Sometimes a book is so good, it not only sticks with you long after you put it down, but it alters the way you view the world going forward.
On a recent Reddit thread, readers commented on this very phenomenon.
Asked about the most mind-blowing books they'd ever read, users brought up dystopian novels like "1984" and "The Handmaid's Tale." But books that engender hope for the human spirit like "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Kite Runner" also made the list.
Here are 25 of the most gripping books based on Reddit responses.
"The Psychopath Test: A Journey Through the Madness Industry" by Jon Ronson
Jon Ronson's "Psychopath Test" digs into the history of psychopathy diagnosis and treatments, including drug-fueled therapy sessions in prison and attempts to understand serial killers.
An influential psychologist shares his theory with Ronson that many important business leaders and politicians are actually high-functioning psychopaths, which leads the author to turn the tables on the readers and make them question their own mental health.
While the style of the book garnered praise, it got mixed reviews for its lack of scientific depth. The Society for the Scientific Study of Psychopathy made a statement saying some interviews in the book appeared exaggerated or fictionalized.
Submitted by Reddit user Anitsisqua.
"1984" by George Orwell
George Orwell predicts a totalitarian future in "1984." Big Brother originated in this dystopian novel with ever-present government security and Thought Police, who prosecute citizens for subversive thoughts.
It follows Winston Smith through Airstrip One, formerly Great Britain. He engages in an intellectual rebellion against the Party, and undergoes torture and attempted re-education. The book critiques nationalism, censorship and surveillance. It also makes much of regulating language in order to regulate behavior.
Submitted by Reddit user NewbornMuse.
"Cat's Cradle" by Kurt Vonnegut
"Cat's Cradle" is a book about writing. It follows John on his mission to write a book about the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. But quickly, the tale turns into a high-stakes adventure that revolves around stealing, selling and bartering a newly discovered isotope.
Vonnegut said he was inspired to write the book after working as a PR representative for General Electric, where he met scientists who were indifferent to the consequences of their discoveries.
Submitted by Reddit user kelvinkkc.
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5. Two people shorten the road.
10. 'Tis only a stepmother would blame you.
14. Christ on a bike!
Yang Wei works at the Romantic Space Salon and lives with his wife in a small apartment. They are expecting their first child in a few months. 
The hairdressing job isn't all it's cracked up to be. A few months after working at the Flower Vine Image Design Salon, Xin Zeng quit his job to work nights at a local gay bar. Like many migrants, Zeng shuffles through numerous jobs to make ends meet.
Click here to see the pubs >
On the eve of Holi, a bonfire topped with an effigy of Prahlada and Holika is lit. People then sing and dance around the fire. 
The next day, people spray colored powder or colored solutions onto each other to celebrate Prahalada's triumph and the defeat of winter by spring.
The main day of the Holi festival is called Dhuleti. 
Teens and young people often dance to the beat of the dholak, a two-headed hand-drum common in South Asia.
Traditionally, washable, natural plant-derived colors are used, including turmeric, neem, dhak, and kumkum. In recent years, water-based commercial pigments have begun to be used.
Anyone in an open area such as a street, park, or any other public place is fair game to be hit with color from the pichkaris or water balloons. Any private residence is fair game to be smeared with the colored powder.
Most often, children are sprayed with the color solutions.
While adults get smeared with the dry colored powder. 
The festival is craziest for kids, but everyone gets in the on the fun.
Widows do not usually partake in Holi, as they are supposed to renounce earthly pleasures. However, this year, the nonprofit Sulabh International organized a celebration for widows at an ashram in Vrindavan.
The celebration is not wild in every part of India. In some Western parts of India, the festival includes far more praying and singing of hymns.
In most regions of India, however, there is no prayer. The day is meant for partying and fun.
After everyone is soaked in color, participants clean up and head to their family's and friends' houses for traditional delicacies. The festival is an opportune time to mend fences with estranged friends and family — it is also considered "the festival of forgiveness."
