One of the undoubted joys of being shipwrecked on a desert island would be the naturist opportunities.

OK that would be great but it would be nice to have something to read while lounging on a beach for the rest of your life. Books are great company and keep your brain active.

Share with the forum FIVE books that you would want to have washed up in a box on the shore with you.

The box also includes a dictionary in your language, the bible of your preferred religion/belief and a survival manual - so don't choose any of these...

Sadly I am not much of a book reader in the main, howere I though I would kick of the replies to this subject, in my own way... Even though I am sure these were not what you meant for choices of book 

(1) How to build a yacht for dummies!
I'm thinking this might come in handy for a trip to the shops, even if I will want to reclaim my dessert island ;)

(2) 101 ways to enjoy coconuts and fish
I'm sure even then, the island diet might get a little old pretty quick

(3) Castaway - Lucy Irvine
Having watch the movie years ago, I would really feel the book might well connect better in this situation. However I do seem to remember thinking what an awfully strange situation and complicated characters these two were.

(4) Tropical Diseases - A practical guide
Although I must admit we did have an elderly family member who had a similar tome taken away for the benefit of her G.P. This however would probably be much more practical and useful given the situation.

(5) Oddysey - Homer (Not Homer's Odyssey by the Simpsons)
Obviously this book has been an inspiration to many and what better place to read about the long journey home than when stranded on a tropical island ;)

 

1, 2 and 4 seem very sensible to me, number 3 is fine as long as you don't actually have to share the island with Oliver Reed! Number 5 is a lovely choice a Romantic adventure with the hero spending time on various islands. Hopefully, yours won't have any Cyclopes to chase you....

I must start thinking about my 5 books...hmmm!

I'll try my hand at answering...I dont read very many book, but have a large audio book library.  It keeps my mind busy while doing repetitious tasks, and helps me expand my horizons as I spend many hours working.  Here are my thought for a deserted island library.

1. War and peace.  If I wasn't stranded on a lonely island I would never get through it, and it is a long book so it will take ti,e to go through it.

2.  Romance novels, the complete series.  I mean i am alone on a deserted island...and if it were an actual book, it would be extremely long as well.

3. Treating sunburn and other medical care.  Just in case i can't get out of the sun or find clean drinking water.

4.  Maritime law for dummies.  Cause if i ever get off the island....

5.  Galaxy's guide to astronomy,  Can you imagine the sky at night?  180 degrees by 360 degrees of amazing celestial splendor. Undisturbed by any type of light polution.

Disclaimer, some of those books may have been made up.

Yes I have been pondering over large volumes like War and Peace - it seems silly taking something that is more like a novella. You do get a survival manual as part of the "free" package. I like the galaxy guide that would be a lovely thing to do. 

Here's a question and maybe others may wish to ponder this too. Would you rather have the written word or audio books. Reading is lovely but audio books may feel like company.