Mar 24, 2009 01:46 AM
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I am writing this review to express my personal opinion as to my selection of authors who have impressed my ideas and thinking process through their powerful writing. Not taking into consideration the great non fiction works, I would like to list those fictional works which have influenced me the most. Iam not a literture student and my knowledge about literary works is very limited. The writing is very personal.(I am 21 years old and am a student)
- Charles Dickens - David Copperfield and Tale of Two Cities
The first time I read David Copperfield was when I was in eighth standard and to be truthful I didnt enjoy the book at all. I was wondering why I have to undergo the ordeal of reading the book as part of my school sylabii. However the next time I read the book(I think I was 16 at that time - the age I became a voracious reader) I fell in love with the work. It takes you through a series of emotions which and not so easily compehended. Tale of Two Cities is also a great work though my first choice is always the former one.
2. Vicotr Hugo - Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Miserables
I read the Hunback of Notre Dame and I was spell bound the way it was written. I was not in love when I read the book and could never exactly coprehend the relationship between Quasimodo and Esmeralda. I still dont understand the complicted equation of love(though I am supposed to be in love). Les Miserables is no inferior and is a masterpiece in itself. The story of Jean Val Jean is one of what we dont find in the fast pacy new world nor in the medieval fuedal days. The situatuion of a person stealing a piece of bread and undergoing decades in jail and the wicked twists and turns in his life is a real eye opener. We quite often forget basic values of compassion, kindness and benevolence thanks to a burgeoning world we are living in.
3. Robert Frost - Poems
The Road Not Taken, After Apple Picking, Stopping By Woods, Fire and Ice and Mending Walls are those poems which have given, me ideas for a life time. Mending Wall is a simple work which hits the nail hard on the ehad when it says' Good Fences make Good Neighbours'. I dont need to talk much about Stopping by Woods and Road not Taken which every average reader might have read.
4. Ayn Ran* - Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged
Objectivism explained to the fullest. I never fully agreed to what the author has tried to emphsize but the reality often forces us to think the other way. Fountainhead is story of a man who likes doing what he wants to and the difficulty he has in his life and the ultimate enjoyment he gets(bliss). Ayn Ran*s works is the starting point to objectivist thinking and makes you ruthless in your thinking. As a follow up you can read Federick Neitzches work which presents you options not restricting your thinking.
5 Ernest Hemingway - Old Man and the Sea
Santiago never could never catch the marlin he wanted but the story gives us insights as to what essentially constitutes each of our lives. The story is an appealting reading for people who like symbolism which is made in the book. The story is not captivating but the literary quality cannot be disputed. It is left to your iterpretation of the story and everyone percieves it differently.
6. Emily Bronte - Wuthering Heights
Emily Brontes only work is a classic in itself and is my all time favourite fictional work. On a personal front I find myself sympathysing Heathcliff the passionate, dark, brooding protagonist in the story. The love story of Catherine and Heathcliff is intriguing as questions as to the real nature of love will pop up in your mind everytime you read the book(I often compare myself to the story trying to find a link). The language is equally alluring and the descriptions are fascinating. However the storyline/plot steals the show as it is complicated as to explaining human relationships and basic human values.
7. Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre
A pleasure to read as the story has a good ending unlike many classics which have tragic endings. The story focuses on love between the maid and the lord. It is a well knit story which is a shower of snow into your heart which seeks the warmth of love all the time. A must read for all people who reads for pleasure. All readers who liked The Alchemist should like Jane Eyre.
8. Margaret Mitchell - Gone With the Wind
I am not entirely impressed with the literary quality of the book. However the storyline is brilliantly crafted to make it increasingly enthralling. The story of American families(black/white) is an intersting read for all those who are not accustomed to the American lifestyle during the time the story happens.
9. Richard Bach - Jonathan Livingston Seagull
This book tells you what freedom is all about. For all people who feel they are tied by the staet, the society and circumstances this book comes as a relief. This work tell us to reach our potential and have the mindset to accept new challenges in life. The story happens in four parts and explains the life of a seagull who dares to breach the traditions.
10. Mario Puzo - The Godfather
After a series of real serious reading I think its time to have a relaxed reading experience. The story is gripping and interesting. However there are no options for interpretations as the story is straight forward. It was one of the books which I loved when I read the first time. The age is an important factor. The younger you are the more chances you will like the story.
Other Poems
Solitary Reaper, Daffodils - William Wordsworth
Highwayman - Alfred Noyes
Rime of Ancient Mariner - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Lotus Eaters - Lord Tennyson
Fiction
Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conyan Doyle
Frankenstien - Mary Shelly
Potrait of Dorain Gray - Oscar Wilde
Many which I cant exactly recollect
Your opinions are always welcome. Please leave your comment after reading
Zpartan
