Thursday, November 01, 2012
Most Important Books
In class today [CLA 310] Omar mentioned two books as being 'the most important' he had read before beginning his study of the Greek and Roman classics. These were:
Aldous Huxley, BRAVE NEW WORLD
George Orwell, 1984
In that spirit, I mentioned that I would create a blog post where each of you could contribute your own reading suggestions under this heading. To keep it manageable, and not too much of a project, let's limit everyone's contributions to two or at most three titles. (Omar, this means you can suggest one more if you like!)
Bear in mind, as we said earlier, that this is not necessarily the same as your 'desert island' books -- the ones you would most want to have with you to read and re-read for the rest of your life. (Not necessarily; they might of course be the same. But we will save that question for a separate post.)
I'm very much looking forward to your contributions!
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2 comments:
Three books makes for definitely a very difficult decision, but I will try my best!!
Hmmm...
Really any book by C.S. Lewis (or Tolkien), especially Chronicles of Narnia, but if I had to choose one that is the most important for anyone to read it would be:
**The Pilgrim's Regress by C.S. Lewis
I had made a vow to read it every month (that's how great it is), and have failed, but I plan on reading it many times more throughout my life. It definitely is one of those "life changers" under 300 pages.
There are a few saint books that I have read that haven't been extraordinary; these people had incredible lives. While I am absolutely in love with Saint Francis and his radical poverty, again, if I had to choose only one, this autobiography was one of the most beautiful books I have ever read to date:
**Story of a Soul by Saint Therese of Lisieux
She entered the convent at age 14, and died at age 24..which sounds horribly boring. But, surprisingly, it was just the opposite! Her life was a radical gift of small gestures of great love (..I know all too well how difficult it is to have an authentic and deep love in all circumstances, at all times, and with no limits). I don't think that I have ever 'met' someone who knew just how much they were loved. Therese was definitely living her heaven here on earth; and by reading her story she gives us a taste of what that is.
Last but not least, of course I have to choose the Bible; there are many different translations that are gorgeous, but this particular translation, which is the Catholic modern-day english version, has been the most important book of mine. I have learned more about myself, and have continued to discover what authentic and true love is by the words written on these pages. Immense healing and transformation is due to this story-book that I have had since 8th grade, that had stood in the dust for so long.
**New American Bible
-Juliana Staab
As Juliana said, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Horace's Odes. I can't think of just one other, so I'm going to have to leave it open ended. - Kat Aribindi
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