We had the pleasure this summer of working with Chris Kluwe, author, former punter for the Minnesota Vikings, and all-round nice guy, when he was in town for the release of his book, Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies, and as the Grand Marshall of the Pride Festival. A voracious lifetime reader, Chris gave us a list of some of his favorite science fiction and fantasy reads.  Check out the books on display through October ’13.

1. On Use of Weapons, Iain M. Banks

A great introduction to the glorious complexities of the Culture universe, as well as a mind-twisting read. Everything by Banks is good, this just happens to be my favorite.

2. Way of Kings, Brandon Sanderson

Epic high fantasy in the vein of Robert Jordan, but totally unique. Sanderson is an amazing author and I consider him one of the best young writers out there.

3. Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut

So it goes. Not much more needs to be said, but in case it does need to be said, this book lays bare the beautiful dichotomies of humanity, in a voice purely Vonnegut.

4.. anything by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett is a sublimely brilliant satirist, and one of the best authors I’ve ever read. Our world and Discworld are very similar, except that Discworld might be a little saner at times.

5. American Gods, Neil Gaiman

A great look at how myths are born, die, and rise again, repurposed in new ways for new cultures and societies. Gaiman tells us the stories of antiquity, only they’re also the stories of the present.

6. The Dresden Files, Jim Butcher

Magic, humor, crime noir and an engaging storyline make The Dresden Files an intensely entertaining read. Don’t mess with Harry.

7. Accelerando, Charles Stross

A compelling look at the possibilities of our future in the arc of three short stories, Accelerando made me re-examine how I view our interactions with technology, and wonder what might be next.

8. Saga of Recluce, L.E.. Modessitt jr.

Modessitt writes complex, interesting characters that inhabit fully realized worlds, and deals deftly with the idea of extremes and the perils of fundamentalism.

9. The Malazan Book of the Fallen, Steven Erikson

This is not a series to enter lightly, but the final payoff is immensely rewarding, and Erikson creates a completely believable world for his characters. Well worth the time to read the entire series.

10. Honor Harrington Series, David Weber

Space opera at its finest. Epic ship battles, political intrigue, and constant turmoil make the universe of Honor incredibly fun to visit over and over again.