Top Ten Reads for 2012

I was referred to Family Happiness (1859) by Christopher McCandless through a book called, Into the Wild, which is a novel based on a true story that I hold with great value. After further research into Christopher I learned of the books he read and loved. Soon after I learned that Family Happiness by Leo Tolstoy was right up my alley. Short only 164 pages, yet potent, the themes on marriage and settle lifestyles are very attractive. Should be a very enjoyable and powerful read.

The Metamorphosis (1915) by Franz Kafka was prescribed to me by Ms. Huff after she listened to a speech of mine in oral communications. After claiming I was doomed to grow up to be the same as everyone else she must have been reminded of The metamorphosis and it's themes of conformity. The book is simple and short, only 76 pages.

Zorba the Greek (1946) by Nikos Kazantzakis was also in a collection of books held by Christopher McCandless. I will admit I don't know much of the novel itself but of the author, Nikos Kazantzakis. He himself was a famous philosopher; this being his most famous work that explored themes of marriage I had to pick this one. I know the novel isn't challenging and at only 320 pages it should be fairly easy.

336 Henry David Thoreau is very famous and for good reason. Walden (1854) is very famous. I'm hoping that's also for good reason. The novel, from what I understand, is 336 pages of pure "hermit" confinment which is a lifestyle that I find interesting and possibly enjoyable thus the attraction to this book. By reading this novel I feel like I am investigating yet another type of life that I have not experienced.

The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin 192 Besides being incredibly famous, I feel the need and want to read this classic novel because of it's themes on individuality. I'm assuming the read will be very difficult considering the time period and author but I'm nonetheless hopeful it will prove itself valuable.

I'm yearning to understand the concepts and lessons contained in Friedrich Nietzsche's Thus Spoke Zarathustra (1883-1885). I've read small increments of his work, which I've found interesting and entertaining, and obviously want to read more. This being one of his first works its seems like a logical place to start and at 330 pages it seems like a simple one too.

Nothing screams "classic" more than The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1885). This combined with its short length, only 276 pages, and positive acclaim by most everyone I meet, drives me to read this novel. From what I understand its written in simple vernacular so it should be fairly easy to read.

Because both novels draw on very similar themes, I want to read The Catcher in the Rye (1951) by J.D. Salinger for the same reasons I want to read The adventures of Huckleberry Finn. I'd like to read The Catcher in the Rye because I've heard bits like "Salinger's genius..." and considering its shortness, 288 pages, and this being his most famous work I'd like to start her

Out of the Silent Planet (1938) by C.S. Lewis was recommended to me by my friend, Sean Roulier. He claims the book as one of his favorites for it's complexity and parallels to Christianity. I find Lewis's balance of religious faith and intelligence fascinating and would like to understand more of his wit. At 160 pages, it should be easy to do so.

At 460 pages, The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley (1987), should be one of the longer books I read this year. I stumbled upon the book on Time's list of the most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century, this impressive fact combined with my father constantly pushing in my face makes it hard to pass up. Although lengthy, my fascination with fantastic and strong-willed individuals should pull me through to the end, the read shouldn't be too challenging.

Its Rain

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

The use of snow in this short poem is as powerful as it is peaceful, useful as it is simple. One could believe this poem was extraordinarily dull and without substance, Frost goes on about a character stopping by by some woods for a quick rest. It is only after "And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep" combined with the all important snowy image do we realize that Frost is referring to death. With the implication of "sleep" combined with the peaceful image of snow falling and its hard not to think of death. If it was burning hot rather than calming cool one would think of hard work and the dream of resting one day however its quite the opposite. The snow is relaxing not fiery. The man is truly on his way to rest for a long time, to be calm and forgiven, just as snow.

Or the Bible

Harry Potter Series

Harry Potter displays many Christ like attributes and has many Christlike happenings occur to him. While he was a boy he was attacked by Lord Voldemort leaving a scar on his forehead just as Jesus, as in the Jesus from the bible, had scars on his hands and feet from being attacked and crucified. At this occurrence Harry's parents die forcing him to live in very humble circumstances just as Christ did. Harry is often seen as the light of his world protecting both the wizard and muggle world from Voldemort who is considered darkness. The strongest and most obvious similarity between the two is the use of three days of rest or death. After defeating Voldemort Harry spends three days in coma just as Jesus spent three days dead in a tomb after being crucified. The bible reflects reality, always containing a fight between good and evil. When J.K. Rowling takes allusions from the bible and into Harry Potter she takes the fight between good and evil with her.

Intertextuality

Intertextuality is the interaction between new and old works of literature.

Huckleberry Finn and The Catcher in the Rye

The connection between these stories lies in the main characters and their relationship with society. Both Huck and Holden are rebellious in some way, that is to say that they were wronged in their youth and continue to hold it against the world through their teenage years. While Huck was seemingly naturally wild Holden's rebellion comes from his parents shooing of him to Prency Prep, a boarding school. Both run away from home, have clumsy encounters, and run ins with the law all the while readers never hate them nor blame them, thus a common fantastic element. The characters have a similar story that creates a greater meaning and relationship with the reader. In both stories we become interested yet scared, worried yet celebratory.