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I wrote this for something else and I thought I would post it for anyone who is interested in literature.
For those who read or want to get into reading more, here are some suggestions that cover some really key areas.
Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson:
This is a book that will explain pretty much everything that you have ever wanted to know about the universe. I'm serious. It will change the way you look at everything. The best part? It is not dry at all. In fact, I couldn't stop reading it. I would find myself telling people the most absurd facts about the universe.
Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder:
Whereas Short History of Nearly Everything tells you about the mechanics of the universe, Sophie's World gets into the philosophy of it all. Why are we here? What is the nature of human beings? Obviously it doesn't give you the answers, but it certainly gets you thinking about them. Sophie's World compliments Short History of Nearly Everything perfectly, giving you a short history of philosophy instead.
Atlas Shrugged/The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand:
How should the perfect human act? Rand will give you her ideas...and they are quite bold. They get you thinking about what YOU contribute to society. In fact, what IS your place in society? These are some issues Rand attempts to solve in her novels. You may not agree, but you will certainly understand.
Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - Murakami:
Too much realism? This is the best piece of art I have ever read. This book is hard to explain. People will pull different ideas from the book, based on their own experiences. This is really what makes the book so great. Perhaps this is what Murakami such a powerful writer.
Rouse Up O Young Men of the New Age! - Kenzaburo Oe:
This is not as surrealistic as Wind-Up Bird, but you can definitely tell how much Murakami was influenced by Oe. This story can be a little bit difficult to connect with, simply because so much Japanese culture is related in it. But the emotions are still there. And trust me, you will feel emotions.
House of Leaves - Mark Danielewski:
This is an amazing book, both in style and content. Be prepared for one of the most unique reading experiences of your life. It gave me nightmares (I'm not kidding).
Catch-22 - Joseph Heller:
This book is hilarious...in a subtle, satiric way. However, it will still give you a feeling of hopelessness, both about war and the human race.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut:
Vonnegut can always be counted on to provide some good social commentary. This is arguably his strongest. His style is almost absurd...if it wasn't so powerful. You can taste the bitterness in his writings, but that is surprisingly what makes him so enjoyable to read. Slaughterhouse-Five is considered by many to be his best...but any of his books will do.
For those who read or want to get into reading more, here are some suggestions that cover some really key areas.
Short History of Nearly Everything - Bill Bryson:
This is a book that will explain pretty much everything that you have ever wanted to know about the universe. I'm serious. It will change the way you look at everything. The best part? It is not dry at all. In fact, I couldn't stop reading it. I would find myself telling people the most absurd facts about the universe.
Sophie's World - Jostein Gaarder:
Whereas Short History of Nearly Everything tells you about the mechanics of the universe, Sophie's World gets into the philosophy of it all. Why are we here? What is the nature of human beings? Obviously it doesn't give you the answers, but it certainly gets you thinking about them. Sophie's World compliments Short History of Nearly Everything perfectly, giving you a short history of philosophy instead.
Atlas Shrugged/The Fountainhead - Ayn Rand:
How should the perfect human act? Rand will give you her ideas...and they are quite bold. They get you thinking about what YOU contribute to society. In fact, what IS your place in society? These are some issues Rand attempts to solve in her novels. You may not agree, but you will certainly understand.
Wind-Up Bird Chronicle - Murakami:
Too much realism? This is the best piece of art I have ever read. This book is hard to explain. People will pull different ideas from the book, based on their own experiences. This is really what makes the book so great. Perhaps this is what Murakami such a powerful writer.
Rouse Up O Young Men of the New Age! - Kenzaburo Oe:
This is not as surrealistic as Wind-Up Bird, but you can definitely tell how much Murakami was influenced by Oe. This story can be a little bit difficult to connect with, simply because so much Japanese culture is related in it. But the emotions are still there. And trust me, you will feel emotions.
House of Leaves - Mark Danielewski:
This is an amazing book, both in style and content. Be prepared for one of the most unique reading experiences of your life. It gave me nightmares (I'm not kidding).
Catch-22 - Joseph Heller:
This book is hilarious...in a subtle, satiric way. However, it will still give you a feeling of hopelessness, both about war and the human race.
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut:
Vonnegut can always be counted on to provide some good social commentary. This is arguably his strongest. His style is almost absurd...if it wasn't so powerful. You can taste the bitterness in his writings, but that is surprisingly what makes him so enjoyable to read. Slaughterhouse-Five is considered by many to be his best...but any of his books will do.