Last night, a friend was over and looking for a new book to read so I went to my bookcase in search of something she thought I might enjoy. In the process, I came to reflect on my very favourite books. I’m not sure I could come up with a truly comprehensive list, but it would undoubtedly include:
John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” (and everything else he’s written).
Steinbeck’s writing is some of the most humbling I’ve ever read in that his prose is so simple yet often stops me in my tracks. His knack for describing human relationships, struggle, and mortality is second to none. East of Eden is especially haunting (in the best possible way) thanks to its passionate description of California’s Salinas Valley, the inclusion of the most truly evil character I’ve ever read, and the multi-faceted story of two families intertwining throughout generations. A truly epic novel.
Other Steinbeck favourites: Travels with Charley, Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men.
John Kennedy Toole’s “A Confederacy of Dunces”
This book contains the most hilarious cast of characters of anything I’ve ever read, including one of modern fiction’s greatest: Ignatius J Reilly, who is revolting, delusional, sloth-like, and completely awesome.
In a sad and ironic twist of fate, Toole tried desperately to get his book published, to no avail. Not long afterwards, he ended his own life. His mother discovered A Confederacy of Dunces after his death, and doggedly worked to find a publisher, eventually succeeding. The book went on to win the Pulitzer prize. Too bad Toole wasn’t around to see it happen, and to write something else as brilliant as a Confederacy of Dunces.
“In addition, I am at the moment writing a lengthy indictment against our century. When my brain begins to reel from my literary labors, I make an occasional cheese dip.”
Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises”
This book is largely responsible for a trip I made to Europe several years ago. When one of America’s greatest authors tells you the story of frivolous twenty-somethings cavorting in France and Spain, it only makes sense to try to replicate it.
Davis Sedaris’ “Me Talk Pretty One Day”
I list this as my favourite David Sedaris book only because it was the first one of his that I read. Everything this man cranks out is laugh-out-loud funny, yet often simultaneously sad and incredibly candid. By far, one of my favourite writers alive today.
John Banville’s “The Sea”
This book takes you to the coast of Ireland and describes it, and its characters, with unparalleled beauty. While the subject matter is sad at times, the prose is absolutely gorgeous.
Bill Bryson’s “A Short History of Nearly Everything”
The first non-fiction book on this list, this book’s title is apt: Bryson attempts (and largely succeeds) in describing our universe in the most accessible way – thanks to his incredible skill to distill mind-boggling concepts into something easily digestible, the reader is able to appreciate the scale of the Big Bang, the importance of thermophilic bacteria, and the complexity and time scale of hominid evolution. Along the way, he also enlightens you to the scientists behind these momentous discoveries – most of whom were incredibly eccentric and fascinating in their own rights.
John Irving’s “The World According to Garp”
After Ignatius J Reilly, Garp is one of my favourite characters. His life story is sad, hilarious, and compelling all the way through.
John Vaillant’s “The Golden Spruce”
Maybe not one of my all-time favourites but worth mentioning as it’s a recent read that I really, really enjoyed: The Golden Spruce is set in my corner of the world (coastal British Columbia) and tells the true story of a revered spruce tree cut down in an act of “protest” by a man who disappeared into the wilderness after he had committed the crime. In the process of leading up to this moment, Vaillant describes the recent (and very dynamic) story of British Columbia with the passion of a historian. At the same time, he describes the natural beauty of the coast in some of the most lush, poetic detail I’ve ever read. A gorgeous, enlightening read.
I could go on, and on, and on listing good reads, but I’ll stop there.
I’m always looking for my next book, so over to you: what have I missed?
rose-coloured lenses 