You've GOT to Read This Book!
55 People Tell the Story of the Book That Changed Their Life
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There's nothing better than a book you can't put down—or better yet, a book you'll never forget. This book puts the power of transformational reading into your hands. Jack Canfield, cocreator of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, and self-actualization pioneer Gay Hendricks have invited notable people to share personal stories of books that changed their lives. What book shaped their outlook and habits? Helped them navigate rough seas? Spurred them to satisfaction and success?
The contributors include Dave Barry, Stephen Covey, Malachy McCourt, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Mark Victor Hansen, John Gray, Christiane Northrup, Bernie Siegel, Craig Newmark, Michael E. Gerber, Lou Holtz, and Pat Williams, to name just a few. Their richly varied stories are poignant, energizing, and entertaining.
Author and actor Malachy McCourt tells how a tattered biography of Gandhi, stumbled on in his youth, offered a shining example of true humility—and planted the seeds that would help support his sobriety decades later.
Bestselling author and physician Bernie Siegel, M.D., tells how William Saroyan's The Human Comedy helped him realize that, in order to successfully treat his patients with life-threatening illnesses, "I had to help them live—not just prevent them from dying."
Actress Catherine Oxenberg reveals how, at a life crossroads and struggling with bulimia, a book taught her the transforming difference one person could make in the life of another—and why that person for her was Richard Burton.
Rafe Esquith, the award-winning teacher whose inner-city students have performed Shakespeare all over the world, recounts his deep self-doubt in the midst of his success—and how reading To Kill a Mockingbird strengthened him to continue teaching.
Beloved librarian and bestselling author Nancy Pearl writes how, at age ten, Robert Heinlein's science fiction book Space Cadet impressed on her the meaning of personal integrity and gave her a vision of world peace she'd never imagined possible. Two years later, she marched in her first civil rights demonstration and learned that there's always a way to make "a small contribution to intergalactic harmony."
If you're looking for insight and illumination—or simply for that next great book to read—You've Got to Read This Book! has treasures in store for you.
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Author Extras
Reading Guides:
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Critical Praise for
You've GOT to Read This Book!
"This inspiring, thought-provoking, and nostalgic collection is highly recommended."
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Library Journal
"This must-read is sure to provide inspiration, motivation, and a springboard for discussion."
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Booklist
Reader Reviews from First Look
Wow! What a great book! I thought that I would know the books mentioned as I read a lot! I had only heard of two of them! It is fascinating to see what book has affected these well-known people. I want to read these books!!! This is a must read for anyone as it gives one inspiration to see if they themselves can remember a book that inspired them . . . or perhaps pick up one of the books mentioned to see if it inspires them!!!
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Susan (Atascadero, CA)
Wow! What a great book! I thought that I would know the books mentioned as I read a lot! I had only heard of two of them! It is fascinating to see what book has affected these well-known people. I want to read these books!!! This is a must read for anyone as it gives one inspiration to see if they themselves can remember a book that inspired them . . . or perhaps pick up one of the books mentioned to see if it inspires them!!!
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Susan (Atascadero, CA)
You have got to read THIS book! It is filled with inspirational stories by famous people and people who are not so famous. Their stories center around a book they read that changed their live. It is awesome to learn that I have read some of the same books that altered their lives.
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Maureen (Franklin, IN)
Everyone should read this book, especially if they need to feel uplifted. The inspiration gained just from reading each contributor's story is comforting and stirring. Plus, there is the added benefit of recommended reading. I found myself turning to the back of the book to "star" the book listings that I want to read. Some I had read, such as the Bible, Siddhartha, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, but there is so much more out there.
It is true that it isn't so much the book, as the reader when it comes to whether the book inspires or not. Perhaps some of the contributor's inspirational reading would leave others cold, but they certainly are worth a try.
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Pamela (Terre Haute, IN)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The stories were funny, emotional, and well written. I have plans to look up some of the books mentioned, and reread some of my favorites that were listed. This book is a must read for readers.
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Alicia (Layton, UT)
All avid readers are on a perpetual quest to find that "next great book." And there is nothing more satisfying for a booklover than to pass along a favorite title to another reader.
Within "You've Got To Read This Book," Jack Canfield and Gay Hendricks have captured the essence of anyone who has ever uttered this titled phrase to another avid -- or not so avid--reader. I found myself nodding my head enthusiastically at the mention of my beloved old friend "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn"; sagely agreeing to the acknowledgment of "A Hero of Thousand Faces"; and adding a few titles I'd never heard of before to my personal "What To Read Next" list (which continues to grow by leaps and bounds).
"You've Got To Read This Book" is a wonderful tribute to readers everywhere and how the written word can take us to places we've never been and stretch us beyond what we thought ourselves capable. I'm just glad Jack and Gay didn't ask me to submit a book, because I don't know if I could have chosen just one!
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Ann (Carmel, IN)
Many of the people telling their stories I am familiar with so I can appreciate their insight. I do completely believe a book can influence your life and make you a better person for it. All of us can use enrichment in our lives and you will find it in this book.
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Joan (Inverness, FL)
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