Books Here are some books you should read. Why, you ask? Because Keanu and River liked them! Here are their titles, authors, and a brief summary of them. Siddhartha - Hermann Hesse: River was named after the river in this book. I have read the book and it's a very good book about a man (Buddha) and his journey through life. Thoughts Without A Thinker - Mark Epstein: Keanu is said to have talked about reading this book in Vanity Fair (February 2001). I read this one, too. I think it is a good introduction to me on the subject of Psychoanalysis and Buddhism. This book is not for everyone, if you aren't really interested in the subject, I don't recommend getting it. If you want to learn more about them both, it is a great book for you to read. Diet for a New America - John Robbins: River said on the Donahue show that he loved the book (being a strict vegetarian, a vegan) I have never read the book but I'm sure it is a very good book. It is about how our eating choices affect our lives. The Time of the Assassins - Henry Miller: This book is said by (River-Phoenix.org) to have been River's favorite book. It is part autobiography and part study of Arthur Rimbaud. (a French author who's life paralleled the author). This site has an excerpt from the book. Home