Got a new Kindle? 10 Authors Everyone Should Read!

8/3/2019 Got a new Kindle? 10 Authors Everyone Should Read!

1/4

10 Authors Everyone Should Read

by Michael Engelby

Below I have included a list of ten books I think everyone should read

and why. Obviously more books could have easily made the list but I think I

can make a pretty good case for the ones listed below. I have also included

it as a blog version if you don't want to deal with the gratuitous bookselling

tactics I've employed below. Hey, what can you do, baby needs a new pair

of shoes. Anyway, I look forward to your comments and let me know what

books or ebooks you think should have made the list because I know I left

some great ones off.

#1 Ulysses, by James Joyce

Picking the book for the #1 spot was a no-brainer as far as Im

concerned. James Joyces Ulysses takes the top spot hands-down. The

historical and literary references alone would take years to research and

read and when you couple that with Joyces ability to dominate the English

language, and then kick it down the street like an old tin can, youre left with

a masterpiece without equal. As Joyce said, I've put in so many enigmas

and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries arguing over

what I meant, and that's the only way of insuring one's immortality. Mission

accomplished.

#2 I Cant Go On, Ill Go On, by Samuel Beckett

Another master of language was James Joyces former secretary

Samuel Beckett. Ever tried? Ever failed? No matter. Try again. Fail again.

Fail better. One of my all-time favorite bits of writing from Becketts,

Worstward Ho. These two word sentences explode with emotion and are an

excellent example of Becketts ability to wring every ounce of intensity out of


2/4

every word used. I Cant Go On, Ill Go On is a compilation of Becketts work

and an excellent example of Becketts range. Whenever my writing starts to

get a little sloppy or loose I refer to this book for inspiration.

#3 Selected Writings of Gertrude Stein, by Gertrude Stein

One word, influence. The number and quality of writers and artists that

Gertrude Stein had an influence over during her lifetime is mind boggling.

She is also on my list of dead people you would most like to meet,

somewhere right after Jesus, Buddha, and Abraham Lincoln. Do I understand

Steins writing? Not by a long shot, but I do know that much of her writing

functions best on the outer fringes, and in many cases, beyond the

traditional bounds and constraints of conventional literature. Steins desire to

explore language and create new realities for the use of written language is

nothing short of fearless. One more word, inspirational.

#4 The Sound and The Fury, by William Faulkner

If I had to pick a favorite writer it would probably be Faulkner. In my

mind Faulkner has combined many of the skills used by Joyce, Beckett, and

Stein, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and combined it with an in-

depth exploration of the human condition. If youre able to embrace

Coleridges idea of willing suspension of disbelief, youll find yourself inside

Faulkners characters looking out, rather than being the casual observer

looking in. Faulkner also came up with my favorite quote in regards to

writing a novel. Its like trying to put together a chicken coop in a tornado.

#5 The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Ive read F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsbyseveral times and

every time I have walked away feeling like I didnt actually read a book but

instead had a strange dream incased in a decadent white fringe. I have tried


3/4

to figure out how Fitzgerald accomplished this, but to no avail, maybe magic

a little voodoo. However he did it its an awe inspiring piece of literature that

has haunted me on several occasions and vexed my writing on several

others.

#6 Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger caught adolescence in a bottle with Catcher in the Rye.

Holden Caulfield is the undisputed king of that voice and will continue to

have an influence on younger and older readers for generations to come.

Some critics argue that Catcher in the Rye shouldnt be considered great

literature and to those critics I only have one thing to say, Youre a bunch

of phonies. Any book or story that captures the trial and tribulations of the

human existence is quite possibly worthy of the title literature, but in the

case ofCatcher in the Rye I think immortal would be a better label. R.I.P.

J.D.

#7 The Trial, by Franz Kafka

Dont know where youre going or what youre doing? Well then Kafka

is the writer for you. Reading Kafka is like walking into a character rich void.

But this void creates distinct locations and emotions within the mind. The

worlds he has created and the precarious and odd situations his characters

find themselves in leave an indelible mark.

#8 The Human Comedy, by William Saroyan

William Saroyan is probably the least known of the authors on this list.

But the humanity and compassion is written with such eloquence and

simplicity that it leaves the reader breathless. Every time I see a train I

think of Ulysses standing by the side of the tracks waving. Timeless.

#9 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, by Hunter S. Thompson


4/4

Drug infused insanity and madness and its absolute pinnacle. Hunter

S. Thompsons style of Gonzo writing reads like literary machinegun fire. His

writing style is a no holds barred, rock-n-roll, and in your face experience

that is not to be missed. I dont know of any other writer who has written

with such ferocity. Thompson was also a genius at telling the story

surrounding the story.

#10 Elements of Style, by Strunk & White

Often times this book is simply called, Strunk and White. Call it

anything you like, reading this book will make you a better writer. I dont

even care if you buy it from this website if you want to improve your writing

you need this book. If youve already read it, read it again. I reference mine

all the time and could not recommend it more. Every writer should have a

copy. Its the best advice you can give to any writer and I hope it helps you

out as much as it has me.

Well thats my list, if you dont like it write up your own list and send it

my way. Id love to see it. In the meantime I hope you enjoyed the article

and keep on writing

For more go to http://thebullykillers.com

Documents

Got a new Kindle? 10 Authors Everyone Should Read!