Once upon a time, I started a thread for CFC's own list of classic books--books that are considered essential to understanding the world in fiction and non-fiction. This time around, you must post ten. No more, no less. Please explain why.
1. The Bible - Let's get this one out of the way. Find yourself a good companion guide and get started on Semitic culture.
2. Shakespeare's works - Arguably the most influential writer ever when it comes to dramatic characterization, storytelling, diction, poetry, etc.
I thought you were going to edit this later.
No argument with the first two. I've never read
War and Peace, although my grandparents had a copy. It was just never something I had any urge to try.
Full agreement with everyone who mentioned
Dune. It's full of great nuggets of philosophy and advice, and THE BEST example I've ever seen of the illustration of humans striving to become the best they can be
without relying on computers and artificial intelligence.
One of my favorites:
I, Claudius. It does take a few liberties time-wise, but strives to be accurate in historical
events and why they happened. Since much of Robert Graves' prose was based on the writings of Tacitus and Suetonius, it helps to have read those too (which I have). Guess what - the ancient Romans were people just like us, with a myriad of problems both large and small, issues with friends and family, hopes and dreams for the future, and all were flawed people with
some redeeming qualities (even Caligula; after all, he did love his horse). Sure, I've seen the miniseries so many times, I've nearly worn out my videotapes. But my books (
I, Claudius &
Claudius the God) are equally well-worn.
I'm also fully in agreement with
Fahrenheit 451 and
1984 being on the list. I've been reading articles and following this U.S. presidential election more than any other, and I'm honestly flabbergasted at what's going on there. So many Republicans and "Republicans" trying to make their dystopian dreams come true...
This leads me to my next choice:
The Handmaid's Tale. Guys, if you haven't read this book, you need to. You need to read it and think about what a society such as Gilead would mean for your mothers, wives, girlfriends, female relatives, female friends and colleagues, and anyone else who isn't part of the ruling elite. It is truly frightening how close the U.S. is to being capable of implementing such a society.