Books I Read in 2005

Books I Read in 2005
by Eric Sincoff

Here's a sampling of most of the books I read this year (not including children's books to my 3 year old—that's another list). These aren't necessarily books that came out in 2005, but just the ones I read. To understand where I am coming from, book topics I enjoy are science fiction, mythology, social and historical non-fiction, good comedy, sports, and an occasional thriller. I tend not to like modern fiction about depressing subjects (i.e. books that seem to be read in book clubs) and, despite loads of peer pressure, I still don't like Pride and Prejudice.

Now that you know a bit more about my tastes, here's the list. The best books I read were the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman, which I talk about in the Voices of Reason; the worst is I Am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe, which can be found in the Rant box on the front page of this issue. And now, here are the rest, in no order whatsoever:

Non-Fiction
Nickel And Dimed, Barbara Ehrenreich
An interesting look at how to try to exist on minimum wage.

The First American: The Life And Times of Benjamin Franklin, H W Brands
Good, but still a long biography. Only read if you are interested in BF.

The Greedy Bastard Diary, Eric Idle
Amusing tales from the road of his comedy show. Funny, but not a must read.

Lies My Teacher Told Me, James Loewen
Great book about the poor state of history education in the US and why.

Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, Tom Shales & James Andrew Miller
If you are interested in the personalities or dirty laundry behind SNL, this is a good book for you.

Why Black People Tend To Shout, Ralph Wiley
Interesting, humorous and thought provoking essays on race and culture by the late author.

David Feherty's Totally Subjective History of the Ryder Cup, David Feherty
Read if you are a golf nut, or enjoy Feherty's sense of humor.

Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed, Jared Diamond
Long (actually, a bit overlong) look at a variety of present and past cultures that disappeared (i.e. Easter Island), why, and what can prevent it. If you enjoyed Guns, Germs, and Steel, this is a good book for you

Literature, Nationalism, and Memory in Early Modern England and Wales, Philip Schwyzer
Everyone should read a book by Mr. Schwyzer once in their lives.

Fiction
God's Debris, Scott Adams
Thought provoking ideas from the author of Dilbert. Good debate practice.

Coraline, Neil Gaiman
Young person's short novel about a kid and a spooky house. Well crafted by the author, as usual.

Revenge and Making History, Stephen Fry
If you can read these while hearing the author's voice in your head, they are much better. Revenge is a reworking of The Count of Monte Cristo, but pales in comparison (like pretty much all other reworkings do). Making History is about time travel and paradoxes. Both were entertaining.

The Gun Seller, Hugh Laurie
Tries a bit too hard to be clever at the start, but the author settles down in the middle and the story ends up being a fun espionage story.

The Bourne Legacy, Eric van Lustbader
Not exactly a necessary novel, but if you enjoyed the Robert Ludlum stories, this one wont let you down too much.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J K Rowling
Basically, part one of a two part ending to the series.

The Princess Bride, William Goldman
If you enjoyed the movie, you will enjoy the book. If you haven't seen the movie, you will still enjoy the book.

America (The Book): A Guide To Democracy Inaction, The Daily Show
Hilarious. Recommended for anyone who has ever seen a US History textbook.

Grendel, John Gardner
Attempt to tell Beowulf from the monster's perspective. Pretty ho-hum.

A Series of Unfortunate Events books 3-10, Lemony Snicket
Series becomes much better starting with book 5. The first few books seem more self contained and repetitive. The next set loosen the story up a bit.

The Terminal Experiment, Robert Sawyer
Science fiction/thriller novel that explores what might happen if it could be scientifically proven that humans have souls.

Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norell, Susanna Clarke
Very long book that caters to three types of readers: lovers of fantasy and magic, readers of historical fiction, devotees of Jane Austin. If any one of these appeal to you, you might like this book. If two of the three, then you definitely should pick it up (if you are strong enough). And if all three, you've probably already read it.

Roadside Picnic, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Classic science fiction novel about what would happen if some aliens landed at various places around the Earth and then left. But after they left, the aliens left behind a bunch of random stuff that has odd effects on the native population.

Haunted, Kelley Armstrong
For readers of her series of Otherworld novels only. Not one of the strongest in the series. Those of you interested in werewolves and the like are better suited to her first two in the series: Bitten and Stolen

Shadow of the Giant, Orson Scott Card
For readers of the Ender/Bean books by the author. Doesn't make much sense without the rest of the series. For those of you who don't know what the Ender series is, go out and get Ender's Game. It is probably better than whatever you are reading right now.

_________________________

That's this years list. Currently, I'm reading Life of Pi, by Yann Martel. Let me know if you have any comments about the books above, any book suggestions for me, or want me to recommend a book for you.

A contributor to the Voices of Reason, Erik is also the co-creator of the Poetry CreatOR and the co-creator of his son Kellen. His website has lots of helpful info, including his e-mail address.