#24. "Insomnia" by Stephen King

Stephen King has made a career out of scaring audiences with tales so disturbing that they can keep you up at night. But what about the author himself? "Insomnia" is a story that was written during the author's own insomnia and feels just as neurotic as someone suffering through long and confusing nights. The story in a lot of ways captures odd obsessions with Greek mythology as well as King's own The Dark Tower series, of which this book overlaps with significantly in the final stretch. It's a book for loyal readers who spend countless hours toiling over consistency and details. However, it's a tough read for those not ready for long and winding stories with confusing tangents and a world that reflects the author taking big risks in his prose and producing one of his oddest books yet.

#23. "The Talented Mr. Ripley" by Patricia Highsmith

Nowadays, author Patricia Highsmith is known best as the author of "The Price of Salt," which is a romance novel that explores a lesbian relationship. The book was full of fluttering prose and elegance, reflecting a romanticism that was equally mysterious. It's likely why her follow-up, "The Talented Mr. Ripley," manages to be one of the classiest mystery books of its era. With a memorable character that spawned "The Ripliad," Highsmith captured an upper class sensibility to the drama with debonair protagonist Thomas Ripley. With a story journeying around Europe, the novel manages to excel at being riveting even at its most mundane, creating the sense that these characters are fun to hang around with. It may not be her greatest book, but it works as a pulpy novel full of similar intimacy and adventure.

My Wishlist of 100 Books

Now that Halloween is over, it's time to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. For those who are looking to this blog and wondering "Thomas, what can we get you?" It only makes sense that Willett Reads would be dedicated to sharing all things that interest me in literature. Well, if you're one of those kind people who want to send me a book, here is a recommendation list of 100 books ranging from different genres and centuries. I am not too picky on quality of the book, save for my desire that the book not be filled with personal annotations. Beyond that, I hope that this list will help you prepare gifts that I not only want, but can often be found at a reasonable price. Click on to discover the list and where to send any comments regarding this list.

#22. "Cycle of the Werewolf" by Stephen King & Bernie Wrightson

One of the best parts of reading a Stephen King book is imagining what the horrors on the page look like. While his prose varies, he definitely knows how to build suspense and create an image that is just as jarring as any film could ever be. It's why his partnership with artist Bernie Wrightson seems like a bit of an anomaly to a career fueled by imagination. "Cycle of the Werewolf" is a concept comic designed like a comic book, depicting the chaos of one small town over one year as a werewolf attacks innocent people. The stories are largely unconnected, but it slowly builds to an understated and somewhat underrated experience, capturing the essence of King in a brief form that is more creatively innovative than it is as a story. Still, it recontextualizes his work in a new and exciting way.

#21. "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka

In classic literature, the ultimate weirdo supreme is Franz Kafka, whose work relied on shocking imagery. It lead to the rise of "Kafkaesque" stories, which challenged the very structure of what a narrative could tell. But what makes Kafka worth remembering in this way? It wasn't just that his work was so jolting. It's also that stories like "The Metamorphosis" reflect a deeper and more unsettling subtext about culture. For all of Kafka's strengths in prose, it wouldn't be the same if he didn't have stubborn intentions to make something simple as a man turning into a bug into a grander theme of life. To be "Kafkaesque" is to be weird with a tragic political undertone. Few short stories exemplify this quite like his most recognized story that takes a small location and turns it into one of the biggest statements possible. 

#20. "Brooklyn" by Colm Toibin

One of the great ideals of American culture is the American Dream. It is the belief that everyone can come to the country to start a great life. Everyone has some origins in that story, and they aren't often grand statements of justice, but more the personal freedoms of the self. In Colm Toibin's "Brooklyn," he details an Irish girl named Eilis' journey west, where she gets a job, an education, and a boyfriend. The story lacks a major conflict that uproots everything that came before, but it does explore the struggle to maintain an identity in a new land. It's a powerful story, and one that works in its simple prose and bashful protagonist, who makes the dream of coming to America sound almost commonplace in a way that makes her more than an immigrant, but an actual American citizen.

#19. "Happy Birthday to You" by Dr. Seuss

Nobody could write for children quite like Dr. Seuss. In fact, what he does is almost too ridiculous to be taken seriously, if it wasn't so inspired at the same time. In his book "Happy Birthday to You," he tackles the universal event known as a birthday and mixes rhymes with fantastical imagery in a way that will delight children. It will make them wish that maybe, just maybe, they too can have a birthday that is as grand as the protagonist (which is you). It's a heartwarming story and one that could suit a birthday for anyone wanting to live large. It may not have the same rhythm and focus of his other classics like "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"or "The Cat in the Hat," but it works as a minor story in his collection. It also proves that anyone can be creative if they just try. You just have to be dedicated to a silly rhyme scheme that makes sense eventually. Dr. Seuss knows how to appeal to the kid in all of us, and it's why this book works in spite of its redundancy.

Rating: 3 out of 5

#18. "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi

By now, everyone has accepted that director Martin Scorsese's GoodFellas is one of the greatest films of all time, even rivaling The Godfather as the best mafia movie in existence. Who could deny its charm, from the music to the dialogue to the iconic directing? However, there's a more basic reason that becomes clear when reading Nicholas Pileggi's "Wiseguy," of which the film was based on. Protagonist Henry Hill is a fascinating character not because he exists in a mythical world of cinema where anything is possible. No, he is someone who existed in such a heightened way that it's hard to believe he was real - even as his lack of documented existence would suggest. Pileggi lets the story play out through Hill's own words and ends up creating one of the most powerful and real looks into mob life ever set to page. In some ways, Hill is an envious deity who never got what's coming to him. And that's what makes him an incredible figure to write about.

#17. "IT" by Stephen King

Part of the allure to Stephen King as a writer is his ability to warp anything to his sensibility. Over his career, he's reinvented teen angst ("Carrie"), haunted houses ("The Shining"), rabid dogs ("Cujo"), and even alternate dimensions ("The Dark Tower" series). The concept may be hokey, but it has made him one of the most recognized and adapted authors in history. Still, there was no bigger challenge than finding a way to make "IT" scary. After all, IT is a two letter word that could encompass anything, good or bad. In a King book, it is ALWAYS going to be bad. Using the phrase "Don't talk about it." as a jumping off point, he delves into one of his lengthiest and most excessive books of his entire career, serving as his definitive masterwork and sloppiest book simultaneously. It is a fascinating read, if it isn't always satisfying. 

#16. "The Island of Dr. Moreau" by H.G. Wells

There are few authors as integral to sci-fi as H.G. Wells. Over the course of his career, he wrote several page-turning masterpieces such as "The Invisible Man" and the iconic "The Time Machine." What's more impressive is that he managed to establish every gimmick possible into a riveting page-turner. With his story "The Island of Dr. Moreau," he reaches for loftier heights by exploring themes of man playing God, and what happens when his creation fights back. It's a sloppy premise, but one that helps to expand on themes of such books as Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" by turning it into a fun island adventure that is as recognizable as it is disturbing. It may be a little clunky from a prose perspective, but it's still Wells doing what he does best.

#15. "The Dark Tower III: The Wastelands" by Stephen King

The work of Stephen King is so vast that it's impossible to pick a favorite. To most, there will be titles that have been made into good movies, such as "The Shining," "Misery," "Carrie," or "It." However, it one were to ask King what he felt was his greatest work was, odds are that he'll mention "The Dark Tower" saga somewhere. Until the upcoming movie, it's likely the most obscure title in his oeuvre to also have a rabid fan base. Still, its mix of genres with western, sci-fi, fantasy, and history is a fascinating journey into a world that is literally unlike any other. With "The Waste Lands," he pushes further into that vision with some of his most striking visuals yet, and it all works for better or worse in forwarding the story to its exciting conclusion.

#14. "The Unfinished Journey: America Since World War II" by William H. Chafe

It is both a compliment and an issue that American History has so much to offer. With the majority of History classes stopping somewhere around the 1960's, it's difficult for the average learner to understand what's happened in the 50 years since. In his book "The Unfinished Journey," historian William H. Chafe does an excellent job of creating a survey of key events between World War II and President Barack Obama's first term in office. While some events are more generalized, it's an impressive feat to turn close to 80 years of history into an accessible text that will inform as well as give a deeper appreciation to information that the reader already likely knew. It may not be the definitive text on any of the issues, but it's still pretty thorough.

#13. "Madeline" by Ludwig Bemelmans

The world of children's books can be a curious racket. The best stories often don't come from far out adventures that require imaginations, but of ones that require creative allegories of the everyday life. This is true for "Madeline," which has managed to churn out a popular book series and film over the course of its 75+ year existence. What makes the story so special? Well, it's tough to say. It's merely a book about getting your appendix removed. Is that all there is to like about it? On the contrary. Even with limited language and plot, the journey of Madeline in her debut story is a short but engaging read that brings to life a hero for curious kids wanting to explore the world around them.

#12. "Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll

In most of literature, there hasn't been a novel that's more "curiouser and curiouser" than Lewis Carroll's journey down the rabbit hole. Compared to the fiction of its time, it was groundbreaking as well as confusing. Why was a story full of talking animals and a girl who shrank and grew going to be a story that resonated for over a century? To be fair, part of the charm of "Alice in Wonderland" is that it doesn't entirely make sense and that anyone's idea of symbolism - whether it be one of puberty or hallucinogenics - somehow fits into the tapestry that mixes prose with poetic rhyming schemes. It's no wonder that this children's literature mainstay has inspired so many film adaptations. It's such a fun experience, though it's in part because nothing could match the confusing wonder that lies on the page. Carroll's work may be at best wonky, but it's heavily endearing in its own assurance.

#11. "White House Diary" by Jimmy Carter

While America is over 240 years old, there have only been 45 men who could honestly call themselves President of the United States. It's a tough job, and one that will be scrutinized for the rest of history. However, there are few 21st century presidents as overlooked as Jimmy Carter: whose one term in office was seen as unexceptional compared to any president from a post-FDR world. It could be that his demeanor didn't rely on flamboyance or controversy. Instead, it relied on a can do spirit, and a desire to do what was morally right. In his book "White House Diary," he explores his time in office through personal memos that detail the literal day-to-day, often in detail, and gives a better sense not only of his achievements, but of his personal struggles and regrets while in office. It may not be the most exciting read, but it has plenty to offer in understanding Carter as president.

#10. "iRaza Si! iGuerra No!" by Lorena Oropeza

If there is one impressive achievement that happened throughout the 20th century, it was the cultural evolution of social justice. Along with several wars, American history evolved to be more inclusive and tolerant of those who weren't specifically white males. Among those that aren't often explored is the Mexican heritage, of which went about impressive changes in the decades following World War II. In Lorena Oropeza's nonfictional account of "Chicano Protest and Patriotism," she manages to find that the exploration of identity was a big part of their time finding ways out of the war. It's an informative and engaging read, and one that helps to add light to one side of civil rights history that is often ignored.

#9. "A Monster Calls" by Patrick Ness

There's no denying that one of the scariest literature constructs is monsters. There's something about their unknown certainty that has haunted audiences for centuries. Books like "Frankenstein: The Modern Prometheus" or "Dracula" both represent something terrifying in ways that have defined the zeitgeist. But what if the monster isn't literal? What if he's something more symbolic and represents a struggle that is far less common than the boogeyman chasing you down a vacant hallway? What writer Patrick Ness does with "A Monster Calls" is an inventive twist on familiar territory that pits its young adult audience into a world far more traumatic and scary than any vampire or werewolf could ever be. What Ness does is make us understand the monster within everyone, who only comes out in times of grief. With precise language, his story clicks through the stages of grief with some of the most vibrant and exciting imagery that a depressing story can have. It's a terrifying book, just not in the way that you're expecting.

#8. "I Killed Adolf Hitler" by Jason

It is one of the most familiar premises in time travel lore. If you could travel back in time and kill Adolf Hitler, would you? Writer Jason decides to explore it through minimalist animation and an absurd tale where everything goes wrong. However, it's not a madcap comedy where everything is a slapstick nightmare. Instead, it is an existential drama where panels pass by with very little action, creating a deadpan comedy that features a punchline every six panels. With very little effort, he has created a delightful take on the what if tale that has an inspired twist at the end. It may not be the most exciting comic, but it's definitely one of the funner time traveling tales out there.

#7. "Old Man Logan" by Mark Millar

There's a lot to admire about Wolverine. He's a lone rebel who also doesn't age as quickly as everyone around him. It makes him a compelling adversary as well as a tragic figure who can't possibly escape his demons even as his skin heals. What Mark Millar set out to do was show what happens when old age finally catches up with him. In a neo-western pastiche, the answer is resolved in a depressing yet violent means. With a cast of familiar faces in a dystopian future, "Old Man Logan" is a story of superheroes with little to lose. In fact, Logan has only one thing in the world that means anything to him: is family. The rest is expendable in a story that manages to push grittiness to its largest extent and pose the question of what makes Wolverine tick.

#6. "X-23: Innocence Lost" by Craig Kyle & Christopher Yoost

With Logan marking the cinematic farewell of Wolverine, it also marks the beginning of the next generation. Played by Dafne Keen in the film, X-23 is the heir apparent to Wolverine's title for many reasons. The most obvious is because she shares a few DNA strands with him that lead to her having adamantium claws that grow out of her hands and feet. In her origin story "Innocence Lost," she gets a story that is a series of conflicting ideals. Is there anything that makes her human, or is she a mutant doomed to seek violent revenge for the sake of those who modified her? The answers aren't always clear, but it makes for a fascinating introduction to a character likely to gain more attention in the years to come.

#5. "Dog Man Unleashed" by Dav Pilkey

From the writer of "Captain Underpants" comes the latest story in his spin-off Dog Man series. For those unfamiliar, Dav Pilkey likes his humor rich with lowbrow slapstick and play on words. In the first "Dog Man" novel, he explored an origin that had enough off the wall humor to suggest that this character couldn't only rival his biggest hit, but maybe could take on a life of its own. Of course, the first novel was too sloppy to be just that, but "Dog Man Unleashed" may officially show the half-dog/half-man/all hero character as something greater. In an absurd yet focused story, "Dog Man" comes to life with an assurance that is a vast improvement over the original as well as villains that are possibly even greater than before. This is everything that a sequel should be, let alone for something as ridiculous as "Dog Man."

#4. "From the Mississippi Delta" by Endisha Ida Mae Holland

There have been many books about the Civil Rights Movement over the years. Many have detailed important moments in American history. However, there's likely few that open with passages as staggering as Endisha Ida Mae Holland's memoir. Before the audience has time to understand the world of young Ida, nicknamed Cat, there is a humiliating moment where her mother, nicknamed Ain't Baby, chastises her for wetting the bed. It's enough to suggest that the novel to follow won't be a serious and heartfelt exploration into one woman's life in Mississippi, but what follows is more than that. It's a story of redemption, heartbreak, and admiration for those who made a difference in our lives, no matter how minuscule the effort may be.

#3. "Dog Man" by Dav Pilkey

It may be hard to believe, but Dav Pilkey has been the renegade author of an adult superhero who flies around in underpants for 20 years. In 2013, the "Captain Underpants" series became the most banned book in American schools (yes, even beating S&M fiction like "Fifty Shades of Grey") for being insensitive and juvenile. It only makes sense then that its latest spin-off "Dog Man" has a certain obsession with the low brow jokes and sloppy animation. To add further subtext, the series was created by two characters, of whom are chastised for their crude humor. Yet for those willing to put pretensions aside, what Pilkey has created yet again is a delightful, bizarre, and just plain fun superhero riff that doesn't take itself too seriously. Is it the best book ever? Not even by Pilkey's standards. Yet it's hard to deny that "Dog Man" at least has a good time with what it has, and your willingness to go along will determine your own mileage. 

#2. "Doctor Strange: The Oath" by Brian K. Vaughn

With the release of the Marvel movie Doctor Strange still in recent memory, I decided to check out a relatively recent story regarding one of comic book culture's most iconic wizards. Considering that I don't know a lot about his character (I haven't seen the movie as of this publication), this was to be my crash course into the character's behavior. With writer Brian K. Vaughn, who wrote the excellent "Y: The Last Man" series, attached I felt more comfortable approaching this story than I would had I just jumped into the psychedelic comics of the Stan Lee era. To be fair, "Doctor Strange: The Oath" is still a pretty far out tale, but with compelling animation and a morality story involving pharmaceutical companies, it creates a supernatural character that may still not be accessible to buttoned-up minds, but shows the appeal of what his world could possibly provide.

#1. "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo

There's a lot of connotation that comes with discussing "The Godfather." For starters, it embodies the pinnacle of cinematic achievement - at least from an American perspective. The gangster story that follows Michael Corleone's rise to power as his father Vito "Don" Corleone faces his autumn years, it's a traditional drama featuring the reluctant hero, the call to action, and enough subtext to show the inability for evil to not be persuasive. This can be applied to Mario Puzo's original book as well, which has a little bit more of everything to chew on. It may have a reputation for being smutty and dated, but it's hard to imagine the masterpiece without the blueprints. In this respect, what Puzo has created may be greatly flawed, but is a fascinating look into a seedy culture that has only become more prominent in years since.