You are correct; our reading provides facets through which we see the world and others can see us. The facets provide a kaleidescope of images from which we interpret life. Instead of my most cherished books, I would provide some of my most recent reads that add to my current thinking (in no particularly order) 1) Fides et Ratio by John Paul II because it helps me to understand that faith and reason are and should be eternal companions, 2) The Commentaries, The Gallic Wars by Julius Caesar because it provides such an incredible understanding of exactly how sophisticated the Roman mind was and the manner in which civil government was/is achieved, 3) Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs by Buddy Levy gives an insightful understanding of Cortes and the Aztec people and how nations fall and religion may be abused, 4) The Dream of Reason by Gottlieb is a wonderful tool to understand why Europeans (and the rest of us) think the way they do; a great book to understand the evolution of philosophy from Socrates to Descartes, 5) Slouching Toward Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline by Robert H. Bork is one of the best books I have ever read; it is enlightening because it destroys so many myths. He is not right, but he is yeast from which may grow a new direction for liberals and conservatives alike. Rick, thank you for sharing your titles. I will certainly read them. Cheers.

Posted by: Michael B - Jan 27, 2009 2:33 AM

The Bible The 1662 Book of Common Prayer (Church of England) St. Augustine "Confessions" Martin Luther's sermons (Vol. 51) The Philadelphia Daily News

Posted by: Jeff - Jan 27, 2009 5:32 AM

Two books that really changed my life: About Face: The Odyssey of an American Warrior: Colonel David H. Hackworth motivated me to be a soldier and Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis ...ironically written as a cautionary tale led more people to seek a career on the trading desks of Wall Street

Posted by: Des - Jan 27, 2009 5:58 AM

Great topic, and we will mostly reply with English titles. But, think of all of the books written by non English speaking authors that will be missing from our lists that were equally life changing to 90% of the earths populations. PS - Has anyone mentioned "Europe through the Back Door" yet?

Posted by: Brian - Jan 27, 2009 7:00 AM

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins

Posted by: Chip - Jan 27, 2009 7:39 AM

Rick, thank you for this post. I am great ideas on books to read. My contributions to the list: 1) Life Under the Tropical Canopy: Tradition and Change Among the Yucatec Maya by: Ellen R. Kintz 2) Overthrow: America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq by: Stephen Kinzer

Posted by: Nels - Jan 27, 2009 8:28 AM

I agree with Chip about The God Delusion and I'll add to that Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond.

Posted by: Dayna - Jan 27, 2009 8:54 AM

Lord of the Flies!

Posted by: Paul - Jan 27, 2009 9:51 AM

One of the best summaries of post-war Europe I've read was the simply titled "Postwar" by Tony Judt. For those who think of the European Union as the triumph of selfless idealism (as I used to), this book is an eye-opener. The communist regimes come across as not merely sole-crushingly evil, but also criminally incompetent at everything except terrorizing their own people.

Posted by: Tom - Jan 27, 2009 10:09 AM

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust because Proust lays bare our common humanity, regardless of race, class, or nationality, so that we see how, despite differences in language or customs or beliefs, we are all connected by the fundamentals of just being human.

Posted by: Mari - Jan 27, 2009 10:17 AM

A bit cliché, I suppose, but the two that have certainly informed my life since I read them at the age of 10 are The Diary of Anne Frank and The Hiding Place. Imagine how thrilled I was in 2006 when I was able to visit the Secret Annexe and the hiding place above the watch shop in Haarlem (I got quite emotional there, in fact). And the third is 84, Charing Cross Road, which served to reinforce my bibliophilia and anglophilia. (I guess I'll bite and confess that Europe Through the Back Door has had a huge influence on my life too!)

Posted by: Teresa - Jan 27, 2009 3:42 PM

Actually, Postcards from Euroope is on my Best Book List.

Posted by: Audrey in Keizer, OR - Jan 27, 2009 4:48 PM

Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner. Written in the 80's so it is a bit dated but well worth a read if you are interested in the corporate welfare of western water policies.

Posted by: Troy - Jan 27, 2009 5:30 PM

Unlimited Wealth by Paul Zane Pilzer. This book was a lifechanger for me and helped me moved from someone who made excuses for my failures in life to someone who became proactive and a contributor to my community and society.

Posted by: Ted - Jan 27, 2009 6:17 PM

Exodus by Uris and anything in that vein until I learned what a scam Zionism is.

Posted by: Gunther - Jan 27, 2009 7:02 PM

To get the Ego out of you, try Ekhart Tolle's New Earth

Posted by: Judy - Jan 27, 2009 8:22 PM

Two recent books come to mind...... "Liberal Fascism" by Jonah Goldberg, clearly shows how modern culture has re-written history and 'pinned' the label on conservatives. This book is written from a historical perspective, and analyses the policies of Presidents WIlson & FDR, as well as those of Mussolini & Hitler, as they are all from a similar era. Second is 'Real Change" by Newt Gingrich, which focuses on solutions to problems through proven, private sector methods, as opposed to the government solutions. Given the challenges facing America, it is a fresh perspective on how we might solve many of these problems. I would also like to 'second' the recommendation of "Slouching Towards Gommorah" by Robert Bork.

Posted by: Mike - Jan 27, 2009 8:49 PM

I raise my hat to you Rick! You are really a serious thinker and not just full of hot air. Too many in this country are raised to think that the world is all about America and nothing else matters. No matter what America does, it is alright because it is done in "American's interest". Most people are totally oblivious of what goes on in the rest of the world and the media is part of the problem because they are all about making money - informing people was swept aside long time ago.

Posted by: Kaarina - Jan 27, 2009 9:57 PM

Wow, this is a great topic. I can second some of the titles aready mentioned and I have found some new titles for my personal "To Read" lists.

Posted by: Paula - Jan 27, 2009 11:00 PM

Atlas Shrugged seems as cogent today as anything I have seen listed here.

Posted by: KenK - Jan 28, 2009 4:50 AM

A bunch of old favorites in no particular order: "Gods, Graves and Scholars" by C.W. Ceram --a history of archaeology that reads like Indiana Jones. "A World Lit Only by Fire" by William Manchester that makes life in the late middle ages/early rennaisance sit up and breath, including background on the reformation. "Man's Hope" by Andre Malraux: fighting with the Loyalists during the Spanish Civil War. "Tales of the South Pacific" by Michener: about World War II in the Pacific and much more. The whole "Lanny Budd" series by Upton Sinclair: A history of all the events of Europe in the first half of the 20th century as viewed through the eyes of a hero who was always in the right place at the right time. "Gates of Fire" by Steven Pressfield: Spartans at Thermopylae. "Once and Future King" by T.H. White --the classic story of King Arthur. "Julian" by Gore Vidal: Great book about 4th Century Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate including the conflict between Christians and Pagans. "The Exploits of Baron de Marbot" by the Baron Himself: An incredible swashbuckling "must read" for anyone interested in Napolean. "Lust for Life" by Irving Stone: Classic novel of the life of Vincent van Gogh. Beautiful and moving. "From the Holy Mountain" by William Dalrymple: the author retraces the journey of a 6th century monk through the Christian communities of the Middle East. Currently I'm reading "Elephanta Suite" by Paul Theroux about westerners trying to fathom India and its culture. Thanks for asking! I also enjoy hearing what everyone else recommends.

Posted by: Thomas, Vienna - Jan 28, 2009 5:01 AM

Does anyone remember the Will and Ariel Durant series, "The Age of...?" Excellent books done in an easy to understand fashion.

Posted by: Louisa - Jan 28, 2009 5:41 AM

Paul, I'd be interested in hearing how Lord of the Flies influenced you.

Posted by: Lee in Missouri - Jan 28, 2009 10:55 AM

All I can think about is, was it the gamelan orchestra that was high on mushrooms, or the listener? ;]

Posted by: Sundeep - Jan 28, 2009 12:35 PM

Rick, Like this topic greatly as travel typically leads to reading some great books while killing time, however, as a theme the books you read tend to all be anti-American in policy, or view. Knowing that these are your favorites, maybe it would be worth while exploring some books about US policy that benefited the world. They are out there in quite great numbers. Take your own advice in your ETBD theme and slow down, read about our history, our struggles and what we do right just to give yourself a different perspective.

Posted by: PJCOA - Jan 28, 2009 1:23 PM

Just had to add that in our local book club here in Austin, Texas, my wife picked "Postcards from Europe", by Rick Steves. The meeting is on Jan. 30 (this Friday). We'll let you know how it does as a discussion topic. :)

Posted by: ross - Jan 28, 2009 5:18 PM

Rick, don't you have any important works of fiction on your list? I think of that wonderful series, the Modern Library. At the time I was buying, the small volumes were $1.00 and the large ones, $1.49. They were my introduction to the great Russian writers, for example.

Posted by: Louisa - Jan 29, 2009 10:15 AM

Ernest Hemingway's short stories and other works. Dr. Seuss for lighter reading ie Cat in the Hat.

Posted by: Jeanette - Jan 29, 2009 11:31 AM

The Little Prince by Antoine Saint-Exupery

Posted by: Reza - Jan 29, 2009 2:49 PM

I remember the Durant series. My Dad bought the whole series and it's in their den right now. I would like to add Cry the Beloved Country to the list of influential books. For me the ideas and poetry of the writing that captured me back when I first read the book in high school.

Posted by: Pam - Jan 29, 2009 4:06 PM

The Bible, Mere Christianity and A Grief Observed by CS Lewis.

Posted by: John - Jan 29, 2009 8:20 PM

Very interesting topic and discussion. Rick, have you heard how the town of Lucca has banned new ethnic restaurants inside its old town center in an effort to preserve "Tuscan Charm"? Here in the US, we have LOTS to discuss regarding cultural preservation issues, immigration issues & the freedom to conduct business but I thought it was very interesting to see it hit a part of Europe that many of your readers visit. Wondered what your thoughts were. Keep on bloggin'! It is one of my favorite lunchtime reads!

Posted by: Karen in NC - Jan 30, 2009 9:54 AM

Great books (too many to list really): 1) Problem of Pain (by C.S. Lewis) 2) fictional works and essays by George Eliot 3) Shakespeare's works (everything!) 4) Hegel's philosophical works 5) works by an art historian --Kenneth Clark Just to name a few...

Posted by: Angela - Jan 30, 2009 10:26 AM

You're a good man, Rick, despite your fixation on the smooth-talking liberal lawyer from the corrupt Chicago machine. Or, as I call him, Jimmy Carter Part Two. He's already moved swiftly to make life a bit easier for terrorists, and a bit harder for babies in the womb. I was impressed that you had an Ayn Rand book on your list, although not one of her better ones. I recommend that you tackle "Atlas Shrugged." When you start to see the parallels between what she wrote 50 years ago, and what's happening today, we'll be well on the road to your political epiphany :)

Posted by: George Mole' - Jan 30, 2009 8:07 PM

These eyes of mine have read many great works; ones that standout are Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and The Trial by Albert Camus. The greatest American novel I've ever read is none other than Invisible Man by Ralph Waldo Ellison. I suppose the themes of isolation, betrayal, and the struggle for one's identity in a crushing world resonate deep for me.

Posted by: Alfran - Jan 30, 2009 10:30 PM

Le Petit Prince, anything by Jean de la Fontaine, most of Peter Mayle's, Third Culture Kid Experience by Pollock and Van Reken, Houndsditch to Honolulu, everything by Rick Steves--just to name a few.

Posted by: Darcy - Jan 31, 2009 6:03 AM

"Mountains Beyond Mountains" about the work of Dr. Paul Farmer. Changed my view of the world.

Posted by: Angela - Jan 31, 2009 8:37 AM

So rick, what is this january 31 blog item at the start of your site which is blank, and for which we can not comment? Just curious here in the upper east coast?

Posted by: larry Kramer - Jan 31, 2009 5:48 PM

"Catch-22" by Joseph Heller is one of my favorites, if for no other reason than it still makes me laugh out loud at its absurdity.

Posted by: Doug - Jan 31, 2009 7:05 PM

Rick, My wife and I were so impressed with your January 31 (here in FL) airing of your one hour special on the sites and people of Iran. I found it very inciteful and balanced. When it was over, for some reason or other, I found myself humming Bob Darrin's "We the people here, don't want a war".

Posted by: Keith - Feb 01, 2009 6:07 AM

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane may be of some benefit to all my liberal friends out there.

Posted by: KenK - Feb 01, 2009 6:35 AM

The Friends of Freeland by Brad Leithauser. His prose moves with the grace of a poet. The current troubles in Iceland make me want to go back and reread this one.

Posted by: Ginny - Feb 01, 2009 10:50 AM

ok, so as mentioned above we had "Postcards from Europe" as our bookclub book of the month, and it works pretty well as a topic of discussion. It brought up that half the people read "Europe Through the Back Door" first, and they were surprised when they saw your TV episodes because they thought you'd be seedier looking, and half of them saw your TV episodes first, and they were surprised at the grittier parts of "Postcards from Europe". So I guess you show different sides of yourself in different media. :)

Posted by: ross - Feb 01, 2009 2:10 PM

Ross, life is seedy and Rick nobley sees and reports life as it is, not through any rose colored glasses-even though I'm sure you'd agree it's done in a positive light.

Posted by: Kirk - Feb 01, 2009 6:16 PM

Kirk if you think Rick reports life as it is and not through rose colored glasses then I would humbly suggest you go back a few postings and read his take on the Holy Inauguration of the Chosen One.

Posted by: KenK - Feb 01, 2009 11:36 PM

I see where you are to appear at a forum on marijuana this week. What is your opinion on the use of marijuana?

Posted by: John Love - Feb 02, 2009 7:33 AM

Oh, please! Don't get him started. You haven't been paying much attention to Rick if you don't know his views on marijuana. Favorable, to say the least.

Posted by: Louisa - Feb 02, 2009 7:41 AM

Irrespective of political views and advocacy, it's so refreshing to see people addressing literature. So here's my pitch: The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. It's a remarkably concisely-written book, and fills one with visuals of war--which isn't that different today than in 1864. If you didn't read it in high school, do so now. If you did, do it again. Next: A Walk Across France by Miles Morland. Wish I could do it, and I'm sure you'll feel the same after reading. Enjoy!

Posted by: Brett - Feb 02, 2009 9:30 AM

Rick you hit on one of my favorite topics. This list comes cut and paste right out of my Facebook profile. All these titles are beautifully written and have given me insights about our world. Even if I don't always agree with the authors, they made me think, and had interesting logic. The Outline of History (HG Wells) Democracy in America American Notes (Kipling) No Regrets: Fischer/Spassky Plato (Dialogues) In Defense of Lost Causes (Slavoj Zizek) Violence (Slavoj Zizek) Ignorance (Kundera) The Unbearable Lightness of Being The Book of Laughter and Forgetting The Art of the Novel (Kundera) The Social Contract and Confessions (Rousseau) The Founding Brothers The Souls of Black Folk The Reckoning (David Halberstam) Prejudices: A Philosophical Dictionary Voltaire's Philosophical Dictionary The Damnation of Theron Ware Hamlet Macbeth Antony and Cleopatra Walden Voltaire's Bastards Anything by Rick Steves Anything by Paul Krugman Anything by Simon Schama Everything by Montaigne

Posted by: John Grabowski - Feb 05, 2009 3:31 PM

Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond is packed with information and insights about why groups of people from some continents ended up dominating groups on others (Europeans colonizing the Americas and bringing slaves from Africa). His take is that native plants and animals set all this in motion and it is a fascinating read. I highly recommend Three Cups of Tea, One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time, by Greg Mortensen. An American bringing education to remote Pakistan villages without bringing in American culture and religion. A path to peace, highly inspiring.

Posted by: Connie - Feb 06, 2009 9:32 AM

A book for those who want to understand totalitarianism: The Restoration of Order by Milan Smicka. The Soviets were able to "restore order" in Czechoslovakia within a year or two after the Prague Spring. This book explains how they did it without killing the population. Every Eastern European high school student should read this book the way American students read "Ann Frank" to understand the individual impact of life under the Nazis.

Posted by: Karen - Feb 07, 2009 5:58 AM

A book for those who want to understand totalitarianism: The Restoration of Order by Milan Smicka. The Soviets were able to "restore order" in Czechoslovakia within a year or two after the Prague Spring. This book explains how they did it without killing the population. Every Eastern European high school student should read this book to understand Communism the way American students read "Ann Frank" to understand the individual impact of life under the Nazis.

Posted by: Karen - Feb 07, 2009 6:06 AM

A new book that is about art history but also vividly describes Paris, Bruges, Oaxaca, Mexico City and southern Spain is "House on the Bridge: Ten Turbulent Years with Diego Rivera" by Sharon Upp. It's great to read on a plane on the way to Paris. It is about a woman from Russia who meets Diego Rivera in Bruges in 1909. It's a novel but talks about the politics leading up to WWI. It also makes one want to walk the same streets the young woman did.

Posted by: Elise - Feb 23, 2009 7:45 PM

Thanks for the kind mention Adeel Khan Sherwani from Miami

Posted by: Adeel Khan Sherwani - Mar 03, 2009 2:31 PM

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. I had read the book and then went to see Greg at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Greg was there for a "shared reading experience" with the freshman class. Tickets were free but almost impossible to get. What an experience!!!!I spoke with him afterwards and got my book signed. This is a book about peace, education, giving back and winning hearts and minds through education. A life changer for many people.

Posted by: Wendy - Mar 04, 2009 2:56 PM

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Brave New World. That has always been one of my favs. As for Rick's books, Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler is my top pick.

Posted by: Holly - Mar 04, 2009 10:20 PM

It's like asking which of your children you like the best, but one that made me look at the world differently was "West of Kabul, East of New York." As commentary on American culture, even better than Anthem is Fahrenheit 451.

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