Suggested Reading
Over the last several months I have found that the readers of this particular blog are some of the better read minds I know. I am consistently amazed by the amount of past reading and insight gained from it that ends up in the comments. To that end, as I recently finished up my latest degree, I found that I was once again able to begin reading want I want to read instead of what I have to read. I returned eager to find the suggestions of all the people who have posted here. Unfortunately I have about 6,000 comments as of today, and don’t have time to go back and find the suggestions. A request from some of you was for a way to remedy this.
To that end, here is the remedy. I hope that you will take the time to reply to this page with the suggestions that you have for our readers. If you suggest it in a comment, please take the extra minute to come into this page and put it here as well. Now the one big request that I have for this page is that we keep it somewhat formatted. I am completely OCD so having everyone kind of post in the same way would work really well. I understand that it won’t always happen but any attempts to hold to my request would be greatly appreciated.
Given the way that comments build downwards with replies moving ever to the right, I ask that each book recommendation get a new start, as opposed to making a recommendation as a reply to another recommendation. That way the replies to each recommendation can be limited to other’s comments on the material suggested. Kind of like further reviews on the book or whatever.
For each book, if you could attempt to use the following format I would much appreciate it:
Title of Book
Author
A quick thought on the material covered. Perhaps your opinion of any bias the book has and what the purpose of the book is along with any other thoughts you might have.
I will make the first recommendation so that you can all see it. As you can see I bolded the name of the book and the author. If you don’t know how to do it don’t worry about it. I can go back and bold it later for you. I certainly look forward to the materials suggested as I know some of the visitors to this site are extremely well read. I was asked about posting website links here. I think I would prefer to keep this as a books only page for now. We could all post links on here all day and that would overwhelm the page. So for now, please keep the recommendations limited to books. If there is enough demand for a page where people can post links I will create one of those.
USWeapon said
The Politically Correct Guide to Global Warming
Christopher Horner
A look at the environmental movement as it pertains to gaining control over people and making money, as opposed to the actual protection of the environment. The book discusses why the movement gained steam and how global warming is used as a fear tactic to convince people to sacrifice their rights and their money to the government. The book has a definite tilt towards the right. In the interest of fairness, it should be noted that the author, Christopher Horner, is a senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI), a think tank that’s received more than $2 million in funding from ExxonMobil since 1998, among other corporate funders. I found the book insightful so long as it is read with an understanding of the author’s bias. Facts are facts, however, regardless of who is presenting them.
Just A Citizen said
World on Fire: How exporting free market democracy breeds ethnic hatred and global instability
Amy Chua
Very interesting theories based on personal and other real world evidence. Caution: free market thinkers will bet angry and want to stop part way through the book. Don’t, because there is a twist at the end. An especially enlightening treatise on what is going on behind the scenes in Asia and Africa.
Just A Citizen said
Day of Empire: How hyperpowers rise to global dominance and why they fall.
Amy Chua
More somewhat original ideas from this author. She develops a theory and evidence that rise of tolerance occurs during rise of empire and loss of tolerance presedes and thus is responsible for downfall. She raises a warning for USA based on current events.
Black Flag said
The Sovereign Individual: Mastering the Transition to the Information Age
by James Dale Davidson, Lord William Rees-Mogg
Controversial , but amazingly accurate in predictions of future events – I pull many of my descriptions and thoughts of ‘what might happen’ from this book.
Black Flag said
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement (Paperback)
by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
and his follow up books
“The Race” and “What Is This Thing Called Theory of Constraints”
Utterly brilliant. The Race set me on my most successful enterprise – made me a millionaire.
Understanding the implications of the Theory of Constraints is one of the most remarkable strategic assets an individual can have. Has implications for everyone doing anything, and how to make systemic, powerful, and wealth multiplication possible.
Shakti Kumar Jain said
Good idea. Great contents. Original thoughts. Plz keep it up.
Shakti Kumar Jain
Founder: http://bank.richbanking.com
Black Flag said
The Law
by Frédéric Bastiat
Do we think all we discuss hasn’t yet been discussed?
Nope.
Any work of Bastiat is a requirement to understand the workings of modern politics and a way out of its disaster.
Michelle said
I agree with Black Flag on this one. It opened my eyes. Very important and an easy quick, clear read.
On the same topic try “Proper Role Of Government” by Ezra Taft Benson, former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. It’s a short pamphlet type book, a speech really that he gave once. It’s very clear and easy to understand.
Black Flag said
Human Action: A Treatise on Economics
by Ludwig von Mises
Want to know what will happen economically – with virtual guarantee?
Here it is – the basis of the Austrian Economic Theory. This is the book everyone should read.
Warning: it is huge, it is thick, it was a month’s worth of reading for me – and I read an average of a normal book every two days.
Black Flag said
An Enemy of the State: The Life of Murray N. Rothbard
by Justin Raimondo
Justin is the founder of “Anti-war.com”, an amazing intellectual of his own right.
This book is one I would wish someone would write about me, one day.
Black Flag said
Eat the Rich: A Treatise on Economics
by PJ O Rourke
Excerpt:
A traveling salesman stays overnight with a farm family. When the family gathers to eat there’s a pig seated at the table. And the pig has three medals hanging around his neck and a peg leg. The salesman says, “Um, I see you have a pig having dinner with you.”
“Yes,” says the farmer. “That’s because he’s a very special pig. You see those medals around his neck? Well, the first medal is from when our youngest son fell in the pond, and he was drowning, and that pig swam out and saved his life. The second medal, that’s from when the barn caught fire and our little daughter was trapped in there and the pig ran inside, carried her out and saved her life. And the third medal, that’s from when our oldest boy was cornered in the stock yard by a mean bull, and that pig ran under the fence and bit the bull on the tail and saved the boy’s life.”
“Yes,” says the salesman, “I can see why you let that pig sit right at the table and have dinner with you. And I can see why you awarded him the medals. But how did he get the peg leg?”
“Well,” says, the farmer, “a pig like that–you don’t eat him all at once.”
Doesn’t that describe the modern tax regime to a “T”
Any one who can write this, you have to read the rest of the book.
Black Flag said
The Road to Serfdom
by Friedrich Hayek (recipient of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1974)
Disciple of Mises – he called the current economic disaster almost to the year – back in 1975.
A requirement read to understand what is happening to us today.
Black Flag said
Godel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid
by Douglas R. Hofstadter
…described by the author as “a metaphorical fugue on minds and machines in the spirit of Lewis Carroll”.[2]
On its surface, GEB examines logician Kurt Gödel, artist M. C. Escher and composer Johann Sebastian Bach, discussing common themes in their work and lives. At a deeper level, the book is a detailed and subtle exposition of concepts fundamental to mathematics, symmetry, and intelligence.
—-
Want to see your mind explode, in all its gooey contents, all over the wall?
Read this book.
Black Flag said
PS:
And you think Human Action is ‘deep’ … this one took me nearly six months to finish.
Black Flag said
..and for next month’s reading…
(Just Kidding)
Black Flag said
Super System – Poker
by Doyle Brunson
This will start you playing good poker.
…But don’t expect it will help you at a table with me sitting there, though
….
C.Z. said
Flag….Enough!! Give us a chance to read the first 50 books would ya!! I can’t imagine your library!!
Ok, Kent where are you lurking? Vin Suprinowiscz is on my list, what else do you have?
CZ
kentmcmanigal said
I am always late to the party. My list is below.
C.Z. said
Unintended Consequences
John Ross
Perhaps not as esoteric as some of those listed, but it taught me so much that it changed my life. A historical novel covering the “gun culture”, explaining how gun control laws came into effect (you won’t believe it!), and abuses that you have, and haven’t, heard about. I didn’t pay attention to what was being done in my name until I read this book. Over 800 pages, hardcover only. Buy one to read and DO NOT loan it out unless you can afford to replace it, ’cause you won’t get it back. I have fact checked this book. Please do so yourself. If you aren’t pissed off after reading it, you didn’t read it.
C.Z. said
Molon Labe
Boston T. Party
(Kenneth Royce)
Leader of the Free State Wyoming project, a good book though a rough start for those of us not technologically up-to-date. Lots of computer stuff first chapter. A novel, but a good view of the free state idea and what it (might) mean to the greater good. As a NH resident (home of the Free State Project) I am pondering a move to Wyoming because of Ken Royce and his ideas.
TexasChem said
The 5000 year leap
by W. Cleon Skousen:
This book gives the every day Joe the ability to understand our Constitution.
The making of America
by W. Cleon Skousen:
The Making of America is about the world’s greatest political success formula. In a little over a century, this formula allowed a small segment of the human family — less than 6 percent — to become the richest nation on earth.
American progressivism
by Ronald J. Pestritto:
A collection of 26 writings and addresses intended to provide readers with an understanding of the key themes of the American Progressive Era.
Rules for Radicals
by Saul Alinsky:
I believe you should know your enemy.This read allows you to understand the ememies of America and know who are students of socialism and communism.
kentmcmanigal said
In no particular order:
Lever Action by L. Neil Smith. THE book that made me realize I had always been a libertarian. I would say this is the most important book in my list.
Hope by L. Neil Smith and Aaron Zelman – A fictional account that was the blueprint for my presidential campaign (without the money, LOL).
Everyday Anarchy by Stefan Molyneux- It’s online here so you don’t even need to buy it, or wait for it.
The Underground History of American Education by John Taylor Gatto – Also online, so no cost and no waiting. If you think public schools are for HELPING children, you might have a shock.
The Freedom Outlaw’s Handbook by Claire Wolfe - Useful, personally liberating, things you can do NOW.
Philosophy of Liberty by Lex Lucre (RIP) – Not a “read”, but a resource, nonetheless.
kentmcmanigal said
The Philosophy of Liberty link above is not working for some reason, so here is a YouTube version: Philosophy of Liberty
Tony said
Atlas Shrugged
By Ayn Rand
Bee in my Bonnet said
Marriage a la Mode (Online paper)
by Paul Nathanson and Katherine Young
http://www.marriageinstitute.ca/images/mmmode.pdf
A very thoughtful paper on the sociological ramifications of same sex marriage on society.
Interesting twist- one of the author is a gay man.
Skychief said
Title: National Contender
Author: Edward Simmons
This fast paced political thriller is about an average American that gets fifteen minutes of fame when he knocks out a boxing champion in the Bellagio casino while defending his girlfriend. When he sells his story, he demands 10 minutes of unedited air time to discuss what is wrong with our political system. The masses embrace his common sense solutions ranging from the economy, health care, defense, political payoffs (pork), taxes, education, the Global Warming scam, illegal immigration, energy and most importantly, how corporate and union donations have caused our politicians to pass laws favoring them instead of the citizens. There is a groundswell of support and he runs as an Independent in the last Presidential race. Needless to say, the powers that be try to silence him as he exposes corruption and hypocrisy. The novel is too Liberal for some and too Conservative for others. But, I honestly believe it represents what most people expect from this great nation. It has been known to even convert Obamabots.
esomhillgazette said
“The Last Centurion” by John Ringo
This book is written blog style. It has some strong language in it, so if you don’t like that this book won’t be for you. It is a highly palusible novel of a near future United States. Written BEFORE Obama was elected. There is a Very Liberal, Environmental Presidential type Character and a Pandemic involved.
Guy said
Waaaaaa…..Liberal, environmental President….Pandemic….
Prophecy??????????????????????
SK. Trynosky Sr. said
“Starship Troopers”
“Stranger in a Strange Land”
“Time Enough for Love” (read “Methuselah’s Children” first.
“The Moon is a Harsh Mistress”
“Glory Road” (an incredible fun read)
Anything else by Heinlein
My journey to the right began with realizing at 17 that Goldwater was saying what had to be said and the other guy was not. This was immediately followed by an exposure to Robert Heinlein in “Glory Road”.
If ever there was a free thinker, that man was it. No subject was off the table. He makes you think and, if you disagreed with him, you had better know why. I have met people who hated his books some because they were too doctrinaire in their beliefs (liberals and conservatives) and some because they refused to think outside the box.
I will always come back to “Troopers” though. Have probably read it ten or twelve times because there is always something new there and because, while agreeing that our freedoms derive from nature and nature’s God, the right to vote does not. Heinlein came up with the only sensible solution to that problem and when you argue it out with folks, they always are cornered into the answer(?) “because”. I happen to personally love this which I know is both sick and sadistic but a lot of fun.
One more recommendation on where we are going on the environmental trail, “The Bridge” by D. Keith Mano. Think of a futureworld run by an Algorian, government overthrown by PETA. It was written in’73 and off the wall then but not anymore.
esomhillgazette said
The only problem I have seen with Starship Troopers was the movie that was made alledgedly “based” on it. That stupid movie, while a half decent sci-fi\monster type movie, did not resemble the VERY GOOD Sci-Fi book by Heinlein.
In the book, does not it put forth the idea that you should not be able to vote unless you have served? Because I wonder if that would work in real life?
SK. Trynosky Sr. said
You are so right about the movie. Annoying was the least of it’s problems. How the Heinlein estate went along with that I’ll never know. “Troopers” was always accused of being fascist, the movie leaned in that direction big time.
I once accidentally caught a Japanese anime (sp?) of “Troopers” which actually stuck to the book. Haven’t seen it since but it is out there.
The book allows you, at any point in life , to “serve”. Not your choice how to serve. You could wind up in a jungle hospital, a arctic research station or the poor bloody infantry as Ernie Pyle called them. Do a hitch earn the vote. Go career and not be able to vote until you are out of service. Choose not to serve or quit the service before your enlistment is up and you return to the status of a quasi citizen with all civil rights except the vote and the ability to hold office.
In the book it took the collapse of western civilization to bring about this change. After the “troubles” it was “vets” who started pulling society together, all over the world. They knew how to cooperate. An interesting side line on that is I believe the last chapter (very short) in Steve Ambrose’s “Citizen Soldier” talking about how the silent, Eisenhower generation accomplished all it did. Tempered by the Depression and the War, they realized that cooperation works. Cursed by their children, the boomers, as the corporate generation. Laughed at for living ticky tacky lives in ticky tacky houses in identical suburban communities, their kids never for a moment took the time to put themselves in the position of their parents in the 1930’s when there was no hope and they couldn’t even dream about a bright future.
Always told my dad the biggest mistake his generation ever made was to say, ” my kids will have everything I never had”. Mind you, the old man never subscribed to that philosophy but most of my friends parents did and, as they say, that’s how we got into the mess we are now in.
Life of Illusion said
Just read his last which was his first that had never been published, “For Us, the Living”. Written in 1935 I think, not bad but he describes America in the future as a successful socialist country. Love the line in Glory Road, “take that guy out and shoot him”.
kentmcmanigal said
Of course, when you see how the America of “For Us, the Living” functions as a successful socialist country, where “money” is fiat and just printed and passed out, you’ll see why it would never happen. The “America” of “For Us, the Living” was also a much freer society than our current situation. That completely imaginary socialistic society is one I would prefer to the real socialistic society, which is unsuccessful and not very free, that we live in today.
Life of Illusion said
Agree, just thought it was interesting and very different from his later works. I did not read all his proofs on how the fiat system was sound, my perception of reality would not allow me to travel far down that path.
Bee in my Bonnet said
The Deniers: The world-renowned scientists who stood up against global warming hysteria, political persecution, and fraud (And those who were too fearful to do so.)
By Lawrence Solomon
The author is a columnist from the National Post (Toronto), who wrote a series of articles regarding those scientists, renowned in their field, who deny global warming.
G. A. Rowe said
The U. S. Constitution And Fascinating Facts About It
Published by; Oak Hill Publishing Co. Box 6473 Naperville, IL 60567 1-800-887-6661 ISBN 189174300-7
This is a little pocket sized book I picked up at the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum in 2006 when the wife and I went there. It is now a much used permanent companion that those who know me have learned never attempt to discuss our Constitution with me without bringing their own copy. This is only one of many copies of the constitution that I own, and I highly recommend that each and every citizen of these United States obtain a copy for their own enlightened reading.
Black Flag said
For fun and explosions….
The Mad Science
by Theo Gray.
The byline is:
“Experiments you can do at home…. but probably shouldn’t…”
…do them outside … with lots of room…. and fire extinguishers…
Paul Hoffman said
Human Accomplishment by Charles Murray. Great book to have around for reference.
Just A Citizen said
Title: “Shadow World” Resurgent Russia, the global new left, and radical Islam.
Author: Robert Chandler
A look at three movements in the world today that threaten the security of the USA. and the founding values we hold dear. This work connects people and organizations within these three groups and among the groups.
Just A Citizen said
Title: The Chomsky Reader
Author: Edited by James Peck. Writings of Noam Chomsky
A collection of Chomsky’s views on various subjects, like Viet Nam and Cambodia, role of intellectuals and role of the US in the world, that provides an insight into his thinking and rationale for his conclusions.
I consider this essential reading for the die hard conservative who trully wishes to expand their horizons. As has been said on this site before, you must study both sides to understand.
Michelle said
“None Dare Call It Education” by John A. Stormer
A book about teh state of american Education and how we got to this point. Very readable and eye opening. If you have kids you’ll want to read this one.
Life of Illusion said
“Unholy Alliance, Radical Islam and the American Left”, by David Horowitz.
A slow read to begin with, that gets easier after the first third. If you want to know how America got where we are today, its a must read.
“Outrage” by Dick Morris & Eileen McGann. Look past him having an axe to grind, there is some good info here.
Both John Stossel books. DDT is not bad for humans, and could prevent millions of deaths if the media and US gov. had a clue. Towns destroyed by the EPA for no reason, many others.
Fiction: F. Paul Wilson should appeal to any who identify with self reliance.
“An Enemy of the State”, Sci-fi, How to overthrow a government through economics
The “Repairman Jack” series begins with “The Tomb”, set in modern NYC about a man determined to live free, pays no taxes(no SS card),makes a living “fixing” problems for people.
Ray Hawkins said
The American Patriot’s Handbook by George Grant
goldie said
I JUST READ COMMON SENSE BY GLENN BECK, GOOD, ALSO DEAD HEAT BY JOEL ROSENBERG.
goldie said
THE BEST BOOK IN THE UNIVERSE, I READ DAILY, THE HOLY BIBLE, AS YOU KNOW CANNOT BE READ AS A BOOK, FOR PARTS DAILY. I ALSO READ: “RAISING THE RUINS” BY STEPHEN FLURRY, ABOUT THE WORLD WIDE CHURCH OF GOD WAS RUINED AFTER THE FOUNDER DIED AND ANOTHER CHURCH CAME OUT OF IT THE PHILADELPHIA CHURCH OF GOD. I ALSO LIKE ARCHEAOLOG MAGAZINE, AND THE TRUMPET MAGAZINE, ONE OF THE BEST, COVER POLITICS, RELIGIOUS, AND ALL ABOUT THE WORLD.
smith said
You Gentiles
By Maurice Samuel
Jewish Supremacism
By David Duke