Years of consistent reading changes you, especially when reading broadly. Better yet, reflecting on your literary adventures reminds you of how you've changed. I like my reading journey and I hope these books find a place in yours.
Sections
3
Gripping
Classics
Vonnegut
Gripping
These will stick with you
Exceeded my expectations and then some. I grew to love the dynamics of the silo. First time I've read a post-apocalyptic story like this.
Wool - Hugh Howey
Want something which riles you up to the point where you want to scream at your book? Here you go. Incredible underdog story.
Red Rising - Pierce Brown
Holy moly. I read this because it's Crouch, but I was not expecting the level of terrifying drama this book delivers. What a ride.
Desert Places - Blake Crouch
Read this if you liked Borne. It makes the story feel a bit more complete.
The Strange Bird - Jeff VanderMeer
An odd inclusion here, but one of the most peculiar books I've ever read. Hilarious, frustrating, and sad all at once. I couldn't look away. Go out on a limb for this one.
A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
Classics
Sometimes nostalgia is the best medicine
One of the most recognizable Sherlock stories. You can't not love it.
A Study in Scarlet - Arthur Conan Doyle
It's Tolkien. The book stands on its own. I somehow managed to read this book in middle school and immediately fell in love with Middle Earth.
The Fellowship of the Ring - J. R. R. Tolkien
Hot take: I liked this one better than I, Robot, and I loved I, Robot. Get to know one of my favorite literary characters, R. Daneel Olivaw.
The Caves of Steel - Isaac Asimov
Psychological thriller that you don't want to miss. The twists and terrors keep coming.
A Scanner Darkly - Philip K. Dick
People forget how old this story is. And, yet again, I'd say the original text far surpasses any movie you've seen.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
Probably my third Lovecraft read, but this one cemented my appreciation of the insane, dreary, intoxicating world he created.
Dagon - H.P. Lovecraft
Another testament to the quality of sci-fi that was happening a half-century ago. A deep cut, but one you should try.
Babel-17 - Samuel R. Delany
Vonnegut
I may have read a lot of Vonnegut in college
Hard to describe why this one is so great. It's peak Vonnegut and worth your time. Trust me.
Cat's Cradle - Kurt Vonnegut
His most memorable novel for me. Revisits the WW2 backdrop that he loves (and hates) so much.
Mother Night - Kurt Vonnegut
A fun satire on evolution and the general absurdity humans bring to the world. Give it a go.
Galápagos - Kurt Vonnegut
More lovable short stories with the same flair and wisdom you'll be accustomed to if you've made it this deep into Vonnegut's library.
Armageddon in Retrospect - Kurt Vonnegut
Have you met Kilgore Trout? If not, you'll want to. His life is one for the books and may make you appreciate yours a bit more.
