This was a hard list to read first thing in the morning. Undeniably great books, a few of which were mandated reading in the high school I attended. Upon reflection, I would say that there's not a lot of comrehensible material for adolescents, though, and at this time in my life, it all seems too much to bear, at least for one of my intellectual shortcomings. It is an important list, thoug, and definitely worth looking into for stronger minds and wonderers than I.
I had to read a few of these in high school, too, and they can be difficult (for different reasons). Sometimes, I think my teacher assigned certain books not because he thought I could grapple with them in that moment, but in the hopes that I would revisit them when I had more experience.
Books are patient and willing to wait for when a reader is ready for them — whenever that may be. Thanks for reading with us, Cathy!
Big birthday for The Castle this year as it turned 100 back in January.
Kafka often names his central characters with his own initials. But identity in Kafka is always uncertain. “Who am I then?” asks K towards the start of The Castle. The answer to this question is that K is and is not Kafka - meaningful and meaningless.
The only Camus I’ve read is The Myth of Sisyphus. I haven’t braved All Quiet on the Western Front yet…
I didn't realize The Castle turned 100 this year. Thanks for sharing and for your wonderful Kafka note. Pitch-perfect for the book.
I also haven't read The Stranger and need to get on that. I would ardently recommend All Quiet — though it's definitely not the kind of book you pick up on a whim.
All Quiet is one of my absolute favorites. It's devastating, but never sensational. It has an honesty to it that you just have to sit with for a while after you finish.
Seldom have I read all the books listed in posts anywhere.
Herein I have.
This makes me wonder!!!
Haha! Yeah, this is a quite the list to have gone the distance on. Well done, John!
This was a hard list to read first thing in the morning. Undeniably great books, a few of which were mandated reading in the high school I attended. Upon reflection, I would say that there's not a lot of comrehensible material for adolescents, though, and at this time in my life, it all seems too much to bear, at least for one of my intellectual shortcomings. It is an important list, thoug, and definitely worth looking into for stronger minds and wonderers than I.
I had to read a few of these in high school, too, and they can be difficult (for different reasons). Sometimes, I think my teacher assigned certain books not because he thought I could grapple with them in that moment, but in the hopes that I would revisit them when I had more experience.
Books are patient and willing to wait for when a reader is ready for them — whenever that may be. Thanks for reading with us, Cathy!
Big birthday for The Castle this year as it turned 100 back in January.
Kafka often names his central characters with his own initials. But identity in Kafka is always uncertain. “Who am I then?” asks K towards the start of The Castle. The answer to this question is that K is and is not Kafka - meaningful and meaningless.
The only Camus I’ve read is The Myth of Sisyphus. I haven’t braved All Quiet on the Western Front yet…
I didn't realize The Castle turned 100 this year. Thanks for sharing and for your wonderful Kafka note. Pitch-perfect for the book.
I also haven't read The Stranger and need to get on that. I would ardently recommend All Quiet — though it's definitely not the kind of book you pick up on a whim.
Thanks for reading with us, Michael. Best!
Kevin Dickinson
- Big Think Books editor
I've read all except All Quiet on the Western Front. Adding it to the TBR! 🖤
All Quiet is one of my absolute favorites. It's devastating, but never sensational. It has an honesty to it that you just have to sit with for a while after you finish.
Best wishes, Euan!
Kevin Dickinson
- Big Think Books editor