Books to Read

I read a lot. I always knew I read a lot, but I just assumed that most professionals with spare time read a lot too. Recently I have had two different co-workers ask me to compile a list of books that I would recommend they read. Sara wants things that will help her increase her vocabulary and grammar skills, and Hugh requested great books that will change the way he thinks written in the last century. I am flattered that they think I am up to the task. They are also aware that when I am in a reading mode I read about 3 books a week. I try to make every tenth book or so something with substance; philosophy, history or science. Needless to say I have 5 such books that I am reading right now and I still read books that are just junk food for the brain. As much as I have read I would like your help in assembling the list, I will start it so you get the feel for what I am looking for.

1.) Lord of the Flies by William Golding

a. This book always reminds me how close we are to mob mentality. It also forces me to reexamine my role in society; am I a follower or a leader and if I am following will I notice when the group strays from what I hold morally dear?

2.) The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

a. This book had a profound impact on my sister Brittany; she turned vegetarian shortly after reading this book and has remained such for the last 12 years. I find the history of this book fascinating, I heard an interview given by Sinclair shortly before his death on NPR and he was still upset that public missed the point of his book, which was communism and not reform of the meat industry.

3.) The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

a. I had to swim out of this book, the words were so powerful and heavy that when I was interrupted or had to put the book down I literally had to fight with my conciseness to leave the feeling of the book behind.

4.) 1984 by George Orwell

a. This book had a profound impact on my life and more so then the big brother mentality. This reminds me I hate it when people give reference to big brother without actually having read the book. This book held a mirror up to my deepest and darkest fears, and what I would do to avoid them, who would I betray and what would I betray to avoid my fears? My fears have change through out the years but I am still aware of them.

5.) Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

a. One can get the same sentiment from Fountainhead as is in Atlas Shrug without having to read that enormous book (and long winded speech).

6.) We the living by Any Rand

a. This is a compelling story that reminded me of the other side to communism.

7.) The winter of our Discontent by John Steinbeck

a. I love John Steinbeck and would recommend every last one of his books, including the light hearted (in Steinbeck’s world) Travels with Charlie. This book delves into depression and its profound affects on the internal dialog of the main character Ethan and yet the outwardly normal behavior.

8.) Paradise by Toni Morrison

a. I am not a huge Toni Morrison fan but this book deserves a read. I read it with out knowing anything about it and brought only my current paradigm to the reading table. I am embarrassed to say I was quite into the book before I realized where the color lines were, and that was refreshing and changed my paradigm.

9.) Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriett Beecher Stowe

a. Initially the author’s portrayal of slavery in the United States is void of any physical abuse to the slaves and yet it is shockingly clear that no matter how well slaves were treated, slavery is wrong in all forms. I think every American should read this book

10.) Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurty

a. This is just a great read. The story is fabulous; the characters are real and enchanting

Now I have a lot more to add to this list, but it is your turn. What books would you recommend and why?