Origin of the Matrix relating to a Science Fictional setting... [more inside]
posted by madmamasmith on Dec 24, 2009 - 19 answers

What are good books to read on a train? [more inside]
posted by timory on Dec 23, 2009 - 40 answers

I'm interested in getting a print copy of Zhuangzi to read. What's a good translation or edition?
posted by Arturus on Dec 14, 2009 - 7 answers

Help me find that perfect novel for a Christmas present. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 10, 2009 - 15 answers

I'm looking for book recommendations for a young woman who has recently become interested in religion. Ideas please! [more inside]
posted by schmoo on Nov 22, 2009 - 20 answers

In search of something to read to my ill grandmother. [more inside]
posted by pised on Nov 17, 2009 - 17 answers

Books recommendation for an industrial engineer [more inside]
posted by Carius on Nov 14, 2009 - 13 answers

Pulp Filter: I'm looking for books (fiction or non) that read like the recent Bond films: dark, thrilling, brutal, and glamorous.
posted by roger ackroyd on Nov 6, 2009 - 25 answers

They shouldn't let people like me attend used book sales, but now that the damage is done: how and where to begin reading Sartre? [more inside]
posted by notquitemaryann on Nov 4, 2009 - 20 answers

BookFilter: I'm looking for a novel that I read several times in the early '90s; despite having read and enjoyed it several times, I've forgotten the title and author! [more inside]
posted by Skoloxia on Oct 21, 2009 - 9 answers

Recommend some great literature in the Steinbeck tradition. [more inside]
posted by Go Banana on Oct 14, 2009 - 18 answers

How should I prepare to read Infinite Jest? [more inside]
posted by blueplasticfish on Sep 25, 2009 - 48 answers

Fantasy recommendations based on previously enjoyed books. [more inside]
posted by zennoshinjou on Sep 24, 2009 - 39 answers

Philosophy Filter: What are some fresh and interesting questions or topics in philosophy? [more inside]
posted by k. on Sep 6, 2009 - 21 answers

I've taken responsibility for a very small children's library and I'd love your ideas for making it awesome. [more inside]
posted by serazin on Sep 3, 2009 - 14 answers

Books that feature great writing AND great storytelling? [more inside]
posted by shotgunbooty on Sep 2, 2009 - 50 answers

7 days poolside... I need books! Tell me what to buy! [more inside]
posted by cgg on Aug 21, 2009 - 37 answers

Need some book recommendations. Just finished reading Bram Stoker's Dracula...and am getting through the Historian. In the past I have enjoyed The List of Seven, Club Dumas, The Alienist, Name of the Rose and so forth. So I guess I like the mystery-within-history sort of suspense/horror/thriller. The things I didn't get into were Dan Brown, Ian Pears, and anything having to do with Templars or Mary Magdalene. Can you recommend me your favorites? -- Thanks so much.
posted by snap_dragon on Aug 15, 2009 - 35 answers

Looking for light, sociological holiday reading material... [more inside]
posted by FuckingAwesome on Jul 31, 2009 - 13 answers

For such a picky eater, I sure like to read a lot about food. What good food books can you recommend? [more inside]
posted by kidsleepy on Jul 28, 2009 - 42 answers

Please recommend your favorite "behind the scenes" nonfiction books! [more inside]
posted by bookmammal on Jul 18, 2009 - 48 answers

I'd like to learn about biology. Can you recommend some books to get me started? [more inside]
posted by SamuelBowman on Jun 30, 2009 - 21 answers

What are the best books on mythology (all kinds)? [more inside]
posted by fantine on Jun 27, 2009 - 28 answers

I demand to know your favorite short story anthologies. [more inside]
posted by zoomorphic on Jun 23, 2009 - 30 answers

People talk about "writing the Great American Novel." What do you think are valid examples of the G.A.N.? What novels, American or otherwise, did you enjoy reading and wish you had written?
posted by Busoni on Jun 20, 2009 - 70 answers

Recently finished 2666. It is on a pedestal by itself, with my award for "Best Novel Ever." Now, everything I try to read seems jaded, inferior, or doesn't measure up. Help me get beyond this and find something interesting to read
posted by Xurando on Jun 2, 2009 - 37 answers

Summer Reading Filter: looking for great books NOT originally in English [more inside]
posted by maca on May 17, 2009 - 36 answers

I need a new "big think" book! I just finished Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers, and I loved his other books as well. I've read everything Jared Diamond has published (Collapse, Guns, Germs & Steel, The Third Chimpanzee etc.) I like books that stretch your brain and reveal the hidden factors in life, the world and society. [more inside]
posted by musofire on May 10, 2009 - 65 answers

Can you identify this old children's book? [more inside]
posted by Joe Beese on May 8, 2009 - 3 answers

What should I (a late-marrying, book-crazy, somewhat institution-of-marriage-wary bride) read on my honeymoon? Inspired (in a way) by this question, I'm looking for novels to help me reflect on, process, and understand marriage. [more inside]
posted by minervous on Apr 30, 2009 - 24 answers

Books about libraries, and books/essays about the future of them? [more inside]
posted by mrhaydel on Apr 13, 2009 - 13 answers

Readers, Psychologist, Philosophers or Writers Please, How not to get confused and feel unsetteled after reading different books and Theories? [more inside]
posted by zulonline on Apr 13, 2009 - 5 answers

What should I read to my 6 year old? What should she read to herself? [more inside]
posted by serazin on Apr 7, 2009 - 51 answers

Help me keep her reading filter: My wife is tearing through the Twilight series right now, and I'd love to keep her swamped in books once she finishes. But the vampire-ness of the series is the least interesting part to her. [more inside]
posted by ekstasis23 on Mar 24, 2009 - 47 answers

Who are the new exciting, young novelists of the 21st century? I suddenly find myself with a lot more time on my hands for reading. [more inside]
posted by netbros on Mar 2, 2009 - 24 answers

What great children's books are there for little girls beginning kindergarten. Ramona the Pest is a book about a girl in Kindergarten and I like that one. [more inside]
posted by lynnie-the-pooh on Feb 19, 2009 - 14 answers

John Updike's death reminded me that I have a book of his short stories. Which ones should I read first? [more inside]
posted by ocherdraco on Jan 30, 2009 - 9 answers

Since I began a reading life (at about age eight), I have had a problem: my mind automatically places action in just a few places familiar to me from my life: my house, the main street of my hometown. Whether the action in a novel takes place in 16th century Scotland, or the Black Forest, or under the Unisphere. Are there ways to get around this, or to learn to read fiction more actively, and, fantastically/creatively? [more inside]
posted by Tufa on Jan 29, 2009 - 30 answers

Help me remember the title of a book. Thankfully, more details within. [more inside]
posted by planetthoughtful on Jan 21, 2009 - 4 answers

What books could you recommend that might help a slightly mentally challenged adult start learning to read? [more inside]
posted by graytona on Jan 15, 2009 - 16 answers

Can anyone recommend any funny novels about government and politics? [more inside]
posted by Myles on Dec 27, 2008 - 31 answers

I'm looking for readable accounts of revolutionary movements. [more inside]
posted by serazin on Dec 18, 2008 - 13 answers

I'm thinking of reading a couple books onto tape for some young (<1 to <3) distant-relatives. What makes it worth it, and how can I not feel weird? [more inside]
posted by gensubuser on Dec 12, 2008 - 10 answers

This question reminded me that I have a trashy paperback romance novel memory of my own that I would like to track down. It was about a female highwayman and its cover art was mostly in shades of dark green. [more inside]
posted by matildaben on Dec 12, 2008 - 5 answers

I love reading fiction, but non-fiction just doesn't hold my interest. I'd very much like it to -- I have a bunch of books I'd like to read, but I get a few pages in, and I just glaze over. Maybe it's the lack of plot? Am I doomed to reading only fiction, or can I learn to enjoy non-fiction?
posted by sarcasticah on Dec 7, 2008 - 24 answers

I love The Clan of the Cave Bear series by Jean Auel, and am looking to read other series in the same vein (i.e. historical, fact-filled, plot driven awesomeness) What would you recommend?
posted by melodykramer on Dec 7, 2008 - 38 answers

Some good, interesting historical nonfiction? [more inside]
posted by btkuhn on Nov 28, 2008 - 55 answers

What are your favorite places to read about and talk about books online? Bibliophile hearts Goodreads.com but seeks a world beyond... Are there any online book clubs that are good (my searches return a lot of results, but I can't tell at a glance what's worth exploring)? What are the book review blogs of record?
posted by toomuchkatherine on Nov 18, 2008 - 8 answers

If he liked Tony Parsons and Roald Dahl and Nick Hornby what else will he like? [more inside]
posted by magnetsphere on Nov 17, 2008 - 11 answers

With all the presidential talk, I'd like to read a good book on what it's like to be President of the United States. [more inside]
posted by nitsuj on Nov 5, 2008 - 12 answers