book list
I'm the Grand Poo-bah of the LSU School of Library Science bookclub. I thought I would share our reading list with you, in case you would like to offer comments or criticism on the books that we're planning to read this school year. Here's an overview of the books we'll be discussing during our monthly meetings. This page is a work in progress;� I will add reviews as I read the books.� So check back for my thoughts on the novels, if you like. Let me know what you think.
Oh -- there's a link to Amazon.com reviews and commentary for each cover image. Just click on the book. No dates have been set for readings. Just ask me.
Elegy for Iris - John Bayley
Ender's Game - Orson Scott Card
This novel makes a powerful statement about the manner we fight modern war. Card makes some powerfully accurate predictions in this book. Many have come true. Written in 1977, Card writes of a world where wars are fought like video games and people communicate via "the nets." I heartily recommend this novel as a great example of plot-driven sci-fi. My outlook on war is very different for having read this book.
Fight Club - Chuck Palakniuk
I am Jack's total lack of surprise. This inspired dystopian vision of a modern world in decay stands as an insightful instruction manual of what not to do when your personality splits and you begin funding a massive anarchy to end Civilization As We Know It. Don't render soap from human beings to sell back the rich fat sucked out of wealthy socialites Don't suffer from insomnia in order to lead a secret double life. And don't miss this amazing novel. Very Ballard-esque, say the reviews. I agree. This is a must-read for the disinfranchised generation.
Golden Fleece - Robert J. Sawyer
Guns, Germs, and Steel - Jared Diamond
I suggested this nonfiction book. It's an interesting look into why Western civilization had the upper hand in world affairs, starting off with its early agriculture and cornucopia of available foodstuffs. It also had the ability to divide its workforce into non-food-producing groups, which eventually produced things like metal working (steel) and defensive technologies (guns). Pretty nifty book. It's written for the layperson, which is helpful.
Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood
Where to begin? I'm a huge Atwood fan. I admire her prose and her devilish wit. In this novel, I admire her over-the-top use of modern organized religion as a bizarre yet completely believeable villain. I anticipate luxuriating through this richly dark novel again.
Haunting of Hill House - Shirley Jackson
Remember, all the books here are available on Amazon.com. For a link to their Amazon site location, along with reviews and commentary, just click on the books. If you'd like to buy any of these titles, please go through the school's fund-raiser site to support the program with your purchase.
