2013 in review: Books

My favorite reads of 2013

I must confess that I did not read any 2013 novels (at least I can’t remember any—so if I did, they’re not worth mentioning). Most of my reading was focused on older books, some of them published long before I was born.

Top 3 favorite novels read in 2013: 

1) The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut—One of my favorite books of all time is Slaughterhouse Five, which I read a few years back. Since then, I’ve been picking up a new Vonnegut book whenever I can. The Sirens of Titan ranks as my third favorite of the Vonnegut books I’ve read so far (behind Slaughterhouse Five and Mother Night). It’s epic, funny, sad, endlessly imaginative, and perhaps the most challenging of all Vonnegut’s novels (a main character has a name change half-way through, without warning or immediate explanation). The Sirens of Titan is the work of a genius author.

 

2) Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz—Friends and family had been recommending this book to me for years. Finally picked it up and found the book well-deserving of their praise. At first, I must admit, I did not like it. I was not prepared for the hour-by-hour storytelling (most the book takes place over a few days). Once I got past that, I found the book very readable, with a charming lead character, and a full universe of weird characters and supernatural weirdness. This is my favorite Dean Koontz book. I may read the other Odd books later on.

3) Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut—Perhaps Vonnegut’s funniest novel. A story full of weird, sideways looks at the meaning of life, God, humanity’s madness, and used cars as only Kurt Vonnegut could tell it. It’s a little light on plot, but it has all the other goods.

Favorite graphic novel/comic:

Godzilla: The Half-Century War by James Stokoe—Hey, I think this was a 2013 release! Okay, I don’t read a whole lot of comics anymore, but I try to keep up with the good ones, and the releases related to my favorite fandoms. I love Godzilla. Half-Century War features some awesome art and an original Godzilla story, spanning 50 years of one soldier’s obsession with killing/hunting/understanding Godzilla. I really enjoyed it.

Short Story: 

Zombie by Chuck Palahniuk—Ooo, this was from 2013, too! How ‘bout that? I haven’t read many of Chuck Palahniuk’s books, but I love this little short. It’s sad, strange, and kind of wonderful. Telling the story of the youth of the nation willingly lobotomizing themselves with the use of defibrillators to avoid responsibility and conflict, Palahniuk navigates some dark territory, but I think he ends the story in a beautiful way. It can be read online on Playboy’s safe for work website. Here: http://playboysfw.kinja.com/zombie-a-new-original-short-story-by-chuck-palahniuk-1465542446

Non-Fiction:

A Critical History and Filmography of Toho’s Godzilla Series, Second Edition by David Kalat—Did I mention I like Godzilla? I do! I also like David Kalat, he’s a great film historian and has recorded some really good film commentaries over the years. This is a great textbook detailing behind-the-scenes information and the deeper meanings behind the Godzilla films. Whereas most are willing to write off Godzilla movies as brainless entertainment, Kalat raises some interesting points about the political subtext in the finer films, but isn’t afraid to admit when a movie sucks. I think this is the best book I’ve ever read on the Godzilla series. (note that the book cover presented here is for the 1st edition, not the expanded 2nd edition which I read)