Books

I love reading and listening to books, here are some books and series that I've particularly enjoyed and would recommend.

Fiction

We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor - this is the first book of a fantastic science fiction series. I was introduced to it by a dear friend who passed away a few years ago and it's a series full of excitement, adventure, big questions, and drama. Dennis E. Taylor has also written a number of other sci-fi books which are also well worth checking out but this is by far his most popular series so well worth starting with. There's no need to have any sci-fi experience, it's a very easy series to get through. I recommend the audiobook versions for this. The narrator, Ray Porter, is wonderful and the author has an audible deal meaning all new books come out as audiobooks first.

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule - this is the first adult novel in the new Star Wars series titled The High Republic and I've really loved it so far. The series takes place 250 years before the Phantom Menace film so it's great to explore completely new characters in a completely different era. Especially after the latest films it feels like a breath of fresh-air and a good place for investment from Disney.

1984 by George Orwell - a thoroughly depressing book, but a real important piece of culture. It's a look into a world with no privacy and full state surveillance. If you've not read any George Orwell in the past then this is a good place to start but it is extremely depressing so a good idea to mix it with some more cheerful media.

Non-fiction

How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil - a look into the real underpinnings of the modern day world. This book does away with politics, agendas, and speculation. It's a broad overview of how the world is put together and how these "Big Systems" fit together. I don't think I've read another book which has educated me on such a broad spectrum. It's given me a new outlook on the climate crisis and a renewed understanding of the worlds economies. It's not a book that's trying to pusuade of you a particular view point, it just lays out the facts. I think everyone who's been away from secondary school science for a few years should give this a read.

The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard - it wouldn't be a good list if it doesn't include one which has helped me grow in my faith and this is one of those. It takes an overview of the core disciplines to building and maintaining a deep connection to Jesus. I particular like it's analysis of how we've got things wrong over the years as Christian's.

This Is Esports (And How to Spell It) by Paul Chaloner - this book caters really well to three groups of people. The first is those who have no experience with Esports. The second is those who want to know more about the history. Finally, and for me, it gave me a beautiful trip down memory lane. If you want a historical overview of Esports then this is a really thoughtful compendium of the industry and the communities it came from.

Where to buy?

If you're in the UK or US and seeking a paper or hardback I'd always recommend checking out Bookshop. The prices are comparable to Amazon and while the delivery will usually take a few days longer, you're supporting local bookshops and buying from a far more ethical company than the Amazon behemouth. If anyone knows of a similar BCorp rated business in the EU please let me know, I'd love to add them to this recommendation as well.

Unfortunately for audiobooks you can't really beat audible who are owned by Amazon. If anyone has a good alternative with a wide library please let me know so I can try them out.