Talkabout Q&A: 6 inspirational book recommendations

7Vicar asks Talkabout: ‘I need something to read that is going to be thought provoking and life changing but not a self help guide. Anyone got any good suggestions?’ Discover the six most inspirational books as recommended by other Big White Wall members

 
zorro says: Try Sophie's World by Jostein Gaardner. It is a great story which also educates the reader on various schools of philosophical thinking in novel format. If, like me, you struggle with heavy books but are interested in philosophy, it’s a brilliant introduction.

Sophie’s World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder and Paulette Moller  is available from Phoenix (Orion Books)  for £7.99 (UK) and $11.00 (USA)

DubDubDub says: I've just started The God Delusion and already I want to stop people on the street and read passages to them! It really makes you stop and think about religion, but is written in a very user friendly way so you learn about opposing views and can make up your own mind.

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins is available from Phoenix Bantam Press for £8.99 (UK) and $15.95 (USA)

 
roze says: The book that really made me stop and think about life this year was We Need to Talk About Kevin - such a powerful book. There is something very educational and thought provoking about seeing how shocking or disturbing events are played out in real life.

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver is available from Serpents Tail  for £7.99 (UK) and $13.95 (USA)

 
sldg5y says: Try The Power and the Glory by Arthur White. It's an autobiographical account of how an East-End power-lifter, hard man and drug addict found God. That said, it is in no way overtly evangelical but if you want to read about a life being changed then this will not disappoint.

The Power and the Glory by Arthur White is available from Authentic Media for £7.99 (UK) and $15.99 (USA)

celticluck says: Read The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield. Hands down it will change the way you look at the world and other people.

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield is available from Warner Books for £8.00 (UK) and $13.05 (USA)

BigWhiteWolf says: My father was reading The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx when he died.  We put it in his coffin, along with his glasses and his cigarettes and lighter. Although not necessarily life changing, I found it a great read nonetheless.

The Shipping News by E. Annie Proulx is available from Scribner for £7.99 (UK) and $15.00 (USA)

Got another book to add to the list? Join the conversation in Talkabout