A story of a singular moment, and the thoughts, feelings, and memories of the two Sherpas. It's actually a tale of four stories, the other two being an historical account of Everest and a speech given by a teacher. It's short chapters below a serious, worldly writer who leaves the reader wanting more then he gives at every turn.

A very good, if shorter, review of the translation/localization process for the video game Undertale. It repeats in some spots the same information, but generally provides a fantastic look into how cultural differences, as well as language differences, affect the final translation of text.

Do you like horror? How about manga? Ito is one of the foremost authors of both, and this shows his skills, even if it isn't the book that he is most known for in the West possibly. A series of stories, each a different take on the same premise, ends up being a delightful 700 page book when brought altogether.

An incredible book on the nature of identity for Asian-americans, in life and in Hollywood. Written as a screenplay, with a story uncomfortably close to reality at times, it drives towards an ending act that is the highlight of the book. A great read, maybe even a must read for those who have never considered the difficult relationship America has had with Asian minority communities.

Ever wonder how video games/media translations work, and how errors pop up? This book series covers various games (Earthbound for this book) and the process of translation into English, generally from Japanese. It's a cool look at the cultural and grammatical struggles translators face and how they overcome them.

Religious texts aren't for everyone, for many reasons. But this one maybe should sneak it's way onto your reading list. Much of its advice is sound therapeutic ideas and strategies for life, regardless of belief. It tackles difficult topics without being overwhelming or browbeating in nature. Just a simple chapter for each day of Advent, always ending with a nice quip. Short, good read that fits both Christmas and New Year's.

A man- Josepf K.- is is accused of a crime never named, and is arrested, but never jailed or booked even by the police. Contradiction and complexity are at the heart of the story. It should be noted that while a different writer would paint K. As a good guy, Kafka does not. Rather, K. Is quite self involved. The result is a delightful book to read. It isn't an easy read always, but is well worth it.

All the work of the previous books in the series comes together on this fifth book. Nearly all the characters are memorable and real. The plot is complex, as many Dune novels have been, bit at least this time you get a major payoff. Well worth reading the previous four books to get to.

It appears I forgot to review this one in the series. Most of it is great characters doing action packed things, with good plotting. However a central character gets the shaft (both in terms of writing and in terms of plot) leading some to probably not like it. I would read it, bearing that in mind however.

The story overall is great, but significant problems do exist with the plot/characters. Leto II is supposed to be seen as good, yet most all of his actions-and reasons for them-are horrid things. His "path" didn't need all of his excess, yet he did so anyway. Similar issues plague other characters. Still, a very deep and fun read. If you liked the books in the series up to now, this should be a great read for you.

An intense tale, it is truly a page-turner. At 275 pages, it's not long, but heavy topics centering on gulit, destiny, love, and what it means to be a person persist throughout the novel. A great sequel to Dune.

It starts complex and difficult, but the glossary in the back will help you immensely. Why push through that? Because the world of Dune constantly sends you bits and pieces of mystery, wisdom, discomfort, and all of human experience, one section at a time. The monochromatic land contrasts with how vastly different people are from one another. Even the main character holds terrible thoughts within him. Dune holds so much to enjoy.

A highly controversial book, how much you believe Arendt, and thus how much you believe in her depiction of Eichmann, will decide if you like the book or not. Eichmann is drawn as shockingly human, and this will make some readers very uncomfortable. Still, a great author tackling a tough subject makes for thought provoking reading.

A classic, it's filled with compelling characters trying to survive amidst chaos. Its opening line alone might be reason to read it, as it's been parodied to death.

While not all its information is correct, it still is by far the best history book you can read, even just on it's humor alone. I have read multiple times, and still enjoy reading again and again.

A still salient book on the dynamics of US and Europe political and military relationship. It continues to be a question of whether this relationship will change ever, even in a post-Trump political landscape.

A great, if very sad at times, collection of his poems. Still, a great poet (if not so great a man maybe) gone too soon.

It's a breakdown of a number of surveys detailing differences between America and the world, with plenty of commentary on what the results mean. It's subjective to one's biaies how much you like it.

It's a joke book effectively for parents, so take it is as it is. Still, it's pretty one note-y.

A classic play on the American dream, and the dark underbelly of that "dream". Miller's greatest play many would hold.

A very good collection of funny ideas for a short stories, written by one of America's great political satirists. Don't expect too much of his politics to come through however.

Sad, deep, engrossing, disturbing, all fit the book. It isa look into a world that rarely adults get to see, as well as one white americans often believe they know, wrongly.

Masterclass in writing, Camus is at his best and telling a tale that fits right in during COVID-19 lockdowns, though the message is ultimately not the happiest.

At times it falls a little flat, the deeply sarcastic tone is mostly a joy to read. A political commentary that is a little ham fisted too at times, still worth a read.

A poorly supported premise in my view, but it makes the reader thing about how others speak, particularly in the political realm.

Fun, short book with a weird premise. Not much else to it really.

A breakdown on what civic duty is/ means for younger people. At times hopeful, other moments concerning. Still worth a read.

Its an attempt to break down the changing landscape of demographics in America, and how that will affect the political world. It's not a concrete breakdown of what will happen, only what might however.

At times a tough read, the payoff is remarkable journey not just a character's life, but also their mind. It well deserves it's place as a classic.

Media use by presidents has been going on for a long time, but it's understudied. Kernel does a great job looking at how and when, as well as how effective, president's appeal to the public. It needs an update on Twitter use however.

Incredible book by a very clever writer. The humor is sharp, but still playful, with some broader commentary at times occuring. A must read for fans of humor in writing.

The least impressive of his collection of essays on writing, it still contains some great ideas. However, the book title essay in particular, though it shows up in other essays, has a feeling of elitism to it that will bother many.

One of the great political/social science texts of our generation. It's thesis remarkable for it's simplicity, but the evidence stacked up suggests that Putnam is onto something important, and fixable. Little repetitive is spots however and he offers less in the way of fixes than he could.

A great and highly through history of the CIA. While some parts have been disputed (see sections on Radio Free Europe), it for the most part is accurate, much to the CIA's dismay.

At times a little repetitive, it makes the argument that there are those who are apoltical and those who are apartisan, and they are two groups that can, but not always maybe, make up those the media calls "independents". A interesting and well done political science text.

A fresh take on how to do a book, the writing is broken up into stanzas, making it a extended poem in feel. The skill needed to do so is only out done by the wonderful characters involved in this story about a marriage on the rocks, and the attempt s to fix it.

It's not for everyone, it's a play on the bleakness and repetition of life. While there is hope for change, Beckett doesn't give you much. Well written however.

My favorite play of O'Neil's, it's a dark and bitter play with some humor mixed in. Be ready to find out that the characters you love are not all that they seem. Still, an incredible writing on every page.

While not as great as O'Neil's other plays, the sequel to "Long Day's Journey Into Night" still manages to be spectacular in its own way.

One of O'Neil's greatest plays, its focus on a strained family's relationships to one another is masterclass in script writing, particularly it's blocking being incredible. Must read for those into American drama.

A deep look at how a recount in Minnesota became talk of the nation. Legal deep in only a spot or two, it's a great dive into the behind the scenes events that shaped the recall effort.

This is a strange, complex and yet super fun manga. Little violent at times, it largely is just cool people doing cool stuff. Strongly written female leads are a nice surprise in a genre that at times fails at the task. You just wish you got to hang out in this world a little longer than 23 volumes.

A fun, relatively easy read of a series. Some dark moments here and there. Character's power explanations is at times very difficult to follow however. Overall, worth a read.

At times its a great commentary on a then still new push for acceptance of gay people, and some of the risks that movement faces. But it mostly relies on its shock factor- both the title and ita various sex scenes- to entertain you. The cast is largely unlikable, with most being oblivious narcissists. It needed heft to its plot, as well as more fleshed out people. But when it does stick the landing, its a great read.

At times it can be interesting, with cool facts and tidbits. But often it's lacking real depth on the subject. Worsen yet, at timea sentences and ideas are confusingly written. A nice easy primer on this religious order, but don't expect to learn a ton from this book.

The author is assigned for a article to embark on a climb up Mt. Everest with a team of various people also looking to say they have made it to the top of the world, guided by one of the many guided tours that work Mt. Everest. While Krakauer's account is disputed in parts by some who climbed with him, this is his account of that tragic trip. A great writer giving first hand account of what happened on that day.

Former WWE/F wrestler's first book. It shows in spots, like the little too much taking shots at his friend Al Snow. Also the section on Owen Hart, while supposed to be endearing for a life taken too soon, manages to make him seem kind of like a prick. Overall though, the book shows the behind the scenes moments for one of wrestling's biggest stars. It is suprisingly long however read (735). Editing down would have been good idea.

A quickish guide to statistics meant for general public. Its main text isn't super mathy, though the glossary defining terms certainly is. Overall though, its an approachable way to get people into looking at statistical claims more deepily than just the newspaper headlines. Filled with examples to help guide the reader in understanding topics. Does have a little bias on spots, but he calls it out for the reader for the most part.

In this book, the whole story is a written account of what they were told by a friend. The friend in turn tells his story, of starting late in life to find his family. Colorful writing keeps it from dragging on too much, though its an overall sad book. Still, it has won high praise for a reason: its a stunning story that feels all to real.

Werid, disturbing, and has a very bizzare ending. This is another manga series, and one that definitely not for everyone. But its deep focus on morality, on people and their relationships, keeps it from simply be edgy. It doesn't waste much time on any one story or moment, preferring to give you a dose and than move on. Its worth reading, but if you can't stomach grim stories, know that most turn out with something like an happy ending.