<p>Hey guys and girls,
I just finished TE Lawrence's "Seven Pillars of Wisdom" and I want suggestions about what to read next. Here's your chance to pitch your favorite book/author and (possibly) change the course of my life and (slim chance) human history. A novel would be preferable and I'd prefer it to be under say, 600 pages (Lawrence was almost 800). </p>
<p>I'm not necessarily looking for books that are on freshman reading lists, or Oprah's book club, or will help me get into that "name" school. I want books that you folks like and think other people will like.</p>
<p>"Exodus" by Leon Uris kinda changed my life, but it's very long. And after TE Lawrence you might be sick of the Middle East. </p>
<p>The most beautiful, enrapturing books I've read are by Chaim Potok. His stories and characters just suck me in and I'm just reduced to tears. There are so many layers to his novels and there's bound to be something in his book for everyone.</p>
<p>Confederacy of Dunces by Toole
Neon Bible is pretty good too (just starting it).
I really like Vonnegut too (Breakfast of Champions, Slaughterhouse 5, and Cat's Cradle were great).
Hemingway was also really good. While I couldn't finish For Whom the Bell Tolls (it was good, just lost interest), I really liked The Sun Also Rises and Old Man and the Sea.
Kafka and Camus are also solid authors.
This summer I also plan to read more F. Scott Fitzgerald and start reading Faulkner.</p>
<p>I was just about to suggest The Kite Runner (my favorite book!!) but I see that it has already been suggested. </p>
<p>I would say, The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Nightime. I enjoyed it greatly, and it is pretty short. Now i just have to return it back to my school's library since I was placed on restricted library privledges since it is so overdue lol.</p>
<p>You people are scary. I've read the Kite Runner, The Curious Incident, Confederacy of Dunces (I have a hat that my mom calls my Ignatius Riley hat), quite a bit of Vonnegut's stuff, and Catch-22!! </p>
<p>I picked up the Dispossessed and Exodus from my local library. Thanks for the suggestions.</p>
<p>It's scary because all these books that are being suggested are books that I've read and really liked. I didn't expect to have more than half of the recommendations be books I've already read!</p>
<ul>
<li>Seven Types of Ambiguity by Elliot Perlman. It's long (623 pages), but it's so worth it.</li>
<li>The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (you've probably read it already; if you liked it, try The Beautiful and Damned)</li>
<li>Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman</li>
<li>The Devil's Chaplain by Richard Dawkins (a collection of essays, not a novel, but it's good!)</li>
<li>The Center of Winter by Marya Hornbacher</li>
<li>Born Again by Kelly Kerney</li>
<li>Bel Canto by Ann Patchett</li>
</ul>