As ever, I am making a comprehensive list of all the books I read this year. I try to avoid re-reads, but I also try not to get dogmatic about it. I also count audiobooks, and those are indicated. With the addition of the Kindle app for my iPhone my reading habits have changed somewhat. Also, I’m trying not to force myself to finish books I hate, though I do feel compelled by honor to indicate when I’ve set a book down in the name of literary sanity. Finally, if you have book suggestions I’d love to receive them – just e-mail me by putting my name, or your name, or any word at all, in front of that @ sign that looks like Princess Leia’s hairdo, then this domain name. Here’s to a new decade of reading!
1. A History of Philosophy Volume VII by Frederick Copleston, S.J.
I only read the chapters in this book on Nietzsche, which I have read before, in addition to the chapters on Hegel and Kierkegaard, as well as selections from several of the others. This was done in the interest of studying up for my post about the Fall and American politics, which, as of this typing, I have yet to complete. Still, as ever Father Copleston is a treasured resource. Though his own beliefs occasionally shine through, he always gives a more or less fair reading to each thinker, a feat that must have been especially hard for someone he disagrees with as much as he clearly disagrees with Nietzsche. If you’re a philosophy buff without a lot of time on his or her hands, Father Copleston’s History of Philosophy series is an absolute must.
2. How To Live on Mars by Robert Zubrin
A fascinating take on a popular sci-fi meme: the "new Mars colonists" trope which, I suspect, will see an uptick in the next decade or so as a mission to Mars either becomes a reality within reach or is sacrificed in the name of economic stability here on Earth. Rather than tell a story, this book acts as a fictional guide to some of the possibilities and the problems that would arise from Mars colonization. Though it does get a little dense with the science every now and then, I loved that, as I am a space science geek. People looking for a little more action out of their sci-fi might not love this book, though.
3. Under the Dome (audiobook) by Stephen King
So, this audiobook is really, really, really long. Usually Stephen King is one of few fiction authors whose audiobooks I can keep up with in my preferred audiobook-listening-to place – the gym. King’s books are usually well-paced and action-packed enough that I don’t get distracted. Mostly this is not the case with fiction, and so most of my audiobook consumption tends to be nonfiction, as it’s easier to follow with a 172 bpm heart rate. This one, however, was blocky and off, and really super long, so I can’t say as I got much out of it, and anyway, I only got through the first 7-hour part, of which there are about 6. Yes, this audiobook is about 42 hours long. I don’t know if I’ll be picking up the non-audio version of this book, but if I do, it’s going to be awhile.
4. Just Food: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Responsibly by James E. McWilliams