A list of some of the best books I’ve ever read and why every one else on the planet should read them too. There's really too many to list, but I'll do my best. More to come.
1. White Teeth, by Zadie Smith
This is an absolutely wonderful book and Zadie Smith is, perhaps, my all-time favorite author. If you can find any of her short stories read those as well and pronto. This girl really knows her stuff and it shows.
2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavelier and Clay, by Michael Chabon
Another awesome book. And please please read it before they make the movie version, because you know the big screen will never do it justice. Also The Mysteries of Pittsburgh and Wonder Boys are just as amazing. Hell, everything Michael Chabon's ever written (I'm a big fan of his short stories as well) is amazing.
3. The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood
A great book from a great author. This was the book that first introduced me to Margaret Atwood, and I've been thankful ever since. Her newest one, The Blind Assasin is stunning.
4. Black Boy, by Richard Wright
I was moved by this book. It presented a history that was so different from my own, yet it did so in a way that was very easy to relate to. Cultural barriers are hard to cross, but this book does it and does it well.
5. The Autobiography of Malcom X
I fell in love with this wonderful piece of writing for, mostly, the same reasons I fell in love with Black Boy. The entire thing is tragic yet inspiring in a way fiew books are.
6. Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand's a favorite of mine, and I haven't yet been able to track down why exactly. I enjoyed The Fountainhead and Anthem as well, but Atlas Shrugged has got to be my favorite.
7. Parable of the Sower, by Octavia Butler
Probably my all time favorite science fiction book. It's sequel, Parable of the Talents is just as good. All of Octavia Butler's work is breathtaking to me: beautifully written and boldly plotted.
8. Richard III, by William Shakespeare
This, in my opinion, is one of Shakespeare's best. Some of his comedies are excellent as well, but when it comes to drama and tragedy old Will knows his shit, Richard III being the best example of that.
9. Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger
I know so many people who dislike this book, and I'm never certain if it's because they didn't find the story or the characters compelling enough, or because they were forced to read it in high school. But I, for one, can't get enough of it. I thought it was one of the best stories of troubled youth that I've seen and it definitely kept me entertained right up until the end.
10. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers
Some say pretentious; I say hilarious. And a little heartbreaking too, and a little inspiring. Worth reading.
11. A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle
So it's a kids book. So what? I've read it more times than I can count. I can't help it. I fell in love with it as a kid, and just haven't stopped loving it. Heartwarming and fun and cute and just about eveything a great book should be.
12. Neverwhere, by Neil Gaiman
I love Neil Gaiman's works. All of them. But this is one of his better books. Though I thoroughly enjoyed 'American Gods' as well, and 'Good Omens' had me laughing out loud. And his 'Sandman' series is probably the best graphic novel ever written, not to mention addictive as hell.
13. Harry Potter, by J.K. Rowling
I like to have fun when I read. These books are fun. It's that simple. Forget the hype, forget the selling out. Just read and enjoy.
14. The Bean Trees, by Barbara Kingsolver
This was the first book of hers that I read, and it's adorable. It's sequel is just as heartwarming, and both capture what living in the Southwest is really like. 'The Poisonwood Bible' is exquisite too, but I'd read her others first.
15. On the Road, by Jack Kerouac
A good read. A peak at life way back when, and the kind of cultural rebellion that started the Beat movement. Entertaining too, and nicely written.