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101 Must Reads

So many books. Read this list and you'll be the smartest, wisest, kindest, most interesting person at the table. It's not a list of classics. Or a list of books that could all be called 'high' literature. But they are all great. And ones I've read. And you should too.

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A haunting and poetic novel that explores the traumatic legacy of slavery through the story of a former slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter.

This story follows the transformative journey of a domesticated dog named Buck as he adapts to the harsh wilderness of the Klondike during the Gold Rush, embracing his primal instincts and finding his place among the wild.

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Follows a path to greatness from high school, college, and into the pros.  Along the way we confront torture, death by Heisman trophy, Ox, Russian steroids, roller skating car hops, tracheostomy by Bic pen, mobsters, owners, mobster owners, dog training and creative uses for a tube of toothpaste and string of pearls. 

Yeah, yeah yeah…….this is not Huckleberry Finn and it hasn’t been banned or burned. It's just fun. The fence painting scene alone makes this book must reading. This book covers it all, first love, murder and treasure, runaway pirates, and Injun Joe. Plus Tom gets to go to his own funeral, finds the treasure, saves the day, and gets the girl.
 

Thought-provoking anti-war novel that follows the bizarre and nonlinear experiences of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II soldier, as he becomes "unstuck in time" and witnesses the horrors of war and the human condition. So it goes.

Murakami practically invented magical-realism. Here he digs into the depth of a man's subconscious, uncovering haunting secrets and encountering mysterious characters in an attempt to expand our minds. Mission accomplished.

Groundbreaking self-help book that explores the power of the mind in achieving personal growth and success, emphasizing the importance of positive self-image and visualization techniques for transforming one's life.

Let's be honest. Some of Plato's writings do not apply today and make us raise an eyebrow or two. But this book is one of the foundations of western philosophy. Why should we be just? and why is it in your own best interest to be a good person? Read and decide.

Evelyn Waugh is one of my favorites. I've read them all. Got started on my Waugh adventure when I was gifted The Loved One in college. Scoop just seems so relevant for our society today. 

A gripping psychological thriller that follows U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels as he investigates the disappearance of a patient from a remote mental asylum, only to confront his own haunted past and question reality.

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A raw and insightful account of the world of professional boxing, as seen through the eyes of a seasoned trainer, providing an intimate glimpse into the lives and struggles of the fighters who dedicate their lives to the sport.

An enthralling true story that chronicles the covert efforts of Congressman Charlie Wilson, a CIA operative, and a socialite to provide covert support to the Afghan mujahideen in their fight against the Soviet Union during the 1980s.

There are three short story collections on this list; Chekhov, Borges, and Carver. All of these writers are powerful and responsible for advancing the art form. Carver is more Chekhov than Borges but just as moving. While Borges is all Dali-style in print, Carver is cinéma vérité in short story form.

It's one of the books that should be required reading for all of our politicians. Accounts the devastating effects of war on young soldiers during World War I, shedding light on the brutality, camaraderie, and psychological toll of the battlefield.

American history - thoroughly researched and documented -  focusing on the perspectives of diverse groups, challenging traditional accounts, and shedding light on the struggles, injustices, and resistance that have shaped the nation.

Earth as a weapon. Jemisin wrote three novels in this series. All three won the Hugo Award back-to-back-to-back. Hadn't been done before and not since. Read and you'll understand why.

Our minds may be the most mysterious, misunderstood, creatures in the universe. Here's a mystery approached through the lens of an unconventional brain trying to solve the crime of his dead  dog.

Delves into the darkness of human nature through the harrowing journey of Charles Marlow into the heart of the African Congo, where he confronts the brutality of colonialism and the inherent darkness within mankind.

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Just fun, fun, fun. Surprised this hasn't been made into a movie. A brilliant bodyguard must use all his skills and instincts to protect his high-profile client from a deadly and relentless assassin.

A captivating novel portraying the transformative journey of a reserved intellectual, Basil, as he befriends and learns life's joys and sorrows from the exuberant and charismatic Zorba.

Gripping account of the Dust Bowl era, chronicling the devastating impact of ecological and human folly on the American Great Plains during the 1930s.

Follows the existential journey of Binx Bolling, a disillusioned young man on a search for meaning and purpose in the modern world. Something we all search for throughout our lives.

It's about right and wrong. Will you stand up? Will you make the right, the moral choice? A group of cadets, at a Southern military institute, face the brutalities of hazing and racism while exploring themes of loyalty, honor, and the struggle for personal identity.

A thrilling espionage novel that follows the life of Nicholai Hel, an enigmatic and highly skilled assassin, as he navigates the world of international intrigue and seeks inner peace through the pursuit of shibumi, a state of effortless perfection.

A poignant and extraordinary tale of the lifelong friendship between two boys, marked by destiny, faith, and the unyielding impact of a tragic accident that shapes their lives forever.

A chilling and psychologically intense noir crime novel, narrated by a small-town deputy sheriff who conceals his sadistic and homicidal tendencies behind a façade of normalcy.

This is an important novel. Read it now. Get involved but first educate yourself. Everyone wants to create an either-or type world. Think for yourself. It's important to be a responsible adult. 

Delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, faith, and the intricate relationships between three brothers as they grapple with their conflicting ideologies and desires, ultimately leading to a tragic and thought-provoking climax.

Joseph Campbell is a smart dude. He'll make you think with his easy-to-follow explanation of ancient wisdoms. I read this book every couple of years. It could be a philosophy book. It could be a book about writing. It explores the patterns of the hero's journey revealing the profound psychological and spiritual significance of this narrative archetype.

Genius! Complex and innovative novel that intertwines a poem written by a madman with the insightful and eccentric commentary of his delusional self-appointed editor

I ran across this novel at a used book store before the movie came out and before Jennifer Lawrence skinned any squirrels. It's spectacular. A young girl needs to find the body of her father to be able to collect the insurance money. It's the only way to survive the winter. Poverty is like a virus infecting everyone. It's violent. It's scary. It's a world unto it's own.

Pair this with The Sixth Extinction to get a true feel for the challenges ahead of us. It's an exploration of island biogeography and extinction, delving into the vital role of isolated ecosystems in understanding biodiversity and the threats faced by endangered species.

Explores the struggle for individuality and freedom in a mental institution, as a charismatic patient challenges the oppressive authority of the ward's head nurse

The rebellious Holden Caulfield's emotional journey as he navigates through the complexities of adolescence, disillusionment, and the desire to preserve innocence.

Fascinating! Not only did he design a building that was thought impossible to build but he had to design the equipemnt to be able to build it. Historical account of Filippo Brunelleschi's ingenious architectural masterpiece and engineering triumph in constructing the iconic dome of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral during the Renaissance.

Examines the real-life brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas, delving into the lives of the victims and their killers, while exploring the impact of this heinous crime on the community.

Surreal journey of a young Iraq War hero and his Bravo Squad as they navigate a media-frenzied victory tour during a football halftime show, grappling with the contrast between their wartime experiences and the commercialized, superficial world of American celebrity and patriotism.

A gripping portrayal of a day in the brutal life of a Soviet labor camp prisoner, Ivan Denisovich, highlighting the hardships, resilience, and human spirit in the face of oppressive conditions.

The empowering story of a Polynesian boy named Mafatu, who overcomes his deep-rooted fear of the sea through courage, self-discovery, and resilience on a daring journey of survival.

In Exley’s day, rehab meant electric shock therapy. Exley dreamed of his name being spoken in reverential tones by adoring masses. Today, he could join the hordes of reality “wanna-be stars” and demand it.  

Never have the details of a life of been so starkly told.  You won’t like Exley, but you will understand him, and in the understanding, you will be surprised at how little we have advanced as a society.

The hidden factors and patterns that lead to extraordinary success, revealing that talent, opportunity, cultural background, and timing all play crucial roles in shaping high achievers. And a little luck helps.

Haunting and twisty, this is an exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche. Might be the best twist ending ever. You won't see it. A man becomes entangled in a perplexing series of events, leading him to question reality and his own sanity.

I view this as a modern-day version of Crime and Punishment without all the long Russian names. Hang with Monty on his last night before he goes to  prison.

I know. Another one by Murakami. But couldn't be limited to just one. A painter's surreal journey of self-discovery and encounters with mysterious forces, blurring the lines between reality and imagination in the enigmatic world he enters.

Not everyone will like this book. But if you do like it, you may think it's the greatest book ever written. It's about child and Mom - both smart as shit - as they embark on a quest for knowledge and meaning through classical languages, philosophy, and the search for Ludo's absent father.

This is another love it or hate it book. You'll come away thinking McCarthy is the greatest American writer of all time or a depraved lunatic. Maybe he's both. Read it and see.

Captivating and imaginative tale of survival and self-discovery, as a young Indian boy named Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a fearsome Bengal tiger, leading to a profound journey of faith, courage, and storytelling.

Western novel that follows the thrilling and emotionally charged journey of two former Texas Rangers driving a cattle herd from Texas to Montana, encountering danger, love, and self-discovery along the way.

Timeless and powerful novel that delves into themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch in the racially charged Deep South during the 1930s.

Crazy, beautiful, surrealistic. These stories are an example of the creativity and power of literature and the unlimited forms and shapes of a good story.

Deeply moving novel that follows the journey of the Joad family, as they endure hardships and societal injustices during the Great Depression, reflecting the resilience and spirit of the human struggle for survival and dignity.

Flat out great story telling. Multilayered novel that follows the journey of Milkman Dead as he embarks on a quest to discover his family's roots, identity, and ancestral legacy, interwoven with themes of history, mythology, and African-American experiences.

Stories that follow the adventures of Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle, as he navigates the complexities of nature, friendship, and his identity as both a human and a member of the animal kingdom.

A satirical novel that critiques the conformist and materialistic American middle-class culture through the life of George F. Babbitt, a prosperous real estate broker who grapples with the emptiness and disillusionment of his seemingly perfect life.

True story that delves into the mysterious and tragic tale of a unique and ancient golden spruce tree, felling by a troubled man in an act of protest, exploring the complex relationship between nature, human obsession, and environmental activism.

Action-packed adventure novel that follows the pursuit of an ancient treasure hidden deep within the African wilderness, as a modern-day archaeologist and a courageous woman race against time and deadly adversaries to unearth a mysterious secret.

Should be required reading in every high school across this country. Chronicles the tragic and devastating impact of European colonization on Native American tribes, focusing on the relentless series of injustices and broken promises that led to their profound suffering and loss of land, culture, and way of life.

Philosophical exploration that challenges traditional morality and advocates for a reevaluation of values to embrace individuality and the pursuit of truth beyond societal constructs.

Gritty and captivating novel that explores the lives of marginalized characters in 1930s New Orleans, delving into the world of desire, struggles, and the pursuit of dreams.

I read this book when I moved to Florida. It's a beautiful but heart-wrenching read. The journey of an African-American woman named Janie Crawford navigates love, self-discovery, and societal expectations in early 20th-century Florida.

Read all the Jules Verne books I could get my hands on as a kid. This one just edges out 20,000 Leagues Below the Sea. Jules was ahead of his time and his books are just pure fun and a reminder that life is about stories. 

Thought-provoking science fiction novel about a human raised by Martians, who returns to Earth and challenges societal norms with his alien perspectives and extraordinary abilities.

Hallucinatory and satirical journey through the chaotic and drug-fueled counterculture of the 1960s, as two protagonists embark on a wild and surreal trip to Las Vegas, reflecting the era's disillusionment and societal upheavals.

Viral outbreak transforms humanity, leading to a post-apocalyptic struggle for survival against bloodthirsty creatures and a quest to find hope and redemption in a devastated world.

Because sometimes you may find yourself in some uncomfortable shit. Learn to deal with it. Comprehensive and practical guide that equips readers with essential skills and knowledge to survive and thrive in various challenging and life-threatening situations.

Nick Naylor is the smoothest of smooth talkers. A charismatic and unscrupulous tobacco lobbyist, he navigates the complexities of his profession and the moral dilemmas it presents. And tries to raise a son along the way. Plus it's some funny shit because it's so true.

Everyone should have a favorite Tom Robbins novel. This one is mine. It's about the eccentric and adventurous escapades of Switters, a CIA operative, whose life takes a mystical turn, intertwining love, intrigue, and spirituality in exotic locations.

Blurring the lines between reality and imagination as it explores the intricate relationships between a writer, his fictional muse, and his wife.

Ends do not justify the means. The tragic life of a young man named Clyde Griffiths, whose ambition and desire for success lead him down a destructive path of moral compromise and ultimately result in a fatal outcome.

I love it when I discover a new writer that just blows me away. Orange may not have been a new writer but he was to me. I quickly went out and started searching for everything he has written. He's that powerful. He weaves together the interconnected stories of twelve Native American characters as they navigate the complexities of urban life, identity, and cultural heritage.

An eye-opening and candid account of the 1969 baseball season, revealing the behind-the-scenes realities of the sport and challenging the idealized image of professional baseball.

Joyce is not for everyone. It's advanced reading. But it's worth it even if you have to re-read every other paragraph. Modernist novel that follows the ordinary events of a day in the life of three Dubliners—Stephen Dedalus, Leopold Bloom, and Molly Bloom—capturing their thoughts, emotions, and inner monologues in a complex, stream-of-consciousness narrative.

A little bit gothic. A little bit violent. It's a blend of Flannery O'Connor, Natural Born Killers, and The Night of the Hunter. Forget the movie on Netflix. Read this book.

I love a good dystopian story. These are some of the best. Oryx & Crake, the first of the trilogy is my favorite but they are all great. This one is about the interplay between science, corporate greed, and human resilience in a post-apocalyptic, weird, weird, world.

a compelling tale of deception, intrigue, and unexpected alliances as two young women from different backgrounds become entangled in a web of manipulation and secrets in Victorian-era England.

Like a well conditioned fighter this story is lean and hits hard. It's a punch straight to the face. Young and old the struggle is the same. This should be read by all writers of any genre.

Anything written by McCarthy could, and maybe should, be on this list. Anything. But these stories, for me, have the most hope of all his writings. The Crossing is my personal favorite.

Want o get down and dirty and nasty with Cormac? Read Blood Merdien. 

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Pure adrenaline. Unadulterated fun. This book somehow calls out for clichéd opinions usually splashed across the bottom of a movie poster. That aside it is the perfect summer/airplane/lazy Sunday afternoon read. A suspenseful thriller set in Europe during WWII, it pits a genius 11 year old, Thomas, against the sadistic, brilliant manhunter Laemmle and the Nazis. 

A gripping and harrowing tale of four friends' fateful canoe trip down a dangerous river in the wilderness, exposing the dark depths of human nature and survival instincts.

A sweeping and inventive novel that follows the extraordinary journey of two young Jewish cousins who create a groundbreaking comic book hero amidst the backdrop of World War II and the golden age of American comics.

I am not and never have been a Packers fan but I have always loved this book. It is old time football when players played the game for the thrill of winning and spent their off-season selling insurance. Story starts with training camp and ends with the Ice Bowl. 

We live. We learn. We quest. May this spark you to take your own spiritual journey in whatever form you choose.

My favorite Hemingway book. But if you want to understand why Hemingway is a one of the greatest writers of any age and the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, try his short stories

An emotionally charged collection of interconnected stories that portray the physical and emotional burdens carried by soldiers during the Vietnam War, blurring the line between truth and fiction as the author reflects on the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of war.

Stories by the master of the form. Vanka (included in this anthology of Chekhov stories) is a perfect short story. Poignant. Vanka, a young orphan boy, writes a heart-wrenching letter to his grandfather, seeking escape from his abusive apprenticeship and yearning for a better life.

Brilliant. Laugh out-loud funny and so insightful. These comic strips capture the imaginative adventures and profound insights of a young boy named Calvin and his stuffed tiger, Hobbes, offering a delightful journey into the world of childhood and friendship.

Harrowing adventure tale that revolves around Humphrey Van Weyden, a literary critic who finds himself aboard a sealing schooner led by the tyrannical and enigmatic Captain Wolf Larsen, battling the forces of nature and facing the darkness of human nature.

A satirical and thought-provoking novel that explores race, identity, and the absurdity of modern society through the journey of an African American protagonist who tries to reinstate segregation and slavery in his Los Angeles neighborhood.

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Philosophy is about asking questions, why we are here, and what defines and how to live a good life. A comprehensive and engaging journey through the history of Western philosophy that will help you ask the right questions.

What would you do for friendship? And are you doing it for your friend or to make your own life easier? The story of two itinerant ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression as they strive to find a place in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Delves into the universality and significance of myths across cultures, exploring their role in shaping human understanding, spirituality, and the enduring themes that connect us all.

A powerful story of racial injustice and personal redemption, as a young black man on death row in 1940s Louisiana learns to confront his own humanity with the help of a compassionate teacher.

This is one of my favorites. Saw the movie first. Then followed it up with the book. Maybe 12 the first time I read it. Stuck with me. Rich kid learns about the real world. It's a heart-breaker.

An ambitious exploration of how geography, environment, and societal factors shaped the unequal distribution of power, technology, and development among different human societies throughout history.

Man against nature - our nature and 'Mother Nature' - has been a theme in literature since we've been stamping letters into papyrus. This is one of the best. Captain Ahab pursues the elusive white whale, Moby Dick, across the vast ocean, further exploring themes of fate, nature, and the human spirit.

Double Idemnity was hard to find at a reasonable price by itself. So I'm listing the 4-1 James M. Cain Novel set. It's noir and crime at it's finest. If you haven't read any Cain, you're in for a treat. All four of these books are classics.

I'm not sure why Butler is not a house-hold name. All of her books are great and unique. Start her, with Kindred, and you'll be hooked. Follows the time-traveling journey of a modern Black woman who is repeatedly drawn back to the antebellum South.

Family re-starts their lives with a transformative journey of a man and his daughters as he moves everyone to his ancestral home in Newfoundland, finding healing, love, and a sense of belonging amidst the rugged coastal landscape.

A groundbreaking cyberpunk novel that follows a washed-up computer hacker hired by a mysterious employer to pull off the ultimate hack in cyberspace.

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Follows surfer and private investigator Boone Daniels as he becomes entangled in a dangerous web of crime and corruption while investigating a murder case in the vibrant surfing community of San Diego.

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This hard to find book by Borden Deal was gifted to me by my father. The story of the impact of a hydro-electric dam being built. It brings jobs to the community. And it displaces families that have been living on their land for generations. 

Moors is the funniest novelist this side of Christopher Buckley. Gotta laugh. Moore will help and in between laughs you'll think, 'I can't believe he just wrote that."' A humorous and irreverent retelling of the life of Jesus Christ from the perspective of his childhood best friend, Biff.

The seeds for the even crazier elections we've suffered through may have started here. Must read for anyone that doesn't understand the importance of a single vote. An insider account of the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Please, just educate yourself before you jump into the voter's booth.

This one is creepy. Chilling psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing mind of a socially awkward man who kidnaps a young woman and holds her captive in an attempt to possess and control her.

Everybody - whether you are a sci-fi fan or not - should read some Dick. Start here. It's set in a post-apocalyptic world, where a bounty hunter named Rick Deckard seeks to identify and eliminate rogue androids disguised as humans while grappling with the blurred lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.

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Lots of short, fast reads that are just flat-out fun and a little perverse in the best way. A full collection of short stories that traverse a delightfully unpredictable and imaginative landscape, where unexpected twists and turns lead readers on thrilling and often darkly comedic journeys.

Let me introduce you to Travis McGee. He is at his most brutal in this novel. I imagine that Lee Child was a fan of this series and is definitely an inspiration for Reacher. These are lean stories written by a master. Enjoy.

A novel that intricately weaves together the lives of diverse characters from different eras to explore the complexities of faith, human nature, and the timeless pursuit of understanding the divine.

Interesting read and Mailer is at his best here. Is it better to be hung or shot? True crime novel that chronicles the life of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore and the controversial events leading up to his execution by firing squad.

A darkly comedic and satirical novel that follows the journey of a poor Indian driver who becomes a successful entrepreneur by using cunning and ruthless tactics to navigate the corrupt and oppressive social structure of modern-day India.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

I know I already have more than 101 books on this list. I'm going to add more as I come across new reads I just love. But, I'll try and replace an old for a new one. That way the list won't become unmanageable. Check back for updates. 

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