PREVIOUSLY: Top 10 Most Important Books & More Books
“All I ask of life is a bunch of books, a bunch of dreams, and a bunch of cunt.”
—Tropic Of Cancer
Here are some quick thoughts on books I’ve read in the past year or so, from best to worst.
1984
George Orwell is my hero.
The Unbearable Lightness Of Being
A beautiful, philosophical novel about love, choice, and death.
American Psycho
Incredible writing, though extremely disturbing (hungry rat trapped inside a woman’s vagina that was filled with blue cheese, etc.). For a good laugh tell a feminist this is your favorite book of all time.
Animal Farm
Good stepping stone to 1984. Short book that you can read for free (along with 1984).
The Jungle
Page turner with the biggest underdog character in modern literature. Poor Jurgis.
American Shaolin
Hilarious memoir of a plucky white guy who moves to China to train with shaolin masters.
Down And Out In London And Paris
Gritty story of a man surviving in Europe’s underworld. Semi-autobiographical.
Collapse
Attempts to answer why past civilizations failed. Author’s evidence suggests it’s almost always due to environmental problems. Long but enjoyable.
The Rum Diaries
Good read, especially if you like to drink.
Into The Wild
Interesting story about a young man who gives up all his money and possessions for a long trip that ends with his death in the Alaska wilderness. Was he courageous or stupid?
Fathers and Sons
19th century Russian novel about feudalism, youth, rebellion, and love. Decent.
The Kite Runner
Starts off strong but fades into silliness.
Slaughterhouse Five
War book whose most compelling passages were about alien abduction.
How To Be A Carioca
Slightly dated expose into the culture of Brazilians, particularly those who live in Rio do Janeiro. Contains handy phrases full of slang.
Tropic Of Cancer
A stream of consciousness diary of a man slumming it in Paris. Writing is incredible but if you need a plot then this book is definitely not for you.
Fight Club
The only book I have read where the movie was better. Skip.
The Sun Also Rises
It had a couple moments, but mostly a snoozefest.
One Day In The Life Of Ivan Denisovich
What a slog. Hated it.
On The Road
The most tedious book I’ve ever read in my life. Cheesy dialogue and characters. I dare you to finish it.
Honeymoon With My Brother
The main character couldn’t stop whining about how his fiance dumped him. Get over it loser.
The Art Of Travel
If the art of travel can only be figured out by going to the Bahamas with your girlfriend then I’m doing it all wrong. Utter tripe.
Book recommendations are most welcome.
