u/Wonderful_Subject_98

I’ve just read The Metamorphosis and I am in complete shock. It was like it could see the ending coming for 30 pages and still held out hope that maybe Gregor would miraculously be okay. It made me very sad but I still think it is one of the best I’ve ever read. I went into this completely blind, having read nothing of Kafka before, and now I find myself completely wanting more. I read the enriched classic version with the notes and longer introduction and it added so much to the story. Now that I’ve finished it I think I disagree with Camus’ assessment that the novel had a sliver of hope. In theory, it did, but I think that was the tragedy. The hope didn’t come from anything truly wholesome, it came from a family giving up so thoroughly that they simply forgot there ever was a problem. I am cautious about calling it nihilistic rather than existentialist, but it truly feels that way. Also, I really can’t bear any suggestion as toward a better ending. Gregor couldn’t go on that way, it was not a life to live. And his death just doesn’t feel any better. I think this has just left me with the best kind of confusion.

Thank you for reading this ramble!

These are my top 5 classic books of all time, with some commentary. I would love for you to share your thoughts about my picks and maybe even share your top 5 in the comments too! Without further ado, here is the rant:

1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is most definitely the best thing I’ve read. I love the characters because they just seem like people I’d know in real life. (Accept Atticus, the guy is mythical). The beginning was a little slow paced but Harper Lee makes it feel like you’re truly living life through Scout’s eyes. Also, I think it really is relevant to modern times and is very quotable.

2: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
This is a more recent read, but I already hold it in extremely high regard. Even though it’s set in the 1940’s, I just feel like it’s still extremely relatable. I also like how Gaines explores alienation through both of the main characters, Jefferson and Grant. Grant is alienated through his education and Jefferson through his lack of it. I also think first person really lends itself to character psychology

3: The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
I think Salinger is amazing at telling the teenage and the human expierence. Holden is a deeply relatable character. I found myself laughing at so many parts of this books. Also, JD Salinger really is an interesting figure in general.

4: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
There’s so much to like about this one. It’s short, which is great. It’s John Steinbeck, which is more great. I think Steinbeck is so good at capturing the human expierence and it’s truly amazing to see

5: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Same goes here, accept the ending was completely amazing. It was both unsettling and so right at the same time. I think it was a twist ending that gave the reader closure. I’m fascinated by how Steinbeck conveys so much in so little words.

Bonus ramblings: I really love 20th century American literature and have a terrible aversion to all verbosity. Also, I’m currently reading The Metamorphosis and absolutely in love

Thank you for coming to my TED-talk!

I sort of have a problem with finding something I want to read. I love classics and old novels. They make me think more than anything else. But I also have a terrible aversion to verbosity, and I find most old novels include verbosity. I really love 20th century American literature and for contemporary I like Stephen King or Markus Zusak. I’m open to any genre except romance, and wouldn’t like anything overly graphic. I’m also trying to read more contemporary to give my brain a break and be lighthearted for once.

My top 5 of all time for reference:
1: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
2: Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King
3: A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines
4: The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
5: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Also I’m currently reading The Metamorphosis and loving it, so I guess I can read something other than American classics.