I find there tends to be two general categories of books; those that are exciting and interesting, so much that I want to recommend them immediately, and “slogs” that are just slow and unappealing regardless of the content. Some I get the jist of fast and a lot seems irrelevant like What is to Be Done, some like Fresh Banana Leaves the writing is just dislikable and repetitive. This is in sharp contrast to books like Half Earth Socialism or State and Revolution where I may be familiar with some of the content, but I really like the style and new information and want to recommend to people.

Do you agree with this categorization? Are there any books that you feel strongly about either way? I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of your recommendations before, but I want to know what will actually be fun to read, because some aren’t even if the content is good. I want to know which to prioritize reading.

  • buckykat [none/use name]
    ·
    8 months ago

    Iain M. Banks' Culture series, about a fully automated luxury gay space communist society as far beyond Star Trek's Federation as the Federation is beyond us now. Each book is a separate narrative with separate characters, so they can be read in any order. I recommend starting with Player of Games.

    • oktherebuddy
      ·
      8 months ago

      I also recommend starting with Player of Games, and then also immediately ending with Player of Games lol

      • buckykat [none/use name]
        ·
        8 months ago

        Wrong. Player of Games isn't even the best one, it's just the best introduction for newcomers. My favorite is Surface Detail.