The Daily Show (The Book): An Oral History by Chris Smith

For almost seventeen years, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart brilliantly redefined the borders between television comedy, political satire, and opinionated news coverage. It launched the careers of some of today's most significant comedians, highlighted the hypocrisies of the powerful, and along the way managed to earn 23 Emmys. Now you can see behind the scenes on one of the most influential television shows of the modern era. Correspondents, guests, and staff all tell the story of The Daily Show from its humble beginnings, through incisive election coverage, Jon Stewart's emotional monologue in the wake of 9/11, his infamous confrontation on Crossfire, passionate debates with President Obama, feuds with Bill O'Reilly, Indecisions and more. Highly recommended for fans of the show.

The Ruins by Scott Smith

The Ruins follows a group of young, carefree students vacationing on the beaches of Mexico. On a lark, they embark on an day’s adventure into the jungle to find a friend’s brother and see some ancient ruins. However, the journey is much longer than expected, their supplies are inadequate, the villagers are not friendly, and the abandoned ruins harbor a danger they never could have imagined. Far too late, they realize their folly. A mysterious enemy inhabiting the ruins taunts them, pitting them against each other and making them question their sanity, before its ultimate attempt to consume them.

This novel is fast-paced and gripping. While reading it, I was eager to continue for just a few more pages, hoping to discover a bit more about the enigmatic threat and watch aghast at what befalls the group as they struggle to escape the ruins. If you don’t mind some grisly details, are entertained by unexpected “monsters” and relish escalating tension in your horror, then The Ruins is worth checking out.

A movie adaptation of The Ruins was made in 2008.