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Island of the Blue Dolphins
I read this in 5th grade. I picked it just because it was one of many good, slightly older reader books that we read that year. I mention this time because it really began my interest in story and reading. -
White Fang
This book was an assignment in 8th grade English. I found the story about sled dogs fascinating-I still can remember the point of view coming from the dogs thoughts but it was done in a very human way. I grew up with animals so i think I had that soft spot and compassion for animals in me. -
The Things They Carried
This amazing book on Vietnam (I think?), I just remember being very engaged in it. I have not read it since but I recommend it all the time as if I have. I'm guessing it is still great since I still remember the time and place when I read it. -
The Scarlet Letter
I remember being so perplexed by this book in that it was so difficult to read that I couldn't believe it was really a 'classic' novel. My older brother told me that every line in that book, or any classic, is meticulously thought through by the author. That blew my mind. It made me begin to understand the process of writing, or at least consider it. -
Catcher in the Rye
This was a book that my brother gave to me to read at some point around this time. I can't remember how old I was exactly. I do remember thinking this was some pretty mature stuff and I really fell into the story. It still might be my favorite book as I do periodically read it. It continues to strike me in a different way each time. -
A Taste of Honey
This play was the subject of my senior year final paper in English. My teacher recommended it to me. I had no idea what it was or why he recommended it to me. It turns out one of my favorite bands, The Smiths, had a song where the lyrics were all based on this play-total coincidence. It must have been fate. -
On the Road
I really thought Kerouac was cool. I wanted to be cool like that and really fell into that world, at least in my mind. I thought it was interesting to read something where the characters existed outside of what was considered normalcy and saw the people living normal life as almost unfeeling, unthinking beings. There were a lot of eccentric characters as where in my own life at this age, there were not. -
Short Stories by Raymond Carver
I read some of his stuff in undergrad. Very depressing at times but also very insightful into the human psyche. He really can portray a flawed but likable character. Anything I wrote in terms of fiction for myself at that time likely heavily ripped off Carver. -
Perks of Being a Wallflower
I taught this YA novel to a group of fellow grad students when I was working towards teaching Language Arts. I didn't think I would be able to relate to a book that was written for 14 year olds but it was really affecting. Very heavy too for what I thought the limits were for that age reader. -
Morrissey Autobiography
My favorite singer finally opens up and writes his autobiography. His life has been kept very private by him. It was compelling to read at times. Other times, it just wasn't very good writing and you could tell the editor was afraid to cut it up. There are some very flowerly, lyrical passages though that are truly his gift as a writer-much more a poet than a non-fiction writer but it was mostly satisfying.