Books Worth Reading
This page is dedicated to the many books I've read that have served as a source of knowledge, enjoyment, or inspiration.  I am sharing these books on this page for three reasons:

1.  You might become interested and read one of these books
2.  You might e-mail me to discuss one of these books
3.  You might recommend other good books that I would like to read

At any rate, I hope this page stimulates your own enthusiasm for reading.
Uncle Silas by Sheridan Le Fanu:  Well, I might as well start with something that many scholars have never even heard of.  Published in 1864, Uncle Silas was considered a thriller/horror book by the standards of the day.  It is about a young girl who is sent to live with her mysterious uncle.  I read it over the summer and was quite shocked by the last few chapters.  This is one of those books that seems to be going nowhere until the end, when it all makes perfect sense. 
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe:  While reading this book last year, I had the privelege of hearing Tom Wolfe deliver a speech on the current state of literature when I was in Chicago for a conference.  This novel is a very fun read--no matter how bad the characters act, you just can't hate them, and you really get a feel for the decadence of the 1980's in New York City.  I often found myself staying up very late to read "just one more chapter!"
Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald:  This novel was the official spark for my great infatuation with the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald.  Better than The Great Gatsby, in my humble opinion, this book is about a wealthy couple in the 1920s whose lavish lifestyle does nothing to alleviate their problems.  Published in 1934, it is somewhat autobiograhical, especially in its description of Nicole Diver's mental illness (in comparison to the real-life problems of Scott's wife, Zelda).  I love this book because it takes you back to a very interesting era and gives you a glimpse of Fitzgerald's own life. 
U2 at the End of the World by Bill Flanagan:  Alright, so I don't just read stuff you'll find in an English Lit class.  If you have any interest in U2, this is the book to read.  It gives you an opportunity to see the band for the real people that they are, and it helps you to better understand the motivations behind U2, their politics, and their music.  This book really takes you inside the rock-n-roll business.
Confessions by Saint Augustine:  If you can believe it, the Confessions is much easier to read in Latin than in English.  Either way, this is one of the most astounding and important things I have ever read.  One the one hand, Augustine's theories about the natures of time, God, evil, and death are very thought-provoking.  On the other hand, it is humbling and reassuring to learn about Augustine's life and his own battles with life as a human---for instance, he didn't want to become a priest because he liked sex too much!  You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the Confessions--I have a Jewish friend and a Quaker friend who both were profoundly impressed and influenced by it.
Hidden in Plain View:  A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad by Jacqueline L. Tobin and Raymond G. Dobard:  This book discusses the relatively new notion that quilts and quilt patterns were used as a code to convey hidden meanings on the underground railroad.  For example, when the "monkey wrench" quilt was displayed on the plantation, it signalled the slaves to prepare their tools and belongings for escape.  This book has inspired me to learn how to quilt, and I also know seasoned quilters who have enjoyed this book.  Even if you don't quilt, it is an interesting, quick read.
Wherever You Go, There You Are:  Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn:  I know that many people have this idea of meditation where people sit cross-legged, chanting OM while incense burns.  This book, however, makes meditation accessible and understandable to everyone, whether they want to chant OM or not.  It guides you in learning to live mindfully, aware of the present moment.  This book might be good for you if you feel like your life is just passing you by and you never have enough time to get things accomplished and do things that you enjoy.  I have already read this book once and am now reading it again.
I am currently reading:   Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. 
My Reviews