Posted by MaggieH (admin)
Dec 1, 2008 12:13 pm

Replies (26)

Posted by

• If I could give one book to every 18-year-old on the planet, it would be The Urantia Book. Its a deep explanation of the human spiritual quest for people who don't mesh with mainstream religious groups. I was 19 when I first started reading it, and it completely changed my perspective on life.

  Dec 2, 2008 10:23 am
  by mklimesh

• The Power of One is my pick. The book is based around boxing and touches on race, prejudice and class systems through the eyes of a child. It also touches on the power of us all to make a difference in this word. I think an 18 year old could relate to the inequities in life and give hope for better things to come.

  Dec 2, 2008 11:33 pm
  by wordsandfiber

• The Little Prince. I read it for the first time when I was 22, and the lessons in the book are written so simply, yet provide a world of teaching. The book, despite which language it is in, can be appreciated by everyone.

  Dec 3, 2008 9:27 am
  by tristiseye

• A Spirituality Named Compassion by Matthew Fox. Climbing Jacob's Ladder vs. dancing Sarah's Circle. Fox explains how the teachings in our culture (that of ever climbing the ladders of success or acquisitions and distancing ourselves from others) separate us from compassion, which is a significant cause of pain in the world. I read this book about 10 yrs ago and it changed my perception of the world. A very powerful book.

  Dec 3, 2008 5:36 pm
  by Neolithic

• A Swiftly Tilting Planet, M. L'Engle. I read it for the first time when I was 19. Simple, to the point, lets young people realize that they are important but also part of the bigger picture with responsiblity to others. Well beyound the YA listing that it has.

  Dec 3, 2008 7:26 pm
  by krystosek

• How To Read A Book by Mortimer J. Adler. To facilitate the reading of many more books....who would read only one, after all?

  Dec 3, 2008 11:59 pm
  by us5466

• To Kill A Mockingbird, very simply because it is my favorite book.

  Dec 6, 2008 11:28 pm
  by Purpyl

• The collected short fiction of Borges. Not because it would be particularly instructive about life. I think even if they were guaranteed to read it, 18 year olds tend to be pretty resistant to that kind of thing. Borges just spins a heckuva short story.

  Dec 10, 2008 4:18 am
  by juv3nal

• I don't even know where to begin! But I guess the one that comes to mind right away The Screwtape Letters. May seem odd, but to me it's a very insightful yet playful look into human nature and our various eccentricities and how we relate to each other, regardless of your feelings on religion. At that age, you begin to become a little more self-aware but also aware of how what you say and do affects other people.
  
  Also, I'd want to give them something very fun and escapist like the Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia series...sometimes it's easy to take things too seriously when you're doing a bunch of heavy college reading, it's nice to just lose yourself in a fantasy world sometimes.

  Dec 11, 2008 9:53 am
  by starshy926

• I would give them the Bible. This book is the Word of God, and it is the only book that, if we obey it, will take us to heaven when we die. Everyone in the world needs this book. "And He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation...'" Mark 16:15

  Dec 18, 2008 3:56 pm
  by goatrancher

• The collected works of William Shakespeare. MaggieH said that they would all definitely read the book, and I think that Shakespeare is important enough and universal enough to be required reading for everyone.
  
  The version I'd give them would be one with lots of footnotes and definitions for unfamiliar words, so it wouldn't be too hard to understand.

  Dec 18, 2008 4:37 pm
  by emilyyoung

• Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" is a great allegory of what's happening in the world today--very prophetic, considering it was written when I was a zygote (1956 or so). If only the woman had known how to edit herself! It took her 1K+ pages to say what could have been better said in 450. Still, I recommend it to those with the intestinal fortitude to digest it. And it does have a happy ending...kind of.

  Dec 19, 2008 8:42 pm
  by JaneS6

• I agree with goatrancher. I would give them the Bible. Everyone should read the Bible regardless of their religion, for the history, beauty of the stories and its impact on society.

  Dec 20, 2008 6:53 pm
  by terpsgirl02

• "Catcher In the Rye" --It seems to me that this "coming of age" book represents a transition from childhood to adulthood. The first time you read it you laugh--the next time---well--you decide.

  Dec 20, 2008 9:48 pm
  by bjbeverly

• It would have to be the Bible. History,romance, adventure, moral guidance and truth that transcends cultural boundaries. These PLUS counsel and direction for everyday life as the principles are applied . It is by far and away the most important book I've ever had.

  Dec 21, 2008 10:02 am
  by mamac

• Well, since I AM 18 years old, I believe I can answer this question with great reliability. The book that's had the most impact on me personally is, of course, the Bible, especially since not only is it a classic, adventure and historical story, it is the living truth, and the story of what Jesus did for us is the greatest romance in history. Another book that made a huge impression on me was "That Printer of Udell's." This is a book that changed Ronald Reagan's life, and could very well change the life of anyone who reads it.

  Dec 23, 2008 11:59 am
  by AndreaNo1

• Some great suggestions have been made. I believe I would offer them a copy of the Book of Mormon, which would build on their knowledge of the gospel from the Bible and help them more fully realize the great gift God has given all men and women.

  Dec 26, 2008 8:47 am
  by andrejules

• "Start Where You Are" by Pema Chodron. A gentle and deeply touching guide to living with compassion for yourself, others, and the planet.

  Dec 30, 2008 8:19 am
  by dakinishir

• It would definitely be the Bible. Every 18 year old should read, understand and experience the Bible, God's holy word, before beginning their adult life. There is no better foundation than understanding God's infinite love for us.

  Dec 31, 2008 9:20 pm
  by Mom1

• The Giver. It's a quick and easy book to read (so those who don't like to read might still opt to read it), and yet has so many insights into the true value of diversity.

  Jan 1, 2009 9:40 pm
  by butterflybaisers87

• Thanks for everyone's thoughtful responses! If only there were a way to get some of the world's great books into the hands of every 18-year-old--the world would probably be a better place.
  
  Be sure to check out the new Question of the Week for January.

  Jan 5, 2009 9:19 am
  by MaggieH (admin)

• I agree with andrejules. It’s critical that we open our hearts and minds to the possibility that God continues to speak to us. I was given this book by a friend at 17 and it changed my life. It changed the way I looked at my self. It helped me understand my divine potential. It helped me decide what kind of man I wanted to marry and the kind of person I wanted to be. The Book of Mormon made me be open minded to a new world of possibilities. It made me love everyone no matter what religion, social or economical difference we may have.
  The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. It is by the fare the most amazing book I have ever read.

  Jan 9, 2009 10:58 am
  by kbonadio

• The 100th Human. It's a great story with an even better life lesson!

  Jan 16, 2009 8:50 am
  by Michell

• Thanks folks! Be sure to check out this week's question (Benders in Books).

  Jan 19, 2009 3:23 am
  by MaggieH (admin)

• I LOVED this book!!!!! This is one everyone should read! Maybe the world would be a better place for it.

  Mar 20, 2009 9:19 am
  by Michell

• I'm with goatrancher. The Bible. Everyone should at least read it before they decide what they believe.

  Jun 16, 2009 10:29 pm
  by saturntv