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The FBG Top 300 Books of All Time (fiction edition) | We are currently up to #30 | Running list in posts #3 and #4 (11 Viewers)
- Thread starter kupcho1
- Start date
Dr. Octopus
Footballguy
Eephus
Footballguy
217t - Sophie's Choice by William Styron (1979)
Styron was an author in the Southern Gothic tradition. He struggled with depression and only completed four novels. His final novel Sophie's Choice combines a coming of age story of its young narrator with the harrowing wartime memories of an Auschwitz survivor. The third major character is an abusive paranoid schizophrenic so you know it's going to end well.
When I was in college, I had a make-work summer job with the county that allowed me to read for almost my entire shift. For some reason, I went on a holocaust kick reading Sophie's Choice along with a number of other fiction and non-fiction books about the subject. Even though it's mostly set in post-war Brooklyn, Sophie's Choice is the one that personalized the tragedy better than the others. I've read a little Styron since then and found his prose a bit overwrought so I may be off with this selection but it's a book that's stayed with me for decades.
Styron was an author in the Southern Gothic tradition. He struggled with depression and only completed four novels. His final novel Sophie's Choice combines a coming of age story of its young narrator with the harrowing wartime memories of an Auschwitz survivor. The third major character is an abusive paranoid schizophrenic so you know it's going to end well.
When I was in college, I had a make-work summer job with the county that allowed me to read for almost my entire shift. For some reason, I went on a holocaust kick reading Sophie's Choice along with a number of other fiction and non-fiction books about the subject. Even though it's mostly set in post-war Brooklyn, Sophie's Choice is the one that personalized the tragedy better than the others. I've read a little Styron since then and found his prose a bit overwrought so I may be off with this selection but it's a book that's stayed with me for decades.
timschochet
Footballguy
I can only think that Pat Conroy must have been heavily influenced by this novel, specifically Beach Music.
One thing that struck me about Sophie’s Choice: the narrator has a section in the book castigating the Duke family, the founders of Duke University in North Carolina, as truly evil men. I found this fascinating.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
This is one book I know I will never be able to read. I have picked it up so many times because I see it so highly rated by people I trust. Then I flip through it and see the format...
rockaction
Footballguy
I didn’t like the Boomers either until generations younger than mine started treating them with such vitriol. And I hate The Kids, so now I feel like a reappraisal is due. Or I can dislike both, I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
John Maddens Lunchbox
Socialism for Dummies
Cant read this.
My quickest attempt to copy and paste
217A Man in FullTom Wolferockaction
Sophie’sChoiceWilliam StyronEephus
Silence Shusaku EndoOliver Humanzee
The Girl with the Dragon TattooStieg Larssonguru_007
The Demolished ManAlfred BesterBarry2
The AeneidVirgilturnjose7
Noble HouseJames Clavelltimschochet
House of LeavesMark Danielewski krista4,Shuke
213 Sirens of Titan Kurt Vonnegut i lov80s, chaos34
The Dead ZoneStephen Kingtimschochet, turnjose7
Second FoundationIsaac Asimovturnjose7, guru_00
Alice Adventures in WonderlandLewis Carroll Dr. Octopus, TheBaylorKid
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
Yes, the book takes some effort due to it's format, with varying styles and heavy use of footnotes, and footnotes to footnotes. This style, along with the subject matter, really drew me into a feeling as if I was at times unsure what level of subconsciousness I was currently residing in. I distinctively remember feeling like I was seeing things for a short stretch while reading this. If you want to read this, and I'm not sure why you wouldn't want to, buy the physical book. Do not read on an ereader.
I seriously would struggle to explain this book without excerpts from the internet. From Wikipedia:
So it's supposed to be written by Truant, who found an unfinished book by another guy (Zampano), who was documenting The Navidson Record, which was a documentary filmed by the Navidsons about their ever-changing maze of a home. Can't get more "meta" than that.
Eephus
Footballguy
This makes me curious about the book vs. tablet split among this group.
Mini poll time:
1. always read books
2. always read on a tablet
3. split between the two depending on circumstances
4. the tables made me blind
Explanations welcome.
Eephus
Footballguy
2. I'm a tablet guy. Switched to a Kindle Paperwhite around 2015 because I was doing a lot of my reading on airplanes and my aging eyes got tired if the light wasn't right. Over the past decade, I've moved the font size up a couple of clicks.
I still miss bookstores but I don't miss books piling up around the house.
I still miss bookstores but I don't miss books piling up around the house.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
I’ll handle this
This book truly captures the interplay of the said and the unsaid. The protagonist’s struggle with where he is going and whether it is worth it is heart-wrenching and relatable and makes the impermanence of the natural world resonate in a way rarely seen. If we didn’t previously wonder whether a man would give up everything to make the impossible a reality, we will now
P.s. I have no ****ing clue what book they are even talking about
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
I switched to tablet about 15 years ago. Easier to read in bed in the dark. At times I miss the real books. After I recently read Dune I found out there was a glossary in the back. That would have come in handy.
shuke
Black Ice Skeptic
Same, but I love to share/give books. At least I have a large number here that I can give to my kids.
Long Ball Larry
Footballguy
Always books. Yes always.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
Always books. I need the feel/smell of a book when i read. Yes, i have unread books toppling off shelves too.
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
I'm a Boomer and this book is essentially saying "we blew it". King could write beautiful passages when he wanted to, and some of his best are here.
Yep the reflections at the end of the book are pretty intense. As is the passage from which the book draws its title. If I do the King countdown I'll touch on that, but for those who have seen the movie, the line that Anthony Hopkins delivers is not the real origin of the title that is in the book. The real lines are much more poignant.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Pre-COVID, I used to be about 50-50 between tablet and book. Usually did fiction on tablet and nonfiction with physical book so I could flip back and forth easier to footnotes/maps/etc. I flipped to about 100% physical books during COVID and basically everything going to Microsoft Teams calls. Too much screen time at work wants me off the screen otherwise.
kupcho1
Footballguy
I only read books. I should note that I do have access to electricity and several lamps so reading in the dark isn't really required. 
I will concede that books take up space. However, the books is yours to keep. The thing about digital media is that it can be taken from you at any time (unless you've pirated your own copy). Also, I don't keep all of the books I read, only the ones I will revisit.
I will concede that books take up space. However, the books is yours to keep. The thing about digital media is that it can be taken from you at any time (unless you've pirated your own copy). Also, I don't keep all of the books I read, only the ones I will revisit.
The Longtime Lurker
Footballguy
Always read real books. I look at them like a collection and am proud of my book shelf. Try to read one book a month.
Last two I read were "Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe" by Brian Greene and "11-23-63" by Steven King. Enjoyed them both, but "11-23-63" could have been about 200 pages shorter without losing much of the story.
Last two I read were "Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe" by Brian Greene and "11-23-63" by Steven King. Enjoyed them both, but "11-23-63" could have been about 200 pages shorter without losing much of the story.
krista4
Footballguy
Excellent point. This book shouldn't even be available as an eBook, the format is so important.
krista4
Footballguy
This, always this.
I do a blend of real books and eBooks. Because I travel a lot, digital has been a godsend instead of lugging big books around everywhere. At home, I prefer a physical book.
The Dreaded Marco
Footballguy
Please don’t get @Mrs.Marco started on this topic.
Half of our living room, office and basement walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves—-housing approximately 6000 books. And this is after she culled 1000 or so a few years ago to give away.
I’m currently battling her for a small corner of the living room space to store the 1200 CD’s that I refuse to sell
kupcho1
Footballguy
Phase 2: Books 300 - 201 complete
Here's 12 more to get us through the first 100.
Chuck puts 2 on the board as Steve and Teddy continue to rack up wins.
What was particularly difficult for me in this exercise was determining which book I should include for authors I enjoy. Great Expectations was one of the last books Dickens wrote and IMHO, his best. In addition to our hero, Pip, there are a host of other great characters (e.g., Miss Havisham, and my favorite, Magwitch).
It is a rousing yard and I'm glad I was able to read it in one go unlike readers of the time as it was originally published in serial form.
If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend it.
Here's 12 more to get us through the first 100.
| 203 | The Village of Stepanchikovo | Fyodor Dostoevsky | Psychopav |
| Black Swan Green | David Mitchell | Eephus | |
| Winnie-the-Pooh | A.A. Milne | Dr_Zaius | |
| A Christmas Carol | Charles Dickens | KeithR | |
| The Dark Tower IV: Wizard and Glass | Stephen King | turnjose7 | |
| Pippi Longstocking | Astrid Lingren | MrsMarco | |
| Mila 18 | Leon Uris | timschochet | |
| Lincoln in the Bardo | George Saunders | Don Quixote | |
| Intensity | Dean Koontz | Dr. Octopus | |
| The Dark Knight Returns | Frank Miller | turnjose7, Dr. Octopus | |
| 202 | A Feast for Crows (Vol. 4 of A Song of Ice and Fire) | George R.R. Martin | scoobus |
| 201 | Great Expectations | Charles Dickens | kupcho1, turnjose7, ilov80s |
Chuck puts 2 on the board as Steve and Teddy continue to rack up wins.
What was particularly difficult for me in this exercise was determining which book I should include for authors I enjoy. Great Expectations was one of the last books Dickens wrote and IMHO, his best. In addition to our hero, Pip, there are a host of other great characters (e.g., Miss Havisham, and my favorite, Magwitch).
It is a rousing yard and I'm glad I was able to read it in one go unlike readers of the time as it was originally published in serial form.
If you haven't already read it, I highly recommend it.
kupcho1
Footballguy
Have you considered a reality show? Perhaps Hoarder Wars?I’m currently battling her for a small corner of the living room space to store the 1200 CD’s that I refuse to sell
Psychopav
Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho
I had Great Expectations on my list of 150 but it didn't make my list of 70 because we read it in high school and I just couldn't remember whether it was abridged or not.
Dickens was so hard because I legitimately can't remember whether I've actually read A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, or just had seen them so often in movie form.
The one thing I know for sure is that I've never read A Tale of Two Cities, because I tried twice and just couldn't get into it lol.
"It was the best of times, it was the BLURST of times"? What am I paying you monkeys for, anyway? -Mr. Burns (wrong thread)
Dickens was so hard because I legitimately can't remember whether I've actually read A Christmas Carol and Oliver Twist, or just had seen them so often in movie form.
The one thing I know for sure is that I've never read A Tale of Two Cities, because I tried twice and just couldn't get into it lol.
"It was the best of times, it was the BLURST of times"? What am I paying you monkeys for, anyway? -Mr. Burns (wrong thread)
Mrs.Marco
Footballguy
1! I love physical books, and I've never read an ebook or listened to an audio book. I love to turn paper pages; I love the way different paper feels from a silky paperback to a thick creamy hardcover; I love different fonts; I like counting the pages to a good stopping point; I love plates and pictures. I will definitely buy a book solely because I love its cover. Most recently I bought the memoir Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton because I love the rabbit on the cover. And then I saw the spot drawings throughout.Please don’t get @Mrs.Marco started on this topic.
Half of our living room, office and basement walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves—-housing approximately 6000 books. And this is after she culled 1000 or so a few years ago to give away.
I’m currently battling her for a small corner of the living room space to store the 1200 CD’s that I refuse to sell
To me a book is the perfect object: beautiful, portable, filled with new things to learn. That said shelf space is an ongoing issue for me and I'm always trying to figure out ways to make myself read more than I buy each year. And I can't even begin to think about the Dreaded CDs...
Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
Mrs.Marco
Footballguy
#10 Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
Pippi might be my favorite character in literature--spunky, clever, strong and independent. As a kid I spent time sleeping with my feet on the pillow to be more like Pippi. I recently read the new Tiina Nunnally translation out loud to myself and my cat, and it made me laugh all over again.
Pippi might be my favorite character in literature--spunky, clever, strong and independent. As a kid I spent time sleeping with my feet on the pillow to be more like Pippi. I recently read the new Tiina Nunnally translation out loud to myself and my cat, and it made me laugh all over again.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I only read books. I should note that I do have access to electricity and several lamps so reading in the dark isn't really required.
I will concede that books take up space. However, the books is yours to keep. The thing about digital media is that it can be taken from you at any time (unless you've pirated your own copy). Also, I don't keep all of the books I read, only the ones I will revisit.
I do like the aspect of being able give somebody else a book as well and share a good book. I have gotten better at sticking to used stores and the area libraries have books for sale for 25-50cents, and I find myself looking there whenever I go and grabbing a few on principle.
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Psychopav
Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho
The Village of Stepanchikovo by Fyodor Dostoevsky, compliments of Google Gemini:
"The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants" centers on the chaotic and darkly comedic return of Sergei Alexandrovich to his mother's estate, where he encounters the domineering and manipulative Foma Fomich Opiskin. Foma, a self-proclaimed intellectual and former hanger-on, has established himself as the household tyrant, wielding psychological control over the family with his inflated ego and incessant pronouncements. The novel unfolds as a farcical and increasingly tense struggle for power, revealing the absurdity of human vanity and the corrosive effects of unchecked egotism within a confined social space. What elevates "The Village of Stepanchikovo" to greatness is Dostoevsky's masterful blend of humor and psychological depth, his ability to craft memorable and eccentric characters, and his exploration of the subtle yet devastating ways in which individuals can exert power over others, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that oscillates between comedy and near-tragic intensity.
This book, which came out right around the time he was allowed to return to St. Petersburg after his
Siberian imprisonment (and near execution) and subsequent exile from Russian society, has everything to love about Dostoevsky's writing (thanks again, Gemini - this list is :chef's kiss: perfection:
Fyodor Dostoevsky's writing resonates deeply with readers for several compelling reasons. Here's a breakdown of the most commonly appreciated aspects of his work:
Psychological Depth:
•He masterfully explores the complexities of the human psyche, delving into the darkest corners of human consciousness.
•His characters grapple with profound moral dilemmas, inner conflicts, and existential anxieties.
Philosophical Exploration:
•Dostoevsky tackles profound philosophical questions about free will, morality, faith, and the meaning of life.
•His works often engage with existential themes, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Complex and Nuanced Characters:
•He creates characters that are remarkably realistic, flawed, and multifaceted.
•His characters are not simply good or evil but rather complex individuals with their own motivations and struggles.
Social and Political Commentary:
•Dostoevsky provides insightful critiques of Russian society, addressing issues such as poverty, social inequality, and the dangers of radical ideologies.
Emotional Impact:
•His writing evokes strong emotions, ranging from empathy and compassion to anxiety and despair.
•His works are intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Exploration of Moral Dilemmas:
•His characters are constantly faced with difficult moral choices, and the consequences of those choices are explored in depth.
Existential Themes:
•His writing delves deep into questions of the meaning of life, the nature of human existence, and the search for truth.
His ability to create "Polyphony"
•Meaning that his characters seem to have their own voices, that are not just mouth pieces for the author.
"The Village of Stepanchikovo and Its Inhabitants" centers on the chaotic and darkly comedic return of Sergei Alexandrovich to his mother's estate, where he encounters the domineering and manipulative Foma Fomich Opiskin. Foma, a self-proclaimed intellectual and former hanger-on, has established himself as the household tyrant, wielding psychological control over the family with his inflated ego and incessant pronouncements. The novel unfolds as a farcical and increasingly tense struggle for power, revealing the absurdity of human vanity and the corrosive effects of unchecked egotism within a confined social space. What elevates "The Village of Stepanchikovo" to greatness is Dostoevsky's masterful blend of humor and psychological depth, his ability to craft memorable and eccentric characters, and his exploration of the subtle yet devastating ways in which individuals can exert power over others, all while maintaining a gripping narrative that oscillates between comedy and near-tragic intensity.
This book, which came out right around the time he was allowed to return to St. Petersburg after his
Siberian imprisonment (and near execution) and subsequent exile from Russian society, has everything to love about Dostoevsky's writing (thanks again, Gemini - this list is :chef's kiss: perfection:
Fyodor Dostoevsky's writing resonates deeply with readers for several compelling reasons. Here's a breakdown of the most commonly appreciated aspects of his work:
Psychological Depth:
•He masterfully explores the complexities of the human psyche, delving into the darkest corners of human consciousness.
•His characters grapple with profound moral dilemmas, inner conflicts, and existential anxieties.
Philosophical Exploration:
•Dostoevsky tackles profound philosophical questions about free will, morality, faith, and the meaning of life.
•His works often engage with existential themes, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Complex and Nuanced Characters:
•He creates characters that are remarkably realistic, flawed, and multifaceted.
•His characters are not simply good or evil but rather complex individuals with their own motivations and struggles.
Social and Political Commentary:
•Dostoevsky provides insightful critiques of Russian society, addressing issues such as poverty, social inequality, and the dangers of radical ideologies.
Emotional Impact:
•His writing evokes strong emotions, ranging from empathy and compassion to anxiety and despair.
•His works are intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Exploration of Moral Dilemmas:
•His characters are constantly faced with difficult moral choices, and the consequences of those choices are explored in depth.
Existential Themes:
•His writing delves deep into questions of the meaning of life, the nature of human existence, and the search for truth.
His ability to create "Polyphony"
•Meaning that his characters seem to have their own voices, that are not just mouth pieces for the author.
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KarmaPolice
Footballguy
1! I love physical books, and I've never read an ebook or listened to an audio book. I love to turn paper pages; I love the way different paper feels from a silky paperback to a thick creamy hardcover; I love different fonts; I like counting the pages to a good stopping point; I love plates and pictures. I will definitely buy a book solely because I love its cover. Most recently I bought the memoir Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton because I love the rabbit on the cover. And then I saw the spot drawings throughout.Please don’t get @Mrs.Marco started on this topic.
Half of our living room, office and basement walls are lined with floor-to-ceiling built-in bookshelves—-housing approximately 6000 books. And this is after she culled 1000 or so a few years ago to give away.
I’m currently battling her for a small corner of the living room space to store the 1200 CD’s that I refuse to sell
That said shelf space is an ongoing issue for me and I'm always trying to figure out ways to make myself read more than I buy each year. And I can't even begin to think about the Dreaded CDs...
Same, but what I have found in my old age is I have started picking books based on font type and more importantly - size. More and more I struggle with those smaller fonts.
TheBaylorKid
Footballguy
90% read books
Why?
1. Tired of screens after work
2. Use the library for most of my books, the 10% comes from titles available only online from my library
3. I like treasure hunting used book stores for some hard to find titles. Sure I could instantly buy them online, but with so much on demand, instant gratification, I think building in some delayed gratification into your life is good for us.
Some titles that I am currently search the used book stores for:
John Crowley - Little, Big and Ka: Oakley in the Ruin of Ymr
Peter Watts - Blindsight
Dennis Taylor - We are Bob, Book 2
Robert Holdstock - Mythago Wood
Greg Egan - Permutation City
Mervyn Peake - Titus Alone
The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester
Facing the possibility of bankruptcy a business tycoon becomes obsessed with a rival. It leads him to grow unstable, he decides to kill his rival. The problem is murder hasn't been committed in a 100 years. Some people have the ability to become telepaths. This skill is used to stop crime before it happens. The tycoon must figure out a way to kill and a way to get away with it. A game of cat and mouse develops with a detective. If he gets caught he will go through demolition, a procedure explained at the end of the book. This won the first Hugo in 1953. It was crazy to me how modern the book felt.
Facing the possibility of bankruptcy a business tycoon becomes obsessed with a rival. It leads him to grow unstable, he decides to kill his rival. The problem is murder hasn't been committed in a 100 years. Some people have the ability to become telepaths. This skill is used to stop crime before it happens. The tycoon must figure out a way to kill and a way to get away with it. A game of cat and mouse develops with a detective. If he gets caught he will go through demolition, a procedure explained at the end of the book. This won the first Hugo in 1953. It was crazy to me how modern the book felt.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
This sounds really good. Added to the ever expanding library list.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
Another bonus to physical books is the bookmark. I love finding funny bookmarks or when my kids would make one for me. I think I have 2x the number of bookmarks around the house as I do books.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
I like bookmarks as a cheap memento from vacations and places that visit. I don’t need another mug, t-shirt, or something. But a $2.50 bookmark or whatever from a national park/historic site/etc. is both cheap and has good utility.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
When people say they read on the tablet: do you mean you purchase them to read, you have a subscription, or you have an app through the library? I am truly ignorant about it - I tried it once and didn't like it at all.
What I am getting at, is I would agree depending on the titles. Many of these from Girl with the Dragon Tatoo to Lincoln on the Bardo are exactly the types of books see and have bought for 50cents at the library or found in the dollar racks at the used book store. Classics I find there all the time as well - often $2 or under for Dickens, Tolstoy, and the like. I am sure there are also a bunch that are harder to find to a little more expensive, but I am confident I could walk into our Half-Priced books with $20 and get at least 6-7 books I haven't read so far on this countdown.
KarmaPolice
Footballguy
I like that idea too. Just something that makes you smile or gives you a memory as you open a good book.
Psychopav
Help us, Joebi-Wan Brynobi, you're our only ho
I have a gen 2 Kindle and buy books when I want to read them. I can also read them in the app on my phone if I don't have my tablet with me.
TheBaylorKid
Footballguy
Always neat to find someone else’s book mark tucked away in a used book store and wonder about the story about that book mark.
Don Quixote
Footballguy
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017) (my #10)
It looks like I was the lone ranker on “Lincoln in the Bardo.” Readers of the whatcha reading thread may remember a few years ago when I discussed reading a biography of every President. I may have also mentioned a road trip of mine a couple of years to visit a bunch of Presidential sites in Ohio. So, I’m a fan of Presidential history, and, yeah, Lincoln is one of my favorites to read about.
I also love George Saunders’ writing. His short story collection The Tenth of December also made my list of 70. If/when we do nonfiction, I may also rank his A Swim in the Pond in the Rain book, where he put his course on Russian short stories into book form.
So, this one is the perfect storm of a couple of my interests. The story takes place around the time of the death of Abraham Lincoln’s son Willie while Lincoln was president. Saunders uses the historical accounts that Lincoln would visit Willie’s crypt in the cemetery as a springboard for it. It all unfolds over a single night with the sprits in the cemetery trying to help Willie out of the bardo (the transitional space between life and death) into the afterlife, which requires trying to convince Willie that he let go of his father.
The novel is unconventional in the way writtten, as written in the form of dialogue between the characters similar to how a play would be written. It is one of the most moving and original novels that I’ve ever read, which is why it is up here at #10 for me.
It looks like I was the lone ranker on “Lincoln in the Bardo.” Readers of the whatcha reading thread may remember a few years ago when I discussed reading a biography of every President. I may have also mentioned a road trip of mine a couple of years to visit a bunch of Presidential sites in Ohio. So, I’m a fan of Presidential history, and, yeah, Lincoln is one of my favorites to read about.
I also love George Saunders’ writing. His short story collection The Tenth of December also made my list of 70. If/when we do nonfiction, I may also rank his A Swim in the Pond in the Rain book, where he put his course on Russian short stories into book form.
So, this one is the perfect storm of a couple of my interests. The story takes place around the time of the death of Abraham Lincoln’s son Willie while Lincoln was president. Saunders uses the historical accounts that Lincoln would visit Willie’s crypt in the cemetery as a springboard for it. It all unfolds over a single night with the sprits in the cemetery trying to help Willie out of the bardo (the transitional space between life and death) into the afterlife, which requires trying to convince Willie that he let go of his father.
The novel is unconventional in the way writtten, as written in the form of dialogue between the characters similar to how a play would be written. It is one of the most moving and original novels that I’ve ever read, which is why it is up here at #10 for me.
Eephus
Footballguy
I "buy" e-books per the terms and conditions of Amazon's EULA. I get most of them through Kindle daily deals and Book Bub and find enough interesting stuff for two or three bucks to keep my queue full. It's become part of my daily Internet routine and the joy of finding something unexpected is almost as good as browsing a bookstore. You can also always find classics that have entered the public domain for a buck or two.
I don't know how things are in your neck of the woods but the used bookstore scene in SF has fallen on hard times. There used to be lots of them 20 years ago but most have closed and been replaced by personal trainers and cannabis dispensaries. I was on Church Street yesterday and saw workmen taking down the neon sign for Aardvark Books which closed six years ago. I spent hours in that place back in the day and rarely left empty handed. The store cat Owen who wandered the aisles and sat in the window passed away in 2021.
krista4
Footballguy
I liked Lincoln in the Bardo, though it didn't make my list. He will appear again on the countdown, though.
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