Listmania!
Books I've Read in '09
By an Amazon.com customer
Reinventing Gravity: A Physicist Goes Beyond EinsteinReinventing Gravity: A Physicist Goes Beyond Einstein by John W. Moffat
Buy new: $19.10 / Used from: $13.28
Moffat presents some interesting information and, it seems, some compelling evidence for his claims – I only wonder why he isn't getting more publicity if his evidence is so perfect. This books begins easily and the entire text is a great intro into Cosmology, but you should probably read up on some things before beginning (even if just Wikipedia).
WatchmenWatchmen by Alan Moore
Buy new: $13.59 / Used from: $6.81
The first graphic novel I've read it was also one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read – definitely check it out.
The Myth of Sisyphus: And Other EssaysThe Myth of Sisyphus: And Other Essays by Albert Camus
Buy new: $9.89 / Used from: $3.99
A set of essays – some more interesting and easier to read than others. Great collection of thought by Camus that can be very helpful if you're in the right situation.
Happy DeathHappy Death by Albert Camus
Buy new: $10.08 / Used from: $4.97
Set as a sort of prequel for 'The Stranger' it deals with a similar problem but I found the Stranger to be superior. Read it if you want some more Camus and have the time.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: A NovelExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close: A Novel by Jonathan Safran Foer
Buy new: $10.04 / Used from: $2.86
Very simply – this book has some fantastic imagery and I learned to enjoy the characters (I really didn't like the dialogue of the kid at first) but overall I felt that Foer could have dug deeper to create more emotion. The entire time I was reading this I also couldn't get away from seeing this better as a movie – it will only be a matter of time.
The Abuse of Beauty: The Paul Carus Lectures 21The Abuse of Beauty: The Paul Carus Lectures 21 by Arthur C. Danto
Buy new: $17.12 / Used from: $10.00
Fantastic. Danto's writing is clear and accessible while still dealing with philosophical and aesthetic issues. If you're interested in contemporary art or the perception of beauty you'll most likely enjoy reading Danto's perspective.
The MagusThe Magus by John Fowles
Buy new: $11.55 / Used from: $3.49
Some may find this to be a bit too long and boring, but I really enjoy the time it took to tell the story – you end up in a similar state as the main character. Not a difficult read but an interesting story - don't let the size discourage you.
The Book of Laughter and Forgetting [BK OF LAUGHTER & FORGET]The Book of Laughter and Forgetting [BK OF LAUGHTER & FORGET] by Milan(Author) ; Asher, Aaron(Translator) Kundera
Buy used from: $9.87
Although it lacks some of the depth and symphony Kundera was able to create for his next book, Unbearable Lightness of Being, you can identify some similar themes in this book. And as usual for Kundera – beautiful daydreaming imagery is present.