Books I've Liked And LOVED

I have certainly read a lot of books over the years. I used to work in a library, and I'd bring so many books home my mom complained I wasn't getting anything else done. I don't think there's any way to calculate exactly how many I've read.

In my profile I claimed there was too many books I like to list. That was in error (and partly due to laziness) and while this is not an exhaustive list, here are some I've enjoyed over the years, in no particular order:

Title, Author. Why I liked it.

How to Train Your Dragon (series), Cressida Cowell. Irreverently humorous and surprisingly deep, this series was everything I like to see in a book and is further proof that things not meant for adult readers can be enjoyed by adults nevertheless. As an added bonus, Cowell managed to end the series in a satisfying way; you don't always see that (looking at you, Suzanne Collins). Well worth a read, especially if you enjoy light fantasy and sarcasm.

Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury. The only "dystopia" novel I have ever actually enjoyed reading. It's actually one of those books I come back to reread periodically. If you think it's just about book burning then you haven't read it. Bradbury's voice can be a bit wandering and poetic, but it fits the main character's personality perfectly. And given that it was written in 1953 I find the technological predictions a bit spooky.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen. "Classic" can be a curse word and "love story" is a turn off for me as well, but this is the one classic love story I actually like. The main characters are relatable and witty, and if you have no problem reading stories written in an older style then this is a good one.

All Creatures Great and Small (series), James Herriot. My actual favorite series and author, the memoirs of a country vet in 1930's Yorkshire are some of the best stories to come back to. Written with a real honesty and pathos, Herriot will have you laughing, crying, and celebrating with him through the years. Seriously. Check these out.

Star Wars Trilogy, George Lucas, Donald Glut, and James Kahn. I actually read the Star Wars series long before I ever got to see the movies, book loaned to me by an enthusiastic cousin. I have lost count over the years how many times I've read it, but if you ask me the series is even better in writing. Absolutely epic.

Collected Poems of Robert Service, Robert Service. Robert Service was a poet who wrote a lot about the Far North, and for that reason his poetry tends to strike a chord with me. It is also unpretentious and very authentic, an easy read and very enjoyable.

The Hobbit, JRR Tolkien. Another classic, but how could I not include it? The best thing to come from the movies is that now I read Bilbo Baggins dialogue in Martin Freeman's voice, but seriously. Charming story.

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, John Jackson Miller. I don't read many graphic novels, but I felt these had to be included. Anyone who's ever played the old RPG will find lots of references in these stories, but thankfully they're centered around their own cast of equally interesting characters. The humor's spot on, and the stakes just believable enough. And it's nice to read a story about characters that have to be clever rather than strong. Additionally, if you ever need to know the definition of dramatic irony, read these stories. It's insane how much they added.

Hatchet, Gary Paulsen. Paulsen's always good, but Hatchet was the first survival story I read in elementary school. You really journey with Brian through his story and it's great.

Joy Luck Club, Amy Tan. Wonderful book about the relationship between mothers and daughters and a very interesting look at the difference in view between first generation and second generation immigrants. I made that sound pretentious and boring, but I promise it is a good read.

How to Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee. One of the very few required readings in High School that I actually enjoyed. Sequel notwithstanding (there should be a statute of limitations on how long you can wait to write a sequel).

Tales of the North, Jack London. Another author of the Far North, London has written some great novels and short stories. I actually got to see his cabin once, so that's pretty cool.

What If?, Randall Munroe. First nonfiction on this list. Ridiculous science and humor at its finest.

I, Robot, Isaac Asimov. Classic sci-fi, and I dare you to find a robot story that doesn't in some way reference Asimov's robot stories (Three Laws, anyone?). He literally created the word 'robotics'.

Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Waterson. It's a toss up between this and the Far Side for my favorite comic, but both are great. I actually had a sarcastic Calvin and Hobbes cartoon on my writing notebook for AP Language Arts that'd I'd post if it weren't for the whole 'copyright' thing. They're funny, artistic, and actually make a statement without making a scene.

The Far Side, Gary Larson. Larson's humor is a little further on the bizarre scale, but being such a fan of science and dry/bizarre humor I really love these. You either get the Far Side or you don't.

Kenobi, John Jackson Miller. Generally, spin off books written for established series end up being enjoyable but not really great. This one was good. Really, really good. It was nice to have high stakes that didn't necessarily mean the whole galaxy was in danger. And you've got to love Obi-Wan. A must read for Star Wars fans.

The Poisoner's Handbook, Deborah Blum. This one's also a documentary, but the book's pretty good too. Fascinating read on the birth of forensics science in Jazz Age New York. Crazy stuff.

Ollie's Odyssey, William Joyce. Another case of a children's book that's written well enough to be read by adults. Which is the best kind of book really, but it's a very sweet story about favorite toys and growing up.

Stuff Matters, Mark Miodownik. Another nonfiction, but if you are interested in materials science in any way then this is a fascinating read.