For the Birds: September 2008

(in response to Robin's post)

“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville

This was the beginning of my read-all-the-classic-literature-I-can phase that came about in my teenage years. It only happened to be the first out of convenience. Why this book is considered a classic is beyond me!

“Story of O” by Pauline Réage (Anne Desclos)

I’ve heard some of the most absurd positive feedback regarding this book. It’s NOT innovative, and it’s NOT the first of its kind. Take away the severe objectification of women, and all you have left is smut. If that’s really all you’re looking for, the Marquis de Sade did a much better job of it (and preceded it by well over a century.)

“The Catcher in the Rye” by JD Salinger

It’s not that I disliked this book, I just don’t understand why this is the work Salinger is known for. “Franny and Zooey” is closer to what I’ve understood his true writing style to be, and is an all-around better story.

“The Trial” by Franz Kafka

Though I do love Kafka, I’m not very fond of Kafka novels/novellas. I think his best works are short and precise. I suggest reading “The Complete Stories of Franz Kafka” instead.

“Gravity’s Rainbow” by Thomas Pynchon

Horrible. Nothing else I can say!

“The Bible”

I’ve always known that it was not meant to be taken literally, but even figuratively, this is, at times, a detached and disgusting work.

“Walden” by Henry David Thoreau

I suppose I was initially interested in reading this book because of my own desire to build a cabin in some remote area and learn the art of self-sustenance. I just assumed it would be a recollection of little (or not-so-little) self-discoveries made during his stay. Even though there are some great parts (including one of my favorite quotes of all time), this is more of a logistical record of the goings on at Walden. I now know that he did also keep a personal journal during his stay, but have yet to find a copy.

“The Glass Bead Game” by Hermann Hesse

This was the first Hesse book I was able to get my hands on. It was a bit long-winded, but was, for the most part, a pleasant read. I have a not-so-secret hatred for writers who stretch things needlessly. Less than a year after reading it, I read Siddhartha, and realized I’d been cheated! Now, Hesse’s spiritual beliefs are evident in pretty much anything he’s written, and, to me, "The Glass Bead Game" and "Siddhartha" pretty much had the same message. The only difference? Glass Bead Game – 558 pages; Siddhartha – 152 pages

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” by J.K. Rowling

I am sure I will be stoned for adding these two books to the list, but I just had to do it. I honestly do not see what all the hubbub is about! Instead of putting these in a category with some of the best children’s authors (Lewis Carroll, Roald Dahl, C.S.Lewis) I would clump it with some of the unimpressive (R.L. Stine and Ann M. Martin.) I have been told that the series does eventually improve, but am in no rush to test this.

“Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance” by Robert M. Pirsig

Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. Redundant. (You get the picture.)