It is rare when literature makes the news the way it has been in the past week. The "new" novel from Harper Lee, Go Set a Watchman, was released to great anticipation controversy. I like To Kill a Mockingbird, taught it, but it didn't change my life. On one hand,I'm a little surprised at how many people want to cling to Atticus as hero. On the other hand, I believe that Chris Rock said something to the effect of, if racism in America is going to decrease, than it's up to white people to make the change. In that context. I can see why many people want Atticus to remain that great orator of the courtroom. For me, the story was always a little too pat and neat and Atticus too angelic.
For me the books that have made a huge difference in my life have been messier. Either the main character is not particularly honorable or the information between the covers destroys the official story of history or society.
With that said, here are a few books that changed my life:
Catcher in the Rye - I know that Holden Caufield comes from incredible privilege and wealth. I know that he is a teenage boy. I also know that he is mired in a depression that I recognize and have experienced. I understand why he wants to know what happens to the ducks in the winter.
The Color Purple - Celie's story breaks my heart and mends it with her strength. I do wish she had cut Mr.'s throat.
Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television - This one is probably pretty obscure, but it helped my understand the technology behind television (which has changed greatly) and how that alone hooks us and changes our behavior and thought process.
The People's History of the United States - Our real history. Not all of it, but episodes we need to know.
The Calvin and Hobbes Tenth Anniversary Book - The greatest cartoon of my lifetime, if not of all time. If I need a smile, or a philosophical thought, I go straight to this book.
This is just a partial list, but I would love to hear about a few books that have influenced you greatly.
