100 Books to Read in a Lifetime?

As most of you probably know, Amazon.com recently published its list of "100 Books to Read in a Lifetime," advertised as "a bucket list of books to create a well-read life." Goodreads has published a list, too. It seems like everyone has an opinion about the books you ought to read.

These lists have been a hot topic of conversation at work, with everyone perusing them and comparing the number of books on the list that they've read. In my case, the number is 18 from the Amazon list, and 41 from the Goodreads list. Some of the books on the lists are old classics, some are new works, and some are children's books (many of which I've read because I've read them to my grandchildren). There are mysteries, science fiction, and nonfiction titles represented, and the editors at Amazon and Goodreads encourage readers to vote on their favorites, and on the titles they believe ought to be on the list.

My own list is a bit different. Here are a few of the books I would add:

The Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara. The definitive story of the Civil War battle of Gettysburg.

The Kapillan of Malta, by Nicholas Monsarrat. A priest keeps up the spirits of the people of Malta during the terrible siege of World War II by telling them stories of the history of the island. Gripping history for people who otherwise don't like history.

Embers, by Sandor Marai. Love and betrayal in the dying years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by William L. Shirer. No one has ever chronicled Germany's descent into madness any better than this.

Guests of the Ayatollah, by Mark Bowden. The ugly story of the Iranian hostage crisis. I played my own small part in the aftermath of that crisis ... a story best told over a few drinks.

The Longest Day, by Cornelius Ryan. The invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, told from the viewpoints of both generals and common soldiers. War at its grittiest, funniest, and most terrible.

The Lucifer Principle, by Howard Bloom. What is "evil," why does it fascinate us, and why is it important to history? A very interesting and thought-provoking book.

And last but not least ...

The True Believer, by Eric Hoffer. One of my all-time favorite books. Very short, easy to read, and packed with insights into the nature of mass movements and fanatical behavior. Good reading for a time when we're awash in politicians, religious bigots, and others who absolutely believe that they - and only they - are correct and everyone else is not only wrong but inherently bad.

How about you, Dear Readers? What do you think of the 100-book lists? What books would you add that are your particular favorites, and why? Leave a comment ... I'm always looking for good things to read.

Have a good day. Read more. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo