I was talking to one of my friends today about how literature can impact your life. I remember that when I was a freshman in college, I was convinced that I wanted to be a Shakespearean scholar in the vein of my literary criticism idol, Harold Bloom. I don’t know when that was put on the back burner, and I lost interest in so many things. It was a rough period, and I think that I’m just finally starting to find my way back to rediscovering the intense passion I used to feel for things. I don’t have many (any?) friends who share my love of the written word so I decided to just make a list here and put it out there. Yes, I started this blog because I wanted to indulge my obsession with nail polish, but I quickly realized what a wonderful vehicle this is to get things off my chest and just talk about anything and everything. There is no judgment here…no fear at all. I love that.
The following is a list of the 10 books that I feel have changed me to the core at the time when I read them. Not only are they works of extraordinary beauty, but they have and will stand the test of time.
10. Vladimir Nabokov – Lolita
9. JD Salinger – The Catcher In The Rye
8. Ralph Ellison – Invisible Man
7. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry – The Little Prince
6. Leo Tolstoy – The Death Of Ivan Illych
5. F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby
4. Henry James – The Beast In The Jungle
3. Gabriel Garcia Márquez – Love In The Time Of Cholera
2. William Shakespeare – Hamlet
1. Gabriel Garcia Márquez – One Hundred Years Of Solitude
If you are a lit geek like me, do you have your own list?
It would take me a bit to think up a list, but I LOVE 3, 7, and 9.
Good choices!! I thought it was going to be harder for me to come up with a list but I only hesitated for the last 2 because I really wanted to add 1984 and Fahrenheit 451. I guess they get honorable mentions.
Oh, I love those two. 1984 would be on my list for sure. The last line of the book still gives me chills.
Totally!!!!
Jesus H, Cynthia, we KNEW EACH OTHER IN A PAST LIFE!!! I was reading your into and FIRST was like, "Hey, wait, I love reading!" I especially love classic literature…I literally go to Barnes and Nobles and just pull classics I haven't read. That's what people give me as gifts! My father once told me to read anything and everything I can get my hands on. I think reading is the only thing that is a true escape for me.
SECONDLY, I was thinking, "Huh, it'd be hard for me to come up with a list off the bat, but first thing that comes to mind is Hamlet." AND IT'S #2 ON YOUR LIST!!! Have you ever seen the Kenneth Brannaugh (sp?) movie version? It is long as hell, but amazing.
I've also read 9 (which would likely make my list), 7, 5, and 3.
Hahaha! See?! Freaky deaky. Everyone gives me books as presents too! It's like my favorite gift. I resisted getting a kindle for a long time because I'm kind of a lit snob, to tell you the truth, and I always champion having the actualy hardcopy. Well, I gave in and I absolutely can't live without my kindle now. In fact, it's always in my bag because you never know where you might get stuck. I wish I had had someone in my life who encouraged my reading when I was a kid….everyone just kind of thought it was kinda weird. I was the kind who always loved all the assigned reading books while everyone else complained they were boring.
I have seen that version of Hamlet as well as Mel Gibson's and Laurence Olivier's. *swoon* I love them all. Have you read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead?
Omg, if you have read Love In The Time Of Cholera, you have to read 100 Years Of Solitude!!!! It's like his magnum opus!
It would take me a bit to think up a list, but I LOVE 3, 7, and 9.
Good choices!! I thought it was going to be harder for me to come up with a list but I only hesitated for the last 2 because I really wanted to add 1984 and Fahrenheit 451. I guess they get honorable mentions.
Oh, I love those two. 1984 would be on my list for sure. The last line of the book still gives me chills.
Totally!!!!
Jesus H, Cynthia, we KNEW EACH OTHER IN A PAST LIFE!!! I was reading your into and FIRST was like, “Hey, wait, I love reading!” I especially love classic literature…I literally go to Barnes and Nobles and just pull classics I haven’t read. That’s what people give me as gifts! My father once told me to read anything and everything I can get my hands on. I think reading is the only thing that is a true escape for me.
SECONDLY, I was thinking, “Huh, it’d be hard for me to come up with a list off the bat, but first thing that comes to mind is Hamlet.” AND IT’S #2 ON YOUR LIST!!! Have you ever seen the Kenneth Brannaugh (sp?) movie version? It is long as hell, but amazing.
I’ve also read 9 (which would likely make my list), 7, 5, and 3.
Hahaha! See?! Freaky deaky. Everyone gives me books as presents too! It’s like my favorite gift. I resisted getting a kindle for a long time because I’m kind of a lit snob, to tell you the truth, and I always champion having the actualy hardcopy. Well, I gave in and I absolutely can’t live without my kindle now. In fact, it’s always in my bag because you never know where you might get stuck. I wish I had had someone in my life who encouraged my reading when I was a kid….everyone just kind of thought it was kinda weird. I was the kind who always loved all the assigned reading books while everyone else complained they were boring.
I have seen that version of Hamlet as well as Mel Gibson’s and Laurence Olivier’s. *swoon* I love them all. Have you read Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead?
Omg, if you have read Love In The Time Of Cholera, you have to read 100 Years Of Solitude!!!! It’s like his magnum opus!
When I was younger, I used to sign out books from the library all the time. All summer I'd have my nose in a book. My mother would find a book at a yard sale and give it to me and I'd just read it because it was in front of me. Action, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, I read it all! I read a lot of Stephen King.
I've read Hamlet (Even wrote a satirical piece on it for a school project, which the teach stole to show future classes what satire is, wish I kept a copy) and I've been meaning to read "Catcher in the Rye" and "Cholera". But I already told Nitz I would start The Dark Tower series, lol. So little time….
Get to them so you can read Catcher and Cholera. lol They are both great. I've read Catcher about a million times and I think that it had such a profound impact because I read it when I was 15, I think….all full of teenage angst and here was Holden….like he was reading my mind. He's crazy. I'm crazy. We're all crazy!
I was also like that when I had time off from school…I lived at the library basically. Have you read The Game of Thrones and the rest of the series? I am so into them but haven't read the latest book. I am afraid of starting it and then having to wait another 10 years for Martin to write the next one. 🙁
That's another series I told Nitz I'd start. We have all the books and Season One on DVD. You have just reminded me to read those too. Oh and "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" series. I'm never going to get a job, am I?
Ahhh…The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series is fantastic. The movies are great too. Game Of Thrones is epic. I was so engrossed in those books. Every time I start a new job, reading is the main thing I do during my lunch since I'm still new and haven't really made work friends yet. At least I have that much to look forward to when I find job.
I adore 9, 5, 4 & 3. I read The Beast in the Jungle for the first time last year and I was so struck by it that it literally moved me to tears!
I am a HUGE lit geek. As a child I frequently used to wake up in the morning with my face smushed against the pages of the book I'd been reading the night before. I still love reading late into the night, but I remember to put the book down first now! I'm very lucky that several of my close friends share my passion for reading.
I don't have a list as such, but pretty much everything by Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier and the Bronte sisters would be on it. Their books were a huge part of my life growing up – they still are – and have helped define who I've become. Henry James, W Somerset Maughan and Charles Dickens have been huge influences too. And don't even get me started on poetry! XD
Oooh…yes…Bronte Sisters…good call!
Really good call!!!!!
I had the same reaction when I read The Beast In The Jungle. I remember when I read the final page, it was like someone had punched me in the stomach taking the wind out of me…feeling the horrible realization that was finally dawning on Marcher. I wanted to shake some sense into him throughout the whole book. I adore Henry James…he was just such a prolific writer and really, really strange. The first time I read anything by him, I thought he was British. And when I found out he was American, I just couldn't see it. I think TS Eliot put it best: "Henry James is a difficult writer for English readers because he is American, difficult for Americans because he is European, and I ignore if he is possible for other readers."
OMG…poetry….yes. That is another beast.
Sorry for rambling on and on about Henry James. I just love his work so much. lol
When I was younger, I used to sign out books from the library all the time. All summer I’d have my nose in a book. My mother would find a book at a yard sale and give it to me and I’d just read it because it was in front of me. Action, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, I read it all! I read a lot of Stephen King.
I’ve read Hamlet (Even wrote a satirical piece on it for a school project, which the teach stole to show future classes what satire is, wish I kept a copy) and I’ve been meaning to read “Catcher in the Rye” and “Cholera”. But I already told Nitz I would start The Dark Tower series, lol. So little time….
Get to them so you can read Catcher and Cholera. lol They are both great. I’ve read Catcher about a million times and I think that it had such a profound impact because I read it when I was 15, I think….all full of teenage angst and here was Holden….like he was reading my mind. He’s crazy. I’m crazy. We’re all crazy!
I was also like that when I had time off from school…I lived at the library basically. Have you read The Game of Thrones and the rest of the series? I am so into them but haven’t read the latest book. I am afraid of starting it and then having to wait another 10 years for Martin to write the next one. 🙁
That’s another series I told Nitz I’d start. We have all the books and Season One on DVD. You have just reminded me to read those too. Oh and “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” series. I’m never going to get a job, am I?
Ahhh…The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series is fantastic. The movies are great too. Game Of Thrones is epic. I was so engrossed in those books. Every time I start a new job, reading is the main thing I do during my lunch since I’m still new and haven’t really made work friends yet. At least I have that much to look forward to when I find job.
I adore 9, 5, 4 & 3. I read The Beast in the Jungle for the first time last year and I was so struck by it that it literally moved me to tears!
I am a HUGE lit geek. As a child I frequently used to wake up in the morning with my face smushed against the pages of the book I’d been reading the night before. I still love reading late into the night, but I remember to put the book down first now! I’m very lucky that several of my close friends share my passion for reading.
I don’t have a list as such, but pretty much everything by Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier and the Bronte sisters would be on it. Their books were a huge part of my life growing up – they still are – and have helped define who I’ve become. Henry James, W Somerset Maughan and Charles Dickens have been huge influences too. And don’t even get me started on poetry! XD
Oooh…yes…Bronte Sisters…good call!
Really good call!!!!!
I had the same reaction when I read The Beast In The Jungle. I remember when I read the final page, it was like someone had punched me in the stomach taking the wind out of me…feeling the horrible realization that was finally dawning on Marcher. I wanted to shake some sense into him throughout the whole book. I adore Henry James…he was just such a prolific writer and really, really strange. The first time I read anything by him, I thought he was British. And when I found out he was American, I just couldn’t see it. I think TS Eliot put it best: “Henry James is a difficult writer for English readers because he is American, difficult for Americans because he is European, and I ignore if he is possible for other readers.”
OMG…poetry….yes. That is another beast.
Sorry for rambling on and on about Henry James. I just love his work so much. lol
When I was growing up my parents didn't have a lot of money so I didn't have many toys other than hand me downs, but one of my fondest memories of my mother involves books and reading. First of all, she would take me to the library whenever I asked and I would check out as many books as the limit allowed. Second and most importantly, she would always give me money for the book fair at school. I had to make a list first and justify every choice, but she would always give me enough to bring home the books I wanted. The love of reading is the greatest gift my mom ever gave me. <3
As for my summer of romance novels, well, that started by accident at the airport when I was tricked by what I thought was just a historical fiction. Nope, best romance novel ever. I've read it 12 times at least and none other has come even close to its awesomeness. 🙂
That is the sweetest story! <3 I lived for the book fairs at school and always checked out the limit of books at the library too! lol When I was in 3rd grade, I enjoyed reading out loud so much that my teacher, Mr. Duncan whom I still remember fondly, arranged for me to read to other classes and some of them were 4th grade classes! omg…i was such a nerd. What's the name of the romance novel? I am going to recommend a series to you and you should try to read it because it's amazing. Yes, it has a slight "romance novel" feeling to it, but it's so much more. They are by Jacqueline Carey: Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, Kushiel's Avatar. I swear they are so good I've read them so many freaking times.
I have very fond reading memories in school too, the classics are just that for a reason!
The romance novel that started it all is called Almost Innocent by Jane Feather. I swear I thought it was just a love story! lol Nope, straight up raunchy romance with star-crossed lovers.
I'll look into your recommendation, hopefully I can avoid the looks from the librarian when I'm checking them out!
When I was a kid, I used to try to get all the "bad" books at the library…lol…or what I thought was bad. I was a very informed girl even at 10.
I'll look up Almost Innocent. 😉
This is making me so sad that I don't read very much lately!! Until I started my blog I had like 40 books on hold at the library (waiting for them to come in) and I'd read like 2-3 books a week. Ever since my blog started that's what I've been doing w my free time instead of reading. :-/ When I go on vacation I'm gonna have to get some new books. I've read a couple from your list but now I'm gonna have to read them all. Whenever someone says a book is really good, I HAVE to read it. I love love love reading!!
I also think I have neglected a lot of my other stuff since I started blogging….especially now that I'm kind of a blogging machine. I need to pace myself. It's just hard because when I think of something, I want to get it done NOW.
I think you'll enjoy the ones you haven't read. Be sure to let me know. 🙂
I'll do that. 🙂 My problem w blogging is that I think of all these great things to do and then I forget them. 🙁 Booooo.
You should have an idea notebook. I used to do that when I would get ideas for stories or other stuff.
Ughhh… I do that. I have a list for everything but then the problem is that I can't find the list I need when I want it, or I think of something new to do and never get around to my listed things. :-/
LOL…you need a notebook for your notebook.
Ughhh tell me about it!!
When I was growing up my parents didn’t have a lot of money so I didn’t have many toys other than hand me downs, but one of my fondest memories of my mother involves books and reading. First of all, she would take me to the library whenever I asked and I would check out as many books as the limit allowed. Second and most importantly, she would always give me money for the book fair at school. I had to make a list first and justify every choice, but she would always give me enough to bring home the books I wanted. The love of reading is the greatest gift my mom ever gave me. <3
As for my summer of romance novels, well, that started by accident at the airport when I was tricked by what I thought was just a historical fiction. Nope, best romance novel ever. I've read it 12 times at least and none other has come even close to its awesomeness. 🙂
That is the sweetest story! <3 I lived for the book fairs at school and always checked out the limit of books at the library too! lol When I was in 3rd grade, I enjoyed reading out loud so much that my teacher, Mr. Duncan whom I still remember fondly, arranged for me to read to other classes and some of them were 4th grade classes! omg…i was such a nerd. What's the name of the romance novel? I am going to recommend a series to you and you should try to read it because it's amazing. Yes, it has a slight "romance novel" feeling to it, but it's so much more. They are by Jacqueline Carey: Kushiel's Dart, Kushiel's Chosen, Kushiel's Avatar. I swear they are so good I've read them so many freaking times.
I have very fond reading memories in school too, the classics are just that for a reason!
The romance novel that started it all is called Almost Innocent by Jane Feather. I swear I thought it was just a love story! lol Nope, straight up raunchy romance with star-crossed lovers.
I’ll look into your recommendation, hopefully I can avoid the looks from the librarian when I’m checking them out!
When I was a kid, I used to try to get all the “bad” books at the library…lol…or what I thought was bad. I was a very informed girl even at 10.
I’ll look up Almost Innocent. 😉
This is making me so sad that I don’t read very much lately!! Until I started my blog I had like 40 books on hold at the library (waiting for them to come in) and I’d read like 2-3 books a week. Ever since my blog started that’s what I’ve been doing w my free time instead of reading. :-/ When I go on vacation I’m gonna have to get some new books. I’ve read a couple from your list but now I’m gonna have to read them all. Whenever someone says a book is really good, I HAVE to read it. I love love love reading!!
I also think I have neglected a lot of my other stuff since I started blogging….especially now that I’m kind of a blogging machine. I need to pace myself. It’s just hard because when I think of something, I want to get it done NOW.
I think you’ll enjoy the ones you haven’t read. Be sure to let me know. 🙂
I’ll do that. 🙂 My problem w blogging is that I think of all these great things to do and then I forget them. 🙁 Booooo.
You should have an idea notebook. I used to do that when I would get ideas for stories or other stuff.
Ughhh… I do that. I have a list for everything but then the problem is that I can’t find the list I need when I want it, or I think of something new to do and never get around to my listed things. :-/
LOL…you need a notebook for your notebook.
Ughhh tell me about it!!
I ADORE Catcher In The Rye. My favorite book EVER. My copy is so worn out, but I can't bring myself to replace it. I have 2 tattoos of quotes from it, and I have at least 3 others planned. I love The Great Gatsby, too. I can't wait for the new movie! Leonardo di Caprio? Swoooooooon.
I want to see the new version too, but I don't think it can beat Robert Redford as Gatsby. I mean, seriously…I need to wipe off my drool when I think of him in that movie.
What two quotes do you have as tattoos?
I have "I was half in love with her by the time we sat down." And "you'll learn from them- if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It's a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn't education. It's history. It's poetry."
There are several quotes I want. I really want to do a full sleeve of just book quotes. It's going to take forever because I do them one at a time haha Next I'm doing my feet, with a quote from The Perks of Being A Wallflower, "And in that moment, I swear we were infinite." Now that is another good book, if you haven't read it.
I read something about The Perks of Being A Wallflower today and I can't remember where!! Thanks for the recommendation: I will check it out. If I were to ever get a tattoo, it would definitely be something "literary" The first thing that came to mind is:
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
I've never even contemplated getting a tattoo and now I'm kinda liking the idea. lol
I ADORE Catcher In The Rye. My favorite book EVER. My copy is so worn out, but I can’t bring myself to replace it. I have 2 tattoos of quotes from it, and I have at least 3 others planned. I love The Great Gatsby, too. I can’t wait for the new movie! Leonardo di Caprio? Swoooooooon.
I want to see the new version too, but I don’t think it can beat Robert Redford as Gatsby. I mean, seriously…I need to wipe off my drool when I think of him in that movie.
What two quotes do you have as tattoos?
I have “I was half in love with her by the time we sat down.” And “you’ll learn from them- if you want to. Just as someday, if you have something to offer, someone will learn something from you. It’s a beautiful reciprocal arrangement. And it isn’t education. It’s history. It’s poetry.”
There are several quotes I want. I really want to do a full sleeve of just book quotes. It’s going to take forever because I do them one at a time haha Next I’m doing my feet, with a quote from The Perks of Being A Wallflower, “And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.” Now that is another good book, if you haven’t read it.
I read something about The Perks of Being A Wallflower today and I can’t remember where!! Thanks for the recommendation: I will check it out. If I were to ever get a tattoo, it would definitely be something “literary” The first thing that came to mind is:
I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker,
And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker,
And in short, I was afraid.
I’ve never even contemplated getting a tattoo and now I’m kinda liking the idea. lol
You know how I feel about that b* from "Love in the Time of Cholera," eh? Yes, I'm still annoyed. >=( … I'm a Camus, Musset, Dostoevsky, & a Hardy fan for the most part. No specific order, but a few of my faves include "Robinson Crusoe," "Jane Eyre," "Crime & Punishment," "La Peste," & the millennium trilogy.
Uhm…and this is supposed to be news to me? LOL I've only known you like a billion years. 😛
You know how I feel about that b* from “Love in the Time of Cholera,” eh? Yes, I’m still annoyed. >=( … I’m a Camus, Musset, Dostoevsky, & a Hardy fan for the most part. No specific order, but a few of my faves include “Robinson Crusoe,” “Jane Eyre,” “Crime & Punishment,” “La Peste,” & the millennium trilogy.
Uhm…and this is supposed to be news to me? LOL I’ve only known you like a billion years. 😛