I can't deny it: 'On the Road' shows its age, and as I grow older, I find more flaws. It's famously uneven, and while it soars in sections, it plods along in others. Its world-view is often naive and obsolete, and yet, it's an enthusiastic celebration of life and a book that will always have a special place in my heart.

Kerouac's dour and tired book stands as a fitting book-end to the man's career. Ferlinghetti claims not to like it, but it's like the last stand of a bruised and tired fighter.

One of the funniest books ever.

Pulpy supernatural fun for fans of Hellblazer (also at one point written by Carey) and demonic noir.

This is part recollection, part fiction. Bradbury weaves some Irish-themed (which you may have read in other collections) stories into a framework about the time he worked with John Huston to write the screenplay for "Moby DIck". Lots of time is spent in the country pub, and while Bradbury's prose often runs purple here as elsewhere, the pub really is the perfect setting. Your mileage may vary, but for a film nut and Bradbury fan, this is a double treat.

Wonderful essay on atheism, or rather, against religion. Won't sway the believers, but won't dissuade the nonbelievers either.

Ouch. I love Gibson's work, which was the only thing that kept me reading this interminable and unengaging story. Better luck next time.

Often referred to as a book to be admired rather than enjoyed (by idiots), 'The Difference Engine' is still the epitome of steampunk, and an admirable collaboration between two seminal science fiction writers. Still blows my mind.

Utterly enjoyable read about utterly depraved scum. And to think they've barely made a decent album.

Yes, it's horribly written and yes, it's the literary equivalent of mac n' cheese, but then again: how many long-haul flights has it made bearable?

Eggers has gotten a lot of flack for primarily writing about the immediate vicinity of his navel, but this is wonderfully written regardless.

Stephen King claims not remembering writing this book and blames his coke habit. Per his own description: "They get inside your head and kinda … tommyknock around, I guess."

With 'Pattern Recognition', Gibson moved away from speculative fiction, or rather the world caught up to him. Proof that the future is here.

A profoundly moving book.

Granted, this probably gets an extra star on account of added sentimental value, but still: A magnificent reader from City Lights.

Charming, if inessential, account of Balaban's time working with Spielberg and Truffaut on "Close Encounters"

'The Dharma Bums' is probably a more solid work than 'On the Road.'