SUMMER READING
Admit it. The season's over, and all you have left is books. But hey, I have good news for you--reading improves not only your comprehension but also your spelling and grammar. It will make you a better commenter. And if you're one of the erudite engineering types on the blog, well, reading will probably help make you more relate-able as a person. Are you some kind of jerk that can't read and drive at the same time? Audiobooks might be just the thing for you. If you've always had the vague sense that I don't like you? Reading will make me not like you a little less. We all win.
With that in mind, here's a little offseason booklist--somewhat guaranteed to make the offseason, and you, a little more tolerable.
Disclaimer: this is not a complete list of the best books ever.
Fiction:
THE HUNGER GAMES SERIES
Everyone you have ever met under the age of 20 has read these books. Most of the people over 20 have too. Stop being a dick about its being teen fiction and read them. Then take up archery, claiming you totally always meant to anyway, and secretly pretend you're aiming for a District 2 tribute.
THE NIGHT CIRCUS
You know what? I have barely started this one. I was listening to the audiobook, and it was so damned engrossing I had to stop because I was afraid I was going to get into a serious car accident. And as the medics would try to pull me out of the firey wreckage and strap me to a gurney, I'd claw at the steering wheel, screaming, "WAIT WAIT AT LEAST UNTIL THE END OF THE CHAPTER."
ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD
Just the happy pick-me-up you need right now.
ROT AND RUIN
Did the world need another zombie series? Apparently it did.
THE CHILDREN AND THE WOLVES
I recommended this to someone who told me it is very engrossing and deeply disturbing. You're welcome.
ICE
Everything Twilight isn't ICE is.
Nonfiction:
GHOST MAP
Cholera and the genius doctor who figured it all out. Have you ever thought about how you probably owe your life to a sewage system? You will now.
1861
If you have even a remote interest in the American Civil War and haven't read this, punch yourself in the face right now.
ISAAC'S STORM
Get pumped for hurricane season with some quality pop history.
LET'S PRETEND THIS NEVER HAPPENED
I haven't even read this yet, but on the strength of her blog alone I recommend it.
I could list more, I'm sure, but I'm tired and frankly I don't owe you anything. Have a book you'd like to brag about reading? Hit the comments.