OT: Book Suggestions
I know these posts come up from time to time, so I tried to add some content for anyone who might be interested.
I am looking for something good to read. Any suggestions? I hate reading about current politics. I think fiction is cool, but If I haven't seen a movie on it or if it is not something I am really into, I have a hard time staying interested. I know that probably sounds crazy to some of you fantasy readers. I guess my imagination is not great. I like non-fiction. I am really over sports right now, so not really looking for anything in that genre. Anything about dogs, history, crimes and mystery seem to perk my interest. Below is the last 5 books I have read in the last month or so.
Left to tell by Immacul'ee Ilibagiza. This is an unreal true survival story of the Rwandan Genocide. I love Survival stories, so if you do. I highly recommend.
Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight by Emily Morse (UM Grad). Title kinda gives away what this is about. She is a great person to learn about Sex from.
Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers by Brian Kilmeade. Great look at the battle in Texas before and after the Alamo. Just 1 chapter on that actual battle.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read and gave me a fresh perspective on life. It is told from a dog's perspective and if you like dogs it is a must read.
Without a Trace: The Disappearance of Amy Billig- A Mother's Search for Justice by Greg Aunapa and Susan Billig. This book was crazy! It was scary as hell and super sad. If you like mysteries, this is for you. I will cover this story at some point in TULEW, but if you can't wait until then, check it out.
I look forward to your suggestions for me and others. Merry Christmas everyone and happy reading!
December 19th, 2019 at 3:21 PM ^
Anything by Frederik Backman.
- Beartown (followed by Us Against You)
- My Grandmother Told me to Tell You She's Sorry (followed by Britt Marie was Here)
- A Man Called Ove
He's a fantastic story teller, and is amazing at character development. Most of his books induce dusty rooms from time to time, though, as a forewarning.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:40 PM ^
I loved Beartown and am currently reading Us Against You. I feel like it's almost the hockey version of Friday Night Lights.
December 20th, 2019 at 6:21 AM ^
Beartown was a really well written book, but it was just so hard for me to read due to the subject matter. It was too real for me. I decided not to read the follow up because of that.
But I read his other two books and agree they are great. The very realness of them was on matters that I, at least, can read with greater ease.
December 20th, 2019 at 4:19 PM ^
Yes, Beartown was a very heavy storyline. I was not prepared for it, as I read it on a whim from an airport. Us Against You isn't quite as heavy, but deals with the aftermath, so you don't really escape it.
Grandmother is astoundingly good and uplifting when all is said and done.
December 23rd, 2019 at 1:10 PM ^
Great suggestions. Reading Beartown now, added the other two to my goodreads list. Look forward to both.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:22 PM ^
I am not a reader but Yuval Noah Harari's "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind " and his sequel "Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" are fascinating reads.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:41 PM ^
GOOD STUFF this one.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:53 PM ^
I thought Sapiens was one of the best books I've ever read! But I just haven't brought myself to pick up Homo Deus, yet, because of the future theme. Not sure what I think about someone telling me about tomorrow...
December 19th, 2019 at 9:57 PM ^
Having spent many years in the hospital setting I have rubbed elbows with many brilliant people...but Sapiens was a level of writing and thought that I have never before encountered. Homo Deus is brilliant too but...it is very sobering. I have only read about 1/4 of it...have put it down...makes me sad that he may be correct. Hopefully I will find the courage to pick it back up-sometime soon...to see where he finally goes with his projections. But what a fascinating thought process!
Seriously folks, this is a thought provoking, "must read" type offering.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:23 PM ^
Gutshot by Amelia Gray
December 19th, 2019 at 3:29 PM ^
Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Exploiting College Athletes by Walter Byers
Synopsis: Walter Byers, who served as NCAA executive director from 1951 to 1987, was charged with the dual mission of keeping intercollegiate sports clean while generating millions of dollars each year as income for the colleges. Here Byers exposes, as only he can, the history and present-day state of college athletics: monetary gifts, questionable academic standards, advertising endorsements, legal battles, and the political manipulation of college presidents.
Byers believes that modern-day college sports are no longer a student activity: they are a high-dollar commercial enter-prise, and college athletes should have the same access to the free market as their coaches and colleges. He favors no one as he cites individual cases of corruption in NCAA history. From Byers' first enforcement case, against the University of Kentucky in 1952, to the NCAA's 1987 "death penalty" levied against Southern Methodist University of Dallas, he shows the change in the athletic environment from simple rules and personally responsible officials to convoluted, cyclopedic regulations with high-priced legal firms defending college violators against a limited NCAA enforcement system. This book is a must for anyone involved in college sports--athletes, coaches, fans, college faculty, and administrators.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:31 PM ^
I'm not usually a fiction reader but I just started The Revisionaries by A. R. Moxon and it's a complete mind-****. Hated to put it down last night.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:32 PM ^
The Desert and the Sea by Michael Scott Moore was pretty good. Story of a writer who went to Somalia to research pirates and got kidnapped by pirates.
Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard. This is written for a young audience (read it at bedtime with my daughters) but might be fun since you mentioned dogs. The story of an ultra-marathoner and the stray dog that followed him in a race across the Gobi desert.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:39 PM ^
I need last-minute gift ideas for my kid. Is that "Hot Sex" book by the UM Grad a good idea?
December 19th, 2019 at 3:59 PM ^
I'm waiting for the movie.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:04 PM ^
your wait is over...
xhamster.com
December 19th, 2019 at 7:32 PM ^
I'd rather read Hot Sex: Over 200 Things You Can Try Tonight by Jenna Jameson.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:46 PM ^
1491 by Charles C. Mann, Great look at Pre-Columbus America.
Pretty much anything by Bill Bryson is great, but my suggestion would be to start with "A Walk in the Woods." Its his journey on the Appalachian trail as well as a historical, scientific, and cultural overview about the region around the trail and the trail itself, plus Bryson is funny as hell.
December 19th, 2019 at 7:58 PM ^
Bill Bryson is great. 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' and his latest book 'The Body: A Guide for Occupants' are fun interesting reads.
December 19th, 2019 at 3:47 PM ^
I read quite a few biographies in addition to Roman history. Some suggestions:
- Caesar: Life of a Colossus (Adrian Goldsworthy) - this is the book that really got me hooked into Roman history. Goldsworthy is an excellent author. He's especially good at making ancient military battles understandable. Really though, Caesar lived such an interesting life that it's worth reading just to better understand one of the men that truly changed the world. I've read 4 biographies on Caesar and this is the best.
- Washington: A Life (Ron Chernow) - if the author's name is familiar it's because Hamilton is based on Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. That one is on my list not only because the musical is great but because the author did such a good job on Washington. It's easy for biographers to either fall in love with their subject or begin to hate them. Chernow definitely likes Washington but overall remains decently objective about a man who chose not to become a dictator when he could've.
- Churchill: Walking with Destiny (Andrew Roberts) - I picked this up after visiting the Churchill War Rooms in London (aside: easily in my top 3 things I did in London after spending a week there). I thought I knew much of Churchill from watching too much of the history channel with my dad, but was I ever wrong. His life was so much more than just being PM during WWII. This book takes a symbol and makes him a man - complete with flaws but also someone we can aspire to be like in many ways. The Audible addition (which is how I read this one) is EXTREMELY well done if you prefer to listen rather than read.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:15 PM ^
I read Grant by Chernow and I felt that he fell in love with Ulysses
December 19th, 2019 at 6:26 PM ^
I'm looking forward to reading Chernow's Hamilton. In Washington is seemed like Chernow was downplaying Hamilton's influence on Washington - he kept trying to bring up examples of Washington not being overly reliant on Hamilton yet several times the argument rang hollow.
I do feel that at the end of the book, mostly Washington's second term, Chernow lost track of Washington the man and instead was relaying the biography of Washington the symbol. Not sure if that's due to primary sources venerating His Excellency even more but I doubt it considering that his second term is when Washington began receiving much more criticism.
Did you read his biography on Rockefeller? If so, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.
December 19th, 2019 at 7:23 PM ^
I read it, and it was excellent. The pacing was good, and it filled in a lot of history of other noteworthy persons of that era. And The House of Morgan also by Chernow is not just about J.P. Morgan, but gives great insight into financial systems of the late 19th and the first three quarters of the 20th centuries.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:15 PM ^
I read Grant by Chernow and I felt that he fell in love with Ulysses
December 19th, 2019 at 7:16 PM ^
Churchill is on my Audiobooks listen list. I listened to Roberts' Napoleon: A Life, and it was great. I must have slept thru my European History course, because there was much about Napoleon I didn't know.
December 19th, 2019 at 8:06 PM ^
I'm currently reading a book about Napoleon's defeat at the hands of Russia, told from the Russian POV. I'm only about 30 pages into it, but it at least sounds super interesting
December 19th, 2019 at 3:48 PM ^
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (but only if you have a month of free time)
The Martian by Andy Weir (better than the movie which was pretty terrific)
December 19th, 2019 at 3:57 PM ^
If you're into fantasy (even if you're not) I suggest the King Killer Chronicles. 1. Name of the Wind and 2. a Wise Man's Fear.
The third and final installment of this trilogy will be out in August. Currently I'd rank it between LOTR and ASOIF (not a huge fan of the books. maybe the POV structure throws me off idk)
December 19th, 2019 at 4:17 PM ^
Agreed but given the way the third book has progressed or more specifically, not progressed, I’d highly recommend the books and equally highly recommend waiting until the third is DEFINITELY out.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:19 PM ^
Agree with above! Also if you’re into fantasy check out
1. The Stormlight archives (Brandon Sanderson)
2. The expanse ( Corey) also a show now on Amazon prime
3. If you are really ambitious try the Wheel of Time or Malazan book of the fallen series
Favorite non fantasy
1. The Count of Monte Cristo (Dumas)
2. A Fine Balance (Mistry)
3. The Stand (King)
4. The Fountainhead (Rand)
5. 1Q84 (Murakami)
6. The club Dumas (Perez - Reverte)
7. Foccaults Pendulum (Eco)
December 19th, 2019 at 5:24 PM ^
Really sad not to see Red Rising on anyone's radar (Pierce Brown).
Also just started the First Laws trilogy...
December 20th, 2019 at 1:07 AM ^
Well, he said he didn't love fiction, so that might not be his cup of tea.
BTW the thing I like best about Red Rising is that it is probably the weakest book in the series. IMO Brown really found his writing legs in the 2nd book. I haven't read the latest one--it's sitting on my nightstand but I've been too busy.
December 19th, 2019 at 5:28 PM ^
By Alexandree Dumbass!
Anyone, Anyone???
December 19th, 2019 at 6:29 PM ^
I read the first Malazan book and enjoyed it but felt so lost for the first third of the book. And the end felt a bit "hand-wavey". How does the first book compare to the rest of the series? I don't want to Google too much because I abhor spoilers.
December 19th, 2019 at 9:13 PM ^
I’m 400 pages into The Stand and I just can’t get into.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:54 PM ^
Wheel of Time is the only fantasy series worthy of being compared to Lord of the Rings. The fact that you would even mention Song of Ice and Fire in the same breath as LOTR is repulsive.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:09 PM ^
The Wheel of Time is the best fantasy series of all time and it's not even close
December 19th, 2019 at 6:23 PM ^
LOR's is just unrivaled in my opinion. Tolkien should be named a Saint.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:31 PM ^
LOR is phenomenal, but I gotta say WOT is by far my personal favorite (minus maybe book 8 or 9). Sanderson did a great job of finishing up the series after Jordan died. Although without LOR nothing else would have ever been written.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:55 PM ^
Sanderson's Stormlight Archive is warming a spot on this list for me right now. His magic systems are amazing.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:55 PM ^
Ultimately opinion, but I got halfway into book 8 and gave up. There are long stretches of boring that wore me down.
December 19th, 2019 at 7:15 PM ^
Dune is at least in the conversation
December 19th, 2019 at 11:41 PM ^
I came here to say this. The Name of the Wind and A Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss.
Its hard to explain exactly what makes these so good, but I don't know if I've ever read anything as addictive.
I also disagree with needing to wait until the third novel is released. While there is some storyline left open, each of the books is more or less "complete" on its own.
I'll also add a plug for my favorite novel ever: Frank Herbert's Dune. Denis Villenue (Sicario, Blade Runner 2049) is producing TWO Dune movies and a small screen series due to be released in about a year. So if you have not read it before, now is a good time to check out the original before you start seeing Dune everywhere this time next year.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:00 PM ^
The Last Good Kiss - James Crumley
Great, entertaining detective book.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:04 PM ^
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey.
Change your family tree.
Giving it to our grown children.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:05 PM ^
And also, have loved every one of the "Killing " series by Bill O'Reilly.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:11 PM ^
People of the Lie: the hope for healing human evil
By M Scott Peck
This was a New York Times bestseller back in the 80s. It is very pertinent today. Since you stated that you like nonfiction and mystery, I believe this one might appeal to you. The author endeavors to look at the concept of evil in a scientific way. I found it insightful, thought-provoking, and revealing.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:20 PM ^
Love these threads.
Highly, HIGHLY recommend The Boys in the Boat. Sort of about sports, but more about life, struggle and triumph. If you read it and don’t like it, I’ll give you all my mgopoints.
December 19th, 2019 at 4:27 PM ^
The Spy and The Traitor
book about British Spy, Oleg Gordievski