Of course my tastes change, but here is my current list of books everyone should read at least once. Have a better idea of what should be included here, send me an email using the “Contact Us” tab.

How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charlse Van Doren
Seriously. Read a book on how to read books. You won’t regret it. (And it is not just the Columbia University connection that makes me love this book.)

The Republic by Plato
Since it would be unfair to put all of Plato’s dialogues down in a top ten list, this is probably the most influential. All philosophy is but a footnote to Plato and Aristotle, and since Plato was first, read this one. Pay particular attention to what it takes to be good.

Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle
The companion to reading Plato (and Plato’s student for that matter). This is best understood in contrast to Plato. Again, pay particular attention to what Aristotle thinks “good” is.

 The Holy Bible by Various Authors (via the Holy Spirit)
Okay this one is a gimme. However, it is a must read if you want to understand modern civilization. Want a quick preview: read Genesis, Exodus, Luke, Acts, and Romans. My personal favorite is Ecclesiastes, but that may just be the cynic in me. I think it is easiest to understand if you see God as the main character as opposed to a collection of stories.

Confessions by Augustine of Hippo
I debated between this and the City of God. However, this is one of the foremost Western Theologians spiritual journey from pagan to Christian. A must read.

Discourse on Inequality and On The Social Contract, by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Not because I agree, but precisely because I don’t. This is probably the most influential writer you have never read. His ideas are the basis (though most don’t know it) of modern secularism.

Democracy in America by Alexis De Tocqueville
What an amazing and astute writer. Came to America in the early 1830′s and pegged the American spirit. He sees competing but mutually beneficial tugs on the American soul: Democracy and Religion (i.e. Chrisitianity). The genius of America is its ability to hold on to both (at least then).

 King Lear by William Shakespeare
Which one do I pick? The one where the guy goes crazy. It really is amazing how Shakespeare writes. Give it a go.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
The classic defense of the Christian faith and a must read. He breaks down the faith into its base parts (i.e. “mere”) and makes the case for it’s acceptance.

A Testament of Devotion by Thomas R. Kelly
The first devotional book that ever made me cry. I want what he describes. So real and so powerful. The shortest book on this list.