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James Gunn

Recommended Books

James Francis Gunn Jr. is an American film director, actor, producer and screenwriter. He began his career as a screenwriter in the mid-1990s.
21 books on the list
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The Last Gentleman book cover
The Last Gentleman
A Novel
Walker Percy - 1999-09-04 (first published in 1966)
Goodreads Rating
This book follows an aimless 25-year-old living in New York City, until he purchases a telescope that leads to unexpected romance and alters the course of his life.
James Gunn
2022-06-20T00:40:30.000Z
@scottderrickson Mine too man!! All of his books. He’s my all time favorite.      source
Innumeracy book cover
Innumeracy
Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences
John Allen Paulos - 2001-08-18 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
Explore the pervasive impact of innumeracy in our daily lives with this eye-opening book. Through relatable examples, discover how a lack of mathematical literacy can lead to poor decision-making in areas such as personal finances, relationships, and health. Gain insights into why we are drawn to pseudoscience and other fallacies, and how to become more numerate to avoid these pitfalls.
James Gunn
2021-05-02T22:54:50.000Z
Innumeracy, by @JohnAllenPaulos, changed my understanding of the world as a young person. It's a simple, easy-to-read book about how people misinterpret math & coincidences & misunderstand the world in general because of it.      source
Recommended by
Derek Sivers
Geek Love book cover
Geek Love
A Novel
Katherine Dunn - 2002-06-11 (first published in 1989)
Goodreads Rating
Geek Love is a twisted tale about the Binewski family, a group of carnival performers with their own brand of shocking human oddities. Through their use of drugs and radioisotopes, they breed children with flippers, albinism, and Siamese twin-like qualities. As the family travels the United States, their act gains devoted fans and outraged critics alike. This book takes a fascinating look at how our perceptions of beauty and normalcy can be profoundly altered.
James Gunn
2020-05-02T20:43:08.000Z
I love this book. And Katherine was one of the first writers to champion my novel, which was such a thrill for me. Definitely a classic of dark weirdness.      source
Rosemary's Baby book cover
Rosemary's Baby
Ira Levin - 1997-09-01 (first published in 1967)
Goodreads Rating
A young couple moves into a NYC apartment and befriends their elderly neighbors and their mysterious group of friends. But as secrets come to light, Rosemary realizes the horrific extent of their interest in her - will she be able to escape their clutches before it's too late?
James Gunn
2018-06-12T17:53:55.000Z
For those of you who like the movie, I suggest you read the short novel by Ira Levin. It's the closest adaptation of a book I know. Here are some cool Rosemary's Baby posters:      source
Recommended by
Zoe Kazan
The Counterlife book cover
The Counterlife
Philip Roth - 1996-08-06 (first published in 1986)
Goodreads Rating
The Counterlife takes readers on a journey through the lives of characters pursuing their dreams of renewal and escape. Whether they risk their lives or simply imagine an alternative existence, the desire for change is unceasing. Follow these characters through familiar and foreign landscapes as they struggle to reshape their personal fortune and alter seemingly irreversible destinies. Guiding us through their experiences is the skeptical and calculating mind of novelist Nathan Zuckerman. From suburban New Jersey to a tiny desert settlement in Israel's occupied West Bank, The Counterlife illuminates the human struggle for transformation.
James Gunn
2018-05-23T04:49:17.000Z
RIP Philip Roth. This one hurts, both me and all of literature. He taught me when I was at Columbia and was a huge influence, impressing upon me the importance of writing through the hard times. I have many favorite books by Roth, but this is one of them.      source
Discover the ultimate insider's guide to screenwriting secrets in this must-read book by a show biz veteran. If you want to sell your script, you need to "save the cat" - and this book will show you how!
James Gunn
2018-05-22T19:50:41.000Z
On Writing by @StephenKing, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.      source
On Writing book cover
On Writing
A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King - 2002-07-01 (first published in 2000)
Goodreads Rating
Learn from one of the bestselling authors of all time in this revealing and practical master class. Part memoir, part guide, On Writing shares Stephen King’s experiences, habits, and convictions that shaped his work. With advice grounded in vivid memories from childhood to near-fatal accident, this book is perfect for any aspiring writer or fan of a great story.
James Gunn
2018-05-22T19:50:41.000Z
On Writing by @StephenKing, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.      source
The Artist's Way book cover
The Artist's Way
25th Anniversary Edition
Julia Cameron - 2002-03-04
Goodreads Rating
Unlock your creative potential with this powerful and inspiring book. First published 25 years ago, this international bestseller is more important than ever in today's cultural climate. In The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron takes readers on a 12-week journey to discover the link between their spiritual and creative selves. This groundbreaking program includes hundreds of highly effective exercises and activities, as well as introductions to two vital tools for creative recovery. Join a "Creative Cluster" of fellow artists and unleash your artistic renewal with this life-changing book.
James Gunn
2018-05-22T19:50:41.000Z
On Writing by @StephenKing, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.      source
The Writers Journey book cover
The Writers Journey
Mythic Structure for Writers
Christopher Vogler - 1998-11-01 (first published in 1992)
Goodreads Rating
Discover how to use the principles of myth to craft powerful and engaging stories with "The Writer's Journey". Based on Joseph Campbell's work, this insider's guide provides step-by-step guidelines for structuring plots and creating realistic characters. With 30% new material, both fiction and non-fiction writers can learn to create masterful stories that are not only entertaining, but also psychologically true.
James Gunn
2018-05-22T19:50:41.000Z
On Writing by @StephenKing, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, Save the Cat by Blake Snyder, The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.      source
Recommended by
Darren Aronofsky
Black Hammer Volume 2 book cover
Black Hammer Volume 2
The Event
Jeff Lemire - 2018-01-02
Goodreads Rating
Escape is imminent for the marooned heroes in a strange prison as a visitor from the outside world brings news of Spiral City, stirring up old memories and awakens new hope. The Black Hammer Volume 2 collects issues 7-11 and 13 of this captivating series.
James Gunn
2018-03-16T21:03:43.000Z
This book is a freaking masterpiece. @JeffLemire @dean_ormston @DarkHorseComics      source
Black Hammer Volume 1 by Jeff Lemire
Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton
post office by Charles Bukowski
Ubik by Philip K. Dick
Palomar by Gilbert Hernandez
The Thanatos Syndrome by Walker Percy
CIty of Nets by Otto Friedrich
Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson
The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick
Low Life by Luc Sante
Arthur Rex by Thomas Berger