What is a Good Philosophy Book?

[Nathan S]

i am interested in reading and studying philosophy without havening to force myself to read a dumb text book anybody know of an interesting one?

[briteyes]

'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. It's a novel, but much of the book consists of letters between a young Norwegian girl, Sophie, and a mysterious philosopher. Through these letters, he introduces her to the history of philosophy. However, as the book moves on, we discover that these strange teachings are somehow tied into bizarre happenings in Sophie's life.

It's a fascinating book, and a wonderful introduction to philosophy. I read it in college, the year after I took a course on Greek philosophy--I wished I'd done it the other way around, because it made the concepts much more accessible. It should also give you a sense of which philosophers you find interesting, and what their major works are.

[moonstone]

"The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz

or try "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo - it's a novel and philosophy book at the same time. You may also try his "The Witch of Portabello"..