book for all ages, so buy it and keep it forever! Read to your child daily or in your class room. This little book is powerful and a wonderful reminder to us all. Encouragement to all of any age that you can do it!

My Sister’s Keeper Book by Jodi Picoult

This is the story of Anna, which has a younger sister that is sick and Anna has often help with bone marrow and blood transfusions. Anna parent’s wants her to give one of her kidney’s to her older sister, to help save her life. This is the remarkable story of Anna and her sister Kate, a beautiful story about two sisters and their journey of life, boys and sickness.

Little Women Book by Louisa May Alcott

This is a classic book that women of all ages should read (men too). This story is based off true life events of Ms. Alcott, the story of four sisters, little women, talented tomboy an author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Book by Mark Twain

Story of a teenage boy that finds himself floating down the Mississippi River with a slave that has escaped. This is their course of adventure, danger and many other hilarious characters that just keep you on the edge of your seat. This is truly a classic book and a must read for all ages.

Pride and Prejudice Book by Jane Austen

Yes, this is a classic tale too but really take the time to read it. It’s beautiful, about a boy and a girl and life. Few have charmed Mr. Darcy but Elizabeth’s wit and independent spirit penetrated through Mr. Darcy’s pride. The characters jump out of the pages, they are real and raw to the readers. Marvelous book and wonderful classical author as well.

Gone With The Wind Novel by Margaret Mitchell

One of the most favorite books of all times, plus, one you will never forget after you read it. The two main characters, the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and the flamboyant, scornful Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival under the harshest of circumstances, she also created two of the most famous lovers in the English-speaking world since Romeo and Juliet.

To Kill A Mocking Bird Novel by Harper Lee

A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father, a crusading local lawyer risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.

Band of Brothers Book by Stephen Ambrose

The men of E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, volunteered for this elite fighting force because they wanted to be the best in the army--and avoid fighting alongside unmotivated, out-of-shape draftees. The price they paid for that desire was long, arduous, and sometimes sadistic training, followed by some of the most horrific battles of World War II. This book is absolutely a MUST read!

Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume

The preteen girl’s book but one of the funniest books I have ever read. It’s about girls filling out their training bras, Puberty and when all of it’s going to happen. The weird things that girls do all the fun stuff about growing up and talking to God about it. So much fun to read.

The Wolf and The Dove Book by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss

One of the most romantic books I have ever read. The old historian romance between the bad guy and the good girl. But the bad guy, the master turns in to a good guy. The sexual feeling is magnificent throughout this book. The wanting and panting is raw and express within this book that you will be sweating when you’re done.

Montana Sky Book by Nora Roberts

This is the story about Jack Mercy's three daughters which are strangers to each other, but to inherit his huge ranch they must live there together for a year -- a year that will bring them together against a terrifying unknown enemy as well as bringing each of them someone to make their dreams sweeter. A rich, stunning story of family, death, and love.

Clan of the Cave Bear Book by Jean M. Auel

When her parents are killed by an earthquake, 5-year-old Ayla wanders through the forest completely alone. Cold, hungry, and badly injured by a cave lion, the little girl is as good as gone until she is discovered by a group who call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear. This is the journey of the little girl’s life, remarkable and spiritual.

Chocolat Novel by Joanne Harris

Try me...Test me...Taste me. When an exotic stranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives in the French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique directly opposite the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock. A mysterious story of love, romance, trust and determination.

I realize there are more books you would probably put on this list of most highly recommended books to read but I am here to tell you that each of these books above bring something special and you will learn something new from each one.

Each of these books should be read during your lifetime, feel them, breathe them, go deep within the pages and read, then learn from them and you will understand what I mean once you have finished the books.

PS; some of the comments below offer some great other reads that are so important so I encourage you to review the comments. Thank you ALL for this wonderful additions!