You know what they say about all work...below is a list of books that have NOTHING AT ALL to do with the computer industry. Just good art. My personal 'A-List.' Close that laptop computer on your next trip and use one of these arcane reading devices. E-mail me your own favorites--please!
(Highlighted
books have direct links to reviews, publisher,
and
author information at Amazon Books.)
Riven Rock, by T.C. Boyle Set in the early part of the century, one of society's elite and heir to a fortune goes mad-- only to be confined and cared for in a lavish Santa Barbara mansion. Seen through the eyes of the madman's chief caretaker, Riven Rock is a vivid slice of some disturbing lives.
Girls, by Frederick Busch Just buy anything Busch writes-- he's one of America's most prolific yet overlooked masters. Live through every parent's nightmare in this finely wrought drama about the mysterious death of a young girl.
White Noise, by Don Delillo ..an academic specializing in Elvis Studies, a mysterious toxic waste spill, a pill which obliterates the fear of death...and it's hilarious!
Trailerpark, by Russell Banks ...the 1980s answer to the Canterbury Tales, with guts. Take a tour of the lives contained in the double-wides at a New Hampshire trailer park.
All We Need of Hell, by Harry Crews Fear, loathing and huge helpings of black humor as a Florida lawyer comes to grips with himself, his off-beat family and an imposing 300+ pound professional football player-cum-family therapist.
The Future and Its Enemies, by Virginia Posterel An insightful, eye-opening book that delineates the real political and sociological struggles at hand-- those who would legislate, limit and impose a more tidy future on us all over those who are willing to trust the creativity and ingenuity of a more dynamic tomorrow born from 'chaos'. Be prepared to have your notions of 'left', 'right' and 'moderate' put to the test. You'll never view politics or work the same once you've read this!
The Structures of Everyday Life, by Fernand Braudel Life as it was lived, day-to-day, in the Middle Ages, and the politics and economies that shaped everyday existence....I know, but believe me, it's more fascinating than I make it sound.
Holidays in Hell, by P.J. O'Rourke Collected travelogues and personal political essays of America's most acerbic writer. If you don't get at least one gleeful belly-laugh per chapter, you're in need of serious humor therapy. Funny, but also cuts to the sad truths concerning world politics and American foreign policy.
T.C. Boyle Stories : The Collected Stories of T. Coraghessan Boyle Tricky, clever, smile-inducing capsules of comtemporary nonsense. A very entertaining collection that gives the short story convincing argument to survive.
Music
Of the Swamp, by Lewis Nordan A haunting, hilarious
collection of short stories focusing on a small town in Mississippi.
