Link to original post: [drupal=2972]My Now Reading List[/drupal]
At the end of my last blog post, I said that I was going to post what I'm now reading and I think it's about time to do so. I want to do this just to see if there's someone else who likes the books I do, or if anyone has any suggestions for good reading. Without further ado, here's the list...
The Sirens of Titan- okay, so technically I'm not now reading it since I just finished it, but I thought that it was recent enough to mention. I have generally been impressed with the work of Kurt Vonnegut and this is my fourth book of his that I've read. I didn't think I would like it at first; I thought Vonnegut had faltered... then I read on. It's rare that I would actually call a novel beautiful, but this is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read. The sheer depth of the topics covered, the answers he provides, the humor, the twists, and above all, the ending make this a book that cannot be missed for lovers of literature. I would highly recommend a read here.
Galapagos- Another Vonnegut title that so far I have... less fanfare for -_- . Don't get me wrong, I still think it's a good book, and I'm not done with it, so it's too soon to fully judge it. I will say, however, that it seems to be lacking a certain touch that vonnegut seems to imbue his books with. As this is a later work of his, it seems to come off as more explicitly preachy and apocalyptic than his other work that I've read. Still very entertaining and worth picking up
The Trial- Oh Franz, how you craft a tale! I love how Kafka almost makes the surroundings a character in his stories, ominously looking over the characters and foretelling their fates. It's the Trial, so I think you all get the basic message of what it's about; a nightmarish bureaucracy and an overwhelmingly unfair justice system. The fate of the hero K seems out of his hands. Still, the story so far has thrown in some interesting surprises that I wasn't expecting. If you want to really get the point of the novel across, bring a copy with you to jury duty :D . It's part thriller, part political commentary, and all literary classic. It should certainly be given a read.
FDR- This is a massive biography by Jean Edward Smith. The book comprehensively covers FDR's life from birth to death. I'm up to the eve of America's involvement in World War II and I must say that the detail paid to every major event of FDR's personal life and political career has both informed me and sucked me in. Smith does appear to have a slightly pro FDR bias that seeps through in the book, but not at the cost of accuracy or healthy criticism of his actions and policies. If you're feeling industrious and love presidential history, this book is for you!
A People's History of the United States- The (in)famous massive tale of U.S. History by noted Public Intellectual, Howard Zinn. Zinn published this book originally in 1980 and has continuously published updates to include recent history. The span of history covered is as amazing as it is comprehensive. Zinn spares no quote, detail, or historical event in making his points. This book, in many ways, revolutionized the way history is taught, and reading it, it's easy to see how. Zinn constructs narratives from common folk and leaders of oppressed groups in an almost story like fashion. I think that, for any one with the patience or persuasion that the book demands, this is more than a worthwhile read. History buffs everywhere should not miss out on this.
... and that's all. Tell me what you think and/or what you're reading. I would certainly like to hear suggestions for more good books!
At the end of my last blog post, I said that I was going to post what I'm now reading and I think it's about time to do so. I want to do this just to see if there's someone else who likes the books I do, or if anyone has any suggestions for good reading. Without further ado, here's the list...
The Sirens of Titan- okay, so technically I'm not now reading it since I just finished it, but I thought that it was recent enough to mention. I have generally been impressed with the work of Kurt Vonnegut and this is my fourth book of his that I've read. I didn't think I would like it at first; I thought Vonnegut had faltered... then I read on. It's rare that I would actually call a novel beautiful, but this is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read. The sheer depth of the topics covered, the answers he provides, the humor, the twists, and above all, the ending make this a book that cannot be missed for lovers of literature. I would highly recommend a read here.
Galapagos- Another Vonnegut title that so far I have... less fanfare for -_- . Don't get me wrong, I still think it's a good book, and I'm not done with it, so it's too soon to fully judge it. I will say, however, that it seems to be lacking a certain touch that vonnegut seems to imbue his books with. As this is a later work of his, it seems to come off as more explicitly preachy and apocalyptic than his other work that I've read. Still very entertaining and worth picking up
The Trial- Oh Franz, how you craft a tale! I love how Kafka almost makes the surroundings a character in his stories, ominously looking over the characters and foretelling their fates. It's the Trial, so I think you all get the basic message of what it's about; a nightmarish bureaucracy and an overwhelmingly unfair justice system. The fate of the hero K seems out of his hands. Still, the story so far has thrown in some interesting surprises that I wasn't expecting. If you want to really get the point of the novel across, bring a copy with you to jury duty :D . It's part thriller, part political commentary, and all literary classic. It should certainly be given a read.
FDR- This is a massive biography by Jean Edward Smith. The book comprehensively covers FDR's life from birth to death. I'm up to the eve of America's involvement in World War II and I must say that the detail paid to every major event of FDR's personal life and political career has both informed me and sucked me in. Smith does appear to have a slightly pro FDR bias that seeps through in the book, but not at the cost of accuracy or healthy criticism of his actions and policies. If you're feeling industrious and love presidential history, this book is for you!
A People's History of the United States- The (in)famous massive tale of U.S. History by noted Public Intellectual, Howard Zinn. Zinn published this book originally in 1980 and has continuously published updates to include recent history. The span of history covered is as amazing as it is comprehensive. Zinn spares no quote, detail, or historical event in making his points. This book, in many ways, revolutionized the way history is taught, and reading it, it's easy to see how. Zinn constructs narratives from common folk and leaders of oppressed groups in an almost story like fashion. I think that, for any one with the patience or persuasion that the book demands, this is more than a worthwhile read. History buffs everywhere should not miss out on this.
... and that's all. Tell me what you think and/or what you're reading. I would certainly like to hear suggestions for more good books!