Here are some stories about gaming, as well as books that will tell you how to improve at games.
This booklist was contributed by Appleton Public Library Reference and Information Services Staff, 04/08
All-in(2007)Having won thousands of dollars playing high-stakes poker in Las Vegas, seventeen-year-old Denn Doyle hits a losing streak after falling in love with a young casino card dealer named Cattie Hart.
Crusader(1999)After a violent virtual-reality game arrives at the mall arcade where she works, fifteen-year-old Roberta finds the courage to search out the person who murdered her mother.
Eagle Strike(2003)After a chance encounter with assassin Yassen Gregorovich in the South of France, teenage spy Alex Rider investigates international pop star and philanthropist Damian Cray whose new video game venture hides sinister motives involving Air Force One, nuclear missiles, and the international drug trade.
Ender's game(1985)Child-hero Ender Wiggin must fight a desperate battle against a deadly alien race if mankind is to survive.
Epic(2007)On New Earth, a world based on a video role-playing game, fourteen-year-old Erik pursuades his friends to aid him in some unusual gambits in order to save Erik's father from exile and safeguard the futures of each of their families.
Genesis Alpha(2007)When thirteen-year-old Josh's beloved older brother, Max, is arrested for murder, the victim's sister leads Josh to evidence of Max's guilt--and her own--hidden in their favorite online role-playing game and Josh, who was conceived to save Max's life years earlier, must consider whether he shares that guilt.
Head games(2004)Two teenagers connect online in a role-playing game which leads them into their own face-to-face, half-acknowledged courtship.
How ya like me now(2007)After his father dies and his mother goes into rehab, Eddie moves from the suburbs into his cousin's Boston loft, where he gradually adjusts to being one of the few white kids in a progressive private school, and learns how to feel like a normal teenager.
Johnny and the bomb(2007)Thirteen-year-old Johnny Maxwell acquires the neighborhood homeless woman's shopping cart when she is injured and discovers that its contents have the ability to send him back in time from 1996 to 1941 England.
Johnny and the dead(2006)After twelve-year-old Johnny Maxwell suddenly starts seeing and talking to ghosts, he and his friends become involved in a battle to save the local cemetery.
The kings are already here(2003)Two teenagers, one obsessed with the world of ballet and the other with that of chess, join together in a quest across Europe and begin to learn not only how to connect with other people, but why.
Leo@fergusrules.com : a novel(1999)Leo, a 14-year-old Filipina-American expelled from a dozen schools, is banished to her grandmother's in the Philippines. She spends her time in virtual reality at her computer, living as a warrior and hobnobbing with Socrates. The writer died as the book was being published.
Locked inside(2000)After she is kidnapped from the exclusive boarding school she attends, heiress Marnie Skyedottir must rethink her idealized relationship with her mother, her own sense of who she is, and her relationships with others.
Only you can save mankind(2006)Twelve-year-old Johnny endures tensions between his parents, watches television coverage of the Gulf War, and plays a computer game called Only You Can Save Mankind, in which he is increasingly drawn into the reality of the alien ScreeWee.
The time hackers(2005)When someone uses futuristic technology to play pranks on twelve-year-old Dorso Clayman, he and his best friend set off on a supposedly impossible journey through space and time trying to stop the gamesters who are endangering the universe.
The truth out there(2000)Thirteen-year-old Josh begins digging into the mystery of his Uncle Patrick, an autistic boy who died at Josh's age while investigating the crash of a flying saucer, and a terrible family secret is uncovered.
User unfriendly(2001)It's the most advanced computer role-playing game ever: When you play you're really there—in a dark dream teeming with evil creatures, danger-filled fortresses, and malevolent sorceries. The game plugs directly into your brain--no keyboard, no modem, no monitor. And for game hacker Arvin Rizalli and his friends, no cash up front, no questions asked . . . and no hope of rescue when the game goes horribly, deathly wrong.
The virtual war(1997)In a future world where global contamination has necessitated limited human contact, three young people with unique genetically engineered abilities are teamed up to wage a war in virtual reality.
A war of gifts: an Ender story(2007)"The human race is at war with an insect-like alien race. The first battles went badly, and now Earth prepares to defend itself against the imminent threat of total destruction at the hands of an inscrutable alien enemy. All focus is on the development and training of generals who can fight such a war - and win." "The long distances of interstellar space have given hope to the defenders of Earth - they have time to train these future commanders from childhood, forging them into an irresistible force in the high-orbital facility called the Battle School." "At the Battle School, there is only one purpose, only one curriculum: the strategy and tactics of war. The children are drawn from all nations, all races, all religions. There is no room for cultural differences, no room for religious observances, and certainly no room for Santa Claus. But the young warriors disagree. When one of them leaves a Sinterklaas Day gift in his best friend's shoe, that act of quiet rebellion becomes the first shot in a war of wills that the staff of the Battle School never bargained for."--BOOK JACKET.
Wizards of the game(2003)Eighth grader Mercer, whose passion is the fantasy role-playing game Wizards of the Warrior World, hopes to use a fund raiser to bring a gaming convention to his middle school, but instead he attracts four genuine wizards who are trapped on Earth and want his help in returning to their own world.
The crystal shard(2005)The fourth title in a series of Salvatore's classic dark elf tales continues the classic tale of the signature character Drizzt Do'Urden.
Legend of Drizzt, book 4.
The legend of Drizzt. Book 1, Homeland(2005)Drizzt Do'Urden, the prince of a royal house in the Drow city of Menzoberranzan, grows to maturity and must eventually choose whether or not he can continue to live in his immoral homeland where families are divided by violence and greed.
Forgotten Realms. Legend of Drizzt, book 1.
The legend of Drizzt. Book 3, Sojourn(2006)Forgotten Realms. Legend of Drizzt, book 3.
Megatokyo. Vol. 1(2004)Piro, an obsessed anime/manga fan, and Largo, a hard core American gamer and 133t h4x0rm4573r, fly to Japan on a whim and find themselves stranded, unable to afford the trip home. In their struggles to find places to crash and money for tickets home, we experience Tokyo from their unique -- and drastically different -- points of view.
The complete idiot's guide to chess(2002)Your're no idiot, of course. You're intrigued by the game of chess, and your'd like to learn how to play--or play better. But chess is a challenge even to the master, and for many of us the biggest challenge is learning. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Chess, Second Edition, will tell you everything you need to know to become a budding Kasparov. In this newly updated and revised Complete Idiot's Guide, you get: A comprehensive explanation of all the rules, including all the basics of the board, pieces, and moves. Lots of diagrams on every page so you can easily follow the book's instruction. Famous openings and well-known tactics; sneak attacks and other tricky maneuvers.
Game programming gems 5(2005)The fifth volume in this "gems" series consists of 62 articles that offer advice on providing reusable components in the game production pipeline, simulating reality with physics and AI, rendering graphics, writing audio processing code, and networking for massively multiplayer online games. Color plates of game elements and environments are provided.
Hacking the PSP : cool hacks, mods, and customizations for the Sony PlayStation Portable(2007)Visit hackingpsp.com to post your questions on the author's forum, download any files you need, get updates to the book, and check out new hacks the moment they're available.
The ultimate history of video games : from Pong to Pokemon and beyond--the story behind the craze that touched our lives and changed the world(2001)Inside the Games You Grew Up with but Never Forgot With all the whiz, bang, pop, and shimmer of a glowing arcade. The Ultimate History of Video Games reveals everything you ever wanted to know and more about the unforgettable games that changed the world, the visionaries who made them, and the fanatics who played them. From the arcade to television and from the PC to the handheld device, video games have entraced kids at heart for nearly 30 years. And author and gaming historian Steven L. Kent has been there to record the craze from the very beginning. This engrossing book tells the incredible tale of how this backroom novelty transformed into a cultural phenomenon.
The best of the Realms. Book III(2007)Contains fifteen stories by Elaine Cunningham about the Forgotten Realms.
Bladesinger(2006)Forgotten Realms: Fighters.
Crown of Fire(2002)The second book in Ed Greenwood's first Forgotten Realms trilogy. Author Ed Greenwood continued the story of Shandril of Highmoon in this second volume of the Shandril's Saga trilogy.
Forgotten Realms: Shandril's Saga, book 2.
The crystal shard(2007)The fourth title in a series of Salvatore's classic dark elf tales continues the classic tale of the signature character Drizzt Do'Urden.
Legend of Drizzt, book 4.
Darkvision(2006)Haunted by nightmares and driven by desire, Ususi ventures alone into the outside world abandoned by her people centuries ago. Now, as she tracks down relics that brought both prosperity and doom to her people, an old adversary is hot on her trail.
Forgotten Realms.
Depths of madness(2007)A new series of stand-alone novels set in different dungeons around the Forgotten Realms world begins with this novel. When a mad wizard captures Twilight and throws her in a dungeon, she needs all of her cunning, strength, and skill to escape.
Elminster's daughter(2004)"Narnra, thief of Waterdeep, knew the city streets like the back of her well-calloused hand. Every alley, every ledge, every rooftop she knew as she slipped among the city's mighty, deftly relieving them of their coin." "She never thought to find her father. She never guessed that he was the greatest mage in all the land. And she never expected to find herself knee-deep in a plot involving the great houses of Sembia, Red Wizards of Thay, and pitiless assassins who'd as soon cut her throat as look at her." "Now she'll have to unlearn every lesson of her youth just to survive. And above all, she'll have to forge a relationship with a man she's never known, a magic-user who's probably the most dangerous of any she's ever met."--BOOK JACKET.
Forgotten Realms: Elminster series.
Exile(2004)One of fantasy's most beloved characters returns in this new entry of the "New York Times" bestselling series, featuring new cover art by award-winning fantasy illustrator Todd Lockwood.
Legend of Drizzt, book 2.
Farthest reach(2005)The second book in a trilogy about the return of a society of elves to the Forgotten Realms world.
Forgotten Realms: Last Mythal, book 2.
Final gate(2006)Baker delivers the final novel of the Last Mythal trilogy that chronicles the tempestuous return of an isolated society of elves to the mainland of the Forgotten Realms world.
Forgotten Realms: Last Mythal, book 3.
Ghostwalker(2005)Forgotten Realms: Fighters series.
The gossamer plain(2007)The acclaimed author of the second volume in the bestselling R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen series resurrects characters from that epic take to explore fascinating new corners of the expansive Forgotten Realms universe.
Forgotten Realms: Empyrean Odyssey, book 1.
The halfling's gem(2005)Legend of Drizzt, book 6.
Hand of fire(2002)The third book in Ed Greenwood's first Forgotten Realms trilogy. Author Ed Greenwood concludes the story of Shandril of Highmoon in this second volume of the Shandril's Saga trilogy.
Forgotten Realms: Shandril's Saga, book 3.
Homeland(2004)Legend of Drizzt, book 1.
The howling delve(2007)Forgotten Realms: Dungeons.
Maiden of Pain(2005)Forgotten Realms: Priests series.
Master of chains(2005)Forgotten Realms.
Promise of the witch-king(2005)In this second title of The Sellswords series, Entreri and Jarlaxe are caught between the ghost of a power-mad lich and the righteous fury of an oath-bound knight.
Forgotten Realms: Sellwords series, book 2.
Queen of the depths(2005)Continuing the series focusing on the Priests, this entry deals with a valiant shalarin priestess who is trying to save her home and avenge her mother's death.
Forgotten Realms.
Resurrection(2005)The latest in Kemp's "New York Times" bestselling saga drives the civil upheaval among one of the most popular races in the Forgotten Realms setting to its epic conclusion.
R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen, book 6.
Road of the patriarch(2007)Forgotten Realms: Sellswords series, book 3.
Sacrifice of the widow(2007)"New York Times" bestselling author Smedman begins a brand-new series that build an after story for Halisstra Melarn, a key character from R.A. Salvatore's War of the Spider Queen series, following her existence in the aftermath of the Spider Queen's return.
Forgotten Realms: Lady Penitent series, book 1.
Sands of the soul(2007)Forgotten Realms. Sembia: Gateway to the realms, book 6.
Scream of stone(2007)The "New York Times" bestselling author of "Annihilation" concludes the epic saga begun in "Whisper of Waves" and "Lies of Light"--the tale of a man consumed by obsession and driven by an overwhelming vision of what might be.
Shadowbred(2006)The first in a new trilogy of novels from "New York Times" bestselling author Kemp builds on a character created in the Sembia series. On the edge of a war that will change the face of Faerun, the world will find that not all shadows serve Shade.
Forgotten Realms: Twilight War series, book 1.
Shadowstorm(2007)The arch wizards of Shade Enclave have come out of the desert with a message of peace, and an act of war. Split by petty disputes and feuds, the merchant realm of Sembia is wide open for invasion. Can only one man--even if that man is Erevis Cale--do anything to stop it?
Forgotten Realms: Twilight War series, book 2.
The shattered mask(2007)Forgotten Realms. Sembia: Gateway to the Realms, book 3
Sojourn(2004)Drizzt D'Urden leaves his homeland, the Underdark, and emerges into the World Above seeking a new beginning.
Legend of Drizzt, book 3.
Son of thunder(2006)Forgotten Realms.
The spine of the world(2007)Legend of Drizzt, book 12.
Stardeep(2007)The deeper you go, the more dangerous it gets! Explore the Dungeons! All Kiril Duskmourn does is run away--from guilt, from her past, and from her responsibilities. But she can't run any longer. She lost everything stopping the Traitor from loosing his unholy revolution, and now the bindings on his cell are weakening. She alone holds the key to his release or further imprisonment. But does she still have the strength of will and arm to make the right choice?
Forgotten Realms.
Swords of Eveningstar(2007)Forgotten Realms: The Knights of Myth Drannor, book 1.
The two swords(2004)Forgotten Realms: Hunter's Blades trilogy, book 3.
Unclean(2007)A new trilogy begins with this title that takes place in Thay, a location that is a source of dangerous evil and mysterious magic. The dead are restless in Thay, and an evil necromancer begins to gather them for his cause that will forever change the face of Faer'n.
Forgotten Realms. Haunted Lands, book 1.
Vanity's brood(2006)Forgotten Realms: House of Serpents, book 3.
Viper's kiss(2005)Forgotten Realms: House of Serpents, book 2.