P&P's 5 Worthy Reads

"Yes, Hi...Hello, can you please point me toward the graphic novel section?"

For the past week, P&P has been on vacation.  What does that mean?  It means no amount of movie watching, video game playing, researching, or writing has taken place whatsoever.  But that's not to say there isn't time for a smidgen of reading.  Sure, there may be moments where the kids are running circles around you with pool noodles, whacking each other and occasionally cracking you upside the head, but that doesn't mean you don't have at least three or four minutes of quiet time to yourself…you know, to shower, eat, sleep, crap, and read.

The following recommended novels may (or may not have been pulled out of my ass, because—hey I’m on vacation) not be the greatest stories of all time, or classics, or even the best books ever written by famous authors, but they are novels I wouldn't hesitate to share with anyone interested in a specific genre.  So without further ado—and with minimum effort—here are five books you shouldn't pass up, listed in no particular order.

THE CRIME/THRILLER GENRE:

The Pawn by Steven James

The Pawn introduces readers to Patrick Bowers.  Bowers is a FBI agent that catches serial killers in an unusual manner that most of his colleagues don't approve of.  He throws away the idea of motives and uses patterns to catch his man.  This book is not only a fantastic crime story, but it also has one of the most unbelievable opening chapters you'll ever read (just read the first few pages and see for yourself).  No one in the writing industry today can match the way James weaves a tale.  If you're looking for a thriller about serial killers and a man struggling to keep a family together, the Patrick Bowers series is perfect.

THE HISTORIC/THRILLER/FANTASY GENRE:

The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Preston & Child have a magical way of mixing historical fact with a hint of fantastical elements that no other authors can.  In this thriller, Special Agent Pendergast and an archaeologist named Nora Kelly begin to uncover the mysteries surrounding a whacked-out doctor that experimented on people a hundred years ago.  In the middle of finding clues, a serial killer with a very unusual method, begins to strike in Manhattan.  Is there a correlation between the two?  Looks like you’ll have to read it to find out.  But that’s okay, because this book has it all: New York history, nutty antagonists, the awesome Pendergast, excellent writing, and a tale that will get your heart racing.  If you haven't read any Preston & Child, this is where you should start.

THE SCI-FI GENRE:

Wool by Hugh Howey

Sure there are wonderful Sci-Fi classics that should be read whenever someone has the chance, but Wool instantly became a classic by hooking readers with something different.  In a futuristic world, where people are stuck living inside giant cylinders known as Silos, Juliette, a lonely mechanic is tasked with becoming the next Sheriff.  Howey has a knack for writing slow-boiling tales that grab you in the very beginning and string you along until the last page.  Wool is a fantastic character study.  If you're craving Sci-Fi, then Wool will keep you warm.  It's also a trilogy, so if you like Wool, then don't be afraid to jump into the other two books.

THE GAMER/SCI-FI GENRE:

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (P&P review here)

In the future, Wade Watts is a teenager that spends his time jacked into a virtual reality world known as Oasis.  When the creator of Oasis dies, he embeds hidden puzzles—Easter eggs—within the system that only a person with the love and obsession for 1980's pop culture can unravel.  With the promise of fame and fortune to whoever discovers Oasis' secrets, Wade sets out to claim the prize and beat the game.  Cline creates an unbelievable world where any Gamer would be happy spending their time.  Be ready for movies, games, TV shows, commercials, and anything else to do with the 80's.  Ready Player One is also a wonderful coming-of-age story that grips you from start to finish.  If you're a Gamer that doesn't like to read, this book may change your thinking entirely.

THE HUMOR GENRE:

A whopping tie between:

Apathy and Other Small Victories by Paul Neilan (P&P review here) and

A Dirty Job by Christopher Moore (P&P review here)

Both books are over-the-top hilarious.  If you're feeling like a book with slacker/office type humor, then jump into Apathy.  It’s about Shane, a man-child that cares for absolutely nothing, but seems to always fall into crap that's over his head.  This book can be read over and over again, and will still make your sides hurt from laughing.  It's silly and goofy and shocking and pulls no punches when poking fun at anyone or anything.

If you're looking for humor with a side of fantasy, then A Dirty Job has you covered.  Charlie Asher is a Beta Male that owns a second-hand store and leads a boring life.  That is until his daughter Sofie is born and people start dying all around him.  Then he starts seeing creatures and hearing filthy language coming from San Francisco's sewers.  Could Charlie Asher, a man who seems to just barely get by, be Death?  You know, the same Death that collects people’s souls when they die.  Well, you'll have to read it to find out.  A Dirty Job is one of Moore's best novels and great place to start reading his work.

THE READING WRAP-UP:

If there is one book on this list you haven't read and enjoy the genre being represented, then pick it up for your next vacation.  This list is nowhere near the five (six really) best novels ever written, but they are definitely ones that shouldn't be missed.  P&P will return next week in all its silly glory with more nonsense, more humor, and more reviews.