I really like the movie but I think the book is even better. It's a great book that explores moral philosophies and civic virtue/duties. I also appreciate that the author Robert Heinlein makes jabs at communism whenever he can. The book was actually on the military reading list for the longest time.
If someone has never read Heinlein I wouldn't recommend they start with Stranger in a Strange Land It's a good read but too dissimilar to his other work.
Fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Most of us read this in school, but we were probably too young to "get it". I think a re-read with peers could be a good thing, especially given how the Me Too shit turned out.
Non-Fiction: Black Rednecks and White Liberals by Thomas Sowell. It's an extremely relevant read today, and it also teaches about so much more that just social issues.
Either way, I think there should be a bit of a "purchase period" after the book is chosen, to give those of us without a copy the chance to find one and join in.
Published in 1991, Heir to the Empire, the first book in what is called "The Thrawn Trilogy" was also the first major plotline to be introduced to the Star Wars franchise that was outside of the movie timeline (in this case, five years after Return of the Jedi). As it stands, all of the books written by Timothy Zahn are the best amongst what we call "The Expanded Universe." The original characters introduced in this plot are very well written, each serving a real purpose to progress its narrative for the better. And say what you will about how overrated he may be, Grand Admiral Thrawn is still a smug blue badass.
While Lolita is famous for being written in a way meant to evoke sympathy for the monster, its meant to fall apart once you realize the deceit. The Collector on the other hand, keeps that focus on how pitiful the monster is to the point even the characters have trouble mustering up enough hate and anger for him. While its no surprise to anyone now, back in the 60s when it was written the idea of such a meek beta being that dangerous was quite novel. And it still is to the extent of his character, because he truly is incredibly sad more than evil.
On the flip side, its also famous for inspiring 3 separate American serial killers. The author had to testify in court at least once about it. Apparently its plot of "abduct and hold them until they love you" is quite appealing to the psychotic. There was also a movie back in the day, but I haven't seen it.
I read that they are going to make it a mini series but I don’t trust them. They’ll ruin it with modern day nonsense. Plus I’ve already seen Heinlein attacked as a white supremacist.
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047 by Lionel Shriver.
Synopsis taken from wikipedia:
The book is set in the United States in 2029 during a debt crisis that results in the collapse of the country's economy and the rise of a supranational currency, bancor (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bancor), led by a group of countries. The United States is deliberately excluded from this group, a move that causes President Dante Alvarado to take drastic measures, which include resetting the national debt. Any and all gold now belongs to the government, and owning bancors will result in treason charges. Treasury bonds are now null and void, which results in the bankruptcy of many. One family, the Mandibles, are hit particularly hard by the devaluation of American currency, as they were all expecting to inherit an enormous fortune from the family's patriarch. Now they are unable to continue living in their former lifestyles and they are willing to go to any length to ensure survival.
The novel is divided into two parts. The first, which takes place between 2029 and 2032, establishes characters from four generations of the Mandible family: the wealthy patriarch; his children, now in their 60s; his young-middle-age grandchildren and their partners; and his teenage great grandchildren. The story begins with events just before the Great Renunciation and ends three years later with the family fleeing the chaos and social breakdown around their home in Brooklyn to live in upstate New York. The second part takes place in 2047, and follows the now middle-aged great grandchildren (and the patriarch's sole surviving daughter, now in her 90s) as they strike out, once again, to find refuge from an increasingly authoritarian United States government in the separatist enclave of Nevada.
I thought with this place being interested in currency of late it might be interesting. Note that I haven't read it yet but it was recommend by someone who's picks are usually solid. Actually grabbed a copy from the library this afternoon and was going to start it tonight so if you guys want an update I can post one tomorrow.
For non-fiction I'd like to nominate Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics. The main reason I recommend this is it's (shamefully) the only Sowell book I actually own, but it does a very good job of covering the basic principles of economics in a simple and easy to understand manner, while also going into some degree of detail on the practical effects of varying economic policies and philosophies.
I have a fiction suggestion that I may post later, but I felt like the non-fiction options were lacking at the moment.
A book which inspired a top-notch game series. The book follows a slightly different path from the game and is far from perfect, but it's still likely up the alley of many here.
I'll be honest, the book kinda lags a bit for me in the second half and you can kinda tell it started life as a regular web series.
But both it and the games are a very special, very niche thing which I think will appeal to a lot of us here who are sick of every franchise turning out the same thing every year.
If we want a strong base to start with that is fundamentals on how a man should live his life then the writings of Seneca, Aurelius, and Epitectus on Stoicism are invaluable. Hagakure is another one that would pair well and be useful to compare the philosophies of stoicism and bushido.
Starship Troopers
I really like the movie but I think the book is even better. It's a great book that explores moral philosophies and civic virtue/duties. I also appreciate that the author Robert Heinlein makes jabs at communism whenever he can. The book was actually on the military reading list for the longest time.
He is one of my all time favorites. I liked the movie but I really wish it would’ve examined more of the themes from the book.
If we're going to do Heinlein I'd say start with Stranger in a Strange Land
If someone has never read Heinlein I wouldn't recommend they start with Stranger in a Strange Land It's a good read but too dissimilar to his other work.
Fiction: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Most of us read this in school, but we were probably too young to "get it". I think a re-read with peers could be a good thing, especially given how the Me Too shit turned out.
Non-Fiction: Black Rednecks and White Liberals by Thomas Sowell. It's an extremely relevant read today, and it also teaches about so much more that just social issues.
Either way, I think there should be a bit of a "purchase period" after the book is chosen, to give those of us without a copy the chance to find one and join in.
Star Wars: Heir to the Empire, by Timothy Zahn.
Published in 1991, Heir to the Empire, the first book in what is called "The Thrawn Trilogy" was also the first major plotline to be introduced to the Star Wars franchise that was outside of the movie timeline (in this case, five years after Return of the Jedi). As it stands, all of the books written by Timothy Zahn are the best amongst what we call "The Expanded Universe." The original characters introduced in this plot are very well written, each serving a real purpose to progress its narrative for the better. And say what you will about how overrated he may be, Grand Admiral Thrawn is still a smug blue badass.
"I am a Warrior. A Warrior may retreat, he does not flee. A Warrior may lie an ambush, he does not hide. A Warrior may experience Victory or Defeat, he does not forget to serve."
That cold sociopathic delivery of the lines is golden.
Huh, when did Anthony Daniels stop recording Star Wars audiobooks? Was it by choice or did his contract actually run out?
How about something a bit normie: The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy.
The Collector by John Fowles
While Lolita is famous for being written in a way meant to evoke sympathy for the monster, its meant to fall apart once you realize the deceit. The Collector on the other hand, keeps that focus on how pitiful the monster is to the point even the characters have trouble mustering up enough hate and anger for him. While its no surprise to anyone now, back in the 60s when it was written the idea of such a meek beta being that dangerous was quite novel. And it still is to the extent of his character, because he truly is incredibly sad more than evil.
On the flip side, its also famous for inspiring 3 separate American serial killers. The author had to testify in court at least once about it. Apparently its plot of "abduct and hold them until they love you" is quite appealing to the psychotic. There was also a movie back in the day, but I haven't seen it.
Moon is a Harsh Mistress or Franham’s Freehold by Heinlein.
Moon is a Harsh Mistress was such a good read. I found the ending to be quite powerful in a way I didn't really expect.
I read that they are going to make it a mini series but I don’t trust them. They’ll ruin it with modern day nonsense. Plus I’ve already seen Heinlein attacked as a white supremacist.
I don't want great works of literature made into movies or shows anymore. It's nothing less than desecration.
Agreed. And to think I used to love seeing comic book movies or book adaptations
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047 by Lionel Shriver.
Synopsis taken from wikipedia:
I thought with this place being interested in currency of late it might be interesting. Note that I haven't read it yet but it was recommend by someone who's picks are usually solid. Actually grabbed a copy from the library this afternoon and was going to start it tonight so if you guys want an update I can post one tomorrow.
sword of truth is pretty based so far
For non-fiction I'd like to nominate Thomas Sowell's Basic Economics. The main reason I recommend this is it's (shamefully) the only Sowell book I actually own, but it does a very good job of covering the basic principles of economics in a simple and easy to understand manner, while also going into some degree of detail on the practical effects of varying economic policies and philosophies.
I have a fiction suggestion that I may post later, but I felt like the non-fiction options were lacking at the moment.
Metro 2033.
A book which inspired a top-notch game series. The book follows a slightly different path from the game and is far from perfect, but it's still likely up the alley of many here.
Great book, I read it last year. I never picked up the depth of the story from playing the game, I actually wish I'd have read the book first.
I'll be honest, the book kinda lags a bit for me in the second half and you can kinda tell it started life as a regular web series.
But both it and the games are a very special, very niche thing which I think will appeal to a lot of us here who are sick of every franchise turning out the same thing every year.
Oh shit, yes.
If we want a strong base to start with that is fundamentals on how a man should live his life then the writings of Seneca, Aurelius, and Epitectus on Stoicism are invaluable. Hagakure is another one that would pair well and be useful to compare the philosophies of stoicism and bushido.
Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shrier
Perfect treatise on the intersection of ethics, wokeness, science, and journalism here in current year.