What could better describe an individual than what stands on his/her bed-side table?

(Beside the usual glass of water and pills, mind you…) Books are like fashion items. Some of them are just too pretty not to be buy, but you won’t read them once. Others look quite plain, but are so comfortable you’ll read them over and over. So here are my library basics, those I’ve read a zillion time and wood be happy to read once more. Click the pics for amazon pages.

1. How to be a graphic designer without loosing your soul.

Designers will never be as good as they are when they talk about themselves. This book is like a  Bible to me: you’d like to believe, but reality is never as described. Anyway, it gives you faith, which is what you pay for. Title is quite explicit about the content, so no need to discuss this furthermore. Plus, the layout is beautiful. Too bad it’s only a 2-color print, because the book showcases some interesting work. 

2. How to walk in high heels.

This book is my second Bible. Once again, I’d like to believe that you can really walk on 12cm high heels, but that’s pure fantasy. The book stands as a survival guide for every girl in despair to change a light-bulb. I’m not really sure that it was intended to, but I’ve had a good laugh while reading it. As if any real girl had the time to manicure, while cooking and doing some mechanics, being an executive woman, and running on a pair of manholo’s.    

3. Don’t make me think.

A usability manual. Heavily illustrated, it helps understanding a user-centered approach of interface design. It’s quite funny, and won’t make you feel like a total newbie if you’ve never studies usability before. A good starter that can possibly apply to a lot of other fields.

4. Japanese Graphics Now.

Taschen has an impressive collection of graphic-design related books. But this one is probably the one you’ll find in every bookshelf. Probably because designers love sushi. Or because it’s just a good book… I don’t really know.

5. Going postal.

I could have listed every single book from Terry Pratchett. They make me laugh, and they make me feel at home. They are the the books you read under your blankets when it’s raining. More efficient than a ben&jerry’s ice cream. They tell incredible stories about a world that float in space on the back of a giant turtle, a world suspiciously as corrupt and crazy as ours. I really love Going Postal and Making Money, because of their political statements. But then, the discworld is like a second home to me. 

6. American Gods.

Same song for Neil Gaiman. American gods & Anansi Boys made me cry and laugh. The protagonists — while living in a world oscillating between fantasy and reality — are incredibly “here”. They’re always people running out of luck… and that you can’t help but feel sorry for. And I love when reading makes me feel alive.

Gaiman is also well known for his work on the graphic Novel Sandman, and for numerous incredible short stories.      

7. The forever War.

This book and all the Peace and War omnibus, stand in the category ” changed my life”. It’s no more than SF, but once again, characters feel real. All the story is credible, while taking place centuries away from us. And, like the two authors above, Haldeman describes the world with a very accurate point of view. Humanity is portrayed is her dreariest light. Which means it’s quite honest.  

8.  Akira

My first ever japanese graphic novel. I still love the story, as much as when I was 11. The post-apocalyptic world, with drugged teenagers, and psychic weapons, never seemed so close. It’s quite gore and violent; but then, you’ll know how to draw blood splatters from every angle.  

9.Popbot

Another incredible graphic novel. 1: it’s beautiful. Mixed traditional techniques combined with computer graphics give a fantastic result. Plus: this man draw like a god. 2: I’ve never been able to read the story, I was far too concerned by the graphics. Pure genius…

10. The Gospel of the flying spagetthi monster

With the election to come in America, this one is a good bet. Speaking about intelligent design… What if the world was created by a flying spagetthi monster, and the global warming caused by the disappearing of pirates? This book is hilarious, and gives a good hint to understand the argument between intelligent design & evolution. Ramen!

Please share your inspiring books!

Smile,
Zélia