Summer reading recommendations…

So, we’re in the midst of  summer, and with summer comes vacation.  Ahh, vacation, there’s nothing  like it.  A break from the usual routine, a chance to get away.  And with that get away comes reading.  The chance to actually look at a the words printed on a page.  To read something that you enjoy, and not just for work.

I thought that I would give my suggestions  for fun summer reading.  Some are main stream books, and others are a little more off the beaten path.  Welcome to my summer reading suggestions:

 

1. A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole:  This  book was publish in 1980, 11 years after Toole committed sucide.  This is an odd cult classic that you’ve probably heard about, but never picked up.  I promise that this book is well worththe time that you would put into it.  It’s great Southern Literature, and it follows the lead character, who at 30 lives at home with his mother, as he tries to get a job in New Orleans.
2. World War Z:  An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks:  I know that zombies seem like they’re everywhere right now, but this is a great book that helped to re-spark the interest.  This follows the oral history of the world after the zombie apocalypse.  It is an interesting bit of satire that turns some common thoughts on its side.  It is an interesting read about what it important in the world, and who different people/countries react.
3. Bag of Bones by Stephen King:  This is a book that has been out for about 11 years, and is one of a great modern King works.  It follows a widower, how is trying to come to grips with the sudden death of his wife against the midst of a haunted house.  Or is it…
4. The Art of War by Sun Tzu:  What, you’ve never wanted to read a book on Military tactics?  Sure you have, but you’ve just never realized it.  This book, written in the 6th century BCE, is a great look in to dealing with one’s enemies.  It’s a great problem solving, workplace book, or for dealing anyone who posses a challenge.  Read the book that inspired tons of military leaders.
5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith:  I know what you’re thinking, “does this guy read anything that’s not about zombies?”  The answer is:  sometimes.  This book takes the Jane  Austen texts for Pride and Prejudice and mashes it up with zombies.  So, you have the Bennetgirls, who are all zombie slayers, in a time when England is plagued by the walking dead.  However, that doesn’t stop the rest of life from happen.  Elizabeth is left wondering about Mr. Darcy’s intentions and motivations, and must protect her part of the country side of zombies.  Give it a chance, and besides, would you read Pride and Prejudice any other way?
6. The Woods by Harlen Coben:  There’s a good chance that you might have read this book, but if you haven’t, you should definitely pick it up.  It follows the events of one summer at a camp that had some murders happen, andfollows the actions when one of the long thought dead ends up killed with the main characters name in his pocket.  It will have you guessing until the end.
7. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll:  Don’t worry, this is the exact same book as Alice in Wonderland.  I’m sure that you’ve seen any number of incarnations of this movie, but have you ever read the book.  It’s interesting to read through the text and interpret Alice’s journey for yourself.  Follow her down the rabbithole, I promise that it’s worth it.
8. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:  This is a book that was all the rage in the 1990s, and has been translated into many different languages.  It follows a boy who is a shepherd, on his quest to find a great treasure.  It is probably the easiest of all of the reads on this list, and is great for anyone that has ever tried to find their place/quest in the world.  To quote Fanboys, “everyone needs their own Deathstar.”
9. The Camel Club series by David Baldacci:  Everyone loves cloak and daggers (right), and this follows an unusual band of misfits as they discover/uncover numerous conspiracies.  Oliver Stone and his crew make it their point to find the truth, not matter what it may be.  Give it a shot, and you won’t be let down.
10. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King:  Yes, I do realize that this is the second King entry that I have, but this is his magnum opus.  It seems crazy, because a lot of people thing  of the Stand as King’s best.  However, these series of books span the entire King universe.  Go ahead, see what tales Roland has to share.

Well, this turned out to be a much longer post than I thought.  So, until next time, dear reader, keep on reading…