I'm 12 years old and I read this book because I wanted something spiritual. I read this book until 3 in the morning and finished it in a day. It is truly a masterpiece, and this translations writing flows so perfectly with the moods of the book. The only other book that has changed me this much must be a river runs through it. Though they are from different times, both Norman McLean and the man named siddharta are haunted by waters.

Hesse was a visionary and his is the gateway. But if you have a grip on Buddhism already try the glass bead game ... Which isn't on iBooks yet, and that is mainly why I'm making the point. We all agree Hesse is a worthy author, so get the Nobel willing stuff up in here.

I needn't say any more. This book is life changing.