b o o k s | |||
t h e s h o r t l i s t s | |||
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These lists are not hard and fast; they are subject to change, modification, memory, and mood swings... The main idea is simply to quickly identify and categorize most of the better books I've ever encountered. (The "short List" concept means simply 3 or 4 items per category) |
most re-read |
most influential |
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Dune (Frank Herbert) One of my all-time favorites. Reread this countless times, and will doubtless read it again. Lines from this book run through my head at odd times. |
Manufacturing
Consent (Noam Chomsky) Brilliant book which will forever warp you regarding America's "free" press. (And/or cause you to roll your eyes whenever someone says "liberal media"...) |
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The
Robe (Lloyd Douglas) I reread parts of this, anyway, over and over. (Especially the part when he begins a new life on the road, then in Arpino... Lifts my spirits like nothing else.) |
How
To Think About Weird Things
(Schick
& Vaughn) If you only ever read one book on critical thinking/applied reason, let it be this one. A shame this isn't required reading for all high school students. More... |
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The
Deep (Peter Benchley) This may have run its course, but I probably reread it a dozen times in my teens and twenties. I was absolutely enamored both with the sea and with Bermuda. (Movie was terrible, though.) |
The
Power of Myth (Joseph Campbell) This is a great book, but it's listed here primarily because it's the only book I've ever had to throw down due to my offended sensibilities! More... |
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Watership
Down (Richard Adams) Another all-time favorite. Epic story with a permanent presence in my psyche. Also, because of this book we named our real-life rabbit 'Hraka-roo'... More... |
Atlas
Shrugged (Ayn Rand) "Who is John Gault?" Relax, I'm not a Randoid! I read this at 21 and wow did it inspire me. So it's listed here because of the profound effect it had on my early adulthood worldview. (I got better!) |
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Click on any cover for larger view |
favorite authors |
best lines |
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Tom Robbins Saul Bellow
Philip
Roth |
The President of the Galaxy had arrived. "Hi,"
"[being from South Carolina] I think they listen
I knew my burden would not be lacking genius, |
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best words |
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Fantods --Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn (Mark Twain)
Grok
Tharn
Phileopolis |
Go to Short Lists Page 2 |
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www.paulfidler.com | ||
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