This list isn’t supposed to be written in any distinct or ranked order. It’s actually completely random. I just wanted to take this opportunity to share a few books that have had a major effect on my life and my identity as a person, so let’s get right into it.
Kafka’s Metamorphosis
I literally finished this book a week before writing this article, and I can only say that it has influenced me in a peculiar way. The novella focuses on a young salesman named Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day to discover that he has been transformed into a monstrous vermin, unable to handle tasks by himself. Not only is his family horrified by him, but they have placed him in almost constant isolation, with no contact with other people. This story explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and self identity. The best part is that you can finish it within one sitting, and it will leave you contemplating the meaning of your life and your place in society.
I literally finished this book a week before writing this article, and I can only say that it has influenced me in a peculiar way. The novella focuses on a young salesman named Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day to discover that he has been transformed into a monstrous vermin, unable to handle tasks by himself. Not only is his family horrified by him, but they have placed him in almost constant isolation, with no contact with other people. This story explores themes of isolation, loneliness, and self identity. The best part is that you can finish it within one sitting, and it will leave you contemplating the meaning of your life and your place in society.
F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby
I know I said this list would not have definitive rankings, but this one was actually my favorite book of all time. I first read The Great Gatsby in 6th grade, shortly after I found out about it from the movie version. This might be controversial, but Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway are extremely relatable characters for me, and the entire book is filled with outstanding symbolism and deeply flawed characters. It focuses on Nick, a young banker who has recently arrived in the booming and vibrant city of New York in the 1920s. He lives directly next to Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who has a secret: he’s been in love with Nick’s cousin, a married woman who lives across the bay, for many years. One thing I can surely say is that this book brings out the worst in people.
I know I said this list would not have definitive rankings, but this one was actually my favorite book of all time. I first read The Great Gatsby in 6th grade, shortly after I found out about it from the movie version. This might be controversial, but Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway are extremely relatable characters for me, and the entire book is filled with outstanding symbolism and deeply flawed characters. It focuses on Nick, a young banker who has recently arrived in the booming and vibrant city of New York in the 1920s. He lives directly next to Jay Gatsby, a millionaire who has a secret: he’s been in love with Nick’s cousin, a married woman who lives across the bay, for many years. One thing I can surely say is that this book brings out the worst in people.
Osamu Dazai’s No Longer Human
I can’t really describe this book. It just really hit close to home in regards to my personal feelings concerning my own life and my place in society. It was relatable when I read it back in 8th grade, but I couldn’t identify with the main character on the same level. Now, as a junior in high school, I REALLY relate to some of the things this character does and thinks. The most intriguing part about this book is how it traces the life of a character in 3 different parts, or stages of his life.
I can’t really describe this book. It just really hit close to home in regards to my personal feelings concerning my own life and my place in society. It was relatable when I read it back in 8th grade, but I couldn’t identify with the main character on the same level. Now, as a junior in high school, I REALLY relate to some of the things this character does and thinks. The most intriguing part about this book is how it traces the life of a character in 3 different parts, or stages of his life.
JD Salinger’s The Catcher In the Rye
Okay, this is definitely the most controversial pick on this list: The Catcher In the Rye was… weird… especially reading this in 5th grade. Reading this for English class in 8th grade made me realize… Holden Caulfield is probably one of the most relatable characters of all time. He’s not just some stuck up teen who likes to start arguments… he’s literally me. The Catcher in the Rye, which was thought up while Salinger was serving in the army during World War 2, focuses on Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from private school, and he spends the entirety of the book traveling across New York. Through his adventures, which include prostitutes, very weird encounters with his teachers, constant daydreaming about an old infatuation, etc., we learn more about Holden’s character, specifically his guilt as seen through his memories and interactions with his siblings. The Catcher in the Rye is a great book… I truly do not understand why it was banned at some point.
Okay, this is definitely the most controversial pick on this list: The Catcher In the Rye was… weird… especially reading this in 5th grade. Reading this for English class in 8th grade made me realize… Holden Caulfield is probably one of the most relatable characters of all time. He’s not just some stuck up teen who likes to start arguments… he’s literally me. The Catcher in the Rye, which was thought up while Salinger was serving in the army during World War 2, focuses on Holden Caulfield, a teenager who has been expelled from private school, and he spends the entirety of the book traveling across New York. Through his adventures, which include prostitutes, very weird encounters with his teachers, constant daydreaming about an old infatuation, etc., we learn more about Holden’s character, specifically his guilt as seen through his memories and interactions with his siblings. The Catcher in the Rye is a great book… I truly do not understand why it was banned at some point.
Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo
Okay, The Count of Monte Cristo is the one story that I can definitely say, without a doubt, has had the biggest impact on my life. I got this book as a birthday present in 6th grade, but I didn’t actually read the majority of it until 8th grade, when I would have discussions about it with my history teacher (thanks Ms. Clark!) I think I see myself a lot in the character of Edmond Dantes, an aspiring naval officer who is falsely accused of plotting to overthrow the government by his friends and thrown into prison for 20 years. While in prison, he meets a priest, who claims to know of a treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Upon escaping, Edmond realizes that he has lost everything: his reputation is ruined, his fiance has left him, and his father is dead. However, he does have one thing: treasure, which he uses to make a name for himself- as the Count of Monte Cristo. Using this new identity, he plans his revenge on those who have wronged him. The book is exceedingly long, but its themes of revenge and redemption truly make reading the entire thing worthwhile.
Okay, The Count of Monte Cristo is the one story that I can definitely say, without a doubt, has had the biggest impact on my life. I got this book as a birthday present in 6th grade, but I didn’t actually read the majority of it until 8th grade, when I would have discussions about it with my history teacher (thanks Ms. Clark!) I think I see myself a lot in the character of Edmond Dantes, an aspiring naval officer who is falsely accused of plotting to overthrow the government by his friends and thrown into prison for 20 years. While in prison, he meets a priest, who claims to know of a treasure on the island of Monte Cristo. Upon escaping, Edmond realizes that he has lost everything: his reputation is ruined, his fiance has left him, and his father is dead. However, he does have one thing: treasure, which he uses to make a name for himself- as the Count of Monte Cristo. Using this new identity, he plans his revenge on those who have wronged him. The book is exceedingly long, but its themes of revenge and redemption truly make reading the entire thing worthwhile.
CHASE JONES
HE/ HIM
Opinion Editorial Writer
Location Reviewer
HE/ HIM
Opinion Editorial Writer
Location Reviewer
