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.
