1. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay- Michael Chabon
I discovered the book when I discovered a new trend, The Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge which requires the competitor to read every book Rory Gilmore is seen reading on the popular show ABC Family. A fan of the show, I was intrigued. I learned about the book which follows two friends who escape Hitler controlled Prague and begin writing comic books about a hero, the Escapist. They use the comic book to not only make money but also strike a blow at Hitler.
2. Into the Wild- John Krakaeur
During a book discussion at Arkansas Governor's School, a friend Mackenzie brought up the book. Into the Wild follows the story of Chris McCandless who abandoned his conventional life and sought out a new one. Though I already know the ending, I'm fascinated by the journey.
3. Lord of the Rings- J.R.R Tolkien
I recently became a fan of the movies and considering the movies never do justice to the books, I feel obligated to read these. The books follow the journey of Frodo Baggins as he ventures to Middle Earth to destroy the "One Ring to rule them all." I normally don't gravitate towards fantasy novel but this seems to be a staple to have in my reading repertoire.
4. The Great Gatsby- F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby follows the self-made millionaire Jay Gatsby's rise to glory and fall from grace and his love with Daisy Buchanan. It's a novel from the Jazz Age, which I love and I'm curious about the novel that has recently become a popular theme for Pinterest weddings, which I also love.
5. The Diary of Anne Frank
Even though I've already read this, I was too young to fully grasp the story. I'd love to revisit the story of this young Jewish woman in hiding during the reign of Hitler. A horrendous period of time in our world's history, the haunting tale of one who lived through it.
6. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man-James Joyce
I actually found this when I googled 'books to read before you die' to seek inspiration for this assignment. Though it's supposed to be a challenging read, I'm more than willing to give it a shot. The book is a semi-autographical novel about a boy raised in a devout Catholic home but begins to question his upbringing. I love coming-of-age novels, so naturally I'll love this one.
7. The Poetry of Pablo Neruda- Pablo Neruda (edited by Ilan Stavans)
I've read a few of his sonnets and love poems and was blown away. The poetry literally drips off your tongue. I'm dying to read more of his work about his life and growing up in poverty. But the romantic in me just wants to read more love poems.
8. Pride and Prejudice- Jane Austen
Again the romantic in me, I fell head over heels over the movie. Keira Knightly, my favorite. But nothing ever quite compares to a good romance novel. I've had tons of recommendations and it's finally time I sit down to
9. The Savage Detectives- Robert Bolano
This novel, written all in poetry, follows a massive cast over a span of decades as they grow old and experience loss and share their tales. I'm so intrigued by this novel and it's style. Honestly, I need to read this now.
10. Fight Club-Chuck Palahniuk
A few years ago, I read a book called The Mission, about a boy whose brother is killed in Afghanistan and goes to San Francisco to get Chuck Palahniuk's autograph in his memory. The book so haunted me and left me with an urge to read one of his works. This being his most famous seems the obvious starting point.
