January 29, 2011

• Books That Everybody Should Read (pt. 1)

  How to Lie With Statistics – Darrel Huff
  Genre: Non-Fiction
  This book is ancient, but it remains the best “question everything” book I have ever come across. It catalogues most every trick used to stretch data in the form of statistics. Not just that, but it strikes that careful, perfect balance of humour and intelligence that I can only dream of emulating. If I had just one wish, it would be that all grade school students were made to read this book at some point, if only to learn to question what they read.

  The Jungle – Upton Sinclair
  Genre: Social Commentary (Fiction)
  This book, more than any other, makes me question the calls for market deregulation from the government. While it’s mostly remembered for its unintentional exposé on the meat-packing industry, reading it will make you realize that it’s actually a call for socialism. While I can’t say I’m too fond of that message, it does make a person realize that, if not regulated, the business world will chew up and spit out the lowest common denominator in the name of the mighty dollar.

  Alamut – Vladimir Bartol
  Genre: Historical (Fiction)
  Alamut is a fictional account for the rise of the Islamic sect known as the Assassins. That’s dandy and all, but what’s really interesting about the story is how it basically explains how a new religious order is created. A charismatic leader decides to reach for power and does so by taking advantage of the malleable minds of those beneath him. It’s amazing and one of the most profound works of fiction I have ever read.

  The Time Traveler’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
  Genre: Romance (Fiction)
  Let me start this paragraph by making my thoughts clear. This is my favourite book of all time (so far). It has the best implementations of time travel I have ever read. Instead of a rare gift, it is treated more like a dangerous genetic disease. This handicap of sorts is weaved into one of the best romances and should be read by everyone. Go. Now.

  Tag & Bink Were Here – Kevin Rubio, Lucas Marangon
  Genre: Comic (Fiction)
  I can guarantee that reading this comic will alter your ability to watch Star Wars for the rest of your days. Just about every significant event in the series is lampooned and directly connected with the hilarious titular characters. For example, the two guards distracted by Obi Wan on the death star, the two TIE pilots leading the Falcon to the Death Star, the two stormtroopers that shot C-3PO in Cloud City, and the two red guards asked to leave just before the Luke-Vader fight scene are the same two people. Other highlights include referring to Boba Fett as “Boo-Boo” and casting Jay and Silent Bob as two Old Republic jedis.

  

  • 8:32 am
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