I got stuck in a rut earlier today thinking about Albert Camus’ The Stranger. Not a great way to spend your mid-day, post-lunch, I can assure.
The things that have been weighing heavily on my mind – politics (both office and national varieties), what I want out of my “home life”, religion and faith – you know, the big questions, are still unresolved but I bled into that dark place today. Not good.
I contemplated (thought about, not considered joining up) Satanism, Libertarianism, Atheism, Agnosticism, Existentialism and Death. All in the space of about an hour. I was busy.
Where I meted out, personally, was the need to get some definition through perspective and experience. A little existentialist, a little pragmatist. You see, I’m going to Maui a week from Saturday and reading material is a must for plane rides and beach vacations.
Here’s my short list. Hopefully I come away with perspective, if not epiphany, serenity or my own new philosophy.
- Engleby: A Novel by Sebastian Faulks
- Everything Is Illuminated
- Grey by Jon Armstrong
- Kerouac’s On the Road (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century)
- Another book of your own suggestion
The new Bond book, Devil May Care, by Faulks under commission of the Fleming family hits bookstores tomorrow. I haven’t read any of his work and want to try something accessible before reading the very pulp-y Bond.
I feel like I should have read this already. Much like The Amazing Adventure of Kavalier & Clay, I’m ashamed to admit that I’m so late to the game.
I have an advance reader copy that is begging to be read.
It’s time. I’m on a bit of journey, it was mentioned in Lost and I got a copy for free.
I’m looking for something entertaining (obviously) but one with themes relating to change, movement and self-discovery.
I won’t laugh at you if you suggest Walden by Thoreau, but I won’t read it.
Happy Reading! (And hopefully happy me soon too, though Hawaii will help regardless of the book).