NON FICTION
The Guns of August - Barbara W. Tuchman
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The folly of the opening month of the first World War. Highly recommended.
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An Illustrated History of The First World War - John Keegan
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Don’t look down on a good picture book.
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The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History - John M. Barry
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Full of interesting rich detail that resulted in me reading aloud to anyone nearby.
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A Briefer History of Time - Stephen Hawking
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One of the best science books that I have read. Hawking makes the case that the study of physics needs more ordinary people, philosophers, and religious leaders to discuss the meanings and implications of our understanding of the universe.
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Quantum Theory A Graphic Guide
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Until I find something better I will recommend this quick reference to quantum physics.
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A short history of nuclear folly - Rudolph Herzog
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A short and shocking book to destroy your belief in the likelihood of our continuing existence.
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The Signal and the Noise - Nate Silver
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I think Nate Silver was trying to write the next Freakonomics, instead he illustrated why some people should stick to writing a blog.
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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt - Toby Wilkinson
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Ancient Egypt is often portrayed as a mystery. If you make it through this 600 page book you will see through the mysteries.
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Manias, Panics and Crashes: A History of Financial Crises
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This book jumps between events spread across continents and centuries. But it does reinforce that there is nothing new under the sun. Crisis and Government intervention/bailouts are very common.
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The Hubble Wars - Eric J. Chaisson
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Instead of trying to build a sense of wonder in our universe, Chaisson focuses on airing out his personal anger with NASA. Writing a book is not a replacement for a therapist.
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FICTION
The Cuckoo’s Calling - Robert Galbraith
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Rowling spins a top notch crime mystery. I was guessing down to the last page.
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The Silkworm - Robert Galbraith
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Another great mystery, but a little heavy on the depravity.
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We Have Always Lived in the Castle
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A spooky classic that made me want to spend more time talking with literature critics.
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Diamonds Are Forever - Ian Fleming
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James Bond is a well written character, pour yourself a drink and dive in.
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The Long Earth - Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter
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This is good concept Sci-Fi, examining what would happen if suddenly everyone could easily move between a limitless series of worlds.
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The Long War - Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter
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A good follow-up, but the long war actually never happens.
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Betrayal: Star Wars (Legacy of the Force)
Bloodlines: Star Wars (Legacy of the Force)
Tempest: Star Wars (Legacy of the Force)
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Three Star Wars books, slightly amusing.
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The Laughing Monsters - Denis Johnson
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Apparently one of the best pieces of literature in 2014, I’m just not sure why.
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