I find there tends to be two general categories of books; those that are exciting and interesting, so much that I want to recommend them immediately, and “slogs” that are just slow and unappealing regardless of the content. Some I get the jist of fast and a lot seems irrelevant like What is to Be Done, some like Fresh Banana Leaves the writing is just dislikable and repetitive. This is in sharp contrast to books like Half Earth Socialism or State and Revolution where I may be familiar with some of the content, but I really like the style and new information and want to recommend to people.
Do you agree with this categorization? Are there any books that you feel strongly about either way? I’m sure I’ve heard a lot of your recommendations before, but I want to know what will actually be fun to read, because some aren’t even if the content is good. I want to know which to prioritize reading.
Edit: to answer my own question: socialism or extinction is top tier
Not political or extinction but what can i say its my one book i always tell anyone to read:
Laurus - Eugene Vodolazkin
A 14th century Russian peasant boy becomes a medicine man, and then a holy fool who performs miracles and goes on a pilgrimage to the holy land.
It is a mix of slice of life, esoteric/religious, poetic. It is both very rousing and very calming to read. Being some form of spiritual probably helps but i think the book would have plenty of merit to atheist comrades as well. Plus the cover is cool. The english translator apparently did a particularly phenomenal job with her end.