I read this as a ninth-grader and just thought it was a clever little story for children about talking animals. I was surprised when I later found out that the whole story was a satirical analogy to the rise of communism in Russia. I think this was the first time I realized that books can have deep and sometimes non-obvious meanings.

I was forced to read this as a junior in high school in 1975. I didn't really like the book that much, but it was the first book that really got me thinking deeply about the morality (immorality?) of war.

My mother-in-law gave me this book shortly after the birth of my second son. It enlightened me to the huge benefits of reading aloud to my children. The reading sessions I have had with my children in the many years since are all treasured memories now. The whole wonderful world of children literature was opened up to me also because of this book. Thank you, Lynne!

My introduction to a lifelong obsession with the history of Native America. Because of this book I learned the ugly truth about the immoral actions of our government and our ancestors toward the original inhabitants of the country in which I live. I also learned about many great civilizations, cultures, and people who deserve our respect.

The history of acquisition of knowledge. Reading this book made me realize how little I really know about anything. It also made me realize how little most people know -- especially those who act and speak like they are so knowledgeable. 'And if I claim to be a wise man, it surely means that I don't know.' - Kansas

The author, a college student in Missoula, agrees to spend the winter alone in the Idaho wilderness as a volunteer for a wildlife project. This book deepened my love of adventure and wilderness.

The unbelievably fascinating and violent history of the pre-settlement days of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and western Pennsylvania. The next two sequels in the series (Wilderness Empire and The Conquerors) are equally absorbing and educational. From these books I learned that there is a massive amount of American history that most Americans are completely unaware of.

Water. Our most precious resource - especially here where I live in the western U.S. Because of this book I can never take water for granted again, and I am willing to fight to protect what's left of our natural water resources.

Reading this book made me a lifelong fan of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. It also led me to study and follow portions of their journey.

This book brought a new appreciation of books and the printed word to me.

Vividly portrays the the battle between preservation and development by putting names, faces, and personalities to just a few of the major players as they meet each other to discuss and debate their philosophies in the very places that are to be affected.

Mob psychology is the theme of this book. After reading this I realized how easily otherwise good people can be persuaded to do abhorrent things. It has happened countless times in the past and it continues, even in this country, today.

The first serious book about World War II for me. I developed a new appreciation for "the greatest generation" because of this book.

The story of a young boy, an artistic prodigy, whose talent compels him to express himself in ways that are extremely troublesome and even painful for his orthodox Jewish parents. No book ever connected to my emotions as a father as strongly as did this one.

Industrial Man's unbridled recklessness and gluttony over the past 100 years actually has, and will have, far-flung negative consequences despite what the oil companies with their multi-billion dollar propaganda campaigns tell us.

How America went to "the dark side" (in the words of Dick Cheney) of torture and suspension of numerous Constitutional rights. No book ever made me so angry and fearful for my country's future.