Read Any Great Books?

There is an old saying, from I know not where, that goes something like this, “A good book is one that preserves your beliefs, a great book is one that destroys them.” I have found that to be true. Many of my thoughts and opinions have come from being forced, by some faceless author, to question previously held ideas.These are the books I admire the most. And in that light, I would like some input on any books, you out there, have read that have changed your beliefs and ideas about the mind, life, the universe, whatever. This is, of course, for purely selfish reasons...I will be going on a sunny, sandy vacation soon and would like something inspiring to peruse.

To get us started here is a list of some books that have had such an effect on me:

1) Walden by Henry David Thoreau.
Probably the one book that has affected my ideals more than any other. A truly great book.

2) The Hero With a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell.
As with many of his writings, it points to the intrinsic sameness of humanity throughout all cultures.

3) The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious By Carl Jung
A look into the the mind of man.

4) The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
A book filled with wisdom on how to find peace in one's life. His The Mastery of Love is also recommended.

5) The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
If you are married or are heading in that direction, male or female, get it and read it and use whatever force necessay to get your partner to read it.

6) The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
If this book does not make you think about the way you view the world, it is time to invest in a casket.

7) The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and Unabridged by Robert Frost
If you enjoy poetry at all he was one of America's greats.

8) The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge by Carlos Casteneda
The entire Don Juan series really points out the power we have over our own lives along with the resposibilities.

9) A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
A laymans guide to the universe.

10) A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
A wonderull book showcasing the interconnectedness of history. If you like Connections on PBS you'll enjoy this.

Well, there's ten..I await your comments and suggestions. My foundations could use a good shaking.