I know 2014 is coming to an end in a couple of weeks (yes guys, weeks!), but I think it's not too late to catch up on reading before we close this chapter of our lives and move forward. As for me and my Goodreads challenge, I'm still a little far from accomplishing my 30 books (which has been trimmed down to 20, actually). So for those who are also looking at catching up some reading over the holidays, here's a quick list of some books that will make you feel nerdy and quiz your knowledge from your school days. Okay, not really, but these books basically features nerdy characters that will make you rethink of your life. Haha. I kid.
1. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore (Robin Sloan)
The Nerd: Clay Jannon
Obsession: Hardcore Coding, Figuring out cryptic messages, Books
What the book is all about: From working in San Francisco for a web-design drone, Clay Jannon found himself working for an odd 24-hour bookstore, under the supervision of Mr. Penumbra. After a few days on the job, he finds himself catering to mysterious customers, catering to their orders from the 'wayback list', with books full of crypts and codes that no one, even the customers, even understands. The book explores to the ideas of simplicity and technology, where audience of any age can definitely relate.
2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Mark Haddon)
The Nerd: Christopher Boone
Obsession: Maths, Time Tables, Patterns
What the book is all about: Told through Christopher's point of view, the book explores the kid's genius yet mechanical brain. Christopher finds it hard to understand metaphors and sees everyday life as a pattern. The book was his project, with his main subject being Wellington, their neighbor's dog who was killed by a pitchfork. Using simple words, math problems, and every day experience, Christopher will led you through his compelling thoughts and complicated life, which would definitely leave you in awe... and tears.
3. An Abundance of Katherines (John Green)
The Nerd: Colin Singleton
Obsession: Formulas, Anagrams
What the book is all about: From Katherine I to Katherine 19, Colin seems to be failing at love more than he expects to. Through a road trip with his best friend, Hassan, he finds himself towards perfecting the formula that can determine the possibility of a successful relationship -- and finding his own way of having the great relationship that he was looking for.
4. The Rosie Project (Graeme Simsion)
The Nerd: Don Tillman
Obsession: Genetics, Organization, Human Behavior
What the book is all about: Don Tillman is a very reserved and organized professor of genetics, and he has never been on a second date. Realizing that he has already been aging, he embarks on a journey to find a woman that might be suitable to be his partner through the "Wife Project". As he continuously searches for the perfect woman, he stumbles upon Rosie, a fiery and intelligent woman, that will make his world go round. A quirky and funny love story, The Rosie Project will definitely entertain you to your wits end.
5. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Junot Diaz)
The Nerd: Oscar Wao
Obsession: Comic Books
What the book is all about: Oscar has lived a crazy life -- a Dominicano who can't even get a chica to like her, a boy who had a very peculiar family, a nerd who loves comic books and writing -- and it was captured perfectly by Junot Diaz. Written in a very Dominican manner, complete with expressions and funny stories, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao will bring you to another world, letting you peek into the mind of your usual class nerd.
Do you know any more books that feature nerds or simply intelligent characters? Share your books to read in 2014 on the comment section below, and let me read it too! :)
