In a simultaneous humorous and insightful account of his life as a bipolar man getting through life, medical school, and a soon to be famous father, Kurt, Mark Vonnegut explains life as he sees it. This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of an above average man overachieving and failing, succeeding and learning, and most wonderfully of all, foraging for wild mushrooms and coming to terms (sort of) with his own mortality. A great book! You can’t pass this up!

Recommended by Rebecca

This book is a wonderfully geeky look at an even geekier subject: the human mind. More specifically, how does our memory work? Are there REALLY people out there with photographic memories? And how do I build a memory palace?! Fantastic read!

Recommended by Rebecca

Everyone’s family has photographic evidence of major embarrassment. Laugh your way through this collection of horrifically awkward wonderment! And check out the website!

Recommended by Rebecca

By far the most enjoyable and intelligible of Kafka’s novels, The Trial is still classically Kafkaeque: everyone wants the protagonist, someone’s out to get him, and confusion always reigns supreme. Oh, and we don’t know exactly what K.’s on trial for. It doesn’t matter – this book is fantastic, and provides new perspectives upon each subsequent read! Check it out!

Recommended by Rebecca

If you ever really wanted to know how Bukowski grew into the gritty, often lewd and brutally beautiful writer he was, here’s the beginning of it – his formative years. Humorous, raw, and imbued with the spirit of my favorite poet.

Recommended by Rebecca

Meet Raskolnikov, the best reason you’ll ever have not to kill someone. Inner turmoil made all the more complex and soul-wrenching in Dostoyevsky’s typical style, Crime and Punishment is one of those books you’ll both pat yourself on the back for finishing and thank yourself for picking up. Personally, I think it’s his best, and I dare you to give it a shot and tell me differently.

Recommended by Rebecca

By far my FAVORITE of Kurt Vonnegut’s works, this book explores identity and morality in WWII-era Germany through the eyes of a fugitive. Fascinating and funny to the last page, you’re reminded that you are what you pretend to be.

Recommended by Rebecca F.

I still remember reading this book cover to cover the day I graduated from high school. I found so many principles generally applicable and helpful in my life. I recommend it highly.

Recommended by Rebecca