My Top 10 Books of All Time | As Of 2023

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hi guys. I understand you disagree on the "Lord of the Rings isn't one book" take, and I do agree that it is one story. However, I'm not going to bend my rules for any series and it WAS released as 3 books. That's why I didn't count it as one. You, however, may do as you wish! Let me know your picks below.

[@rijd2304]

There's a book called "You Suck" by Paulie Amigo that is a nice original. I recommend it. It takes a satirical approach about self help, since self help is a genre that is being oversaturated.

[@josec8814]

Would you consider the Bible as one book considering it was written during different periods with chapters being added over time?

[@emmataylor7143]

Totally agree!! One story, three books. Great list! Thanks Mike!

[@JJ-nu8qi]

That's hard because so many books borrow from it so much.

[@cwdkidman2266]

No. I listed everyone's favorites. It's a law, a FEDERAL law. Pretty sure.

[@kawwz]

10. Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry 9. Hyperion - Dan Simmons 8. Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton 7. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee 6. Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card 5. Gone with the Wind - Margaret Mitchell 4. Lord of the Rings : The Fellowship of the Ring - J.R.R Tolkien 3. A Song of Ice and Fire : A Storm of Swords - George R.R Martin 2. It - Stephen King 1. Dune - Frank Herbert

[@chriscoughlan5221]

ive read 2,4,5 + 7

[@leahjuniper2031]

only two female authors. interesting.

[@dhans2386]

@@leahjuniper2031shit yo ass up bro 😂 he can read whatever books he wants

[@thomasreynolds9268]

THANK YOU!!! ..saves one time to see this individual's taste/slant.

[@louis8705]

Your my hero of those 10 minutes

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Glad you made this video, Mike! It must have been a tough one, but it's always a joy to hear your love of books!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It wasn't easy, my man.

[@Dann-md9eq]

@@mikesbookreviewsisn't Hyperion belonged to a book series? Correct me if I'm wrong

[@xxshrimptacoxx5720]

@@Dann-md9eqHe said it can be in a series but just one book from it

[@viceroy_raygun]

I would argue that The Lord of the Rings does count as one book, since Tolkien wrote it as such. There just wasn't enough paper post-war for his publisher to release it in one volume.

[@Yesica1993]

This is how I think of it as well! The movies, too. (Though I know that's a bit different.) But yeah, I couldn't ever pick a favorite individual part of it. I adore it as the whole.

[@Rogue_VI]

I also consider it to be one novel.

[@drasticbread249]

Absolutely agreed. If it's written as one story in one volume, that's very different from something like The First Law trilogy.

[@captainnolan5062]

@@Rogue_VI Because it is one novel... written in six "books." Just as War and Peace is one novel written in four "books."

[@GuardianKnightoftheRealm]

100%. LOTR is one novel. Alwyas has been, always will be. How it's released matters less than how it was written.

[@matthewlockhart6243]

You are at your most articulate when you talk about things you love. Great video, great books. Yay reading

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@Dobr3967]

Greatly impressed by this list. Minor quibbles only. I was shocked that you started with “Lonesome Dove,” I’ve adored that book for more than 30 years. Much respect!

[@fehner27]

I love that IT was on here. The only book I've ever read twice. I loved it each time. One of my favorite characters is Mike Hanlon. King just created not just a horror book but a book that oozed out a sense of dread. The atmosphere hits you hard when you read it. Great video!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Mike is more than just the 7th Loser. He made that group whole.

[@thatfuzzypotato1877]

King is a MASTER at characters. IT is one of my favorite books, as well as the Stand and the Waste Lands.

[@corycastleman6351]

IT is one of the only Stephen King books that I've read twice. Probably gonna be on regular rotation every summer for me

[@felixscout4047]

I read Lonesome Dove when I was on ship in the USMC 25 years ago. At that point it was the biggest book I had ever read and I remember when I finished I didn't want it to end. An amazing book.

[@Ghostly-00]

I've been considering reading Lonesome Dove but I've never read a western before so I'm a little intimidated to start with a gigantic one lol

[@thomasthompson6378]

@@Ghostly-00 You might like "Duane's Depressed," which is also by Larry McMurtry.

[@shannongeier8155]

Same!!! 30+ years ago and I was so sad when it ended.

[@patriciabradford4067]

My all time number one! Ever.

[@tekay44]

Try the book Shogun, great book that you will also not want to end.

[@jerricadouglas1520]

Recently subscribed to you and it was bc of your best Michael crichton list- low and behold I have jurassic park on my shelf so I finally cracked it open and wow! Just wow, I'm really enjoying it!

[@Yesica1993]

I keep meaning to buy a cheap copy and FINALLY read the darned thing! Maybe this summer. Seems like a fun summer read. I can't believe it's only recently that I even learned it was a book!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wonderful to hear!

[@celiwevngobese]

Great list! I didn’t think Dune could be knocked off my number one spot, but then I came across Hyperion!! Unforgettable.

[@stevenstewart782]

I think the book that most positively impacted my future in reading as a child was 20,000 leagues under the sea. It really launched my love of science fiction and adventure

[@techp0p]

ASOIAF is without a doubt the series ignited my love of the fantasy genre, though I read it roughly 10 years ago. You've made me want to reread and pin down what my favorite in the series is!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It truly is special and, IMO, the only thing even close to touching Tolkien for the fantasy throne.

[@devoringdemonsoulq9086]

storm of swords is the goat@@mikesbookreviews

[@karamarie6781]

East of Eden would be one of my top ten. Maybe even number one! Steinbeck!!!❤

[@_Tennz]

I've had this one on my TBR for too long!

[@heatherunicorn-sparkles1724]

this one is just amazing

[@Paromita_M]

To Kill A Mockingbird would probably be on my list too. What a book. I love Gone With The Wind. So good. Lord of the Rings makes my list as one book since Tolkien wrote it as one book! 😄 Out of the three, yes I'd pick Fellowship too. Great list!

[@zackbennett5609]

‘The Rainmaker’ of its day!

[@samu-chan]

I was forced to read To kill a mocking bird in 9th grade and that book made me want to die

[@beckyburns217]

Lonesome Dove is my absolute favorite book. I first fell in love with the mini-series. Gus, Call, Deets, Newt....You can't get any better. I'm glad to see someone else who loves it!

[@kennethfharkin]

It truly is a fantastic book. If you love it I highly recommend Shogun.

[@thebrothersgwynne]

What a top 10! We need to read so many of these. I'll definitely be reading Lonesome Dove soon. It is also one of Ed's favourites of all time. Truth & Courage!

[@tannersturgeon2448]

Immediately started this video after finishing Clash of Kings for the first time… some favorites: Dune, Wizard & Glass, Memories of Ice, Kafka on the Shore. Thanks as always for the work you put into these videos. Hile!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for watching them!

[@TheReaIHoneybadger]

Wizard and Glass was amazing - I usually hate backstory, but this ended up being my favorite in the set.

[@tamerahmet4645]

I love your videos, Mike. Such enthusiasm and passion for what you're talking about. A few of these books are now on my 'want to read' list.

[@scotth1042]

Great video as usual! Love your list. I bought Lonesome Dove based on your review. Going to read it before the end of the year. Thanks, Mike!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I hope you love it!

[@theromanwanderer8923]

I really love your channel, I started reading several books thanks to you, only thanks to you! As of today, my top ten list is as follows: 10. Small Gods 9. Wizard and Glass 8. Child 44 7. Shantaram 6. IT 5. Into Thin Air 4. One Hundred Years of Solitude 3. Dune 2. The Lord of the Rings 1. The Bridge on the Drina And I still got to read ASOIAF, Mr Crichton, the last books from Discworld, Lonesome Dove, The Pillars of the Earth, Midnight's Children, Pachinko, Il Nome della Rosa, Mr Murakami, Shogun and some Russian classics! Love from Rome!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks so much!

[@murdermayhemuk]

To Kill a Mockingbird had such a profound effect on me as a child my eldest daughter is named Harper. Loved this list so many brilliant selections.

[@bleueyes28]

Thanks for this top 10. I really appreciate your explanation of why you picked what you picked; as a matter of fact, I've added those which I haven't read to my TBR due to your explanations.

[@jaylytical2271]

I enjoyed how you discussed your feelings toward Dune and how it changed your life and I totally understand what you mean because books can change your life in a big way. The book that has changed mine is one called Endurance by Alfred Lansing. Without that book I don’t know where I would be tbh

[@johanslabbert2551]

My ten books, in no particular order. "East of Eden ' - John Steinbeck, "A wizard of Earthsea" Ursula Le Guin, "Goormenghast" - Mervyn Peake, "Blood Merridian" - Cormac Mcarthy, "Hyperion" - Dan Simmons, "Use of weapons" - Iain Banks, "The Magus" - John Fowles, "T he Shining" - Stephen King, "Smileys people" - John Le Carre, "Alice in Wonderland" - Lewis Carrol. And many more......

[@TheReaIHoneybadger]

Blood Meridian is fire 🤌

[@waalms]

Yeah, I’m curious if Mike read Cormac McCarthy. If he loves horror and westerns then what is more apropos but Blood Meridian! Fantasy for me got me into reading but tackling all the classics is a whole other thing. BM, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Don Quixote, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Catch 22, the Brothers Karamazov , the Master and Margarita Trust me fantasy bros the classics are amazing too

[@bartsullivan4866]

For me Michael Crichton's Disclosure and John Grisham's The Firm and The Pelican Brief were pivotal books in my life that I loved reading. Motley Crue's the Dirt was also a favorite.

[@tylerholman9235]

Just started Gone with the Wind yesterday due to your recommendation! About 100 pages in and enjoying it so far! Never would picked this book up if it wasn't for you! But I have read IT, Dune, To kill a mockingbird and storm of swords! So I can tell we have similar taste in books! It came down to reading lonesome dove or this and I chose the later! Probably pick lonesome dove up next! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you’re enjoying it!

[@funguykel]

Pretty sure you will love Lonesome Dove. I am looking forward ro reading GWTW.

[@jenniferlummis8196]

I've wanted to read Gone with the Wind since high school, and 20 years later, I still haven't but still would like to. Thanks for sharing your list. My list would have to include The Way Of Kings, Pride and Prejudice, The Hod King (Books of Babel), Ghostwater (Cradle), The Kingdom of Copper (Daevabad), Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Fool's Errand (Tawny Man), The Last Enchantment (Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy), and Sabriel. That's only 9 and I can't decide on the last one.

[@rafd3593]

Nice selection, but I have to ask, have you read the following two sci fi classics - Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells? Two English books, so maybe too culturally different.

[@Penske30]

I really appreciate the time and energy you put into this list! It’s like choosing one’s favourite child!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It was difficult ha ha

[@CitySwimmah]

That reference about getting things done even though nobody believes in you resonated very much with my recent read, Poppy Wars by R.F Kuang. I have just read the first book but it was quite much about that and I enjoyed it a lot. I should probably check Gone with the wind as a follow up if it has similar theme.

[@thomasthompson6378]

All right, I'll play -- here are my top ten favorite books (fiction) of all time: 1. "Shutter Island," by Dennis Lehane. 2. "The Turn of the Screw," by Henry James 3. "Absalom! Absalom!" by William Faulkner 4. "For Whom the Bell Tolls," by Ernest Hemingway 5. "The Catcher in the Rye," by J. D. Salinger 6. "A Tale of Two Cities," by Charles Dickens 7. "Darkness Visible," by William Golding 8. "That Hideous Strength," by C. S. Lewis 9. "Under the Beetle's Cellar," by Mary Willis Walker 10. "Democracy," by Joan Didion.

[@Danny_Matson]

Oh dang, I was calling for this on the discord years ago. Glad to see it is finally here! Looking forward to diving in later.

[@CrusaderDan]

You are the only book tuber who has put Michael Crichton in their sci-fi top 10 list. All the kudos to you, sir!

[@NUNYA79.]

I just found your channel and can't believe you have gone with the wind on your top 10. That's my number one favorite book of all times and I never expected it to be on your list so thank you. Excellent read also jaws no one ever mentions the book jaws, not the movie. The book excellent read just the suggestion. Thank you, God bless.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have Jaws on my Top 10 Horror Novels video from a couple years ago. Good read!

[@jamesellis1635]

Mary Stewart’s - Crystal Cave was one of my all time favorites. Probably in my top 10… but I haven’t read it in over 20 years…

[@mikesbookreviews]

Read it many moons later. Quite good.

[@TangerineGrizzly]

Thank you very much for this video. I came down with a terrible fever and was looking for some chill and fun bookish content to watch along with my evening porridge and tea. I went straight to your channel and voila! Keep up the good work sir

[@mikesbookreviews]

Happy to help!

[@blacknbluecollarreader]

Excellent list Mike. I loved how you put a bunch of non-SFF books on this list. I'm starting to expand my pallet after reading a historical fiction book a few weeks ago. Larry McMurtry has now entered my TBR list due to this video. Again, wonderful video my man.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Lonesome Dove is so amazing.

[@sheshotjfk8375]

I read Lonesome Dove last summer and about a third of the way through my wife went out and picked up her own copy to start reading because she saw how much I was enjoying it. Incredible book.

[@goldenspiral6008]

Really glad you finally did this list, Mike. It was really interesting, although I did expect The Count of Monte Cristo to make the cut. My top 10 right now: 10. The Raven - Edgar Allan Poe 9. Kumarasambhava - Kalidasa 8. The Symposium - Plato 7. The Tombs of Atuan - Ursula K. LeGuin 6. The Way of Kings - Brandon Sanderson 5. Guards! Guards! - Terry Pratchett 4. The Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkien 3. The Illiad - Homer 2. The Great Hunt - Robert Jordan 1. A Storm of Swords - George R. R. Martin

[@mikesbookreviews]

Excellent picks!

[@patrickgaron1728]

Great top 10, I like that it's varied. I re-read 4 times Dunes in the last 30y. The only book I reread so often. With the movie released, I have to reread it another time!

[@mikesbookreviews]

A fellow man of culture, I see.

[@BenderBrains]

Great list of books. You give enough description without any spoilers. I would enjoy seeing your next top 10 books of all time...

[@codystoots1]

Reading the Red Wedding was incredible. A put down the book and take a moment reaction.

[@smallbudoo]

Not enough people talk about Tyrions last chapter in ASOS. One of the most heartbreaking and gut wrenching chapters in fiction

[@Ryan-cl6jt]

I love your videos. One of the best booktubers on KZbin!

[@jasongeis679]

The thing I most enjoyed about this video was your explanation of why Dune means what it does to you. Very well said.

[@sjkrum320]

Wow! You had some heavy hitters on here. I've read all but 3 of these. Dune really isn't my thing. I've been kicking thr can down the road for years with Gone With the Wind. I think my hubby and I will join your read-a-long for that one. Great list and I'm pleased these books are all onxe I either love or know others who love them too 😁

[@mikesbookreviews]

Would be happy to have you along!

[@Ariana.333]

I'm 5 chapters away from finishing Return of the king.. LOTR has been an amazing journey. 3 books out of your top 10 will be on my tbr list... Dune will be the first one.

[@mikesbookreviews]

An excellent choice.

[@joceanna3461]

So impressed with this video! Very grateful for sharing your childhood story. I would never have guessed how lonely your life was then, you have become very confident and successful as an adult. Amazing how a book helped that change occur. Great list of books!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha, at 15 I could never have imagined being like I am now.

[@mainoffender27]

That cover for Dune is insane. Love the list. Very nice selection.

[@bigaldoesbooktube1097]

Yes! Fellowship 🙌 That’s an opening I can get behind.

[@mayavand03]

Some of my favorite books in no particular order are: 1. First Blood by David Morrell 2. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 3. Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne 4. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien 5. Patriot Games by Tom Clancy 6. Enders Game by Orson Scott Card Salem's Lot by Stephen King 7. The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice 8. Childhood's End by Arthur C Clarke 9. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris 10.1984 by George Orwell

[@hansouth2355]

pip

[@hyacinthh6900]

I hope to never forget Joe.

[@hansouth2355]

@@hyacinthh6900 joe is decent

[@vanlo1178]

Wow... I just found your channel and I can't believe I watched the entire thing and it felt like 5 mins. Great video! I usually skim and fast forward a lot when I am on Audible trying to find a book quick.

[@M-J]

This is a fabulous list! Excellent picks. 👏🏻👏🏻

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks!

[@stigsmcqueen3178]

This is a great list. I do hope that Mike would consider doing a Top 10 nonfiction books of all time list at some point. I do really like how he is willing to address how reading a particular book has influenced how he sees the world and work that into his arguments to persuade the audience to read his picks. For me, the best works of nonfiction that I've read have had more influence on how I see the world than my favorite works of fiction - although there are certainly works of fiction that have shaped how I see the world. Anyway, if Mike were to make a video of his Top 10 nonfiction books of all time, I'd definitely watch it right away.

[@sixtofive]

Although Jurassic Park is the cliche pick, and for good reason, Sphere is the Crichton book that really stood out to me as a younger reader. Something about how well he used psychological suspense was what got me hooked. Plus there is just something terrifying if you truly take a deep look into the reality that you do not control your own subconscious mind.

[@JeffEpp-nh8dy]

Sphere was wack, made absolutely no sense at end and too many twists

[@emosongsandreadalongs]

I've read all 18 fiction books Crichton published under his own name (and one under a different name), and Sphere is my number one favorite. Followed closely by Prey. Honestly, I think I'd put Jurassic Park in my bottom half. I didn't really like it much

[@dwightbaldwin5500]

I loved Sphere first time I read it

[@guiledazen44]

Dang.. you're almost at 100k. Can't help but feel happy for this growing channel. I was there when you only had less than 1k subs and I just happen to stumble upon your channel 'cause I was looking for reviews on The First Law 🎉

[@mikesbookreviews]

It has been a wild ride! Thanks for being part of it.

[@joshbain8032]

I discovered Dune a few years ago and quickly read the following 5 books in quick secession. Totally get what you mean about transformative. Like you i read this series at the perfect time. It impacted me so much and the themes throughout the 6 books was so powerful.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yep. Still to this day.

[@JR-uc5oz]

You should explore the prequels as well. They are worth reading!

[@P--O]

This list is really awesome! There are so many super pretentious "top 10 lists" of books no "normal" person ever reads, so your list is really liberating and "real". Greetings from a new subscriber in Sweden

[@kjcartmellsjourney9145]

Fun list! I love how you threw To Kill a Mockingbird, Lonesome Dove and Gone with the Wind in with the sci-fi/fantasy/horror. A recommendation for a historical fiction book - E.L. Doctorow's Billy Bathgate. A resourceful, capable boy falls in with some deadly Depression era gangsters.

[@nalanihao9044]

I just finished Les Miserables by Victor Hugo ; Barnes & Nobles Edition and it's going to knock you over it's that good. Thank you for your picks. I wrote every one down as my Get To List and I knew Dune would be on that list!! Have a Great Father's Day! In fact, take the Month off!!

[@fcsolis]

Jurassic Park, Ender's Game, Lonesome Dove are in my Top Ten as well. The most riveting book I've ever read, I read 40 years ago-Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough. That one's a cinder block, too.

[@Sweetlife9999]

Yes! Loved Thorn Birds!

[@sunshinemerlot9790]

I absolutely love Gone with the Wind. I was hooked on that book within a few pages and I do not think there is one misstep in the 700+ pages. I recently had to start packing to move and it was the first book I put in the "keep and move" box. I think your Patreon book club is going to love this book. I agree it is not what people think. To me, it is a story about arrested development, about the inability to move on and accept change, and how our (erroneous) perception of things interferes with out ability to grow and live. It is so so good!

[@infasis]

That Dune cover is awesome. (Actually reminds me how much I hate that Amazon/Kindle won't even let you change your book covers, after they retroactively change cover art for books you already purchased, from timeless art for things like Dune, Wheel of Time, Lord of the Rings, etc to whatever the newest movie adaptation-inspired covers are.)

[@donnara8379]

First of all, I love your pics of novels. I’ve read so many books since I’ve met you on this channel, so thank you but gone with the wind everybody should read it. It’s a big book. I read it along time ago and I was very lucky when I was a young woman I got to go see it, it was almost 7 hours. You had a half hour split in between my God. It was good for every reason that he’s telling you it’s good he’s absolutely right.

[@pugshorty9852]

I 100% agree with you on the Gone With the Wind pick. Scarlett is the kind of lady I would always chase after.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Annoyingly amazing ha ha

[@jimekjimek-l8i]

The only book in your top ten I hadn’t read is Lonesome Dove. I purchased it after watching your video and am about two-thirds through it. Took a while to really get into it, but am really enjoying it. I would recommend Herman Wouk’s Winds of War & War And Remembrance. I agree that all the books you mention are great books.

[@TheJezza223]

I love Gone with the wind, so glad you’re doing an in-depth video about it! Will it just be on Patreon or on public too?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh a ton of us are reading it on the Discord in July. It’s open to everyone.

[@Yesica1993]

@@mikesbookreviews Oh, cool!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Nice list! We have a lot of overlap in our favorites. I haven't made this list yet because like you said, it's so hard. I just jotted down contenders for my top 10 and wrote down 35 books lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

My first draft was 44 😂

[@dinocollins720]

LotR, GoT, It, Dune, Jerassic Park, The First Law, Red Rising these all for sure hold a position on the list. Not sure which books exactly but these are my predictions!!!

[@Link-we8so]

Mike... Can we get a video of your honorable mentions?

[@katieamarsh]

Or more than one of them. 😂

[@Yellowblam]

Always very heartfelt. Good show.

[@tomcampbell2134]

I love the list. I've read them all with the exception of Enders Game. I agree with you about Gone the Wind. It is awesome. Once you reach the BBQ at Twelve Oaks the story takes off like a rocket that does stop until the final page.

[@yelisieimurai]

Very good list Mike. I like that you have such a variety in your list

[@Cosmic-Industry]

Dune is with no doubt my favourite book of all time. I read it for the first when I was 11 and it hooked me forever to the Sci-Fi genre but it was after the second reading in my early 20s when I had that epiphany that has changed me forever! I had a simile experience with Frankenstein, which I read when I was 12.

[@frozenninja4030]

This is a banger of a list, Mike. This is my first video of yours and I can say it will not be the last. Some of these books are among my favorites as well. Ender's Game and Storm of Swords are both such great books within great series. Loved pretty much anything by Michael Crichton since I was a kid. I just finished my first read through of Fellowship and it was fantastic. My wife just finished her first read through of Dune and she loved it as well. Interesting timing on coming across your channel...

[@mikesbookreviews]

Welcome! Hope you'll stick around.

[@cljuliano]

Now I need to read Lonesome Dove, LOTR, and Game of Thrones! The new Dune movie is one of my favorite movies ever.

[@tawnyachristensen7310]

Just subscribed! We share many of the same books on our favorites list and I'm going to try to work in some that we don't share to my TBR.

[@zombie3833]

Ender's Game is one of my top books of all time. While I'm with you on the sequels, I HIGHLY recommend you give Ender's Shadow a try. It is not a sequel but a retelling of Ender's Game concurrently from the perspective of Bean. Excellent pairing. I consider them one solid read now.

[@clavain2458]

Loved the video...had the same feeling about Dune...Watership Down though would have been on my list. Which is maybe one of the best books to read to your children.

[@jmaa93]

Speaker for the dead, in my opinion is a must read. It is philosophical and potent.

[@TheGreatestHeroEver]

Love your videos, Mike! Thanks for everything you give.

[@mattcraven8214]

I’m reading Lonesome Dove now. Might be the greatest western ever. It’s kind of the Gone with the Wind of westerns.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Absolutely.

[@klaymoon1]

Great top 10 list! Can you also do another series for top 10 series?

[@b8la]

I ve read Hyperion because of your previous recommendation and it blew my mind!! Then I continued with fall of hyperion too. ❤

[@Yesica1993]

I need to read Hyperion again. Wasn't it wild? Some parts were horrifying and other parts heartbreaking. Almost like different types of books combined. I can't even explain it. I've never read anything quite like it.

[@player_one2767]

Solid list tbh. I harp on Dan Simmons to anyone that will listen so it's nice to see him get some love here. That is pretty rare but much deserved. Simmons' Ilium and Olympus books I absolutely love. Judging by your top 10 list I feel I would largely agree with your taste and will definitely be giving Lonesome Dove a shot. It's the only one on the list I haven't read. Keep up the good work, brother. I'll be checking out your other content.

[@Paul_McSeol]

Top 10 is tough. Lonesome Dove, the Martian, pattern Recognition, Enders Game, Mistborn, Cloud Atlas, Dune, the Club Dumas, Snow Crash, and Mists of Avalon. But this could change on any given day. I’d have another dozen honorable mentions. As you said, a lot of tough cuts. What an awesome list!!!

[@LydiaZTR]

Amazing review, my favorites books are also Dune, Lord of the rings, and A song of ice and fire, after hearing your review I will definitely plan to read some of the other books you suggested!

[@CSLow_]

My grandmother grew up in Monroeville, AL and met Mrs. Lee. Got a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird signed by her and my grandmother then gave it to me; it's one of my most prized posessions from my grandmother. If any of you are interested, there is a hilarious Introduction for one of her editions of TKaM written by Mrs. Lee where she talks shit about novel Introduction sections. Pretty good stuff 😂

[@geed1996]

Great list. my personal favorite is count of monte Cristo so I was glad you mentioned it.

[@richardcozad1166]

Great list! I’m shocked that Swan Song didn’t make the list.

[@fcsolis]

Awesome. Swan Song and Boy's Life are amazing.

[@anthonyomahoney6088]

Great video! So weird, your number one book is a book I attempted to read years ago but I couldn’t finish it. I remember loving it and then thinking, S.K couldn’t finish it properly- the complete opposite of what you said. I’m going to give it another go now I’m a bit more of an avid reader!!

[@chrismantonuk]

Really happy to see Jurassic Park included on your list! I read it when I was about 11 or 12, and it is one of the first books that has really stuck in my memory. I re-read it quite often. And you’re so right, it looks a lot more like horror in some places than sci-fi..

[@mikesbookreviews]

That book was everything I wanted at 13 years old.

[@pamelalagree-kanotz6845]

MIchael Crichton was amazing! Medical degree, law degree, and phenomenal author. Also gave us ER!

[@purplesprigs]

Two things: Crichton's books have aged very poorly. When you focus on cutting edge technology, ten years later it is ridiculously out of date. Also, when you steal Arthur Conan Doyle's work, then make millions off of it, maybe you deserve your denouement.

[@Harold-bf6bf]

Hey Mike. Recently found out about your channel and have been loving your takes on books. Just wanted to recommend you a webtoon (yes, you have to read it on a phone), SSS-class suicide hunter. This is one of the best character driven stories I have yet read. Do give it a try. You are going to get hooked from the second chapter.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll look it up!

[@flappyturtlesnatch]

Regarding LOTR, there's an audiobook version on the archive by Phil Dragash that may be the best audiobook I've ever listened to. I try to bring attention to it because he can't sell it due to copyright bs but he deserves so much credit for his work. I encourage everyone to get it. Edit: Also The Hobbit by Bluefax. One of the best and also free on the archive.

[@AfricanLiterature-qq3ye]

The author of "Bleeding Stubs" brought me here. Besong just gave a talk about the story in my magazine's discord. We are amazed by the charitable work he is doing with the sales. What a mesmerising writer!

[@thatgamingfreak]

The idea that you can recommend Ender's Game so highly and you haven't read Speaker for the Dead is shocking to me. It's such an excellent story about cultural differences, the pursuit of science, and guilt. It will forever be my favorite Orson Scott Card story.

[@zackbennett5609]

Your lack of faith disturbs me!

[@Rumham729]

It’s also one of the books with the greatest sense of empathy I think

[@Akash_Vegan]

Yeah. I think I spent years hung up on Speaker for the Dead. In my top 5 for sure.

[@TheThrillOfBecoming]

Is Xenoside a necessary read before Speaker for the dead?

[@sethstephens4777]

@@TheThrillOfBecoming xenocide comes after Speaker

[@visiblecc1]

First time viewer, and now that I’ve watched this list, a new subscriber! This is a fantastic list, and you described exactly how I feel and what I’ve said about some of these, especially IT and Storm of Swords. I would trust any book recommendation from you!

[@Mr.Peck88]

I love Gone With the Wind. I like to re-read it every few years. There is not a boring page in the whole book.

[@KarateElvis]

I see your Folio Society copy of Dune up there. It’s so beautiful that I broke down and bought one myself. Great channel! Thanks for the honest reviews.

[@shttc900]

Can't believe Gone With the Wind was mentioned! I feel like no one ever talks about that book because of cancel culture etc. It's so well written! Ashley and Melanie, in particular, felt so real to me. They were bred for another world...

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'm done letting folks bully me about books because their feelings got hurt. Most that are critical of it have never read a page.

[@nbenefiel]

I’m sorry but that “Lost Cause” BS turns me off. American chattel slavery was abominable and I loathe anything that tries to legitimize it. GWTW makes me sick.

[@hyacinthh6900]

​@@nbenefiel Your attitude is as ridiculous as the people that refuse to read Charles Dickens because of an affair. You never learn if you don't read. Besides missing some amazing magnificent wonderful stories.

[@nbenefiel]

@@hyacinthh6900 I’ve read GWTW several times. I don’t consider it anywhere near the level of Dickens, Joyce, Hemingway, or even Du Maurier. I didn’t refuse to read it.

[@malafakka8530]

​@@nbenefielit makes you sick but you read it several times?

[@sarajenkins74]

This is just such an excellent video. All the books you mention that I have read I completely agree with your review. And now I have a few new ones that I want to read.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ashappyasiget140]

Adding Gone with the Wind to my TBR. Good thing about life is all the unread books.

[@Ihavetocorrectyou]

Bad thing is you will never finish them all.