No matter who you are or what you're interested in, there are some books that everyone should be familiar with.
Since elementary school, people have been telling you to read certain books. You've enjoyed some of them and others you suffered through to make a good grade in English class. But now that you're an adult, there are a few books you really should read. By reading these books, you'll have a better understanding of the literature that has shaped our society and be more interesting to talk with.
When you're ready to be more cultured, pick up these books, have a seat, and enjoy.
Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger -Few books have garnered as much attention over the years as Salinger's blistering portrayal of adolescence. Loved by many, hated by others, and banned by various organizations,Catcher in the Rye is a cultural touch point for every age and stage.
1984 by George Orwell - When it was written, fears of Big Brother loomed large and looked a bit unrealistic. Since then, Orwell's classic seems to be turning into reality, as it is brought up in the midst of countless debate concerning the size and role of government.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - A touching story about a mentally challenged man named Charlie who undergoes experiments to increase his intelligence and awareness, Flowers for Algernon brings up many hard questions that must be wrestled with by every person fortunate enough to read the book.
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez - Though it doesn't have a coherent plot or take place in the U.S.A, One Hundred Years of Solitude offers something every American can appreciate: a call to remember your history.
The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin - With so many backing Darwin's evolutionary theories brought forth in The Origin of Species, it only makes sense to have a fuller understanding of those theories, whether or not you agree with them.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding - The story is violent, the language is foul, and the kids are horrendous. Yet somehow Lord of the Flies has made its way into the center of culture, for better or worse.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky - A magnificent tale of a poverty-stricken young man who suffers immense psychological terror from a crime he planned to perfection, Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment reminds readers why some books are deemed classics, while others dwindle into obscurity.
- Mark Twain
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - Forced to cross the country in search of work, the central family in The Grapes of Wrath goes through mind-boggling hardships during one of the most dramatic events in recent history - the Great Depression. Once you finish this one, pick up any other Steinbeck novel for even more culture.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison - Everyone feels invisible on occasion. For the main character of Ellison's book, being invisible isn't an occasional problem. It never seems to end. But this isn't a sci-fi epic. It's a book all about race and the inner man.
Ulysses by James Joyce - As difficult to read as it is thick, Ulysses has handled more banning bullets than nearly any other book on the shelf. Before picking it up, take note: it is the antithesis of a fast read. But it is top book on many “best book” lists, so it must have something to offer.
The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara - A sad, heroic tale of the Civil War,The Killer Angels is just as brutal as it sounds. Want to follow Márquez's advice of remembering your history? This is a good place to start.
Anything by William Shakespeare - Picking one of Shakespeare's pieces to highlight would be like figuring out which of your children is your favorite. Shakespeare's works are pure genius that have forced students and graduates to grapple with the finer and unrefined parts of life.
Lord of the Rings by J.R. Tolkien - You know the book is always better than the movie, so why haven't you read this marvelous trilogy of hobbit life? The books are long, the details sometimes overkill, but the story is simply delightful.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner - Because it is written in various perspectives, The Sound and the Fury throws many readers off track early on. Once you gain your footing in this novel, you'll want to sprint to the finish line and start again.
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