There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry--
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll--
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul--

-Emily Dickinson


November, 2010. This is when I had an epiphany that I knew nothing about literature. What exactly prompted this revelation, I don't remember. But what I did after that was print off "BBC's Top 100 Books" list in order to expand my horizons. (Although I'm aware that there are plenty of books omitted from the list, as well as new books constantly being published, this is intended simply to help me be acquainted with literature.) I challenged myself to read all of the books on the list. One year later, I've realized it will take much longer than expected. With only 7 of the 100 books read, this task seems daunting and unrealistic. While some may think it's somewhat masochistic, some may think it's an admirable goal. I guess it depends on the book I'm reading. Frequently I'll read a book that is not on this long list. I used to apologize for it, but I'm assuming hardly anyone reads it anyways.

I started by critiquing the books and authors, but the purpose for writing has changed over the years. The purpose of this blog isn't necessarily to write reviews for the benefit of high school procrastinators or for eagerly researching book-readers or for really anyone besides me. It's a documentation of my own progress as a learner and a reader, as well as being wonderfully cathartic. Books elicit an emotional response, which allows me to explore my own beliefs about life and spirituality.

As of Sunday, June 21st, 2015, I have read twenty-six books on the list. This is hopefully subject to change, and will be updated regularly...or more accurately, as regularly as I finish a book, which isn't always regular.


Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini

Read Fifth in July 2011.

This book definitely deserves to be on this list. I find that the best books are sometimes painful to read. How Amir reacts to the terrible things that happen to his best friend Hassan makes me cringe. Watching him be maliciously beat up for Amir's sake is terrible and makes me hate him. But, as you will hear me say many a time, development of the character throughout the book is most important to me. Although it takes plenty of years, he finally atones for his injustices against Hassan by returning to Afghanistan to save his son.

This may not be a book for the faint of heart. It has plenty of violence, but it was totally worth it. The plot; the characters; the conflict; the twists; the themes; the literary value; they are all excellent. Definitely one of my favorites.


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1 comment:

  1. PeasDecember 23, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    When I first read this I sort of freaked out because WHO MAKES UP THIS STUFF, did you really make up a story about a little boy getting raped WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU. I know it's based on a true story now, and I eventually realized that what was actually bothering me was that people seemed to be reading it for entertainment value. I don't like violent movies or books where as much blood and gore is crammed into them as possible just to draw in a larger fan base. But occasionally, violence is necessary, because to soften the blow for your readers would be to do your characters, as well as real people who have suffered, an injustice.

    Loved the character development, especially the little we see of Hassan, who doesn't hold any bitterness but not in an "I'm going to pretend this didn't happen" sort of way.

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