Keep in mind, however, that I am not judging these books in a literary sense, but more in the sense that the stories touched me or the material had a lasting positive impression on me.
Regardless of the age of the book, I will do my best not to spoil it for you, in case you haven't read it yet. Especially with the fiction titles, because finding out what happens in the story is half the fun of reading it in the first place.
Here we go!
The first favorite I want to share is Dune, by Frank Herbert.
This book was first recommended to me by my dad when I was in my teens. At the time, I had no interest in it whatsoever. Stephen King was my author of choice back then.
It is only in the last five years that I decided to give it a look. And while the story is a slow burn style, it held me in thrall from the first page to the last.
There's something almost mystical about Dune. I can't articulate it, but it has stayed with me. Perhaps it is this quote:
"I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain."
Perhaps you've seen it referenced elsewhere. All I know is that as someone who lives with anxiety, it was empowering. I go back to this book, and specifically this quote, often.
Have you read Dune? What did you think? Please don't spoil it for others!
