Discovering an impressive and ambitious book can be a transformative experience for any reader. We asked CEOs, co-founders, and professionals from various fields to share the most remarkable books they’ve ever read. From the epic journey in The Lord of the Rings to the unique narrative structure of Infinite Jest, here are four awe-inspiring books that left a lasting impact on these individuals.
- The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
- The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
- Wild by Cheryl Strayed
- Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien
The most impressive and ambitious book I’ve ever read is The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. This epic fantasy novel is an incredible journey that follows a group of brave characters on their quest to destroy the powerful Ring, forged by the Dark Lord Sauron and prevent him from taking over Middle Earth.
Along the way, they face incredible obstacles and battle powerful enemies, all while uncovering important secrets about the past. The Lord of the Rings is not only an action-packed adventure, but it’s full of philosophical depth and thought-provoking ideas that will keep readers engaged and captivated throughout its pages.
The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri
“The Divine Comedy,” a 14th-century Italian epic poem, describes the author’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by the poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice. It is renowned for its intricate allegorical structure, vivid imagery, and profound exploration of theological and philosophical concepts.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
One of my favorite, most impressive, and ambitious books is Wild by Cheryl Strayed. It’s an autobiography that shares her story of walking a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (around 1,100 miles in total!). She was only 22 at the time of walking the trail and took this journey after she experienced a tough divorce and the death of her mother. The book is a beautiful story of Cheryl’s healing journey and the difficulties she successfully overcomes on the trail. I’ve read it several times, and it touches me to my core every time.
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Infinite Jest written by David Foster Wallace, comes to mind. This work, published in 1996, is known for its difficulty and ambition.
Infinite Jest stands out because of the uniqueness of its narrative structure and length. The novel features several people and tales that regularly break apart and get intertwined with one another. The footnotes in the book provide information and context, and they are frequently longer than the text itself.
Despite its complexity, Infinite Jest has garnered praise for its comedic value, high level of intellect, and originality. This book delves into the topics of addiction, entertainment, and the search for pleasure.