4 Great Books For The Casual Reader
I’m not a huge reader. I probably get through about one book a month. When I do read, I enjoy books that are to the point and don’t waste my time. I prefer books that can either educate me or make me laugh – or both. I’m not going to sit down and read a 600 page novel – I got places to be – things to do. Thus, I created this list to cater to people such as myself – the “casual” reader. I highly recommend all of Chuck Klosterman’s books. He is my favorite author and does pop culture as good as anybody. So, go cuddle up in your favorite chair or get lost in one of these books on an airplane – or wherever it is you read.
Nick Hornby – High Fidelity
Year: 1995
Overview: “High Fidelity is the story of Rob, a pop music junkie who runs his own semi-failing record store. When his girlfriend, Laura, leaves him, Rob is both miserable and relieved. After all, how could he have spent his life with a girl who has a bad record collection? … Playing with the twin obsessions of music and love, High Fidelity became one of the most acclaimed and influential novels of recent years …” [via the inside flap of the book]
TSF Says: If you enjoyed the movie, you will love the book. Nick Hornby is one of the best storytellers and has an all-encompassing musical radar. He has an incredible obsession with music and it radiates through his characters. You might want to have Google on-hand so you can look up certain British slang terms. If you enjoy great social commentary mixed with a likable love story and great pop culture references, this book is for you.
Chuck Klosterman – Sex, Drugs, & Cocoa Puffs
Year: 2003
Overview: “Countless writers and artists have spoken for a generation, but no one has done it quite like Chuck Klosterman. With an exhaustive knowledge of popular culture and an almost effortless ability to spin brilliant prose out of unlikely subject matter, Klosterman attacks the entire spectrum of postmodern America: reality TV, Internet porn, Pamela Anderson, literary Jesus freaks, and the real difference between apples and oranges … ” [via the back of the book]
TSF Says: Chuck Klosterman is my favorite author of my lifetime. A rock critic and journalist, Chuck Klosterman defines pop culture. Sex, Drugs, & Cocoa puffs speaks to my generation and has some of the best pop culture references of anything ever written. From the first chapter about how John Cusack is the bane of all his relationships to relating Saved By The Bell to real life to a whole chapter dedicated to “what if” scenarios – this book has it all. This is unquestionably the most enjoyable book I have ever read.
Tucker Max - I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell
Year: 2006
Who is Tucker Max?: “Tucker Max received his B.A. from the University of Chicago, where he graduated in 1998. He attended Duke Law School on an academic scholarship, where he graduated with a J.D. in 2001 (despite the fact that he neglected to buy and of his textbooks for this final two years and spent part of the one semester – while still enrolled in classes – living in Cancun). Tucker is purportedly the reason Duke dropped from 7 to 11 in the USN&WR rankings for his tenure…” [via the back of the book]
TSF Says: Tucker Max is a college cult phenomenon. Chicks dig him and dudes want to be like him. The title of this book basically sums up the entire thing in one sentence. This book will offend you, make you cry, make you laugh, and make you feel like you want to take a shower all in one sitting. It’s rude, gross, not PC, asinine, and it’s fucking great. It’s basically the story of a dude who chronicles all of his drunk charades and many many many sexual encounters.
Benjamin Nugent – American Nerd
Year: 2008
Overview: “Why do the same people who like to work with computers also enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons? How are those activities similar? This clever, enlightening book will appeal to the nerd (and antinerd) that lives inside all of us.” [via the inside flap]
TSF Says: American Nerd is the history of the nerd in America. When and where did nerds come from? Who was the first nerd? Where did the word nerd originate? All of these questions and more are answered from self-proclaiming nerd, Benjamin Nugent, in this semi-autobiographical book. It’s funny and a quick read. You will blow through this book and not even realize it.
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