I mentioned a few of my favorite books in my favorites post, and I thought I would elaborate on some that I recommend. Reading is one of my favorite things to do. It inspires my writing and gives insight into characters like nothing else can. It can be so easy to pretend to be too busy for books, but sitting down with a good one can be so rewarding. I love authors who write beautiful sentences about a storyline that revolves around raw characters. The authors and books I'll include certainly do that!
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls is a memoir of this woman's incredible life. Her parents were unconventional to say the least, and her childhood consisted of many locations. The parents preached living freely but were providing conditions that were in no way safe for four children. I highly recommend her tale.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov is a classic that I actually only finished on Monday. It tells of a grown man's consuming love for a young girl who ends up as his step daughter. Not only is it one of the most beautifully written pieces of literature I have read, but it is also the most conflicting for the reader.
Looking for Alaska by John Green is a wonderful story that I have read multiple times, once in a single sitting. I wasn't much of a TFIOS fan, so this is by far my favorite John Green novel. The characters are incredible and complex and so real. It has a plot that possesses you and forces you to keep reading, but it also makes you cry a little.
One More Thing by BJ Novak is a collection of mostly funny short stories. Some are a bit more serious or philosophical, but most are intended to make you laugh. It's written by one of my favorite people in the world, and my copy has a personal note from him in it, so there's that. It's an easy read, and since it's short stories, you can read any at any time.
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace is an enormous project to take on, but it was the best book I have ever read and may ever read. DFW is so incredibly wise, and he slips so much truth into this enormous novel. It's hilarious, but it also delves into deeper issues like addiction and the constant desire for entertainment. Since it isn't in chronological order, it's a puzzle and a work of art. I recommend it so strongly, but you need to commit to it!
Let me know what your favorite books are or if you love any of the ones I mentioned!
