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.