I define important books as those that have made a lasting impression on me, often times changing the way I think about the world. Important books are those that you remember long after you have finished them, for reasons that may be completely personal. Books may be considered classics when they address universal truths or questions, and many readers think about, but not all important books are classics. What books do YOU consider to be important?

http://lifehacker.com/397394/the-books-that-changed-your-lives



Of course everyone has an idea of what is really a great book. Some of us tend to rely on "lists", while others prefer to do our own research and make our own choices.

Links for lists:

Illinois State Library recommendations for high school students:
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/whats_new/rfl.html

Abraham Lincoln Book Lists:
http://www.islma.org/lincoln.htm

Amazon;s suggestions for what to read before you finish high school:
http://www.amazon.com/Most-Important-Books-Before-Graduation/lm/R3E1GO0P3Q2L9S