This is a little late, but figured I’d still push this out.  2016 was a fascinating year in many ways, most of which I’d rather not rehash right now.  For the first four months of the year I found myself with a good deal of time on my hands.  Combine that with several additional weeks worth of travel, and I managed to crank out a pretty good year of reading.

Yeah, reading.  Quaint, right?  Not for this dude.  Reading is vital to existence.  It enlightens, it broadens knowledge, it widens your world view.  It can sober your mood, and drive you to tears.  It can drive the imagination and brighten your soul.  While I enjoy serialized television and fine film, reading is where I truly can lose myself.

My primary weapon is normally my Kindle, a first generation Paperwhite model with a pleasing e-ink screen that does a pretty good job emulating paper.  Added bonus is that the screen is lit, no need for a book light.  This year due to circumstance I was forced to rediscover an appreciation for actual paper.  Holding a real book, now that seemed quaint after a couple of years of primarily using the Kindle.  I had honestly forgotten how good a real book feels in your hands.  Turning a page can be more satisfying than swiping a screen.

So what did I read?  Here is a short list of some of the highlights.

Hyperion and The Fall of Hyperion by Dan Simmons.  These are the first two works in a four book series known as the Hyperion Cantos.  Set in a far, far future where humanity has settled the galaxy, this space opera was an incredible read.  Time, religion, war, and the evolution of our species are all major themes.  Sooner or later I’ll get around to the third and fourth chapter, hopefully soon.

Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary Ace Robin Olds by Christina Olds and Ed Rasimus.  Robin Olds is a legendary figure in military and air combat circles.  Seeing combat in World War II and Vietnam, Old’s was a rare ace in both the prop and jet ages.  He was also one of the last of his breed of generals — hands on, in command from within the formation.  Made up of mostly first person accounts compiled by his daughter, this book is a must read if you have any interest in aviation and military history.

Playing to The Edge by Michael Hayden.  Hayden, a retired Air Force general, is unique in modern history, having held the positions of Director, Central Intelligence Agency, and Director, National Security Agency, as well as first Deputy Director of National Intelligence. His director level career spanned three Presidents, from 1999 to 2009.  Hayden’s work is a fascinating inside account of our Intel Community during the Age of Terror, and should be required reading for anyone seeking a non-partisan appreciation of what it means to serve in this unique capacity.

Seveneves by Neal Stephenson.  A highly technical work of science fiction, this book is set in the near future when, for reasons we never do discover, the Moon is obliterated.  This sets in motion a chain of events that results in humanity being forced, before we are really ready, to take to space on a permanent basis.  With more than one twist, and science firmly based in reality, including cutting edge genetic research, Seveneves was perhaps my favorite work of fiction this year.

Lights Out by Ted Koppel.  The former Nightline host writes an outstanding and in depth look at one of the most pressing weaknesses of our national infrastructure — our electrical grid.  A well placed cyber attack could easily cripple us for months or years by turning off the power.  This book was frightening at times, as it laid bare just how unprepared we are for this scenario.  And with the grid not just in danger from cyber warfare, but also EMP attacks and even solar flares could wipe out power in our country, driving us back to the literal dark ages.

The New Cosmos: Answering Astronomy’s Big Questions by David Eicher.  If you are looking for a summary of the most recent advancements and discoveries in astrophysics, astronomy and planetary science, this is the book.  Eicher, editor of Astronomy Magazine, knows his stuff.

Origins:  Fourteen Billion Years of Cosmic Evolution by Neil deGrasse Tyson.  It’s Tyson.  ‘Nough said.

Six Degrees: Our Future On A Hotter Planet by Mark Lynas.  This 2007 book is the definitive work on climate change.  Detailing our geological past at similar temperature ranges, going into detail about what has gotten us to this point, and drawing up in graphic detail what our world and civilization will face in the far to near future, I was terrified, yet unable to put this book down.

Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right by Jane Mayer.  This book was an incredible and, honestly, disgusting look into the powerful families that pull many of the strings behind the scenes of government today.  Billionaires making sure their family fortunes are secure from the needs of the many.  Their goals include ensuring that taxes are eliminated, regulations that might protect workers and the environment but cut into profits are done away with, and in general pay as many people off in government as they need to in order to maintain control of the country.

There were a few more, including several Star Wars books.  All in all it was a good year for reading, even if part of the reason I read so much was that I was stuck away from home for four months.

Books.  Reading.  I can’t stress enough how important a skill it is to be able to set the world aside, sit down, and turn a few pages.  I got my share in during 2016, and intend to kick it up some more in 2017.

I encourage you to follow suit and read some books this year.