All of us have many varied and interesting reading habits. So I began to think, we have an AD "soundtrack", why not have an AD bookshelf? One can only imagine the selections that would be found, it being as varied and intriguing as the members of Americas Debate.

The AD Bookshelf is bare! Fill in the space with three of your personal choices. The three can consist of all or a mix of multiple genres, types, or subject matter or historical documents that are in the public domain. Give a brief description of each work and a brief explanation of why you chose them.

Stipulations: No work can be submitted more than once. No periodicals allowed. Works chosen must be tastefull. (In other words, no porno novels or stuff like that and nothing consisting of the likes of "Why Titus is a big, freaking jerk". I'm sure none of that will show up.)

A complete volume of Prose, Protest, and Patriots: The Complete Works of The Members of America's Debate is already on the shelf so no other personal works are necessary.

So, without any further delay...what are your choices?

My best lists always leave stuff of that I wish I hadn't but I'll have a go.

Catch-22

A Prayer for Owen Meany

Generation X

Joseph Heller's Catch-22 introduced me to a clearer way of thinking about a lot of the problems of the modern world. It is so scathingly sacrilegious and in some ways meaningless that all together it leaves me stunned and amused every time. I come back to this novel every few years.

Douglass Coupland's Generation X calls forth the slacker generation born in the shadow of Catch-22. In a life that has no meaning, where does one find meaning. If it is as bad as it could be, Coupland tells us, there will always be epiphanies and moments of beauty. There is not necessarily anything wrong with sitting still and listening careful for something worth hearing or seing or smelling or doing. If we cram up our lives with activity we may be on target but we may get no farther than the coffee house slacker.

Jonathan Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany hit me hard. In me own ways of casual and non formal faith, it gave me a stronger spark of faith that I have a hard time explaining. To me Irving's book is largely about our inability to recognize miracles in our world and that we have largely cast them into a place that is locked back in antiquity.

My favorites :

The Art of War (Sun Tzu)
Quatre-Vingt-Treize (Victor Hugo)
The Lord of the Rings (H.R.R Tolkien)

This is a very difficult and profound question. With fear and trembling, I'll do my best to provide some sort of answer.

Non-Fiction

Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R. Hofstadter.

This is a very difficult book to summarize. The front cover calls it "A metaphorical fugue on mind and machines, in the spirit of Lewis Carroll." The best I can say is that it explores the philosophy of consciousness as examined through self-referential systems. That sounds incredibly dry, but this book is a sheer joy to read. Playful and funny and brilliantly creative, it is also extraordinarily insightful.

Here's a good review of it:

Link

Fiction

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville.

Not a very original choice, I'm afraid, but it's my favorite of all the "classic" novels that I have read. Some people find it hard to slog through, but I had no problem with it. I love the narrator's endless digressions, and the prose just sings:



Poem

"The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T. S. Eliot.

It sends chills up and down my spine.

Complete Text

1. The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry - Wonderful life lessons abound in the story about the galaxy-traveling little prince. He learns about life from foxes, flowers, lamplighters, trees, and many other strange things on his journey. If i had to choose one book that has had the most impact upon me, it would definitely be The Little Prince. "

The other two are off the top of my head, so they're probably not what I'd really add if I actually took the time to think about it ...

2. Complete Stories and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe. The Cask of Amontillado, Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven, The Pit and the Pendulum, the list goes on and on. Poe was a master of both peotry and prose - and this is the quintessential Poe collection.

3. Old Man and the Sea - Ernest Hemingway. This has always been my favorite of the 'classics'. Being the eternal optimist that I am, I love the theme of perseverance and resilience.

The AD Bookshelf is bare! Fill in the space with three of your personal choices. The three can consist of all or a mix of multiple genres, types, or subject matter or historical documents that are in the public domain. Give a brief description of each work and a brief explanation of why you chose them.


1> The Radical Center -- by Ted Halstead and Michael Lind Find it at Amazon

For some truly interesting looks at the problems of today this book is a winner. Taking what works in America and building on it to try to achieve solutions to todays problems.

You can also learn more about their work at: New America Foundation

2> Independent Nation -- by John Avlon Find it at Amazon

A book that looks at how Centrist can move their policies forward through "Respectful Compromise".

Also Learn more about Centrists from the author (and others) at: Independent Nation

3> Radical Middle -- by Mark Satin Find it at Amazon

The authors Centrist Manifesto, attacking the partisanship and maneuvering of both parties.

Learn more from the author, and check out his Newsletter at: the Radical Middle


If you want to understand the moderate movement known as the Radical Middle, Radical Centrist, Centrist, etc, then these are the first three resources to check out. One of the keys here is that Centrist have an agenda and a vision. This is not a fence sitting line of thinking in ANY way.

Out of the box thinking. Using what works in American to solve what doesn't. Worrying more about doing what is right rather then what is politically expedient. That is what is at the heart of this movement. You can also learn more about Radical Centrist at: Centrist Policy Network.

Anyone who would apply reason over partisanship will love these books (even if they are Democrats or Republicans).

Hey, thanks OS- think I will check those out!

I tend to go to the radical anti-conservative books when reading political stuff, Al Franken's stuff is hilarious and 100% the truth- something a conservative authoer couldn't find with both hands- I have read most of those conservative books, and most of them are not even a very good read on technical grounds.

Most of my non-scholastic reading of late has been science fiction though- the really hard science genre- and the exploration of utopia- not the paradise type utopias- but the stable goverment by the poeple Utopia- the one that allows human idiocy and grumpiness but without a need for revolution to give equal freedom to all.

The Kim Stanley Robison trilogy of Red Mars, Blue Mars, Green Mars is probably one (or three if you take them as a trilogy, or one if you buy them in one hardback LOL) of the best books I have ever read, dealing with the socio-economic/political realities of what it would take to colonize Mars- and what would happen to a civilization based on the eccentricies of the first 100- all brilliant nobel prize winning scientist- with all thier genius and flaws.

Only three?

OK, my first choice would be:

People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. I think this book is a must read for everyone. I know not everyone agrees with it, but I think most of what is written is indisputable (I mean, we did invade the Phillipine, right?)

Second: The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie. This book is brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. I dont even think I can explain it, just read it.

Third: Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov. This is one of my favorite books of all time. Its well written and tragic. One of the best stories of unrequited love.

I've seen some great choices out there folks...

My first choice would have to be Titus Andronicus. (big suprise)

Shakespeare's first work was panned by critics then, and many still today look over this great tale of fate and revenge intertwining as a rookie piece that should not be paid much attention. Titus is a Roman general who upsets the Queen of the Goths, who in turn makes his life utter hell. In the end though, revenge is a dish best served hot.

My second choice would be The Rommel Papers.

The Rommel Papers is a collection of personal correspondence between the famous World War II German armor commander Field Marshal Erwin Rommel and his wife Lucy and son Manfred. Also including personal journal entries, The Rommel Papers takes you deep inside one of the most brilliant field commanders of all time, revealing his tactical genius, his concern for Germany's direction, and his steadfast love and loyalty for his wife and son. The last section regarding his death nearly brought me to tears.

My third choice would have to be 1421: The Year China Discovered America.

This book details evidence found around the world, from genetic markers to coconuts that make the case that Chinese treasure fleets discovered America seventy-five years before Christopher Columbus, and exploring much more than a set of islands in the Carribean. Try both coasts of the North American continent, with evidence of settlemets in California and Rhode Island!

Titus, you might be interested in the book They Came Before Columbus - it was written by Rutgers professor Ivan Van Sertima and is an examination of evidence that Africans (specifically of Western Africa) had been to the Americas prior to 1492 and on several occasions. He claims they established trade relationships with various indigenous peoples of the region and had various cultural influences on the people of the Americas. Some excerpts from the book can be found here. He wrote another book is response to criticisms of TCBC, entitled Early America Revisted, which is very briefly summarized here. I read TCBC some 8 or 9 years ago in college so I really don't remember much of the details, but it was a VERY interesting read nonetheless. I haven't read Early America Revisited, but I'll try to get my hands on a copy (I had forgotten about it - it came up in searches for TCBC).

Okay, my first choice is a bit of a cheat since it's actually a trilogy and could technically count as all three books. But since I'm already barred from including Why Titus Is a Big, Freaking Jerk, I'm going ahead with it.

1. The Baroque Cycle: Quicksilver, The Confusion, and The System of the World by Neal Stephenson. If you want to know why I've included the best work of fiction I've read in about fifty years, it's all here.

2. From Dawn To Decadence: Five Hundred Years of Western Cultural Life by Jacques Barzun. While I don't always agree with Barzun's cultural criticism, this work is at least comprehensive in terms of a survey of western civilization from the Renaissance to the present. Most of the critical essays are based on biographical sketches of various theologians, artists, philosophers, poets, scientists, and politicians, interspersed with loads of quotes by lots of additional figures from each era, and accompanied by a number of social cross-sections: "The View from Venice Around 1650", "The View from London Around 1715", "The View from Chicago around 1895", etc. If nothing else, it's a great (and colorful) resource.

3. kimpossible already chose Zinn, so I'll go with Michael Lind's The Next American Nation: The New Nationalism and the Fourth American Revolution as my "political" choice. The book starts out with a revisionist history of the US, outlining what Lind describes as three different republics (so far): Anglo-America, Euro-America, and Multicultural America. He then explores the relationship between the white overclass and what he calls the racial spoils system and looks at the current "revolution of the rich" before exploring alternatives that could define the next republic - Trans-America - and what he sees as the way forward: "liberal nationalism". I disagree with about every second sentence, but it his observations and speculations are always stimulating, well-researched, and often a bit too convincing. I'd say out radical centrists would find pretty compelling, too.

Constitutional Chaos, By Judge Andrew Napolitano: Ever wonder what the government does illegally? Judge Napolitano [Pride of Princeton University] reveals the disturbing trend toward government indifference toward the Constitution, a must for AD'ers

Atlas Shrugged, By Ayn Rand: No explanation necessary.

Animal Farm, By George Orwell: There has never been written a better satire in the history of books. Orwell satirizes a Communist/totalitarian takeover using farm animals...great book.

CP

Three at random that I see on the shelf in my office.

The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning: Mintzberg
The Goal: Goldratt
The CEO of the Sofa: O'Rourke

I just read Dereliction of Duty by Col Robert Patterson... great book. It tells the account of a professional officer's experiences in the Clinton whitehouse. I'm obviously biased to the truthfulness of Military officers, but believe that this is the most believable and realistically objective account of the Clinton's attitude to towards the military as well as the outside world. I would rec'd to anyone that believes in the sanctity of America and understands how vulnerable we have been/can be.

I'd also rec'd Life is So Good by George Dawson. It's an autobiography (basically) of a 100+ year old black man that couldn't read until he was 98, but raised and educated his children, etc. It candidly discusses racism in Texas, his trips North and elsewhere, and how society viewed him during his life. He talks about his jobs, money, lifestyle, etc. It is probably the best dose of perspective that I've ever had, and often times re-read portions to help understand how lucky I really am.

Finally, I love Because He Could, by Dick Morris. It is the account of long-time friend and campaign Manager of the Clinton administration. Considering Dick's long-term exposure and understanding of Bill and Hillary Clinton, it's easy to assume that his book is as accurate as any. It talks candidly about the scandals, ups and downs, and true character and direction of this administration.

What a great topic!

Here are my three:

The Art of Happiness - By the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler. Very touching and thought provoking insight into buddhism through the eyes of a Western psychologist. Some of the answers from the Dalai Lama would seem trite coming from anyone else. But their sincerity and simplicity I found overwhelming at times. A very pleasant read.

Imperial Hubris - How the West Is Losing the War on Terror - by Michael Scheuer. An excellent read into the real reasons we were attacked and what is (and is not) being done to address it. Some of his solutions may not be 100% realistic, but the introduction to the problem from a very knowledgeable (now former) employee of the CIA is quite informative.

For a little fiction:

I'm a huge Tom Clancy fan, so there are many to pick from, but I would say Debt of Honor is one of my favorites. Some of its overtones seem eerily real. Clancy can be a tough read to plow through the exposition, but once you're past it, its incredibly tough to put down.

Taming Globalization - eds. David Held and Mathias Koenig-Archibugi (whom I've actually met.)

Brilliant stuff. Essays from every perspective you could want on the globalization debate.

Interesting posts so far. I'll add my three:

The Bible - pretty popular book, we may get requests.

One Hundred Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Not only a great book, but one of the best opening lines since A Tale of Two Cities. Fantastic job on the translation into English.
"Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice."

On the political side, I would post A Road to Serfdom, but since we don't have it here yet, let's go with 1984 by George Orwell. Possibly the most important work of fiction of the 20th century.


PS - kimpossible, I know that this isn't a debate thread, but you gotta get another history book! Once we stock the shelves here, come back and have a peek. It makes me so mad that this book is in American schools; it's as if Russia won the cold war and high school and college profs are in some parallel alternate universe. Well, I'm glad it's in our library anyway, so we can read and debate it.

War of the Worlds by HG Wells. Because it is my favourite novel and possibly the best science fiction story ever written.

The Prince by Noiccolo Machiavelli. Because Machiavelli was right on the mark and no study of politics or history is complete without having read this book.

Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. Because reading 'The Baroque cycle' is lacking if you've not read the prequel

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy By Douglas Adams

The Lions of Al Rassan by Guy Gavriel Kay
I would recommend ANYTHING by Kay. This book however is a very enjoyable read and one of the best peices of fantasy fiction in print. I have reread it so many times the type has faded from being looked at.

Anything at all written by Alan Dean Foster

The Life of Pi by Yann Martel. It's a story about a boy and a tiger adrift on a lifeboat. It's fiction, but a lot of readers want to think that it's a true story. Martel ends this entertaining saga in a way that'll keep you thinking for a long time about fact and fiction. The story has some basis on a real situation, and there was some controversy over copyrights because an author of lesser abilities had published an early story along these lines: big cat, boy, boat.

Inside Music by Karl Haas. Yeah, he's a stuffed shirt classical guy, but anyone interested in real music should read this thing. Gives a nice perspective.

Sarah by J.T. Leroy. Warning: This is a disturbing story brilliantly written with more imagery than can possibly be described. It's supposed to be based on true happenings, but some critics doubt that. It doesn't matter for the literary art of the work. Leroy can write! Just be prepared to feel disturbed.

carlitoswhey: I also realize this isn't exactly a thread for debate, so I'll just ask: have you actually read Zinn's book?

Oh - I'm also a big fan of Marquez (and the Rabassa translations). I'd recommend The Autumn of the Patriarch, if you haven't read it. It's a bit more stream of consciousness and focusses almost entirely on one character, but it's every bit as "magical".

moif: I want to share a shelf with you. I, too, think War of the Worlds is terrific (I just bought a new edition illustrated by Edward Gorey) and I'd agree that The Prince is essential reading. It goes without saying that, if I could also have included Cryptonomicon, I would have.

AM: I keep picking up The Life of Pi in the book department at work, debating whether to not to buy it. I was about to say that I would on the basis of your recommendation, but then you got me even more interested in Sarah.


All in all, this is shaping up to be a pretty decent library, Titus.

One more that is now gracing my bookshelf:

"Surrounded by Idiots; Fighting Liberal Lunacy in America" - Mike Gallagher

The Moon is a Harsh Mistress courtesy of a Robert Heinlein who was at the top of his game.

Something that has been on my recent reading list. The Original Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Sure to please our resident logicians.

The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs of interest to both sides of the debate.

Magic: An Asimov short-story collection that is always good for a laugh.