Ed's Book Club

Ed's Book Picks

I am currently only recommending non-fictional works, mostly ones that are either very funny or very disturbing.

	Under the Banner of Heaven by Jon Krakauer Describes the surrealistic and often secretive history of Mormonism, from its relatively recent conception in 1820 to present day, in an effort to understand the motives behind the brutal murder of a Mormon woman and her baby. Aside: Wait - what was that you say? Ah! God just told me that you should read this book!
	The Sorrows of Empire by Chalmers Johnson A detailed account of America's militaristic policies around the globe.
	Black Dahllia Avenger by Steve Hodel The author makes a case that his father was the one who performed a particularly grisly murder back in the 40's. Compelled me and my friend to visit the gravesite of the murdered woman.
	A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present by Howard Zinn A view of American history from the other perspective - remove some of that brainwashing the school system and big media put into your head.
	Apple Confidential: the Real Story of Apple Computer, Inc. by Owen Linzmayer Follows the rise, the fall, and rise of Apple computer. Really interesting, if you use a computer.
	Barrel Fever by David Sedaris A collection of funny short stories and essays.
	Fatal Vision by Joe McGuinniss Jeffrey MacDonald was accused of killing his family. This is a detailed account of the events. Don't look at the pictures until you're done reading the book!
	Going to Extremes by Joe McGuinniss Joe McGuinniss documented the impact that the Alaskan Pipeline had on the native people. Really, really good.
	Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi In 1969, the Tate-LaBianca murders introduced the world to Charles Manson. This is a good book.
	In Cold Blood by Truman Capote The first true crime novel, this is the story about a mass murder that took place in Kansas in 1959.
	Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer One of my favorite books, the true story of Chris McCandless, who cast off society. Was he smart? Was he stupid? You decide!
	Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer Jon Krakauer joined an expedition to climb Mount Everest, and found himself in the middle of a disaster.
	The Mountain People by Colin Turnbull Turnbull details his co-existence with a purely evil tribe in Africa. This book kicks ass!
	Naked by David Sedaris Another funny book by Sedaris, who writes about his adventures travelling around America.
	Nunaga - Ten Years Among the Eskimos by Duncan Pryde Pryde was a furrier who worked up in Alaska in the 50's, and writes about the impact the white man had on Eskimos. This is a really good book!
	The Phantom Prince by Elizabeth Kendall (Ted Bundy's girlfriend!) Absolutely riveting account of Ted Bundy from Ted's own girlfriend, who was dating him at the same time Ted was out having sex with his recent kills.
	The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe The story behind the ridiculous Space Race.
	Savages by Joe Kane Evil oil corporations versus Amazonian tribes, very well written.
	Small Sacrifices by Anne Rule Another installment in Ed's True Crime Series, this book is about a woman accused of killing her children.
	The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule Rule worked with Ted Bundy at a suicide help line in Seattle. This is the book that launched Rule's career.
	Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer by Stephen Michaud Part of Ed's exhaustive "Ted Bundy Collection". This book provides the transcription of the conversations which took place between Ted Bundy and Seattle's chief of police. Ted talks in the third person, as a way to avoid incriminating himself!