Society goes horribly right in this pre-1984, pre-Brave New World novel of mathematical perfection in society, and the struggle of the society's people as they deal with the possibility of developing individual souls.

Islamic extremism, Reaganomics, alternative medicine, conspiracy theories and catastrophism.  And why they're all a pile of crap.

One way of looking at things.

McCarthy is probably our most fantastic, creative writer of heavy literature today, and Suttree is freakishly funny. My favorite of his works. Also recommended are: Blood Meridian ( an Heart of Darkness  from the western frontier );  Child of God ( very twisted ); and All the Pretty Horses ( a brilliant love story). Read McCarthy and you will judge evey other writer against him.

 This book is amazing!  I am not a mathematician, so I have had a really hard time understanding quantum physics or Einstein's relativity.  Through a practical explanation of string theory and how it links these two other ways of thinking, he clears it all up!

Treatise on the nature of heroism and life in general.  Very funny in places.

Not all the answers or the complete picture by any means, but a compact essay illustrating with pop-culture references the negative perceptions of America held by Europe and the developing world, and their roots.  It all comes down to Westerns, apparently, and Shane in particular.  Definitely one you should read if you've never set foot outside the US.  Much of it is probably quite obvious to the rest of us.

Interesting and innovative philosophical system wrapped up in a novel.  The sequel, Lila, is better, but you need to read  Zen... first.