finitum non capax infiniti

When I get done with my school work and turn in for the night my mind is usually going 110 mph (that’s 177 kph for all you metric types). Unless I turn on the Office, 30 Rock, or Arrested Development, I usually can’t sleep. My mind needs to wind down, otherwise I’m tossing and turning all night trying to figure out questions such as, “How did books like Ruth and Esther become part of the canon and why?” or “How did Judas really die and who really bought the field and for what purpose?” or “Was Sarah Palin really the ace up the GOP’s sleeve?” Anyway, before we delve deeper into my disturbed psyche…

I found that reading novels or non-biblical studies related books was a good way to get my mind off of my school work and allows my mind to relax before getting some shut eye. I don’t read as much as my sister Jessica, but I hope to one day reach that elite status. Since I have read a fair share of non-academic books this year, I thought I would make a separate list. Some of the books on the list were released earlier than 2008, but this list is based on the books that I read in 2008.

So, without further ado, here they are!

1. World Without End by Ken Follett

This was the sequel to Pillars of the Earth (which is later on this list), but I enjoyed this one a little better…although they are both great reads. They are both in the genre of historical fiction and take place in the middle ages. Follett develops his characters so well. I literally HATED some of the characters in this book (not for literary reasons, simply because he made them so detestable) as well as loved others. I would recommend this book to everyone.

2. Revolution: A Manifesto by Ron Paul

This book will blow your mind. Paul shows how both parties have lost their way, much to the detriment of personal liberty and the vision of the founding fathers. Both parties ignore the constitution and have turned it into a meaningless document. If you care about politics then you need to read this book. If you don’t care about politics, this book will wake you up out of your apathetic slumber. It did so for me.

3. The Google Story by David Vise

This is a biographical account of the beginnings of Google and how it became the enormous technological power that it is today. I wanted to work for Google after reading this book, but realized I was just about as unqualified as anyone possibly could be…unless they have an opening for a chaplain or something! This book is interesting, as it explains what makes the Google search engine so much better than other search engines and also explains how they are able to generate so much revenue from their revolutionary text advertisements.

4. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

My sister Jessica made me read this book, but I’m glad she did because it was really funny. There is a movie coming out soon that stars Jim Halpert’s girlfriend from the first two seasons of the Office (Katie the purse girl). I hope the movie is as funny as the book, because it will be a chick flick that guys will be able to laugh at…although they may or may not feel cool about it. I’m passed the point to where I care about ‘being cool,’ so I know I will be losing it at this movie…just like I did when I was reading the book.

5. Boomsday by Christopher Buckley

This book was Amy’s recommendation and, as always, she did not steer me wrong. The premise is that a blogger proposes that baby boomers be given money and tax breaks if they commit suicide before they qualify for social security. The idea is grabbed by a young presidential hopeful and the blogger becomes famous. It’s a hilarious book. I’m going to read a few of his books over Christmas break and if they are anywhere close to as funny as these then I will be happy.

6. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

This book was very good and, as with #1, the characters are developed very well. The sections where Follett describes everything that goes into building cathedrals in the middle ages is very interesting. The story line is great and the characters are fascinating. I was mad when I finished this book because I enjoyed it so much I wanted it to keep going. Luckily World Without End was the sequel, so I had something else to read. I couldn’t imagine having to wait 18 years to read the sequel, as those who read this book when it came out in 1990 had to do. It would be like having to wait 18 years to see the next episode of Lost. That would be the end of me!

7. The Essence of Chaos by Edward Lorenz

This is to chaos theory what The Elegant Universe is to superstring theory. It is a very reader friendly introduction to some pretty intense science. I don’t have a background in science, but I was able to follow along with this book and at least grasp the basic concepts of chaos theory and how that effects the way we understand God’s creation. If you want to learn about chaos theory and don’t have time to get an M.A., then I would recommend this book.

8. His Dark Materials Trilogy (Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and the Amber Spyglass) by Philip Pullman

Christians got their collective panties in a bunch over Pullman’s trilogy, especially with the movie version of The Golden Compass, although I haven’t seen it yet. If Christians hadn’t made such a stink about these books I would have never read them. But, as it is, I can’t help but read things that make Christians angry. The story line was interesting, although the metaphors and analogies that Pullman makes are not too subtle. I like when you actually have to think about what connections are being made, as opposed to simply being overtly told. Nevertheless, these books were fun to read.

9. One Man’s Bible by Gao Xingjian

Gao Xingjian won the Nobel Prize for his first novel, Soul Mountain, and does not disappoint with his second. This is a fictional account of his childhood and deals with struggles and questions that us in the West can barely grasp. The idea of your survival being linked to your ability to agree and support those in power, regardless of what their positions are, while still trying to maintain your personal identity and viewpoints is a struggle that we cannot empathize with, at least to the extent that it is presented in this book. This novel is complex, as the narrator presents his thoughts throughout the book in the strange situations he finds himself in, and it raises many questions for the reader, especially the reader who is not familiar with life outside of the West (such as myself).

10. Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

Dr. Ariely is a professor at MIT who has been researching behavioral economics for over 20 years. He explores the irrational behavior that human beings participate in under normal circumstances. When sexually aroused or when under financial pressure, irrational behavior becomes the norm. Through many interesting experiments, Ariely shows just how irrational human beings really are. This book will not only make you think, but make you think about why you are thinking what you are currently thinking (did you follow that? If so, why and how?).

So, there they are. I’d be interested in seeing your own top ten list. If you have a blog and make a list, put a link in the comments. If you don’t have a blog, then I’d love to see your list as well; just place it in the comments.