Growing up, I was one of those kids that read every novel that was assigned in English class. I thoroughly enjoyed almost all of them. It should come as no surprise that they were good books though. They had withstood the tests of time. If an author wrote something that has outlived themselves there has to be a reason. I trusted my teachers in what they assigned and by growing up in a part of the country that isn't dictated by religious fanatics, my public high school didn't have a banned book list like other parts of the country do. Despite my teachers assigning many great works there are several masterpieces that I have taken upon myself to read outside of a classroom.
1. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This will probably be the biggest shocker on the list. I know most people were assigned to read this sometime in the four years they attended high school, but I somehow did not. The reason that I think that I think this work needs to be read at a young age is to show that money isn't everything. Even if you can by the world over, it means nothing if you don't have someone to share it with. It also shows that even if you have the ability to do so you can't buy that person either.
2. "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail ’72" by Hunter S. Thompson
History is often written by the victors. Many people know who Richard Nixon was, but few have ever heard of George McGovern. This is a complete work of Thompson's year spent writing for the Rolling Stone, covering the Democratic primary and eventually the 1972 presidential election. This may not be Thompson's greatest work, but it gives great insight to the election process and how it can be a vile beast that bends the moral values of men. It is a classic underdog story, until the very end where the hero you are rooting for loses. Unfortunately, you know that it is coming the entire time.
3. "On the Road" by Jack Keroac
Based on true events, lived by the author, this story of wanderlust shows the importance of real friends over possessions. It shows that home is where you can put your feet up and the how the human experience isn't complete without travel. Taking place in a time just before the hippie movement it shows some of the original ideas of deciding not to conform to a monotonous life by putting a job and a family on hold to explore and find one's self. It makes the reader understand the importance of living in the uninterrupted moment and not race head first into the future.
4. "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville
Although as of writing this, I'm admittedly not quite finished with it, it's hard to have not heard spoilers in the 160 years since it was published. This story shows how the unhealthy obsession can lead to one's demise Sometimes you need to know when to cut your losses and go home. The need for revenge or retribution never ends well. It is always better to let go and not dwell on the past.
This is a very abridged list of books that I think are essential to read at a young age. I have a long list of books that I feel I need to catch up on that I know I will never complete. Reading stories like these only enriches those who read them. Unfortunately, many people stop reading once books are no longer assigned to them. I hope that changes somehow.
