Every list differs, but here are a few interesting suggestions.
So as it’s already been established, we here at Radass are about such things as technology, women, memes, women, funny stuff, women, and oh yeah…women and everything that’s hella cool or funny. But there are those moments when we like to dial back just a bit and remember those quiet moments when it’s great to kick back with a book and a beer, a good story and a glass of wine, or even a soda and a chapter book, and just chill for a while. Some folks like drama, some like romance, some like science fiction or fantasy, and then some like a good non-fiction story, but the point when it comes to reading isn’t to worry too much about what you’re into, it’s to think about what might catch your eye at the right moment.
Over the winter a lot of folks love to curl up with a good book in a warm room whenever they can, or possibly enjoy a nice eBook while they’re on a work break or have a few moments to enjoy a pleasant story. Having a list of recommendations that could jog someone’s imagination and give them something to enjoy is always a great idea, but a list can also give people a goal when it comes to starting or ending a series.
Let’s take a look at a few books that are, admittedly, a few of my favorites, and also interesting books that are worth a look.
The House
In a way this almost feels like a YA romance novel, but there’s just enough of the supernatural to keep this story from turning entirely into a teen drama that might be best for those that have a flair for such stories. Gavin and Delilah might actually remind folks of themselves in some way when they were younger, but there are bound to be a few people that might think that the romanticized manner in which the characters are made up to resemble those found in a soap opera is too over the top. Then again, there are plenty of folks that love this type of story and might find it endearing.
Speaking on the supernatural quality of this story there is something that’s fairly inspired about it, but don’t worry, I won’t give too many spoilers. Let’s just say that this story has a lot to do with obsession and the possessive natures that can come into play in this story are a bit manic at times and definitely add an exhilarating quality to the story that’s not scary but does bring to mind Poltergeist in a sense. Overall, this story is kind of fun, but it’s also something that might be best for a younger crowd, even if it’s acceptable for just about anyone from a tween to an adult.
Elsewhere
I’ll be honest and state that I actually swore off reading Dean Koontz for a while since he’s had a huge habit of wrapping his endings up neatly with a bow at the end with an RV and a dog for everyone, or so it felt at least. But there’s no doubt that he’s a great author, since it’s more about the quality of a person’s stories than how many they sell. Remember the pet rock? That guy was laughing all the way to the bank no doubt.
But Koontz is without any doubt worth reading, and this story that focuses on Jeffy and his daughter Amity and the possibility of many worlds beyond our own is something that might make a person a little paranoid if they happen to believe in these types of things. All the same, Koontz does what he does in this story by building the tension and setting the reader up for a sudden jump scare (yes, books have them too) that might make a person question reality now and then. When one needs a tense and very quick-moving story, Dean Koontz is usually a great go-to since he knows how to craft a fun and engaging tale.
Swan Song
Swan Song might actually be compared to several other stories that are all about good vs. evil, but The Stand by Stephen King is one that might be the closest in nature. Still, the thought of nuclear war, the result of America becoming a wasteland in which roving bands of marauders, stranger creatures, and survivors willing to do anything to see each passing day is terrifying. The characters in this book are both inspirational and frightening as hell since the tale delves from some of the deepest nightmares of humanity and yet gives the type of hope that one can’t help but think of as the brightest of lights that stabs into the heart of the deepest shadow.
This book is a long read so it’s fair to think that unless you’re a fast or dedicated reader that it’s going to take a while, but it’s worth it. One can’t help but get sucked into this story in a very meaningful manner that will keep them turning one page after another until the end.
The Gungslinger
The linchpin of all of Stephen King’s stories has been stated to be the Dark Tower, the obsidian-black structure that sits at the center of all realities and must not fall. The quest of Roland Deschain, the last gunslinger of Gilead, is one that follows the fabled individual from his quest to bring down Marten, the initial villain of the story that Roland is seeking. From start to finish the story does have its slow points as exposition takes hold from time to time. But the action that begins in the first book and can keep people reading all the way to the end makes one feels a though a Clint Eastwood western was combined with the movie Westworld, as Roland’s world is a dying place that depends heavily on the tower.
As the first part of the series that ends with the final book titled The Dark Tower (The Gunslinger is the first book), this tale is one of those that might confuse some folks, but it’s very easy to catch up and figure out what’s going on. Plus, once a person meets each of the characters they’ll find themselves growing attached very quickly.
Honor Among Thieves
Set back in the early 90s when Saddam Hussein was still a nuisance that many people were worried about, and many wanted to see brought to heel. Jeffrey Archer came up with a story that would likely strike at the heart of every patriot since the plot…ah good try, but I’ll only say that the back and forth type of game that is played out in this story is one that will keep people reading just to make sure that they’re still fully up with what’s happening in the story.
Being someone that’s not into political thrillers or anything that’s associated with such stories, I picked this one up years ago in order to have something to focus on for a while. But after a few chapters in I was hooked since Archer manages to grab a person’s attention in a manner that’s both engaging and capable of leaving a person wondering what’s going to happen next.
Thank You for My Service
Mat Best is one of the more amusing individuals to have come across during one of my many YouTube romps since the guy is a true gem when it comes to his sense of humor and his ability to tell things as he sees them. From his childhood to his time as an Army Ranger, and then on to the co-founding of Black Rifle Coffee with several of his buddies, Best manages to tell a story that makes people laugh and at the same time say DAMN.
His sense of humor is a little out of whack, or might be seen that way by some folks, but it’s enough to make a lot of people that have roughly same sense of humor bust up laughing most of the way through the book. The best part about this book is that you don’t need to have served to enjoy it, but if you have done your time in the military then you’ll know a great deal of what he’s talking about and where a lot of his humorous moments come from, kind of.
HIs Dark Materials
While this is a trilogy, each book on its own is a lot of fun since the world that’s been created is great enough for each story to stand on its own, but together they make an even better story that’s a little lengthy in some spots but is still a fairly easy read as well. You can see how the main characters progress in a manner that’s a little confusing at times but manages to keep people from getting too comfortable as well.
There are a lot of folks that believe that the movie and the series that were released didn’t do the books as much justice as possible. But after all is said and done the world-building in these books was bound to be a huge effort for anyone.
The Warded Man
Initially, reading this book was kind of confusing since the wards that were such a big part of life in this world were hard to figure out. But when Peter V. Brett really got into the story things started to make sense, and the dire implications of what would happen without wards became something that one couldn’t help but be impressed by the world that Brett created, as well as the characters.
Another book that’s part of a series, The Warded Man is the type of story that will keep people turning the pages and will also keep them on the edge of their toes. But as a book that muddies up the battle between good and evil, it’s one that I’d recommend since not everything is so cut and dried.
The Wheel of Time
After a single season on Amazon Prime it would appear that a lot of things from the books that are a part of The Wheel of Time series have been changed. In fact, some folks still prefer the books in a big way, and are having issues with the series since there are several things missing and quite a few questions that will lead everyone into season 2. But it’s advised to read the books before watching the show so that one can find a way to see what’s missing and what’s been done correctly.
Or, if you’re not into comparing, simply read the books, and you’ll likely find a much richer story lying in wait for you.
Unmasked
This book might actually anger a few people, no matter if they’re for or against Antifa, since the documented violence that’s taken place in various cities thanks to those that belong to the black bloc-loving group has turned a lot of people against them. People might call Andy Ngo brave and courageous, and it’s not accurate to dispute that in every way, but there is a feeling that he knew what he was getting into. This also means that his prep before wading into the midst of those that would hate and revile him was seriously lacking.
All in all however, this is an interesting view at the issue that Antifa presented, though it is a bit one-sided. As an argument though, there’s very little about Antifa that many would deem as ‘good’.
WTR? (Why’s That Radass?)
Why is it Radass? Films and TV are great and offer a lot of great entertainment, but a good book can transport a person to another world or give them a look into how others see the world around them. A good book is way to let go that lasts longer and is sometimes much more satisfying.
