Uncertainty, Questions & Rebellious Young Folk

Here’s a bit more on books for you, those who read this. As I said in my last post, one of the most important aspects of writing is reading, absorbing the great woven stories of past, present and future. Dream, Memory and Now if you like. I’ve been running more through the classics as of late, older and newer and I thought I might share these two with you. Both feature themes I’ve always enjoyed: change, uncertainty, and the rebelliousness of youth that too many of us, I think, often forget.

The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger

This is one of those books with really staying power. Taught in some schools for its brilliance and banned in others for its profanity, Catcher in the Rye has become infamous both as one of the most challenged books of our time and for the fact that it often becomes an obsession of the disaffected. The story, as many of you may already know, follows Holden Caulfield, a young privileged prep-school case, through a period of turmoil in his life. As with last time, I won’t give away the plot if you haven’t read this book. To my recollection, however, few works of the written word have so accurately captured the turmoil that such a youth is faced with, the distance, the feeling of isolation, the frustration and uncertainty. This book is worded in excellent voice and you really feel Caulfield, it really seems to have been written by him, bad vocabulary and all and it is a welcome change, often, from works that paint such a character, but attempt to do so eloquently. There is nothing eloquent about this book. It’s goddamn to the point, as Holden might have said. It’s definitely not phony in its approach. If the word goddamn offends you, be prepared; it’s in there over 200 times. But, whether you may be offended by the profanity or themes of the work, I urge you to read it. This is an amazing story that should hold a place in literature for all.

The Giver – Lois Lowry

Mom mom picked this book up for me when I was younger; still in high school I think. I was amazed at its portrayal of a society of Sameness, where the world really is nothing more than black and white and a few shades of grey. I was overjoyed when I saw this one on the high school reading lists because this is a hell of a good read. It’s short and sweet, a story that teaches the importance of choice, change and of memory. An amazing work of science-fiction with a profound message toward individuality, the Giver is one of the novels among juvenile fiction that stands out to a very adult level. I highly recommend this one. If you had to read it for school and that, to you, takes away from the book, read it again. Read it for yourself. This book exemplifies that first part of the great Old World edict: Keep the Memory.

One more, while I’m on a roll, though I read this one less recently:

1984 – George Orwell

This is one of those books that I would say go out and buy or borrow now if you haven’t read it. A depressing, hope-shattering look that defined the term dystopian future, 1984 will knock you on the floor. Do not expect to be overjoyed by this one, though, folks: 1984 puts the harsh in harsh reality. In a world where Big Brother Is Watching You, where WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH, there is no escaping your fate. Nonetheless, read this book. It sets a lesson about the application of governing power that has scarcely been rivaled in fiction. Though Brave New World and Fahrenheit 451 are also good choices for this theme. For the gamers out there: if you’ve ever thought about running a dark future campaign where the System is in control or there is any amount of overseeing presence, this is required reading for you. 1984 is among the best out there in harsh-reality reads.

That’s all for now folks. Cassie has said I should check out Deus Irae next so I just may do that. That is, if I don’t find myself reading the Tripods Trilogy by John Christopher again. Lately, I’ve been on a bit of a sci-fi kick. I’m also one of those people who, though I know there are so many good books out there to be read, often go back and read the ones I’ve loved. I recommend you do so as well. There is nothing so constant as change in our lives and these changes bring with them new perspectives on everything. You may find that a book you suffered through in school becomes something you love now. Read, always. Whether you write or not, get off the video games and read a book. Consider it. Absorb it. There is a story for everyone out there, likely there are many; you have only to find the one that grips you.

Until next time:

Keep the Memory
Live in the Now
Believe in the Dream

- Ashe