“'The Count of Monte Cristo.' It's a very personal book for me. It tells you that revenge doesn't fulfill you as much as love and friendship.”

— Julia Rader, student, Lawrence

“I'll give the high-school textbook answer: '1984' by George Orwell. It's one of my favorites, at least.”

— Cassidy Curt, cook, Lawrence

“The Bible. Not the King James version, though. It's too complicated and not as accurate.”

— Teresa Cater, retired, Lawrence

“With the way the world is today, I'd say 'On the Beach,' which Nevil Shute wrote in the 1950s.”

— Richard Hoover, factory worker, Lawrence

“Read more: Next KU Common Book expected to spur tough conversations about race, equality”

— Related story, March 8, 2016, LJWorld.com