What's the best book you ever read?

The best book I've ever read is Mitch Albom's 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven'. I read it straight through within just a few hours of buying it from the shop, and didn't put it down once. Not only was the story brilliant - the plot involves an old man who dies saving a child, and then meets five people who had an important part to play during his life - but Albom's style is jut so free flowing and easy to follow.

As for a book I have read from dusk to dawn, I bought 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' at its midnight opening. Started reading it on the bus home, and didn't stop until about twelve hours later until I literally fell asleep with it in my hand. When I woke up, I went straight back to reading until it was finished. It took about 32 hours in total.

by Bryony Harrison

I had a similar experience with the Half-Blood Prince. I had to work the day it came out so I couldn't buy it straight away but my husband went and got it for me and dropped it off at work so I could get started on the bus home. Then I pretty much only stopped for toilet breaks until I finished it.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel, long before the movie. Blew me away.

by EricaL

I must read that one. It's great getting all these recommendations!

I also really enjoyed A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, but I enjoyed the beginning more than the end.

by Vanessa M

In recent years I have mainly read business related books and haven't really had a chance to read anything for pleasure. About 2 weeks ago, I picked up a book recommended by my son. It is called "On two feet and wings" and is a true story of a 9 year old boy who was sent by his parents from Tehran to Istanbul. His parents feared he would be enrolled in the army and this was the only way he could escape - on his own. This fascinating story tells of his survival and courage.

by Ivana Katz

I can't choose simply one favourite book. Having to whittle them all down to one favourite book in the whole wide universe gives me performance anxiety. There are many favourites :)

One is Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes. A collection of stories, myths and fairy tales which speak to what it is to be a woman, both now and through centuries prior to ours. I come back to this book again and again because it helps me make sense of the deep dark forest that lives inside. Helps me understand myself better :)

by susie

Good choice!

Growing up, any of the titles from Enid Blyton, Dr Seuss and Paul Jennings.

by Justine Crowley

Best book I have read The Bible

by jonaja

I loved Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey. I've lent it out to so many people that I'm struggling to remember who actually has it now.

by Vanessa M

Having asked the question I don't know whether I really can pick just one. Maybe God Bless You Mr Rosewater by Kurt Vonnegut. I first red that one about fifteen years ago and I re-read that one every couple of years. More recently I loved The Reapers Are The Angels by Alden Bell. It has everything- a tough young female protagonist who can look after herself, beautiful description, scary and funny moments.

by Jennifer Muirhead

I love the Harry Potter series and have spent sleepless nights trying to finish them in one go. However, if I had to single out one book that will forever remain etched in my memory I will choose 'The Bookthief'. A tale of a little girl's undying love for books through the Nazi era during the 2nd world war. Thought-provoking, gripping and spellbinding. I will highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a classic jam-packed with heart-pounding moments.

by joya.

I really enjoyed The Book Thief, such a poignant and beautiful story

The coffin dancer by Jeffrey Deiver. This book stands out the most. Also along came a spider by James Patterson. Both murder mysteries .

by Terry

Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice', definitely. It's a sweet, captivating and timeless love story. I might read the book again and again, and still I find something in there that calls out to me. The plot is classic, yet it opens to my eyes a world that I can only dream about.

by annep

I enjoyed Dan Brown's "Inferno" recently. One of my favourite sci-fi books is "The Hot Zone".

by Happy Mom

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

While many people have pointed out various holes in the HP stories, it's still a special one. I read it when I was quite young at school and it's stayed with me. A great mystery!

Otherwise, Agatha Christie's "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd" is magnificent.

by Matteo Lor

Ah yes! The Murder of Roger Ackroyd was the first Christie book I ever read and I loved it. It's nice when something actually lives up to all the hype.

As a young reader I loved the Mary Poppins books, and never forgave the Americans for turning her from an eccentric, bossy nanny with magic into a sugary singing Julie Andrews. Loved the Secret Garden and when my daughter read the Silver Brumby books, I loved them.
Much too difficult to say my favourite book, but for page turners I can read through a good crime,or Joanne Trollope.
For good literature I loved Hilary Mantels books(but I like historical stories), Barbara Kingsolver's Flight Behaviour & Lacuna, and I read Aus. writers as much as possible. We have some great writers. I re-read
rosalie Ham's 'There should be more dancing '
Like movies, we have such different likes and not likes for books.

by sandw

apart from Nancy drew i am not sure

by rhond

I usually have at least three books' on the 'go' at any one time. Am a 'speed' reader, so doesn't take me long to get through one! I read so many books a year!

As I can only choose 'one' here according to question, that would have to be...........

'Seven Pillars of Wisdom' by T.E. Lawrence.
Fascinating story & man, as well!

by donjo

Without a doubt, the Bible.

by Gia

I loved a lot of books, but now it comes in my mind the book "The count of Monte Cristo". This was a book I loved very much, I learned so much from it. I totally recommend you to read it.

by silvi

I enjoyed that one too. It's a bit rambling by today's standards, but I still enjoyed it.