Score

One of my favorite books of all time is KIM, by Rudyard Kipling. A great adventure story set in British India around 1900 AD. Highly recommend.

The thing that makes this list so challenging is the blatant generalization. (I'm not complaining; nobody made me vote here. I'm just analyzing it). For example, I had to really think about whether the Declaration of Independence and Constitution should be included, because ours is an international thread. But because the USA plays such a large role, for better or worse, on the global stage, I went ahead and added it, even if only to examine it and say, "So...what the hell happened, anyway?" Likewise, I think Ender's Game is the best sci fi I have ever read...but not everyone likes sci fi, and I'm not sure the theme or message is so compelling that everyone "must" read it...interesting considerations here.

It is SO HARD not to vote for the Peter Straub books, because I love them so hard. But everyone has a threshold, esp. when it comes to horror, and I could never say "everyone must". *Sigh!*

I agree with you too @ Donna, Peter Straub is the best!!!

The Case of the Twice Stolen Tiara

What was I thinking, that I voted on this list (the first time) without adding Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom? Many of my favorites are of interest mostly to readers in the USA, but that book is something the whole world needs to read! (I added it, but because I took so long, it is buried. Highly recommend you all read it if you haven't done so.)

I think The Federalist Papers should be in everyone's list, regardless of nationality.

It's hard to define "you" and "must". Presumably, since this is all or mostly books written in English, we assume an adult reading level in that language, and likewise we assume people who read in the English language for edification or pleasure.

Then it gets hairy.

I often use all 100 votes on big, general lists like this, but there are so many possible people that maybe should NOT read a given book. Why MUST everyone read Janet Evanovich? I love her books, but some folks have a different perspective on what language and sexual situations are acceptable. I think my litmus test for "must" means that something should be read in order to become a better citizen of the world. That's a tough standard! I only have 29 of them so far.

@Donna
Fortunately a lot of the books are also available in translation, either because they have been translated from English or into English.

But you are absolutely right when you say it is hard to define "you" and "must", as tastes are so very different... You only have to go through this list and see books of which you think "not on your life I won't" :-) Thoughts like this will occur with almost everyone going through this list, although be it for completely different titles ;-)

I and I alone decide what I must read! Not some messy shopping list!

Jeffrey wrote: "I and I alone decide what I must read! Not some messy shopping list!"

And so you are here because...?

@Donna
Well said!

Booklovinglady wrote: "@Donna
Well said!"

Thanks. ;)