It goes without saying that well-read men often have superior intellect in comparison to men who flirt with the funny pages. When I took writing from a pastime to a career one piece of advice I got that stuck with me was to just keep reading.Read everything, regardless of what it’s about. The stack of magazines in my bathroom and the book shelves in my home and office are proof of that advice come alive. I’ve always been a reader, and granted my tastes have changed over the years, there are certain books that stick out as the best reading experiences I’ve ever had. There are millions of published books for sale at any given time. So many that it would be impossible to read them all. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the top thirty books that every man must read, regardless of whether you read a lot or a little. Since we already created a post about 100 Men’s Fashion books, we did not mention them here again, but check it out!
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Lord of the Flies by William Goulding
- Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
- The Art of Warfare by Sun Tzu
- Hamlet by William Shakespeare
- Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
- How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
- Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
- Ulysses by James Joyce
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
- Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
- A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Davis Wyss
- Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- Dracula by Bram Stoker
- Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- Conclusion
Enjoy.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My favorite book of all time, this is the tale of the incredibly wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the enchanting and sophisticated Daisy Buchanan. It takes place in the 1920s and regales you with stories of lavish parties at Gatsby’s mansion. It’s a true tale for the gentleman and a glimpse into the high life of the roaring twenties. It’s magical and majestic. Exceptionally well written. For the latest movie review, click here. For a copy of the book, get it here.
Lord of the Flies by William Goulding
Before Survivor and the Hunger Games came Lord of the Flies, the iconic and passionate tale of a group of British schoolboys who are stranded on an island and the struggles that ensue. It’s as provocative a book today as it was when it was first published. A must read for anyone with a bit of wit and a sense of adventure. If you want to read it, check here.
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This classic coming-of-age tale is without question one of the top five books I’ve ever read. It’s a story about a young man and his funny and often touching life experiences. It is a magnificent read and one worthy of your attention. Click here to get a copy.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
This is the ultimate adventure about pirates. Something every young man should read. As a boy named Jim Hawkins searches for hidden treasure, the all-star cast of pirates and sailors keep this story afloat. It’s a fantastic story and hunt that will keep you on the edge of your seat from cover to cover. Read it here.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This Pulitzer Prize winning novel takes place in the deep south of Alabama in the 1930s. Scout Finch is a young girl whose father is a lawyer working on the case of a black man who has been charged with the rape of a white woman. It’s an intense read shockingly full of rich humor and unabashed honesty as it looks at the case through the eyes of a child. Read the book here.
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
A gripping story about good and evil, this classic is the tale of a terrifying future where sociopathic criminals take over the cold, dark night. Using invented slang, this is one of the most brilliant stories ever written and despite being typecast as horror, it takes a very philosophical view that makes you think. Click here for the chance to read the book.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
A book about choices, this incredible novel, takes place in Russia and follows the story of an impoverished student who decides to rob and kill a pawn broker in a well laid, meticulously planned out crime. It’s thought provoking and entertaining throughout. An excellent read. For a copy, go here.
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
This is one of the greatest war novels ever written. Hands down. It follows the story of a young American in Spain named Robert Jordan who is in the International Brigades as a member of a special commando unit. The story is inspiring, a tale of courage, love, loyalty and defeat. It’s one of the most spectacular books you’ll ever read. I guarantee it. Go here for a copy.
The Art of Warfare by Sun Tzu
This is without question the most well-read war book in history. It focuses on the philosophy of winning a war and can easily translate into business, everyday life and relationships. Thought provoking and insightful, it’s one book that every man should have on his shelf. Don’t miss out and read it here.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Arguably one of the greatest plays ever written if you are going to read just one of Shakespeare’s works this is the one you should read. It’s the tragic story of a prince named Hamlet who learns that his uncle has killed his father in an attempt to marry his mother and take over the throne. It’s a moving tale, of profound sadness and great complexity. A must read for any well-read gentleman. If you have not read it, get the book here.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
An excellent film as well, this true story is about a man named Christopher McCandless, who in 1992, gave his life savings to charity, abandoned his home and car, left all his possessions and burned his wallet to find himself in the wild. Just four months later, he was found dead. The book is supremely good, the movie excellent as well. I highly recommend both of them. If you want to get the book, click here.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
An irresistible cult classic, this is the unusual tale of Arthur Dent, who is plucked off the planet by his friend, a researcher, seconds before Earth is demolished. Together, they journey through deep space in a journey that will excite you and keep you on your feet. It may sound like this book is off its rocker, and it is, but it’s still, nevertheless, one whimsical book every man should read. Get the book here.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, this is the tale of the French peasantry as it comes under the demoralization of the aristocracy leading up to the revolution. It’s a brutal look that focuses on the various social statures of men and tracks the lives of several characters coming from different lineages. Want to have your copy? Check here.
Moby Dick by Herman Melville
In one of the most famous novels ever written, Moby Dick is the story of a whaling ship’s grizzled captain who charts a course for revenge against Moby Dick, a sperm whale that destroyed his last ship and left the embattled captain crippled. It’s a provocative journey that focuses on right and wrong and the blurred gray line that divides them. An exemplary read. For your own copy, check it here.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
What begins as what seems almost comedic, the novel is a philosophical look that explores all points of deception as the errant knight, with his faithful squire roam the world taking on quests that are sure to taunt you as you read. It’s a glorious read that will make you think, and rethink as you go. Read it here.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
As relevant as it was when it was released in 1936, How to Win Friends and Influence People is an advice guide that many leading men claim to have helped them reach their goals and succeed. Broken into groups, you’ll learn the six ways to make people like you, the nine ways to change people without them resenting you and the twelve ways to make people think like you do. Its principles are simple and if there is one “self-help” book every man needs to have it’s this one. For your own copy, click here.
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller
Originally banned in the United States for being what censors called obscene, this classic is the tale of a young writer and his friends in 1930’s Paris and their bawdy adventures with the people they meet. Remarkably well written and unapologetic, this is one-page turner that is sure to arouse you from your slumber. Click here to read now.
Ulysses by James Joyce
The tale of adultery, this once, deemed offensive book is now a true literary classic. The story chronicles the events on June 16th, 1904 and how they effect a man named Leopold Bloom and another named Stephen Dedalus when Bloom’s very attractive wife, Molly, has an extramarital affair. This is one book that could change your life. It’s been hailed as a work of genius and is so eloquent and engaging that it’s sure to change your perspective of what defines a good book. For the chance to read it, go here.
Animal Farm by George Orwell
A remarkable and controversial story of a society of animals that are abused and overworked and their journey to find equality and justice as they rise against the humans. Considered a satire, this book is one of the most controversial novels ever written. It is indicative of how tyranny and power can corrupt even the noblest cause. If you want to read it, get it here.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
A book about the famous fire bombing of Dresden, this anti-war story showcases the life of Billy Pilgrim during WII as he confronts his own demons in a search for meaning. An incredibly well written and forward-thinking book, it is one that every man should read at some point in their lives. Do you want to read it? Get the book here.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey
This is the spirited and ultimately devastating story of inmates at a mental hospital and the nurse that one patient is determined to challenge. The novel is somewhat heroic and completely unrestrained. It’s a unique look into the mental wards of the mid-1960s and the patients and staff that inhabited them. If you would like to read this, check here.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
The classic story of an ordinary young man who due to a chain of unusual events is taken from his peasant roots and into the upper echelons of society. As he strives to become a proper gentleman, we watch his life intertwine with London’s aristocrats and underworld. A truly mesmerizing story, it will be one book you’ll have trouble putting down. Read it here.
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
When Ernest Hemingway went to war in 1918, he served as an ambulance driver in Italy where he was wounded and received medals for his bravery. This book charts his experiences as he vividly shows us the fear, camaraderie and courage the men in his unit persevered through. It is a love story, a drama and a passionate and vivid account of his experience in the war to end all wars. Get a copy here.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
A tale of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812, this novel focuses on a selection of characters from all classes including noblemen, peasants, soldiers and civilians. It details their struggles, their passions and the fight they did and did not believe in. It is a moving story full of passion, grit and intrigue. I guarantee your local library has a copy of this somewhere. Click here to read now.
The Swiss Family Robinson by Johann Davis Wyss
One of my favorite stories as a child and still one worthy of a read from time to time, this heroic adventure details the plight of a family who is shipwrecked on a desert island and the life they make for themselves as they await rescue. It’s a dynamic tale of passion and courage thoughtfully written and perfect for younger men who crave a sense of adventure in their reading. Check it here.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
A gripping thriller, this is the story of a unique pair of men, one small and quick while the other is large with the mind of a child. As they work in the California vegetable fields, they labor with a plan in place to own their acre of land and a shack they can call home. This is one book you won’t be able to put down. Click here to get a copy of the book.
Dracula by Bram Stoker
An epistolary novel, this is the story of the world’s most famous vampire and the people who encounter him. A gripping tale, it is uniquely written with focuses on sexuality, folklore, post-colonialism and gothic romanticism. It’s an exceptional tale and has led to an entire genre of vampire books, movies and stories that we love to tell. For your copy, gclick here.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
The tale of a young Englishman who sets sail to find adventure. When he’s shipwrecked on a deserted island for thirty-five years, the story takes a turn to focus on the ingenuity of man, and the natural skill one possesses to stay alive. It is a story of determination, survival and a passion for life that will take you in and capture your heart. A must read for every adventurer. For your very own copy, click here.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
The story of a boy and a runaway slave who travel down the Mississippi River on a raft in what turns out to be the greatest adventure of their lives. As they encounter obstacles we are shown a unique perspective of the realities of a boy’s mind and ones will to survive. If you didn’t read this book as a child, this is one you’ll still certainly enjoy today. Read it here.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
The story of a man on the run after stealing a loaf of bread and the lawman who chases him over the course of many decades. This is the book that inspired the hit Broadway musical and it’s a shattering story full of hope, despair and love. Exceptionally well written, it will take you on a journey of emotions as you follow the life of a man who made a mistake and is judged on it rather than how he lives his life. Grab a copy here.
Conclusion
I could have easily written a book detailing all the novels that have inspired me and changed my life dramatically. A good novel can do that. It can break you, repair you and inspire you in ways that a movie cannot. I hope that you enjoyed this article and get as much from these books as I have over the years.
With all due respect, no such list is complete without the Holy Bible. I recommend it first and foremost. Great list, nevertheless.
Cause it falls under the same group with these books. It is FICTION.
Whatever genre you’d classify it as, it is still the single most important and significant book in, at least, western civilization. It shaped human history for centuries (and continues to do so), defined countries, laws, philosophies, science (for better or worst) divided and united people in every single corner (no pun intended) of the world. One could even go as far as saying that, without the Bible, there would be no gentlemen or Gentleman’s Gazzete, since it all trickles down from knighthood and chivalry which trickles down from christendom. So it is indeed quite an omission.
This is trolling, surely?
Not quite yet ;). We all have different opinions and it’s good to discuss them as long as the tone remains gentlemanly.
I suppose the Bible probably should be included, as well as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and the Dhammapada. I wouldn’t refer to any of these as fiction or nonfiction, although, I would recommend that the Bible be read last.I certainly don’t say that for controversy, but, I feel it quite possible that, for those who have read them all – there may be understanding as to why that order may make sense. Admittedly, I’ve not read the ‘Holy Q’uran’ or the ‘Kabbalah’; please, no disrespect intended to the practitioners of these respective faiths. I, personally, find Atheism to be one of the most profoundly interesting faiths – as ‘it’s’ practitioners seem to enjoy a stated reliance upon science, as though science proves or disproves philosophical tenets. I see this as, fundamentally, no different that the very zealotry to which they seem opposed! Therefore, I don’t actually believe that, again – fundamentally – atheism actually exists. For those who may find this offensive, consider: Perhaps this is just my own existential problem — ‘ Pervasive Energy’ only knows!
I agree.
A wonderful list and inspiring to revisit these classic works. I’d add a few: Ulysses, anything by Hunter S. Thompson (just because), All the Kings Men, and Death of Salesman.
To Mootz Moody’s note, the Bible and all religious text are always good reading, even if from an nonreligious pov…
Hello,
A good list. I have read most of them, with “Treasure Island” being the very first book I ever read ( I mean the first one which was not a children’s book or an abridged young reader’s book).
Mootz, I respectfully disagree, in that the Holy Bible is not a novel, hence it does not belong here, where you should understand “book” as “novel”.
Regards,
Daniel
Raphael, With all respect, I agree with your list except that I put the Holy Bible in first place.
Great choices! I agree with MikeS as well. I would also throw in RichDad PoorDad.
At least there is some literary value to all the works on your list, but I still disagree strongly with the content overall. The Greek and Roman classics should be the only MUST read for any one in the western world. They are the foundation of our civilization. It wasn’t long ago that any half educated person could read Homer in the original Greek. I would state that the decline of our civilization corresponds with the elimination of the classics from our education.
Here are the basics: The Iliad, The Odyssey, Plutarch’s Lives, Thucydides, The Aeneid, Tacitus, Livy. After that you can go in all sorts of directions.
Among the moderns, I am surprised not to see Kipling on the list. Kim is one of the great books of all time.
Good post though.
Every man should read plenty of books written by women. If you’re leaning toward classic literature, George Eliot is a good place to start. If you’re looking for someone more contemporary, Jane Smiley or Elena Ferrante are excellent choices.
I would add Long Walk to Freedom by the late Nelson Mandela.
Regards,
kas
So 31 books instead of 30? And the ONE extra book should be about a man who turned a functioning country into the worlds most violent democracy? Mandela is poor inspiration for men not only as a statesman but also on a personal level. Far more interesting men have walked this earth.
One would question for whom this “functioning democracy” was working and at whose expense. There’s more than one perspective to any subject
Sadly, at one time in the US education system most of these books were read either by the end of high school, if not by the end of a required literature class in college. I appreciate the list and the other books nominated by fellow readers. This list makes me happy to know such fine literature exists, and sad that most Americans under the age of 25 have yet to read them.
In High school, we were forced to read “Silas Marner” and all thought we had been punished horribly. I actually liked the book and have read it of my own free will a few times since, along with “Red Badge of Courage” and “McTeague“, as well as many others. I need to grab the ones from this list that I’ve missed as well as suggestions from commenters here, including the Greek classics. I do take exception to the folks proposing the Christian Bible as one of the “books” every man should read… not because I don’t agree, but because Christian men (and women) let that spring from their lips so glibly and fail to consider that other religious tomes might be equally worth reading. No red-blooded American Christian would consider the Holy Quran as something to be read alongside the Holy Bible. Right? No, I’m not a Muslim if that matters. Don’t be afraid you’ll offend your God by reading something from another point of view. Since my next suit may be made in Dubai (via Knot Standard) it might be nice to know something about what the people making it believe in.
Agreed.
If we are talking about people in the western world, then the Christian Bible is an absolute must. Your beliefs are irrelevant in this case as we are talking about its literary value and its place in intellectual history. If you live in the Muslim world, then things may be different for you. If not, then there is no escape the Bible’s influence and importance. If I am talking about foundational literature in my culture, I have no reason to include the foundational literature of another for politically correct or other purposes.
Get this: You cant understand half the great literature, art, and history of the west without an knowledge of the Bible.
It is a good book, and of some value, although many others are probably of more value, try the Bhagavad~Gita – A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada it is also a good read…..
You miss the entire point. If you are Indian or Hindu, your suggestion is appropriate. It is inappropriate in this case. What you think has some random value or what you believe in personally is your business. What books form the foundation of the western heritage and should be read by everyone who participates in our culture is another. Hindu epics aren’t going to help in this case.
Again, there are people from all over the world reading this blog and I recognize that their reading lists would be different.
That being the case, then, you are considering Russia as part of the “Western” world, right? While many assume Christianity and Islam are the ‘leading contenders’ on this small planet – that seems to ignore the numbers of Hindus and Buddhists. That’s quite an oversight, perhaps made more so, in a climate where we mix cultures and business… Not to mention, the formerly mentioned faiths have only been around a fraction of the time of the latter. As for relating specifically to Western Heritage – although I was born in 1959, a mere 14 years after World War II, frequent trips to San Francisco (near my home) illustrated early that many cultures were and, had been, influencing our own. I seem to recall some mention of a ‘melting pot’!
I understand they believe in the same God.
N.
More than questionable. The orthodox Christian and Muslim ideas of God are entirely different.
Thank you for this list of great books!
The range from Shakespeare to Miller and the Hitchhiker’s guide is stunning, but you one really wouldn’t want to go without them.
Possibly it would be a good idea to limit the selection to fiction, taking books from Sun Tsu and Carnegie from the list. (Otherwise one could argue that Plato’s apology is missing just like the I Ching and many others) Still, I’m afraid “30 books” is just not enough.
As far as fiction is concerned, I’d love to include: Homer: Iliad & Odyssey, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Borges‘ Aleph. Kafkas stories.
Alice in Wonderland would be wonderful to have, not only for young readers. For the power of imagination in literature, Tolkiens LOTR is a must have. Growing up is the perfect age to read Hesses Demian.
And (not only) for a reading list on the Gentleman’s Gazette, it would be great to have:
– Poetry: Beaudelaire’s Flowers of Evil? Sonnets by Shakespeare? John Donne?
– More books by female authors: Wuthering Heights? Or Virginia Woolf?
– Oscar Wilde: Dorian Gray
– Boris Vian: Foam of the Days, that wonderful book about lovers.
– Garcia Marquez: 100 years of solitude
It would also be nice to have a book about reading – I found Ezra Pound’s ABC of reading very helpful.
And there is this very intelligent book by Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield: Letters to His Son on the Art of Becoming a Man of the World and a Gentleman.
But those two are non-fiction again.
Thanks for sharing your highly inspirational list,
Martin Eymer
I find it hard to believe that there is only one French book on the list. Of course by limiting world literature to a list of just thirty books creates an almost impossible challenge, but surely French, Italian, German literature deserves a nod towards their extensive literary successes: Goethe, Balzac, Dante, Proust, a sadly limited list of names that immedialety spring to mind. The Greeks and Romans mentioned by others are, of course, essential. But perhaps by allowing only those books written in English would be welcome. I suppose we must remember that it isn’t a list of the world’s best books but those which a genteman should have read. What a difficult choice! But thank you for initiating such an interesting discussion.
Nigel, it’s a list of 30 books that you should read, not a list of the best 30 books, or the only 30 books. Of course, there are way more out there. J.A. put together this list, mine would look different, and I am sure most people would not agree 100% and that’s great. The point here is to get people interested in reading, and if we accomplish that, I am happy.
Nigel,
This is why I say the Greek and Roman classics are the real must reads. They are the foundation. After that, one could choose to focus on the literature of a a particular sub culture or genre. Otherwise we end up with a very long list of seemingly unconnected books in trying include everyone.
As far as translation goes, I hate it. I taught myself to read ancient Greek and I can tell you you are not reading Homer, absolutely not reading him, if you are reading in translation. Not being snotty, just honest. Robert E. Lee, with an eighth grade education was able to read and comment on the accuracy of his friends translation of the Homer. What must his schooling have been like? What are kids learning now?
Excellent list Raphael!!! I must agree with Parnassus as I had read the bulk of your list by the time I graduated from High School. Neither of my kids are even remotely inclined to read – unless it’s a text or email – and I daresay that they were not highly motivated to read by their teachers in school. My favorite from your list is Huck Finn. At the beginning of every day my 5th grade teacher would read to us, she read two books over the course of the school year, Huck Finn and The Yearling. She cried a lot reading The Yearling, I remember we all did also. A good book is so much better than a movie because it will take you away from where ever you are and transport you into the middle of the story – where ever it is.
A very good List, you should also as add below, Book’s every educated Gentleman should read.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki with Sharon L. Lechter CPA
A Short History of nearly Everything โ Bill Bryson
Paper Promises โ Philip Coggan
How the West was Lost โ Dambisa Moyo.
Power & Greed โ A Short History of the World by Philippe Gigantes.
The Ascent of Money by Niall Ferguson
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
Capital in the 21st Century โ Thomas Piketty
Good Value by Stephen Green
The 4 Pillars of Investing โ W. J. Berstein.
The Great Investors by Glen Arnold
Esential Writings of Karl Marx โ Red & Black Publishers.
Less is More by Jason Jennings
How to Make Money Trading by Lex van Dam
The Rules of Wealth by Richard Templar.
Setting up and running a Limited Company by Robert Browning.
I think you confused greedy materialist with gentleman. The books you mention have nothing to do with personal improvement or spiritual fortitude. While they might give someone a better understanding of certain aspects of history or business, they will do nothing to hone the spirit of a man.
Great list, I have actually been searching for something like this. With so many books now available I want to make sure I read all the classics because they have inspired many, myself included.
Thanks Raphael. I’m a reader of books too and have read and reread many that you and others have mentioned for the joy of reading.
Although it might not qualify as literature, per se, I believe there should be an honorable mention for Ian Flemming’s James Bond novels. They are, in fact, extremely dissimilar to the bits of suave cinema we have all, at one point or another, been exposed to. Not to mention, each book is laced with high-society.
It would be interesting to see more lists of books. This was a good introduction to the modern classics, books you need to have read in civilized society (with natural emphasis on anglo- american literature). I think the lists that come after this are more interesting and worth discussing. Here are some examples:
30 books concerning masculinity
30 books for the aesthetically gifted dandy
30 books for men looking to lead
30 books for the spiritual steppenwolf
I think you get the idea. This seems like a project where many inputs are needed to achieve quality. Also each books place needs to be properly argued for. Finally this is of course Schneiders forum and he chooses what he wants to do with it.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas?
Great list! I agree that the Bible is an essential addition. Also, I’d highly recommend Middlemarch by George Eliot – an incredibly complex and well-sourced novel about the politics and etiquette of provincial England at the time of the Reform Acts (1830s). I’d recommend getting a proper footnoted version so that all the subtle references are explained as you read.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy should be on this list
You have presented a nice list of books; however, I’d change the name to this: 30 books you should have read before you finished your freshman year in college.
I wish to nominate Ernest Hemingway’s truly timeless “The Old Man and the Sea.” I read this first as an adolescent and it was a great adventure book. As a teen-ager, I felt that i was receiving a message on manhood. As a family man, I saw myself inspired by the steadiness of the Old Man. Retired now, I read it again with a fuller understanding that life truly is a great adventure!