My Top 15 Books

In alphabetical order, one entry per author. I tried to rank them, but found it too difficult.

The Age of Innocence – Edith Wharton

I originally picked this book up on a whim to fulfill the "classic romance" checkbox on the 2015 reading challenge. I expected another boring, Jane Eyre-like romance that would be a slog to get through. I was wrong. What I got was a roiling romance that, surprisingly, ended unhappily. Or maybe it did have a happy ending. The main character was given two alternatives: stability or excitement (I'm reducing to the extreme here). The conclusion impressed me so much that it gave the book a place on my list.

Alamut – Vladimir Bartol

If I was forced to rank this list, Alamut would appear darn near the top. It gives a somewhat fictionalized portrayal of the birth of the assassin order in what is now Iran. More broadly, it gives a view into how faith can be weaponized. To vastly oversimplify the plot, the leader of Alamut has deceived a large group of religious devotees into believing he has the God-given powers to allow followers to ascend directly into heaven upon death in the line of duty. In doing so, he creates a fearless set of soldiers that will willingly sacrifice themselves to accomplish his goals.

Behold The Man – Michael Moorcock

This is a short book. I was able to read it in a day. Nevertheless, it was interesting. It's about a time traveler with some serious mental troubles who decided to try and find the historical Jesus. The machine breaks upon arrival, and what follows is his journey of discovery and eventual realization of what he must do. I'm a sucker for these kinds of time travel stories, and this was one of the good ones.

The Billion Dollar Spy – David E. Hoffman

A coworker and I have a certain understanding: we have very different tastes, so we "recommend" books we dislike to each other. This book was the one exception to that rule. We both ended up liking it. It was weird. Anyway, the book tells the tale of Adolf Tolkachev, a spy working against the Soviets during the Cold War. It was a very impressive overview of espionage tradecraft and the hoops agents have to jump through to give information.

The Birth of Satan – TJ Wray and Gregory Mobley

I picked up this book after watching the 43alley YouTube video about the subject, and I have to say this is one of my favourite books concerning religious history. It chronicles the concept of Satan from its original, generic Jewish roots through to the proper-noun personification of evil that currently exists in the minds of many. It's an amazing insight into how something as stubborn as religious thought can change over time.

The Crusades Through Arab Eyes – Amin Maalouf

This one gives a fascinating view into how Euro-centric a lot of literature about the Crusades is presented. I always understood it as: four major crusades (of varying levels of success), three lesser crusades no one cares about, and that's about it. Instead, the view is flipped around as a more-or-less constant barbaric invasion force that takes a backseat compared to the rising threat from the east.

Dave Barry's Money Secrets – Dave Barry

Dave Barry is my favourite author, and if I didn't limit this list to one book per author, it'd be dominated by his literary masterpieces. He is the only author that can consistently make me laugh out loud with his writing. This one is probably my favourite, but it's so darn hard to choose!

The Great Theft – Khaled Abou El Fadl

If I had to recommend an introduction to Islam for someone, I'd offer this book above any other generic "Introduction To" books. The first half gives an overview of the religion in an approachable way, while the back half explains, from the author's point of view, the modern rise of extremism. It blows away all manners of stereotypes and assumptions, and reminds everyone that people are people.

How To Lie With Statistics – Darrell Huff

Do you ever feel like the news and politicians are lying to you? You're probably right. And this book goes over exactly how they do it. For a book written well over 50 years ago, it's still just as relevant today. It certainly made me pay way more attention to graphs and charts than I normally would've.

Jesus, Interrupted – Bart Ehrman

The Bible is not the wholesome, consistent book folks like to think it is. Jesus, Interrupted goes over several of the glaring inconsistencies in the New Testament stories that can only come from reading them critically. Mind, the author isn't trying to disprove God, or force atheism down anyone's throat. He's just writing about them, and leaving everything else as an exercise for the reader. I've read several of Ehrman's books, but this one is definitely my favourite of the lot.

The Jungle – Upton Sinclair

Even if the story is heavy-handed, this book did much to convince me that my left-leaning political outlook is probably for the best. It regularly comes to mind whenever I hear people saying that the free market will solve everyone's problems.

Jurassic Park – Michael Crichton

For the longest time, Michael Crichton was my favourite author (Dave Barry has since supplanted him). His thriller novels, while completely silly, sound just scientific enough that you suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride. Jurassic Park (now a major motion picture from Universal!) is the best example of this. I mean, a theme park with cloned dinosaurs sounds absurd. But it gets explained well enough that you start to believe it. It's very engrossing, and that's why I love it.

The Martian – Andy Weir

I picked this book up shortly after hearing about the movie. Sure enough, it deserves all the praise it gets. It was funny, immersive, and cleverly written. I love the way it bounces between serious storytelling and light-hearted diary entries. It's like a love letter to science and wonder, and I feel like the world truly needed something like that.

The Time Traveler's Wife – Audrey Niffenegger

This is my favourite book. I know this list isn't ranked or anything, but this is The One. It has comedy, romance, suspense, time travel! It has everything going right for it. I think I may give it another read next year.

1984 – George Orwell

Do I even need to describe this one? Everyone already knows about this book. It's awesome. Look, I'm tired and don't feel like writing any more. Give me a break, here.

Otakon 2015

Dawn of the First Day - 72 Hours Remain

Stab, stab, stab

Something about this guy really bugged me

Bringing the pro-PAIN!

Are you squidding me?

The hero you want on your side when you have a body that needs to disappear

Jimbo's Anime Season - Spring 2015

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU TOO!
a.k.a. Making Anime Titles is Hard
Genre: political drama (okay, not really)

The character in the foreground is technically walking toward the side,
but it sure doesn't seem like it when this frame is taken out of context.

Okay, maybe I'm making fun of the title too much. Maybe it's because it's in English. According to Google Translate, the Japanese title is more along the lines of "Again my youth romantic comedy is wrong. Continue". Well, it doesn't really change the fact that the title is basically the genre. Oh sure, they claim it's wrong, or that situation normal is all fncked up, but if we're all honest we can admit that it's a romantic comedy anyway.

Putting aside the title, I'm liking the series. I enjoyed the first season and was surprised to see a second. Usually for these types of things they'll make one season and then abandon it. I'm glad they decided to continue this one. The characters have interesting personalities without being overwhelming. Meanwhile, the conflicts and goals between them seem deeper than the veneer of comedy lets on.

Nisekoi:
a.k.a. No More Mr. Nisekoi Colon
Genre: romcom

Thankfully, this series has no shortage of silly faces.

Again with the title shenanigans? Seriously, what does the colon even mean? Are anime series just too cool to use numbers? Or, hell, just use the same name from the first season. People will realize that it's a new season when they see it and say, "hey, new episodes!"

Anyway, this is season two, and in traditional harem-comedy style, each episode is a loosely connected crisis that seems to slightly advance the plot while, in fact, not moving anywhere. While I do find the characters fun, I am kinda hoping this will be the last season. It's good and all, but lets put this series to bed before it overstays its welcome.

My Love Story!!
a.k.a. My Love Story Exclamation Point Exclamation Point
Genre: romcom

Pop quiz: Which character do you think is the main character?

That's two exclamation points in the title. Two. You'd think this was a second season of the series. But you would be wrong. This is the first season. First world anarchists right here.

I actually started reading the manga before I even learned an anime series was coming out. Admittedly, the story is really dumb, but it's just so darn adorable. It's the aspartame of anime series. Sure, it'll probably give me cancer, but it's so delicious that I've convinced myself I'm okay with it.

Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan
a.k.a. Hey, Still Technically Better than Endless Eight
Genre: romcom

The money shot

How can you betray me like this? Yuki Nagato is my favourite anime character of all time. Of all time. She was a calm and cool badass with effective omniscience and omnipotence.

This "Yuki Nagato" is not that. Now she's just a boring, bespectacled library girl. I mean, I know the external circumstances to this scenario's existence (see The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya), but that doesn't make things any less dull. I feel like this series would've been a complete non-starter if it wasn't riding on the (admittedly flagging) popularity of the Haruhi Suzumiya franchise.

On the bright side, this series may usher in a new wave of Yuki Nagato collectibles, which I whole-heartedly endorse.

Best Games Ever

Title	Console	Release Year	Genre
Meteos	DS	2005	Puzzle
Advance Wars: Dual Strike	DS	2005	Strategy
Kirby's Adventure	NES	1993	Platformer
Sky Kid	NES	1987	Shooter
Super Mario Bros. 3	NES	1990	Platformer
Yoshi's Cookie	NES	1993	Puzzle
Mega Man 4	NES	1994	Platformer
Balloon Fight	NES	1986	Platformer
Amplitude	PS2	2003	Music
Dark Cloud 2	PS2	2003	RPG
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City	PS2	2002	Action
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas	PS2	2004	Action
Guitar Hero II	PS2	2006	Music
Ico	PS2	2001	Adventure
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy	PS2	2001	Platformer
Kingdom Hearts II	PS2	2005	RPG
Klonoa 2: Lunatea's Veil	PS2	2001	Platformer
Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater	PS2	2004	Action
Okami	PS2	2006	Adventure
Harvest Moon: Back to Nature	PSX	1999	Simulation
Pokemon: Red/Blue	GB	1998	RPG
Pokemon: Silver/Gold	GB	2000	RPG
Kirby's Dream Land 2	GB	1995	Platformer
Kirby's Block Ball	GB	1996	Puzzle
Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages	GBC	2001	Adventure
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town	GBA	2003	Simulation
Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap	GBA	2005	Adventure
Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility	Wii	2008	Simulation
Kirby's Return to Dream Land	Wii	2011	Platformer
Super Mario Galaxy	Wii	2007	Platformer
Super Smash Bros. Brawl	Wii	2008	Fighter
Animal Crossing	GCN	2002	Simulation
Harvest Moon: Magical Melody	GCN	2005	Simulation
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess	GCN	2006	Adventure
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker	GCN	2003	Adventure
Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes	GCN	2004	Action
Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door	GCN	2004	RPG
Super Smash Bros. Melee	GCN	2001	Fighter
Tales of Symphonia	GCN	2004	RPG
Mario Kart: Double Dash	GCN	2003	Racing
Pikmin 2	GCN	2004	Strategy
Pikmin	GCN	2001	Strategy
Mario Kart 8	WiiU	2014	Racing
Super Mario 3D World	WiiU	2013	Platformer
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U	WiiU	2014	Fighter
Alice: Madness Returns	Xbox 360	2011	Platformer
Grand Theft Auto V	Xbox 360	2013	Action
Rayman Origins	Xbox 360	2011	Platformer
Red Dead Redemption	Xbox 360	2010	Action
Tomb Raider	Xbox 360	2013	Action
Pokemon Snap	N64	1999	Simulation
Mario Tennis	N64	2000	Sports
Perfect Dark	N64	2000	Shooter
Super Smash Bros.	N64	1999	Fighter
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time	N64	1998	Adventure
Super Mario 64	N64	1996	Platformer
GoldenEye 007	N64	1997	Shooter
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron	N64	1998	Flying
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask	N64	2000	Adventure
Harvest Moon 64	N64	1999	Simulation
Banjo-Kazooie	N64	1998	Platformer
Banjo-Tooie	N64	2000	Platformer
Paper Mario	N64	2001	RPG
Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers	N64	1999	Adventure
Assassin's Creed	PS3	2007	Action
Assassin's Creed II	PS3	2009	Action
Batman: Arkham Asylum	PS3	2009	Action
BioShock	PS3	2007	Shooter
Just Cause 2	PS3	2010	Action
Saints Row 2	PS3	2008	Action
Tales of Xillia	PS3	2013	RPG
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag	PS4	2013	Adventure
Infamous: Second Son	PS4	2014	Action
Dragon Age: Inquisition	PS4	2014	RPG
Animal Crossing: New Leaf	3DS	2012	Simulation
Fire Emblem Awakening	3DS	2013	RPG
Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning	3DS	2012	Simulation
Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds	3DS	2013	Adventure
Pokemon X/Y	3DS	2013	RPG
Shantae: Risky's Revenge	DS	2010	Platformer
Luftrausers	PC	2014	Flying
Omerta: City of Gangsters	PC	2013	Simulation
Psychonauts	PC	2005	Platformer
Worms 2	PC	1997	Strategy
Blake Stone: Aliens of Gold	PC	1993	Shooter
SimCity 2000	PC	1994	Simulation
Riven	PC	1997	Adventure
Unreal Tournament	PC	1999	Shooter
Age of Empires II	PC	1999	Strategy
Anno 2070	PC	2011	Strategy
Banished	PC	2014	Simulation
Child of Light	PC	2014	RPG
Crusader Kings II	PC	2012	Strategy
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	PC	2011	RPG
Goat Simulator	PC	2014	Simulation
Mount & Blade: Warband	PC	2010	Action
Patrician III	PC	2003	Simulation
Reus	PC	2013	Simulation
Rise of Nations	PC	2003	Strategy
Sid Meier's Civilization V	PC	2010	Strategy
The Stanley Parable	PC	2013	Adventure
Team Fortress 2	PC	2007	Shooter
Tropico 5	PC	2014	Simulation
SimCity 3000	PC	1999	Simulation
SimCity 4	PC	2003	Simulation
Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast	PC	2002	Shooter
Tropico	PC	2001	Simulation
Sid Meier's Civilization IV	PC	2005	Strategy
Mass Effect	PC	2007	RPG
Mass Effect 2	PC	2010	RPG
Mass Effect 3	PC	2012	RPG
The Sims	PC	2000	Simulation
The Sims 2	PC	2004	Simulation
The Sims 3	PC	2009	Simulation
The Sims 4	PC	2014	Simulation
1701 A.D.	PC	2006	Simulation
F.E.A.R.	PC	2005	Shooter
BioShock Infinite	PC	2013	Shooter
Black & White 2	PC	2005	Simulation
Cities in Motion	PC	2011	Simulation
Dear Esther	PC	2012	Adventure
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion	PC	2006	RPG
Portal	PC	2007	Puzzle
Portal 2	PC	2011	Puzzle
The Wolf Among Us	PC	2013	Adventure
Wolfenstein: The New Order	PC	2014	Shooter
XCOM: Enemy Unknown	PC	2012	Strategy
Sonic the Hedgehog 2	Genesis	1992	Platformer
Sonic & Knuckles	Genesis	1994	Platformer
Garfield: Caught in the Act	Genesis	1995	Platformer
Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster's Hidden Treasure	Genesis	1993	Platformer
Boogerman	Genesis	1994	Platformer
Secret of Mana	SNES	1993	RPG
Super Mario World	SNES	1990	Platformer
Super Return of the Jedi	SNES	1994	Action

[full spreadsheet]