I’ve always enjoyed hearing about Barack Obama’s Summer Reading list and why shouldn’t I have a winter reading list? Books are great all times throughout the year. So far, I’ve only read a couple of his recommendations, but I’m glad Barry and I can find common ground in Haruki Murakami’s novels, among other policies. Trump, on the other hand…I don’t know if he’s ever read a book, but supposedly he’s written a couple. He tweets a lot and that’s technically reading, right? But, the goal of this post is for suggestions and it is not meant to reflect politics. The following are books I’ve enjoyed reading within the past 2 years and are in no particular order of favorites.

1. Dead Wake

Erik Larson

Dead Wake is the successor to Larson’s best seller, “Devil in the White City”. It tells the story of the sinking of the Lusitania and the events leading up to bringing the United States into World War I. This is a fantastic tale of naval design and construction as well as engaging conversations between President Wilson, German U-Boat commanders and operators, and the passengers on the Lusitania itself. Larson does his homework and put extensive research into this historical novel.

 

2. Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus

Douglas Rushkoff

Rushkoff is a self-described media theorist. “Throwing Rocks at the Google Bus” is an essay and history of feudalism and market economics. Rushkoff’s view is that our current “hyper-capitalistic” society is plunging us back toward feudalism. He makes compelling points to support his argument and it’s revealed that even the peasants worked less than we do now. Sure, our quality of life is better, but who likes to work? Rushkoff is a reformer and seeks to educate the reader on how to place humanity back on the right course.

3. Shantaram

Gregory David Roberts

The protagonist, Lin, is an escaped convict serving time in Australia for armed robbery. He manages to make his way toward Bombay (Mumbai) and joins the mafia there, smuggling weapons, forging passports, and providing enforcement. Lin meets many colorful and diverse characters along the way and even sets up his own medical clinic in the slums. The book takes a sharp turn when he decides to leave India. This is one of the most incredible adventures I’ve read and it’s based on the author’s life in the ‘80s.

4. Parable of the Sower

Octavia Butler

Butler simply has a phenomenal writing style. The book is composed entirely of journal entries from the main character’s narration. The setting takes place starting in 2024, in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. Climate change has ravaged the landscape, causing water to be more expensive than gasoline. The new LA is rife with violence, drugs, theft, and the will to survive. Butler does an excellent job examining race, religion, family, and relationships in the micro and macro scale. I wrote a full review of this one and you can find it here.

5. The Ocean at the End of the Lane

Neil Gaiman

Gaiman’s a wonderful storyteller. This is the first book I’ve read of his. He incorporates magical realism into a child’s perspective and draws his audience in with passionate storytelling and mythology. It’s unclear which events are really happening and which are of a child’s imagination, but that’s the beauty of Gaiman’s writing.

6. The Library Book

Susan Orlean

Orlean, a veteran writer, rediscovers her love for libraries and creates a gonzo-style piece on the 1986 Los Angeles downtown public library fire. She reviews a history of the library, how libraries came to be, and speculates on the future of libraries. The arson suspect is identified early on in the book and she brings the reader in with a strong relationship to this potential arsonist. The novel reveals concepts and practices related to the library that I’d never even considered. It reads smoothly like an extended piece you’d find in The New Yorker.

7. A Gentleman in Moscow

Amor Towles

The novel takes place in shortly after the Bolsheviks took power in Russia. Its setting consists of Stalin’s reign of power until his death in 1953. Our protagonist is of noble blood and is sentenced to house arrest (peculiar as most nobles were sentenced to death or gulag by the Bolsheviks). He is committed to the renowned Metropol hotel, instead. The count develops many fascinating and deep relationships with the hotel’s guests and wait staff. I was thrilled to read about this fictional count’s experiences throughout the rise of the Soviet Union.

8. The First Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill George Washington

Brad Meltzer

“The First Conspiracy” brings a thought to the table that you’ve likely never considered. There were numerous plots to assassinate George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Not all Americans were supportive of the revolution and many maintained loyalty to the crown. This piece takes historical notes, letters, and folklore to bring together the attempted removal of Washington. It introduces the reader to some of Washington’s greatest feats as well as his downfalls through the American Revolution.

Hope this gives you some books to check out! I read many of these in my book club and I’m very grateful for all of these wonderful suggestions. I would love to hear your thoughts on my recommendations or if you have any books that I should read!