5 Books we’re reading right now.
Looking for something to read this summer? Here’s what five of us are paging through at the moment.
Your Fathers, Where Are They? And the Prophets, Do They Live Forever?
by Dave Eggers
This is the second time I’ve read a book by Eggers. His stories’ sociopolitical themes fascinate me, and he’s good at suggesting a viewpoint while encouraging the reader to question it. To be honest though I’m enjoying this less than The Circle, since Fathers and Prophets is purely dialogue (reads like a play). If you’re up for that formal quirk, pick up a copy!
Better Living Through Criticism
by A. O. Scott
I think criticism gets a bad rap for being a leech art form. It isn’t real art, people say, because it’s about other art. But the author does a wonderful job of tracing and displaying the symbiotic relationship of art and criticism. Criticism makes better art—even a better life—possible, Scott argues. He writes engaging essays and sections of imagined dialogue between the author and reader — it’s a fascinating way to use the non-fiction form. If you like thinking about art in a meta kind of way, you’ll love this book. For such an abstract topic, it’s extremely useful for life.
Annihilation
by Jeff VanderMeer
I liked being tossed into a strange setting and being told very little about it. Every plot layer peeled back provokes way more questions than the answers it provides. I think you’d like it if you’re into science fic… well, fanta… well, weird genre-buster tales that move quickly and render richly. Bonus: You could read it in a single sitting if you aren’t the fidgety kind. And the cover’s a beauty. And it’s the first of three-part series!
A Good Man Is Hard to Find and Other Stories
by Flannery O’Connor
I’m enjoying its southern gothic moodiness and unexpected character twists. You’d like it if you’re into dark serials with an unnerving deep south atmosphere. Basically, if you liked the first season of True Detective, you’ll be into this too.
Minecraft: The Unlikely Tale of Markus “Notch” Persson and the Game that Changed Everything
by Daniel Goldberg and Linus Larsson
I enjoyed moving through the inspiring story of one guy’s dreams becoming reality. I was especially drawn to Goldberg and Larsson’s book because I appreciate Minecraft, even though I don’t own a copy of the game myself. Honestly, after finishing the book, I’m a little disenchanted. And I wonder if Notch is too. If you’ve had a brush with Minecraft or you’re just curious how it came to be, I think you’ll enjoy reading this.
Reading something you love? Share it with us!
