Yeah, okay, so it was long and dry. But I think this book was really, really good. I think everyone should be required
to read it in school. It's the quintessential American novel. You probably already know the plot, so I won't share it. But
honestly, I have never read a finer piece of literature, and I doubt I ever will.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontė
The predecessor to every feminist author ever published, Charlotte Brontė writes from a personal perspective. Jane Eyre
was based loosely on her own life and experiences. Basically, it's a feel-good book for women, but I can't understand why
a guy would ever want to read this book. So although I recommend this book for anyone, you probably won't be interested if
you're a guy or if you have a short attention span. (The book is over 450 pages long.)
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
This novel comes very highly recommended. I really think it should be a required book in every school's curriculum because
it incites several philosophical debates. I probably would have given up on this book if it wasn't a mandatory assignment,
but I'm definitely glad I stuck it out. Absolutely considered masterpiece material.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Another excellent piece of literature from Dostoyevsky. Long, but well worth it. The theme of crime and punishment resurfaces
here, as well as existentionalism, atheism, and retributive justice. I wrote my senior thesis paper on this book and could
not have picked a better novel about which to write.
The Stranger by Albert Camus
A concise novella with a very simple writing style, The Stranger is a surprisingly profound story. If you're looking
for something to really get you thinking about life and humanity, read The Stranger. Existentionalism seems so much more actual
when you see it portrayed in this light.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle
Okay, so this isn't exactly in the same class as any of the previous books, but I must say that this is one of my favorite
books of all time. I normally can't stand sci-fi/fantasy stories but this is a very welcome exception. This book was written
for children, but the understanding required to fully grasp the ideas put forth in the story challenge the intellect of young
and old alike.
