- Jan 6, 2004
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EDITED:
1. ULYSSES - James Joyce
Joyce was simply THE master of the English language. No one could pull off what he does here... Each chapter based on a different color, bodily organ, literary style, episode of "The Odyssey" etc. A chapter that sounds musical when you read it... A chapter where the English language grows like that of a fetus, from old English to modern slang... A chapter where a roving eye catches snapshots of the city... A chapter structured like a teenage romance novel... and don't get me started on his use of stream on counsciousness! Or his extensive symbolism. Or thousands of references. But this novel isn't just about technical fireworks. It's hilarious, sad, offensive and beautiful. It took me 3 readings of the novel (and a LOT of supplementary material) to work my way into it, but one day (on about the second reading), everything clicked. I read it constantly, I just open it up on any page and start reading. I call it "the bedside labyrinth." It's my Bible. The comprehensive guide to humanity.
2. GRAVITY'S RAINBOW - Thomas Pynchon
At first Pynchon seems like a total nutjob. Over 400 characters. Chapters where the POV jumps around to different characters in elliptical fashion. Bizarre diction, long difficult sentences, bloated narrative, tons of references, very explicit sex. But there's a method to it all. Oh yes. One of the funniest, grossest, poignant, and most difficult books I've ever read. Every now and then you'll come across a passage that makes you look up from the book and feel like you're basking in divine light. Read up on your physics, WW2 history, Rilke (German poet), Kabbalah and astrology before you start... it will make much more sense.
3. STEPPENWOLF - Herman Hesse
A Jungian portrayal of inner man. Not as dry as it would seem. Hesse can put so much wisdom in so few words...
4. A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN - James Joyce
Mandatory reading for anyone who aspires for anything beyond society's limits. Probably the most quotable book of all time.
5. TROPIC OF CANCER - Henry Miller
THE original Jack Kerouac; cynical, spasmodic, ecstatic, and vivid portrayal of Paris in the 20s. Miller takes us from disgust to the beauty of the cosmos in about half a paragraph.
6. OF HUMAN BONDAGE - W. Somerset Maugham
The ultimate coming-of-age novel.
7. THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV - Fyodor Dostoevsky
The only book to make me cry in several places. Makes religion not seem so square.
8. CAT'S CRADLE - Kurt Vonnegut
Hilarious and poignant look at religion, society and life in general. But it's Vonnegut, so you knew that.
9. LORD OF THE RINGS - J.R.R. Tolkien
No need to explain. The best part is the folklore infused in it.
10. THE DHARMA BUMS - Jack Kerouac
Buddhism, travelling and debauchery rule. Kerouac's writing is filled with a zest for life not many writers possess.
1. ULYSSES - James Joyce
Joyce was simply THE master of the English language. No one could pull off what he does here... Each chapter based on a different color, bodily organ, literary style, episode of "The Odyssey" etc. A chapter that sounds musical when you read it... A chapter where the English language grows like that of a fetus, from old English to modern slang... A chapter where a roving eye catches snapshots of the city... A chapter structured like a teenage romance novel... and don't get me started on his use of stream on counsciousness! Or his extensive symbolism. Or thousands of references. But this novel isn't just about technical fireworks. It's hilarious, sad, offensive and beautiful. It took me 3 readings of the novel (and a LOT of supplementary material) to work my way into it, but one day (on about the second reading), everything clicked. I read it constantly, I just open it up on any page and start reading. I call it "the bedside labyrinth." It's my Bible. The comprehensive guide to humanity.
2. GRAVITY'S RAINBOW - Thomas Pynchon
At first Pynchon seems like a total nutjob. Over 400 characters. Chapters where the POV jumps around to different characters in elliptical fashion. Bizarre diction, long difficult sentences, bloated narrative, tons of references, very explicit sex. But there's a method to it all. Oh yes. One of the funniest, grossest, poignant, and most difficult books I've ever read. Every now and then you'll come across a passage that makes you look up from the book and feel like you're basking in divine light. Read up on your physics, WW2 history, Rilke (German poet), Kabbalah and astrology before you start... it will make much more sense.
3. STEPPENWOLF - Herman Hesse
A Jungian portrayal of inner man. Not as dry as it would seem. Hesse can put so much wisdom in so few words...
4. A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN - James Joyce
Mandatory reading for anyone who aspires for anything beyond society's limits. Probably the most quotable book of all time.
5. TROPIC OF CANCER - Henry Miller
THE original Jack Kerouac; cynical, spasmodic, ecstatic, and vivid portrayal of Paris in the 20s. Miller takes us from disgust to the beauty of the cosmos in about half a paragraph.
6. OF HUMAN BONDAGE - W. Somerset Maugham
The ultimate coming-of-age novel.
7. THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV - Fyodor Dostoevsky
The only book to make me cry in several places. Makes religion not seem so square.
8. CAT'S CRADLE - Kurt Vonnegut
Hilarious and poignant look at religion, society and life in general. But it's Vonnegut, so you knew that.
9. LORD OF THE RINGS - J.R.R. Tolkien
No need to explain. The best part is the folklore infused in it.
10. THE DHARMA BUMS - Jack Kerouac
Buddhism, travelling and debauchery rule. Kerouac's writing is filled with a zest for life not many writers possess.
