9 essential geek books you must read right now.

[Eric Tolle]

The important thing is that any geek literature list must be made up of authors who are all straight (or at least in the closet) white males. No women or people of color need apply. In fact, I'm surprised they didn't put Lovecraft in there, to get the required dose of racism and xenophobia.

Then again, they did put Ender's Game in there, which is proper, since Ender Wiggins is the patron saint of antisocial white youth who feel oppressed by the lesser minds around them.

Mod Note: Inequalities exist in the world. EN World, however, has a fairly strict "no politics" rule, so this isn't the place to air your frustrations about them. You might want to take it to Circvs Maximvs, but please don't continue in this manner here. Thank you. ~Umbran

 

[Crothian]

I think they're saying the 1e DMG transcends the game for which it was written and is entertainment even for those who've never played D&D. And if so, they're right.

I really don't think non gamers would enjoy reading about the creation of NPCs, how outdoor movement works, and Gamma World to AD&D conversions to just name a few topics in the book. I'm not sure what in the book would be interesting for none gamers to read.

 

[Alan Shutko]

The important thing is that any geek literature list must be made up of authors who are all straight (or at least in the closet) white males. No women or people of color need apply. In fact, I'm surprised they didn't put Lovecraft in there, to get the required dose of racism and xenophobia.

Rather than just complaining, which books would you have put in there? I'd love to have some things to add to my reading list.

 

[MoxieFu]

I really don't think non gamers would enjoy reading about the creation of NPCs, how outdoor movement works, and Gamma World to AD&D conversions to just name a few topics in the book. I'm not sure what in the book would be interesting for none gamers to read.

Don't you think they'd get a giggle at the Random Harlot Table?

 

[Weregrognard]

1, 5, 7, & 9 for me. I own #6 but I haven't got around to reading it yet. I need to get cracking.

+1 on Howard and Lovecraft! Add Burroughs to the list too!

 

[Mallus]

Rather than just complaining, which books would you have put in there? I'd love to have some things to add to my reading list.

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin.
Nova by Samuel R. Delany (or, if you're feeling like a challenge, Dhalgren)
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

 

[Crothian]

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursala K. Le Guin.
Nova by Samuel R. Delany (or, if you're feeling like a challenge, Dhalgren)
The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.

What makes them "essential geek books"?

 

[Hungry Like The Wolf]

0 out of 9. I guess, essentially, I'm not geek enough for wired. Le Guin reminded us that you don't have to fall into the gripes raised by Eric Tolle. I think that's pretty essential.

 

[GSHamster]

There are a lot of good female sf/fantasy authors (LeGuin, Cherryh, Bujold, Willis, for starters). But as much as I love them, I don't think any of them have written anything I would consider "canonical" for geek culture at large.

Like, if we're looking at authors, you'd have to go through Asimov, Clarke, and Heinlein first, and none of those three which are on the list.

However, 20 years from now, I think there would be a really good case for putting Rowling's Harry Potter series on the list. I think that one has enough mindshare to become part of the shared geek culture.

 

[Rogue Agent]

I would just like to say that I am glad Harry Potter is not on the list. It's perfectly fine for what it is: a kids book--not an "essential book for geeks" IMHO.

You know that Ender's Game is also a YA novel, right?

7 of 9. Haven't read either of the nonfiction books, although I've read stuff covering roughly the same topics.