50 Books
Evangelical Outpost had an interesting link and some good book suggestions the other day. It started with a link to a list of the Thirty Books that John Mark Reynolds thought should be read by every college student. It was a good selection of pre-modern, modern, and civilized books. I was surprised to see plays by Shakespeare, Aristotle, and The Prince next to Huckleberry Finn, No Exit, Lincoln's speeches or the Communist Manifesto. These are books that have notably shaped the world as we know it. I must admit I did miss having any African or Asian books (like Things Fall Apart from Achebe).

But then EP adds a list of his own that he called 30 essential books for students and autodidacts. He listed them in pairs that cause critical thinking.
For example, with his comments:
Malcolm Gladwell The Tipping Point and Michael Lewis Moneyball
Two masterworks by a pair of the most creative nonfiction writers in America.

Mortimer Adler How to Read a Book Strunk and White The Elements of Style
The two reference books that every student should read, study, and digest.

E.D. Swinton The Defense of Duffer's Drift and Orson Scott Card Enders Game
Swinton's book teaches tactical thinking using an intriguing series of dreams. Card's book also provides lessons on tactics in one of the best science fiction books ever written. Both are on the Marine Corps Professional Reading List. (Note: Here is an online version of Duffer's Drift) (I agree abot Card's book. There is none like it in all science fiction that I have ever read.)


And Speaking of Books
Jessica's insight showed through again this week at Indexed. Here was her way of honoring the late Kurt Vonnegut who died this past week.



I just wondered if this blog needs a new character in memory of Vonnegut:

Billy postmodernPilgrim. I should really re-read Slaughterhouse Five before I make that decision.