Some of the books I get my hands on leave a lasting impression on me, even the ones that aren't thrown at my head. Here are my recommendations as well as some commentary of some of the books available out there.

So, if you have nothing to do and want to read a good book, here are some suggestions (each is linked to an online bookseller, if you really like them.)

Non-Fiction

1. How the Republicans Stole Christmas : The Republican Party's Declared Monopoly on Religion and What Democrats Can Do to Take it Back by Bill Press
   
   This should be no shock to anyone who has read any of my televangelist rants. This is a validation of all of the stuff I've seen the Trinity Broadcast System do over the last 2 or 3 years. It sucks and people who believe in the separation of church and state should be aware. Press covers all of the topics ranging from Bush to the Profit Prophets. This is required reading.
   
   
2. All I Ever Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarden: Uncommon Thoughts on Common Things by Robert Fulghum
   
   One of the biggest influences I've ever had on essay writing was Robert Fulghum. He started this book with no intent of publication. There are elements of a modern day Zen Master in this. It is one of the best books I've ever read and reread. I'm a big fan of most of his books and may even list some here eventually. I recommend reading his essays on Crayolas and anything he did while teaching his art classes. This is truly a book on perspective and how we shouldn't take some things for granted. You don't have to read any of the essays in order but I do recommend you read them all.
   
   
3. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
   
   Let me ask you. As a young aspiring writer, if you had the opportunity to speak to Stephen King about the craft of writing. How much would you pay for the opportunity? Well, wonder no more. King has written a book on what and how he does that voodoo that you do so well. I recommend it highly.
   
   
4. 21 Dog Years: Doing Time @ amazon.com by Mike Daisey
   
   I just picked this one up and tore through it. It was easily one of the funniest memoirs I have ever gotten my hands on. Daisey tells of his exploits with Amazon.com and shows the impression made on a dilettante. A fast read. I plan on seeing his one man show based on this book. I had liked it so much I wrote to Mr. Daisey and said "Thank You". He actually wrote back.
   
   
   
5. The Death of Common Sense: How Law Is Suffocating America by Phillip K. Howard
   
   Did you ever feel like shooting a lawyer? Me too. Mr. Howard illustrates a vivid picture on how the laws in this country make it less the home of the brave and land of the free and more a place where an individual must walk on eggshells. Cherish your country for there is no afterlife in a place that started off as heaven. Not a book for those who don't want their eyes opened.
   
   
   
6. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
   
   In times like this it's good to know what a warrior should be thinking. I recommend one of the first books in the art of warfare. Sun Tzu's, The Art of War is read not only for warfare but for business as well. It is a MUST READ.
   
   
   
7. The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi
   
   Continuing on in the Art of War vein, you may wish to read this book of warfare and spiritualism. This book is essentially the essence of being a warrior. This book is the Japanese companion to the Chinese Art of War by Sun Tzu. Miyamoto Musashi was a self taught warrior who was never defeated in battle. He killed his first man at the age of 16 and his last at age 29. His book of warfare is a book of pure wisdom.
   
   
   
8. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris
   
   Back at the turn of the century we had a real president who dealt with issues similar to those we are dealing with today. Read this book about Teddy Roosevelt's presidency and his 10 years in office. Edmund Morris' prequel to this book had won the Pulitzer Prize. This one is a great follow up.
   
   
   
9. The Collapse of the Common Good: How America's Lawsuit Culture Undermines Our Freedom by Phillip K. Howard
   
   A second book by Mr. Howard. Just as disturbing.
   
   
   
10. The Web Site Design WOW! Book - Showcasing the Best of On-Screen Communication by Jack Davis and Susan Merritt
    
    There are only a few books I can recommend for designing a web page. This is one of them. The Web Site Design WOW! Book gives great examples of great web pages. For the budding young web designer, whether personal or professional, you can't miss with this book. With the right tools and this book, you can't miss.
    
    
    
11. Uncivil Wars: The Controversy Over Reparations for Slavery by David Horowitz
    
    What happens when a white man is accused of being a racist? Mr. Horowitz has had the audacity to build a case on why Civil War slave decendents should NOT get any tax payer money of reparations. A MUST READ!!!
    
    
    
12. Slapped Together: The Dilbert Business Anthology by Scott Adams
    
    Does your boss have a pointy head hair style? Care to see the idiocy of business on a daily basis? Slapped Together is the Scott Adams trilogy of The Dilbert Principle, The Dilbert Future, and The Joy of Work. Most of this book makes light of the incompetencies of management, however, the 5% of this book that has Mr. Adam's opinion on how things should be run (ie - his OA5 model) are really worth reading.
    
    
    
13. THE WORST CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook: Dating & Sex by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Jennifer Worick
    
    And you think mountain lions are dangerous? This handbook is as funny as it is useful for the single person on the go. I recommend the How To Escape From A Bad Date chapter.
    
    
    
14. THE WORST CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook by Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht, and Brenda Brown
    
    This is the original one that started it all. I picked this one up shortly after September 11th. It was the boy scout in me that said "Be Prepared". Hey, you never know.
    
    
    
15. THE WORST CASE SCENARIO Survival Handbook: Travel Handbook by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht
    
    What really gets me about this one is that there's a section on what to do if you are abducted by aliens. This is useful advice on what to do while abroad.
    
    
    
16. Braindroppings by George Carlin
    
    Carlin at his best. Thinking outside the box then throwing it away.
    
    
    
17. Mike Nelson's Mind Over Matter by Michael J. Nelson
    
    Mike Nelson of Mystery Science Theatre 3000 has written a book of essays guarenteed to make you chuckle.
    
    
    
18. Still Me by Christopher Reeve
    
    Read the heart wrenching story of Christopher Reeve's autobiography. His childhood in New Jersey, his time a Julliard, the making of the Superman movies, the accident that paralyzed him, and his road to recovery.
    
    
    
19. Dave Barry In Cyberspace by Dave Barry
    
    What do you get when you mix Dave Barry with the internet and computers? A load of laughs.
    
    
    
20. Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News by Bernard Goldberg
    
    Do you ever get upset watching the news? I certainly do. Bernard Goldberg former newscaster tells it all on how the news is slanted deliberately to be liberal. Want the news? Read the paper.
    
    
    

Fiction

1. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
   
   If you are interested in a great story that involves the myths of many cultures. Read American Gods. It was really enjoyable. Neil Gaiman, writer of the upcoming movie, Mirrormask, makes a great story of people who take their myths with them wherever they go.
   
   
2. Spider-man: The Official Novelization to the Film by Peter David
   
   I am a huge Peter David fan and I have been reading Spider-man since I was six. When I found out that the novelization of the blockbuster movie was written by David, I had to have it. David lends his own slant on the movie and the mythos. He goes into the scenes that were left out.
   
   
3. From A Buick 8 by Stephen King
   
   Meet Sgt. Sandy Dearborn of the Pennsylvania State Police Troop D. He and the troop have been keeping something in shed B since 1979 - A car that can not possibly be driven and secrets that started in 1979. Read the tale of Trooper Curt Wilcox and his partner that disappeared forever the night they towed in the car. Not at IT caliber but a good read, nonetheless.
   
   
4. Batman: No Man's Land by Greg Rucka
   
   This is the novelization to the year long No Man's Land storyline in Batman comics. Gotham City has been hit with an earthquake, most of the citizens that had any sense have left the city, the lunatics of Arkham have taken over the streets and it's up to the GCPD and the dark knight to take them back. The only problem is that Comissioner Gordon and Batman really aren't on speaking terms at this point. A great epic about one of DC's most popular characters.
   
   
   
5. Sir Apropos Of Nothing by Peter David
   
   Peter David does it again with his unique character Apropos. Weak of body and lacking in the most basic of scruples, Apropos finds his way in medeval times to make his fame and fortune. Or does he?
   
   
   
6. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
   
   The Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Michael Chabon. Read the exploits of Kavalier. Jewish escape artist, boxer, and nazi escapee. Not to be missed.
   
   
   
7. I Don't Want To Go To Jail: A Good Novel by Jimmy Breslin
   
   I keep thinking, "How much of this book is fiction?" This is about about Fausti Delacava nephew of Fausti "The Fist" Delacava, a mafia lord based in Greenwich Village on Sullivan Steet. Breslin spins this tale about the New York mob as only he can.
   
   
   
8. Blood And Gold by Anne Rice
   
   Another chapter in Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. This chapter deals with the vampire, Marius, and his past. For those of you who enjoyed The Vampire Lestat and Queen of the Damned, this is a must read.
   
   
   
9. Everything's Eventual by Stephen King
   
   A book of Stephen King's short stories. This includes the Little Sisters of Eluria (part of the Dark Tower mythos) and Ride the Bullet, the internet novel. King fans will most certainly enjoy it.
   
   
   
10. Black House by Stephen King & Peter Straub
    
    This is the long awaited sequel to The Talisman. King and Staub make another winner with a twist into the Dark Tower mythos.
    
    
    
11. Star Trek: The Eugenics War (The Rise and Fall of Khan Noonian Singh) Volumes 1 & 2 by Greg Cox
    
    Okay, Trekkie fans, tell me the story of Khan Noonian Singh. This is the story of how man attempted to improve his own species through genetic engineering. As told through the eyes of Gary Seven (Assignment Earth, for all of you old series fans), it is the history of Khan as a boy and the failed Eugenics Project that spawned him. This is Volume 1. It is literally a who's who of Star Trek and other history characters that come into play.
    
    
    
12. 1984 by George Orwell
    
    This is just a little story of what we have to look forward to. Reading this will frighten you. While you are reading it, try to think, "How close are we to this?" Homeland Security, Political Correctness, children who turn in their own parents, Norstar Tracking Systems, and media manipulation. How long will it be until we are all speaking Newspeak and enjoy our 10 minute hate hosted by Oprah.
    
    
    
13. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
    
    Hmmmm, cloning, mass production, brain washing, and drug addiction. Sounds like a nice bedtime story. Remember this book when you think of getting a clone copy of your cat. Ford help me!
    
    
14. The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen - A Graphic Novel by Alan Moore
    
    Take the characters of Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson, Bram Stoker, Edgar Allen Poe, Arthur Conan Doyle and H. G. Wells roll them up and have them told by one of the darker graphic novelists and you have The League of Extrodinary Gentlemen. Run - do not walk - to either your comic book shop or look on the web for it. This graphic novel, actually a collection of a six issue limited series, takes place at the tale end of the 19th century. The English Government has need of a special force to be headed by the mysterious Wilemina Murray. She is charged by a man who goes by the initial "M" with assembling the legends of that era with Captain Nemo, Alan Quatermain, Dr. Henry Jekyll (with Mr. Edward Hyde), and Hawley Griffin to make the League of Extrordinary Gentlemen.
    
    Alan Moore uses his dark wit to craft this thoroughly enjoyable and wonderfully worked out graphic novel in the tradition of The Watchmen, "V" for Vendetta, and "Superman: Whatever Happened To The Man Of Tomorrow?" I can not recommend this highly enough.