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This summer I made a goal to start reading more, so I have been. But I've been feeling like moving on to literature that is more thought-provoking, or compelling, or stuff that will get my mind going. I don't know what exactly I want to read, and so I don't know where to get started. I've been thinking about reading Thoreau- I've read some excerpts here and there, and found it really interesting.
I guess what I want is to expand my mind past where it's at now, and have some new thoughts come in. Kinda vague, but it's just what I'm thinking.
What kind of books (or other literature) have got you really thinking about things, or what's said in the book? I've read things like Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, The Book Thief, Ender's Game, Lord of the Flies, and things like that are great, but I want something more.
As I've been writing this, I've realized I want something that deals with life. Something like that. I'd go back and erase what I've said but I don't want to feel like it was for nothing.
My mind is helter-skelter right now. Sorry if this blog reflects it.
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Cornmac McCarthy. The Road and Blood Meridian.
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On June 20 2011 13:06 wonderwall wrote:
Cornmac McCarthy. The Road and Blood Meridian.
I've read The Road, forgot to mention that. I'll have to give Blood Meridian a go.
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Osaka27179 Posts
Does it have to be fiction? Guns Germs and Steel is a pretty fascinating look at the development of mankind.
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I've read The Road, forgot to mention that. I'll have to give Blood Meridian a go.
The road is the better book to me, Blood Meridian is definitely worth your time though.
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On June 20 2011 13:14 Manifesto7 wrote:
Does it have to be fiction? Guns Germs and Steel is a pretty fascinating look at the development of mankind.
Man I hated Guns, Germs, and Steel. The central point I found myself agreeing with, but then he was obsessed with the New Guineans. If you haven't read it, I kind of agree that it is a pretty good read, but just ignore everything he says about New Guineans. They are not better than everyone else.
But um, personal recommendations, mine would have to be "The Moviegoer" by Walker Percy, "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway, and "Dune" (1-4) by Frank Herbert [as in Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, and God Emperor of Dune]. The first book is heavy existentialism, but written in a very light manner. It sort of creeps into your consciousness. The Hemingway novel is sort of existentialist as well, but in a darker way. I'd say it's a dark love story, where masculinity is juxtaposed with relationships with women and beauty (but not femininity). And the Dune books mostly ask questions, and then provide practical responses but not answers. It's an interesting series if you want challenging ideas, but not there isn't much follow through. I personally find that a strength, but if you are looking for serious thesis like stuff, you are not going to find it Dune.
I will say that besides "The Moviegoer", the other two do not have to have existentialist readings, and they can be read a little more straightforward, but I happen to read them that way. I think both can be deceptively plot driven, when they are arguably character stories. The Dune books especially become more and more character driven as the series goes on culminating in the fourth, God Emperor. If you are looking for things that deal with life, then look for character driven stories, not plot focused ones.
Those are probably my three favorite books, and I can recommend other stuff I enjoyed, I just don't want to give you a list of random books since I am still a little unsure what you are looking for. Have you read any Russian writers? Are you interested in weird writing styles? I've read Fahrenheit 451, Brave New World, Ender's Game, and Lord of the Flies from your list, but I can only really say I enjoyed the last two, and Ender's Game wasn't particularly deep. Which of those four do you want more of, or maybe like none of them?
Hope this helps ^_^.
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On June 20 2011 13:14 Manifesto7 wrote:
Does it have to be fiction? Guns Germs and Steel is a pretty fascinating look at the development of mankind.
I can second this.
Suggestions
- Lolita - Nabokov
- Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
- Anil's Ghost - Michael Ondaatjie
- The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde
to name a few.
Edit: ^^ Dune is a great series. Added some more.
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I recommend Haruki Murakami...Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and Kafka on the Shore are a few of his novels that I've read and know for certain are lovely. It's a very different experience reading Murakami - reading his fiction is like living through a dream. If you try to summarize his books afterwards, you'll find yourself trying to piece together things that made sense but don't anymore in summary. It's great :D
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Georges Perec- Life: A User's Manual
Enjoy!
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"I've realized I want something that deals with life"
Took one look at my bookshelf and saw a definite suggestion: Rule of the Bone - Russell Banks
It's an interesting style of writing, so it may not end up being for you, but it's a solid book.
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I'm reading The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde currently. It's quite elegant and very thought-provoking. You should check it out.
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Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk is probably one of my favorite books that I've ever read. Also, given the books you've been reading, I have a feeling this would be one you might like.
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Lolita.
Because it's awesome.
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EPT
