Big Books for Big Free Time!

Now that it's Summer, most of us in school are on break! This means a lot of free time to do nothing other than read big books. This list is comprised only of books that I've read, and are over 400 pages. The recommendations don't come lightly. I tried to pick a book from various genres, and ones that I would recommend to any of my friends. Nothing creative here, just plain, great reading for the long summer ahead.

Fiction

Fantasy - A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin

If you like fiction, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book. Coming in at 720 pages, this one's a heavyweight. But I promise you wont be able to put it down. Masterful plot, pacing, writing, characters, and more: a true contemporary classic. If you enjoy it, continue to the sequels.

Mystery - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, by Stieg Larsson

Excuse me for picking such a mainstream choice, but I don;t read a lot of mystery, which means this is good! :p So for those of you interested in thriller-filled mystery novels, you've probably already read this. If you haven't, then give it a chance. Reading works by foreign writers is always a fresh experience, and Dragon Tattoo is no exception. An exhilarating fly-by of 480 pages. If you enjoy, continue to the sequels.

Sci-Fi - The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Entire Collection of Five Novels), by Douglas Adams

I may be cheating here... This book, with the inserted "Ultimate," combines all five novels of the series into one book. The 832 page ensemble stands as a literary monument to sci-fi and comedy. A definite *thumbs up* for this one! :p

Romance - Skipped Parts, by Tim Sandlin

This 416 page novel arrives to the list looking like a thin competitor, but don't be fooled, this novel is chalk-full of romance like you haven't seen it, and black humor that is unrivaled in contemporary fiction. If you enjoy, continue to sequels.

Non Fiction

History - Too Big Too Fail, by Andrew Sorkin

But not too big to read! This 640 page work of skilled documentation gives a detailed, moment-by-moment description of the events leading up to, and following, the 2008 financial disaster. You'll get to know the big players behind the events, and the workings are all explained. Another book that you just won't be able to put down, as Sorkin takes you to the brink of the word's collapse, and keeps you from confusion the whole way.

Science - The Empathic Civilization, by Jeremy Rifkin

This 688 page behemoth is large for a good reason, it gives you the whole nine yards. Rifkin takes you on a tour of human nature and civilization that will provoke your thoughts and truly educate you. Written by the intelligent and erudite Rifkin, this book will leave you thinking deeper about humanity's future than before. Keep in mind, this is written for the general population, but will not be enjoyed by the general population. Recommended to people interested in science and the subject matter.

I do want to read "A Game of Thrones." Everyone who has read that book seems to love it. Also really want to start reading the Steig Larsson books.

Another great book that was just released is "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson. It's told from the points of view of the American ambassador to Germany and his daughter during 1933-1934 (though he was ambassador to Germany from 1933 to 1937). Absolutely fascinating book.

I also want to read the Game of Thrones.

I enjoyed the Steig Larsson books, 1 & 2, I just wished he'd cut down on all that description.

Tanya

Is that historical fiction, Nate? Or all true? I just googled it real quick and it does look really good. Probably gonna get that for my own summer reading.

@bornwriter: Sometimes the descriptions DO go on, it takes a patient reader to enjoy the intricacies of the characters, setting, and relationships in that book.

inkwell wrote:Is that historical fiction, Nate? Or all true? I just googled it real quick and it does look really good. Probably gonna get that for my own summer reading.

All true, though the way Larson writes his non-fiction books is that they read like normal novels. He has a great writing style.

I love the Steig Larsson books. I'll check these books out when I go to the bookstore, thanks inkwell.

Nate wrote:All true, though the way Larson writes his non-fiction books is that they read like normal novels. He has a great writing style.

In that case, you'd probably like Too Big Too Fail, because for the most part it does read like a novel, giving the accounts of the people he interviewed, including dialogue, thoughts, etc. Thanks for the suggestion, and anyone else who has "big" book suggestions, post them!

I hope you like it, Kamas.

Nate wrote:I do want to read "A Game of Thrones." Everyone who has read that book seems to love it. Also really want to start reading the Steig Larsson books.

That pretty much sums up my thoughts about it.