Right, I’m a masochist neck-deep in figuring out who, what, and why. Except for Wings of Fire; that’s my connection to my young’un.
Right, I’m a masochist neck-deep in figuring out who, what, and why. Except for Wings of Fire; that’s my connection to my young’un.
Yes, I’ve been trying to fight against nihilism by reading things that expand my perspective, but it really hasn’t helped.
I’ve been meaning to pick up A People’s History of the US. I loved Wretched of the earth, although I think Fanon was a little too idealistic.
Many of these books have just turned me into a more jaded individual, and yet I wouldn’t unread a single one:
Holy… you had a tough reading year.
Slaughterhouse Five, Flowers for Algernon, Starship Troopers, Catch-22, Infinite Jest, and Blood Meridian — in ONE year!?
Blood Meridian, alone, took me almost a year to read, toward the end of the Obama years. Flowers for Algernon I finished just before COVID. Slaughterhouse Five and Catch-22 I read in the 'aughts. I havent read Starship Troopers or Infinite Jest yet.
I tip my hat to you, friend. I wouldn’t unread a word either.
Starship Troopers is perhaps one of the worst books I’ve ever read.
Infinite Jest is secular scripture for the modern age, and it was immediately my second favorite book OAT, right behind Moby Dick.
Not pictured is the Brothers Karamazov, which I finished right after the turn of the new year. TBK was lovely; I really enjoyed the theology and unique culture explored in it.
Perhaps read some Cory Doctorow. He has the right amount of fire to inspire me without feeling burnt out. Just my .02!
Any books you’d recommend specifically? I can add them to my reading list!
Off the top I would say:
Ranked roughly in order. Enjoy!