I love technology. I always have. I have a computer, laptops, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones; you name it, I’ve tried it.
But as a writer, there’s nothing better to me than holding a physical book in my hand. I’ve always loved reading, and the books below are some I read over and over again.
I asked Midjourney to create images based on a few of my favorite books, and this is what it created. Some are clever, some are fun, and others are, well… See for yourself.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Set in the racially charged atmosphere of 1930s Alabama, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother Jem as their father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a black man wrongly accused of assaulting a white woman. The story explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and compassion.
2. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This novel tells the story of Huck Finn, a boy who fakes his death to escape his abusive father and embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River with Jim, a runaway slave. Through their adventures, the book addresses themes of freedom, friendship, and societal norms.
3. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Edmond Dantès, falsely imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, escapes after 14 years and discovers a hidden treasure, using his newfound wealth to exact revenge on those who betrayed him. The novel delves into themes of justice, vengeance, and forgiveness.
4. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
In this epic fantasy series, hobbit Frodo Baggins is tasked with destroying a powerful ring to prevent the dark lord Sauron from conquering Middle-earth. The journey, filled with diverse characters and formidable challenges, explores themes of friendship, courage, and the struggle between good and evil.
5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
This collection of twelve short stories follows the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson as they solve a variety of complex cases in Victorian London. Holmes’s keen observation and logical reasoning reveal the intricacies of each mystery.
6. Dune by Frank Herbert
Set in a distant future, this science fiction epic follows Paul Atreides, who must navigate political intrigue and warfare on the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the universe’s most valuable substance, “spice.” The novel explores themes of power, religion, and ecological stewardship.
7. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
This non-fiction book chronicles the true story of Chris McCandless, a young man who abandons his possessions and savings to journey into the Alaskan wilderness in search of a simpler, more meaningful life. His tragic death raises questions about idealism, survival, and the human spirit.
8. Matilda by Roald Dahl
Matilda, a bright and imaginative girl, uses her intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome the neglect of her parents and the tyranny of her school principal, Miss Trunchbull. Along the way, she finds solace and support from her kind teacher, Miss Honey.
9. The Man On the Mountaintop by Susan Trott
This novel centers on Joe, a spiritual guru living on a mountaintop, who offers wisdom and guidance to pilgrims seeking answers to life’s big questions. Through their stories, the book explores themes of spirituality, human connection, and personal growth.
10. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Victor Frankenstein, a scientist obsessed with creating life, succeeds in animating a creature from dead body parts but soon regrets his actions as the monstrous being seeks revenge. The novel examines themes of ambition, isolation, and the consequences of playing God.
11. Dracula by Bram Stoker
This gothic horror novel tells the story of Count Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse, and the efforts of a group of people led by Professor Van Helsing to stop him. Themes of fear, sexuality, and the clash between modernity and superstition permeate the narrative.
12. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman retells the ancient Norse myths, bringing to life the gods, giants, and mythical creatures of Asgard, including Odin, Thor, and Loki. The book captures the drama and adventures of these legendary figures, exploring themes of fate, heroism, and the end of the world.
13. The Witcher Series by Andrzej Sapkowski
This fantasy series follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter known as a Witcher, as he navigates a world filled with magic, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity. The stories explore themes of destiny, the nature of good and evil, and the complexities of human and non-human relationships.
This book series is also why I named my car “Roach.”
14. Sarah Bishop by Scott O’Dell
Set during the American Revolutionary War, this historical novel follows Sarah Bishop, a young girl who must survive alone in the wilderness after her family is torn apart by the conflict. The book explores themes of resilience, independence, and the impact of war on individuals.
15. The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
In the first book of the “Wheel of Time” series, young Rand al’Thor and his friends are thrust into a battle against dark forces that threaten their world. Guided by the mysterious Moiraine and her Warder Lan, they embark on a perilous journey filled with magic, prophecy, and danger.
16. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
In this science fiction novel, young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe travel through space and time to rescue Meg’s father from an evil force. Guided by three mysterious beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—they confront dark powers and learn the value of love and bravery.
17. Leonardo’s Mountain of Clams and the Diet of Worms by Stephen Jay Gould
This collection of essays by paleontologist and evolutionary biologist Stephen Jay Gould explores various topics in natural history, science, and the interplay between science and society. Through engaging narratives and thoughtful analysis, Gould delves into subjects ranging from Leonardo da Vinci’s scientific observations to the historical impact of Martin Luther’s diet of worms, illustrating the interconnectedness of scientific discovery and human culture.
18. Banvard’s Folly by Paul Collins
This book presents the intriguing stories of thirteen individuals from history whose remarkable achievements were ultimately forgotten or dismissed. Through these accounts, Paul Collins explores themes of innovation, ambition, and the fickle nature of fame, shedding light on how extraordinary contributions can sometimes fade into obscurity despite their significance.
19. Old Songs in a New Cafe by Robert James Waller
This collection of essays by Robert James Waller, the author of The Bridges of Madison County, reflects on various aspects of life, love, and the passage of time. Through a series of personal and poignant narratives, Waller shares his thoughts on relationships, the beauty of nature, and the simple joys found in everyday experiences, capturing a sense of nostalgia and introspection.
20. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
This novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a member of a teenage gang called the Greasers, who navigates the social conflicts between his group and the wealthier Socs in 1960s Oklahoma. The book explores themes of friendship, class struggle, and the search for identity amidst the turbulence of adolescence.
21. Black Holes and Time Warps: Einstein’s Outrageous Legacy by Kip S. Thorne
In this accessible yet profound exploration of theoretical physics, Kip S. Thorne delves into the mysteries of black holes, the nature of space and time, and the implications of Einstein’s theories of relativity. Through a combination of scientific insight and engaging storytelling, Thorne presents complex concepts in a way that illuminates their significance and wonder, making cutting-edge science approachable for general readers.
22. The Collected Poems by Czesław Miłosz
This volume gathers the expansive body of work by Nobel Prize-winning poet Czesław Miłosz, spanning over seven decades. The poems reflect on themes of memory, history, and the human condition, offering a deep, introspective look at life’s spiritual and existential questions.
23. Metro 2033 by Dmitry Glukhovsky
Set in a post-apocalyptic Moscow, Metro 2033 follows Artyom, a young man living in the city’s underground metro system after a nuclear war has rendered the surface uninhabitable. As he navigates through the dark and dangerous tunnels, facing threats from mutated creatures and hostile human factions, Artyom embarks on a perilous journey to save his home station and uncover the mysteries of the metro’s world.
24. What Do You Care What Other People Think?: Further Adventures of a Curious Character by Richard P. Feynman
This memoir by Nobel Prize-winning physicist Richard P. Feynman offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and personality through a series of anecdotes and reflections. The book covers various aspects of Feynman’s life, from his childhood and personal experiences to his role in the investigation of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
