If reading is something you're passionate about (like me) these are twenty books you should absolutely read in your life time. Reading is important, and doesn't always have to be boring*. Ninety percent of the time you'll actually learn a life lesson from what you're reading. In these novels alone you will learn more life lessons than you can imagine.
1. A Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
This book is everything our world has become. Huxley basically wrote about the future where the government is basically all-knowledgable. Children are made out of cells in an incubator like machine, sex isn't for reproduction, and you're told who, what, and where to love, be, live. This book compares in so many ways to the period we live in now.
2. 1984 by George Orwell
Again, another book that basically predicts the future. 1989 shows how corrupt the government is with cameras at every absolute corner of the world, and the threat the government poses over their people in health and science.
3. A Death of A Salesman by Arthur Miller
This play is written about some common struggles in life and also touches upon significant issues like what it's like living with mental issues or degrading health. It doesn't have a happy ending, but it's life.
4. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer
This is a fiction book written based on articles and information gathered about Christopher McCandless a middle class college student who went off the radar to leave a vagabond life. He backpacks through the United States meeting significant people throughout the way and leaving his mark on the world. Unfortunately, his story ends in Alaska and he doesn't make it home. We need to live life to the fullest. You definitely learn life lessons and remember, 'not all who wander are lost.'
5. Walden by Henry David Thoreau
A difficult read, especially if you're not dedicated, but definitely worth it. Walden shows you how important it is to live without electronics and amenities. It emphasizes the importance of life and a thought of 'survival of the fittest.'
6. Exit Here by Jason Myers
This has been my favorite book for a couple of years now. I'm a huge fan of all of Myers books and he's not that well known. His books are absolutely insane. They're graphic, they're scary, and they're the definition of what happens when life hits you hard and in the face. I suggest reading all his books, they're all pretty intense and definitely worth the read. I can not stress it enough how important his books are to me. This book reminds you it's okay not to know who you are at twenty.
7. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut is known for being graphic and pushing the limits for his time. A must read.
8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Also a famous novel that emphasizes what you should truly value in life.
9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
Another favorite of mine. It's based on true events about a family murder that took place over. Capote interviews the murderers and gives you an inside look in the mind of a killer. I only suggest this if you're interested in true crime. Capote is excellent but known for stretching the truth.
10. Where The Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree by Shel Sliverstein
Most of you have probably read these as a child and both hold valuable lessons that you'll most likely keep with you forever. There is significant symbolism and references to adulthood. Even life lessons can be held from children's books.
Reading is such a significant part of my life and I can only hope for those of you reading that it is an important part of yours as well. If you decide to read these books, I assure that you won't regret it. Keep on reading and carpe librum!
