So, now to the fiction. As I mentioned before, I am not much of a reader of the non-fiction and my fiction preferences in general would fit my "engineer" persona. Before we get to the more geeky readings, here are some of the classics that I have read that some may find worthwhile. Of course, all of these have a very individualist point of view and are very anti-communist in nature, but that coincides with my own political leanings so I would recommend them to one and all.
Anthem (Ayn Rand)
If you have read 1984, then you will find this very similar (although published before 1984). This is a quick read about the results of collectivism thought and planning. The book is short, to the point, and worth the read. Definitely should read.
The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)
Now this book was OK. If you are going to only read one long Ayn Rand book, I would point you to Atlus Shrugged. However, if you want to read both, I wouldn't discourage you. This book focuses on the individual to selfish desires. But, that is the point. Live for yourself and not for others. That is where true satisfaction and happiness reside. I recommend to read, but not if it discourages you from Atlas Shrugged.
Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand)
This is one of my all-time favorite books. The story may seem over-the-top (by the way one of the worst movies ever) from a realistic point of view, but if you think back to the past 6 months, you may have heard a lot of the looter comments that Rand spoke of over half a century ago. I have read this one a couple of times and like to put it back on my list every couple of years. Some parts are preachy and tend to drag, but this book, in my opinion, is more relevant right now than it has been in the last 5 decades. Read it and enjoy. The minds of the world may still yet need to strike.
1984 & Animal Farm (George Orwell)
Both of these books would have been on your English reading lists back in high school. If you read them then, I swear you will appreciate them better today. Both are anti-communist books that speak against collectivism. I would recommend them for the stories and morals behind them. If you don't care for that, at least read them so when someone mentions something about "Orwellian speak" you have an idea of what they are talking about. Both are fairly short and if you have the time, have a read.
Coming next classic literature that I have picked up and read, recently. Following that, I will get into the thriller/mystery genre and finish up with some Sci-fi/Fantasy.
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6 comments:
In case you're not cool enough to have a Kindle there's a free app called Stanza that you runs on iPhones or desktops which sounds kinda similar. I generally use it to read while sitting around airports. Pretty sure I downloaded 1984 and Animal Farm for free a while back.
What if I'm not cool enough for a Kindle or an iPhone?
Walk across the street and grab something from our personal library.
The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century by George Friedman is the book I was trying to think of to tell you about on the cruise, JT. Sort of interesting to see how he thinks things will play out in the future.
I appreciate all of the reading recommendations. While I have yet to acquire an iPhone or a Kindle, they are both on my short list of wants...mainly the Kindle. Based on another recent recommendation, I purchased "Slouching Towards Gomorrah: Modern Liberalism and American Decline" by Robert H. Bork. I have yet to receive it, but I hear it is quite enlightening. Anyone else read this gem?
Haven't read Bork's book. Did read A Matter of Interpretation: Federal Courts and the Law, and Scalia Dissents: Writings of the Supreme Court's Wittiest, Most Outspoken Justice is in my to-do stack.
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