In response to Nick's latest post, here be a list of my favorite books.
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson: I can't decide if this book is a computer programmer's encryption manual with a story woven in, or a story with programming elements, but I like it. It's slightly absurd, mostly realistic, and only slows down when it's all about the programming. Also recommended by this author: Zodiac and The Diamond Age. I haven't read his others because...well, I get really sick of him going into detail about the programming.
The essential story: the protagonist, named Hiro Protagonist (yes, really) must save the world's human population from having their brains de-programmed (snow crash) with the help of a teenage skateboard courier, his ex-girlfriend, and the Pizza Mafia.
Good Omens: The Nice And Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: The funniest book about Armageddon you will ever read.
The Deal by Peter Lefcourt: Hollywood insanity. This was written before the movie The Player and has a different plot, but similar, um, essence. Oh, and its a lot funnier.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman: The ultimate introspection book. A man named Shadow gets out of prison and is given a job by an American god (Mr. Wednesday), who intends to rally the old gods--Anansi, Kali, etc.--in a war against the new gods of Media, Town, and other such ilk. It slows down in the middle, so I'll warn you: it's intentional. Read through it anyway. It starts as a book you sort of like, then you'll get bored, then you'll love it.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon: It's a time travel-historical fiction-fantasy-romance book. It's what Librarian Jane wishes to catalog as EVERYTHING-FICTION. Okay, it leaves out Western, but it has horses. And cows.
A former World War II nurse gets thrown back in time to 18th century Scotland. There's blood, guts, gore, intrigue, kilts, witchcraft, sex, primitive medicine, imprisonment, rape, and cows. Oh, and it's funny. And once you finish this 850 page book, there are five more books (so far) that continue the story.
The World According to Garp by John Irving: I don't remember why I love this book, but it was the first book I ever stayed up all night reading.
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1 comment:
All the books you read seem to have a humorous theme, which I like. Thanks for the reviews!
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